Feeling my phone vibrate, I pull it out and immediately grimace at who is messaging me.
“What is it?” Sinking his teeth into the last bite of the banana, he reads me like an open book.
Scrolling through the message, I hesitate to tell the truth. Not telling him would just get us both in trouble. “Judge wants me to bring you back to the clubhouse. Wants proof that you’re still breathing. That I didn’t Old Yeller you to put you out of your misery.”
I should tell him to come over and visit for five minutes, since he’s just a few units away, giving the president the permission he demanded at the beginning. Instead of starting another fight I don’t want to finish, I send a simple thumbs-up emoji to satisfy him.
“I could tell him you need more time if you do.” Hoping he’ll say yes, I know sitting here and eating ice cream is all the proof that we need that things can go back to normal.
Setting down his plastic spoon, he reaches over and squeezes my hand. “You’re off tomorrow, right? We can enjoy ourselves, and I’ll come back home with you. I promise. Everything will be alright.”
Taking in a deep breath, I remind myself that it really isn’t the end of the world. Even if Judge and the others suck him right back into trouble, I’ll still be there for him, ready to heal whatever injuries come his way.
“Yeah.” Nodding my head, I squeeze his fingers back. “Okay.”
* * *
Pulling up to the clubhouse, the sky has grown a mixed hue oforanges and purples. Having waited as long as I could before doing this, we’re not just welcomed home by the family of bikers, but the introduction of stars as well.
The expected chaos occurs. Ripper has to stop himself from throwing an arm around Warden, and Hammer doesn’t think twice about clamping a hand down on his shoulder before pulling him in toward his chest.
Biting my tongue as best as I can, I’m approached by the president. Knowing he’s not the kind of man to accept being turned down, I force my body away from Warden’s side. Judge leads me to the bar, immediately accepting a drink made by Penelope and giving her a hint of a smile in exchange.
Even a blind person would be able to see the shared look of love between them. While I knew things were kind of moving between the two of them the last time I was here, I’m a little surprised that they’re still going.
How has she been able to keep up with his grumpiness?
“If you’re here to ask how he’s doing, you can ask him yourself.” Accepting some juice instead of alcohol, I almost spill some when he nudges me with his elbow.
“I want to ask aboutyou.” Eyeing me over his drink, he sips slowly. “You’ve left us all in the dark and denied us access. Half of me is surprised Warden is breathing. It must’ve taken its toll on you, balancing everything without any help.”
Staring at him, he lifts a thick brow. Digesting his words and realizing that he’s checking in, I shift slightly to the left to put an extra inch between us. “Are you drunk already?”
Penelope stifles a giggle and drifts away, giving us space.
Judge may not be related to me by blood, but we do share one thing in common. We don’t act like ourselves once alcohol is running through our veins.
When his scowl reappears, I realize he’s definitely not drunk. He’s just being more… caring than usual.
I get a lot of things can go down in two weeks, but I guess it’s more than I imagined.
“How’s Meadow Falls?” Dancing around answering his question, I bring up our hometown. The place we were dragged away from all those years ago. Only fifteen years old, everything had gone down rather quickly as the club was forced out. “As bad as we left it?”
“Worse. It’s fixable, though.” Turning his attention to everyone catching up to Warden, he sighs. “We’re sending a few of ours out for the time being. You met Trouble; he’ll be going back to keep an eye on things. Smoke and Ace volunteered, probably itching to get their hands on the casino.” He taps his fingers against his glass. “I’m still on the fence about others. I need strong members who can keep the new prospects in line.”
He’s staring at Warden, his thoughts written all over his face. All at once, my heart pounds in my chest. The same fear I felt when I found out about Warden’s injury hits me all at once. Somehow, I keep my expression controlled, but my fingers give me away, trembling enough that I’m forced to set my juice down and cross my arms, tucking my hands against my sides to hide the evidence of my nerves.
My job has me tied to Willowbrook Ridge. I can’t leave to make sure nothing can happen to him. Can’t rush to him in time if he needs me. Even if nothing happens, I won’t be able to sleep at night.
“No.” Forcing the word out, I can’t stop the growl that leaves me. “Not him.”
“Leah.” Trying to sound stern because I’m putting my feelings into the mix, just as I always do, he frowns.
“Samuel.” Frowning back, I meet his heavy gaze at the use of a name he despises. “Do not take him away from me. I’m asking nicely. Please.”
While I don’t hold it against him for killing my father, that’s a card I’m willing to play. Even if it’s dirty, I can’t lose Warden. Or, I’ll threaten to take away my services. Instead of saving people, he can call Grim to dispose of bodies.
God, just the thought of that makes me want to curl up. I hate that it even crossed my mind to begin with. I like these fools too much to refuse aid in saving their lives.
