“Don’t you cuss at me, son. I don’t have time to explain. Just get your stuff and then we’re going to the clubhouse. I’ll explain there. I promise.”
When we pulled up to the house, I was off the bike and through the front door before Nathan could turn off the engine. Tearing through my house like a mad woman, I started cramming things into suitcases, laundry baskets, trash bags, anything I could find. I couldn’t believe how much stuff we had acquired in the last 13 years. I literally had nothing but the clothes I was wearing when I arrived.
My phone ringing startled me to the point of weakening my knees. I grabbed it and was not surprised in the least to see Token’s name flashing across the screen. I was kind of surprised it took as long as it did for one of them to call. Knowing Nathan, he was probably on the phone with them as soon as I was inside the house.
“Hey, Token,” I answered, completely out of breath.
“What in the fuck is going on, Taylor? You sound like you’ve been running a marathon. I’ve got your boy calling me scared as hell because of the way you’re acting. Start talking, half pint,” he ordered.
“I think I’ve been found!” I shouted into the phone. “I’m trying to get our stuff and get to the clubhouse.”
Token’s entire tone changed instantly, “Stay calm, squirt. I’ll be there in five. You want to stay on the phone with me until I get there?”
“No, I can work faster without the phone.”
“All right, I’m going to call Wave. See you soon.”
The call disconnected and I got back to packing. I was almost finished with my bedroom when I heard the rumble of a bike pull up in front of my house, shortly followed by another rumble. That meant Wave and Token had arrived. I sagged with relief. They would get us to the clubhouse and everything would be okay.
Just as that thought entered my head, I heard shouting outside. Loud, angry shouting coming from more than two men. Fucking hell. I ran through the house and yanked open the front door. I took one step outside and when my eyes connected with the steely blue ones that frequented my dreams, the world around me ceased to exist. I covered my mouth and nose with my hands and inhaled sharply with disbelief. It couldn’t be, could it? Was it really him? I was too afraid to move, knowing if I took my eyes off him for one fraction of a second he would disappear before my very eyes.
“Doll face,” he breathed. Those words jolted me from my stupor. I leaped off the front steps and ran at him with everything I had.
“Phoenix,” I cried as I launched myself into his arms. “Oh, God, Phoenix,” I sobbed.
He held me against his chest with an unforgiving grip while my feet dangled in the air. My arms wrapped tightly around his neck. It’s a wonder either of us could breathe.
“Baby,” he murmured with his lips pressed against my temple.
I heard another bike pull up and a bit of commotion, but I couldn’t tear myself away from him long enough to see who it was or what was happening. I was lost in the comfort of his familiar scent, the safety of his strong arms, the warmth of his body pressed against mine.
“What in the fuck is going on here?” Wave bellowed.
“This guy pulled up and said he was looking for someone named Annabelle. Said he wasn’t leaving until he spoke to her. Then, Taylor comes flying out of the house, runs to him, and burst into tears,” Token explained.
Phoenix gently placed me on my feet and I tried to take a step back to wipe the tears from my face, but he held me firmly against his side. “Not ready to let go of you just yet, doll face,” he said quietly.
I opened my mouth to start explaining to Wave when he exclaimed, “Holy shit. Is that Phoenix Black I see standing in front of me?”
“The one and only,” Phoenix said, spreading his arms out wide to display himself. I leaned away from him to get a look at him. Damn, he was still sexy as sin.
“You two know each other?” Token asked, gesturing between Wave and Phoenix.
“Yeah,” Wave answered. “Met in the Marines. He’s also Copper Black’s cousin.” Wave directed his attention back to Phoenix. “It’s been a long time, man, and it’s good to see you, but what are you doing at Taylor’s place? You two know each other?”
“Taylor,” Phoenix muttered.
“Yeah,” Wave pointed at me. “That’s Taylor Davis and this is her place.”
“Her name is Annabelle Burnett,” Phoenix insisted, “and there are quite a few things her and I need to discuss.”
I felt the blood drain from my face. I was pretty sure I knew some of the things we needed to discuss and I had no interest in talking about any of them, especially not with an audience.
“Oh, fuck me,” Token blurted. “He’s from—”
I cut him off. “Stop right there, Token. Yes is the answer to the question you didn’t get to ask, but this isn’t a discussion that needs to happen outside or in front of just anyone.” I cast my eyes toward the front door just as Nathan stepped outside hoping Token would get my meaning.
“He’s nothimis he?” Token asked quietly.
