“He should be coming soon,” Gears says, putting his phone in his pocket.
I nod and wait. I wanted to speak to Ink first before I talk to anyone else. This is important to me, and saying hello to other people comes after.
“You wanted me?” Ink comes out of nowhere.
I jump a little and look at him with wide eyes.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” Ink apologizes.
I give him a smile and look over at Gears, making a writing motion with my hands. I need something to type or write with, so Ink doesn’t have to guess what I am trying to say. It would take forever, and it is exhausting.
Before Gears can hand me his phone, Ink places his in my hand. I look down at the phone and realize that it is already on notes for me to type.
Ink, I want you to know that I don’t blame you for me getting kidnapped. It wasn’t your fault.
He reads it and looks at me. I can see gears turning as he tries to think.
“It was my fault. I should have gone in with you when you went into the store,” he says.
I hold up my hand to tell him to stop. He hands me his phone back, and I start to type.
You wanted to give me space, and I really appreciate that. I was happy when you said you weren’t coming in with me. I wanted a little alone time, and you were giving it to me. I didn’t know that my crazy ex was going to break out of prison and come and get me. Stop blaming yourself.
He looks up from his phone and opens his mouth to speak, but I place my hand over his mouth and shake my head. I point to the last sentence on his phone and then toward him. He lets out a sigh and nods, so I take my hand off his mouth.
I give him a smile and open my arms. Ink looks confused. I walk closer to him and wrap my arms around him. Ink freezes before he wraps his arms around me.
I pull away from the hug and look at Ink. He blinks several times, and his eyes are watering. I take his phone from his hand and start typing.
You ever need a hug, I can give it to you.
“Thanks,” he says.
“All right, ready to meet some people?” Gears asks, interrupting us.
I look around the room, trying to find Bear. He said he would be a couple of minutes. Is he okay? Did something happen?
“Bear is taking care of Whiskey. He texted me saying he had Whiskey on the ground and would be a couple more minutes. While he is gone, we can meet some of the other brothers,” Gears offers.
He wraps his arm around my back and starts to guide me toward a group. I try to walk slower for my aching legs’ sake, but Gears isn’t having any of that and pushes me. I glare at Gears, and he just laughs at me. I guess he doesn’t realize that my legs are hurting.
“It will be good to put a face to a name. Everyone is dying to meet you, and since Bear isn’t around to be protective, it is the perfect time,” Gears says.
I let out a sigh and go along with him. I guess since I will be staying and working here, it is good that I can get to know some of them. I don’t think it would hurt to get to know them now. I believe Jared is back in prison, but I need to make sure. Some of these bikers have found a way into my heart.
I hold my hand up, and he stops what he is doing.
“Is something wrong?” he asks, handing his phone to me.
My legs are just aching a little, so we have to walk a little slower.
“I am so sorry! I didn’t know they were aching. If it gets to be too much, just tell me,” he says.
I nod, and we make our way to the group of guys.
“These fellows here are some of the oldest members here. Hawk, Bones, Viper, and Jaws. Hawk is Pres’s dad. Bones used to be the Sergeant-at-Arms. Viper and Jaws were and still are regular members. They help out wherever they need to,” Gears says, pointing to each of the guys.
I wave at them and give them a smile, which they return.
