“What, does a sweetbutt have your attention?” I tease as I stand.
“Fuck off,” he says, giving me the bird.
I laugh as I walk toward the clubhouse. I can’t help but look up at the stars. Seeing the sky light up at night never gets old.
The sound of a commotion makes me start to run. Right as I step into the clubhouse, two bodies start rolling toward me, almost taking me out.
“Stay the fuck away from her,” Ridge growls.
“You can’t tell me what to do if she’s not your old lady,” Caterpillar says.
“Knock it off!” Rain yells.
“Fight! Fight! Fight!” several of the brothers chant.
“Goddammit, someone help me,” Eagle grunts, taking an elbow to the cut.
At the same time, he and I reach into the fray. I grab Ridge in a chokehold and pull him back. Almost instantly, he goes pliant in my arms.
“You done?” I growl in his ear.
He raises his hands in surrender. “As long as he doesn’t come back at me, I’m good. Otherwise, I’ll lay him the fuck out.”
I look over and see Eagle has Caterpillar pinned to the ground, the smartass not realizing he needs to quit trying to fight back.
Movement across the room catches my attention.
I watch as Aspen slides down the wall, eyes wide, with her hand on her chest, breathing hard.
Shit.
Even from here, I can tell she’s somewhere else. Remembering something else.
Before the memories can surface, I push them to the side.
“Shit,” I mutter as I shove Ridge away from me.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
Aspen.
I need to get to Aspen.
Quickly, I make my way to Aspen and pull her up off the floor.
I pick her up off the floor and carry her down the hall.
Ridge jumps in front of me. “Where are you taking her?”
“Her room.”
He nods and jogs down the hall.
Hold on, baby, I got you. I just need you to hold on for a few more seconds.
“I need her key,” he says when we reach him.
I reach into her back pocket and pull out her key, handing it over.
