“I did. She’s right here with me and Byte. She’s doing okay, staying strong for her boy, isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
Her voice was like a balm to my aching soul when she called out, “Bring him back to me, Duke.” Then, she morphed into the Reese I knew so well. “And bring that bitch, too. She’s got an ass-kicking waiting on her.”
“You hear that, brother?” Phoenix chuckled into the phone.
“Got it, Prez.” He disconnected the call. Surprisingly, my focus was solely on the road in front of me. Occasionally, Carbon would accelerate and lead the way when we needed to make a turn, but otherwise, we rode side by side with the cavalry behind us.
We sped past the scene of Reese’s accident. Chills went up my spine as we passed. I still had nightmares about that night. Every single time, James was in the car with her and I had to watch as they plummeted to their death. I forced those thoughts from my mind. I needed to focus. We were getting close and I couldn’t let the memories of that night distract me.
Finally, a group of motorcycles surrounding a car came into view. We came to a stop and I don’t know how my bike didn’t hit the ground. I jumped off and ran as fast as I could toward the group of men. They parted as I approached. There, in the middle of the fray, was my cousin holding my baby boy. And he was just fine.
I plucked James from Judge’s arms and cradled him against my chest, kissing the top of his head. “Thank God you’re okay, little man. Your mommy and I have been so worried about you.” I’m not ashamed to say a tear or two fell from my eyes. We could have easily lost him.
I took a moment to rein in my emotions and turned to face my Devil Springs brothers. “I can’t thank you enough for getting my boy out of harm’s way.”
Copper clapped me on the shoulder. “It’s what we’re here for. Family is family and we always take care of our own.” Then, he shrugged, “And we were having a boring night anyway.”
“Shit, I need to call Reese.” I shifted James to my hip and reached for my phone.
“I already did, as soon as we had him out and looked him over,” Judge told me.
Carbon had been standing silently beside me the entire time, which could only mean one thing. Carbon was in full enforcer mode. His tone held a promise of pain. “Where’s the bitch?”
“She’s over there,” Copper pointed, “but I don’t think it’s who you were expecting.”
We walked over to the woman bound and gagged on the ground. Carbon used the toe of his boot to roughly roll her over. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. “Melissa? What the fuck are you doing here?”
She bared her teeth and snarled at me like a rabid animal. “Oh, you can’t answer that, can you? Well, we’ll just leave that gag in place until we get you to a more desirable location.”
“You know this cunt?” Carbon barked.
I sighed. “She’s Shannon’s sister.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Reese
For the second time that night, my knees hit the floor. This time due to sweet relief. They got my baby back and he was okay.
“I’m going to need you to stop doing that, you’re making me look bad when I don’t catch you,” Phoenix grumbled.
“Sorry, Phoenix,” I sassed. I knew he was trying to help me keep my emotions from getting the best of me.
He helped me to my feet and led me to the common room. I was surprised to see the room relatively empty. He handed me a shot of whiskey and explained, “Everybody went after James except me, Byte, Ranger, and a couple of prospects. Coal’s at the hospital with his mom.”
“She’s really okay?” I asked. Mrs. Martin was one of the sweetest women I knew. I hated that she had gotten hurt because of me.
“She’s banged up, but she’ll be fine. I know what you’re thinking and don’t go there. It ain’t your fault.”
I shook my head. “Duke was right. I do only bring trouble to the club,” I mumbled. I hadn’t really intended to say that out loud and I hoped Phoenix didn’t hear me, but I had no such luck.
“The fuck you just say?” Phoenix barked. “He said that to you?”
“A long time ago. He’s since apologized for it and said he didn’t mean it, but I can’t help thinking it’s true. Every time I show up here, chaos ensues,” I explained.
“I think you failed to realize that you didn’t show up here either time. You were ordered to come to the clubhouse when everything happened with Ember and you were brought back here after your accident. We’re your family, Reese. We’ll always be here to help you no matter what.”
“He’s right you know,” Ember said from behind me. “You are family and I for one am so glad you’re back.”
