I lie back on the bed and curl into myself, hugging my knees to my chest. Sobs tear out of me, echoing off the walls and bouncing back like gunfire. And I have nowhere to hide from them.
DRIFTER
I stand outside our bedroom door, my palm pressed against the wood.
I can hear her breaking, and I want nothing more than to run in there and hold her, to try and make this better.But I caused this.
She needs time. If I rush this, it’ll backfire and break her even more. So, I listen, letting her pain bleed into me.
I rest my forehead against the door and close my eyes.
“I’ll do whatever it takes,” I whisper.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
DRIFTER
Hell has spent the last few weeks in her room. I hardly see her, but I’ve been true to my word and have given her space, even if I often find myself sitting outside her bedroom door, just listening to her.
I’ve made sure Red and Bella are checking on her regularly, making sure they take her meals and drinks, because she hasn’t eaten with everyone in months. And from what they’ve said, she isn’t eating much at all.
I made a vow the night I stood outside her door listening to her break. I knew right then and there I’d never be responsible for causing her this kind of pain ever again. I’d give everything up for her, even this club, if she asked me to.
I set the tray down carefully outside the bedroom door and knock once, soft enough that it doesn’t sound like I’m demanding anything. Then I walk away. I don’t go far, hanging back, pretending I’m not watching.
The handle turns, and she opens the door slowly, just enough to look down at what I’ve left for her. Her eyes scan the tray, butshe doesn’t give a reaction. She steps back inside and closes the door without touching it.
I let out a slow breath, dragging a hand down my face. Yeah, I’m going to have to do better than that.
The sound of footsteps approaching grabs my attention, and I turn to find Red heading my way.
“You do realise stalking her is fucking weird, right?” she mutters in irritation. She doesn’t hide the fact she still hates me.
“I need her to eat, Red. She hasn’t left that room properly in weeks. I’m worried.”
She looks down her nose at me, her disgust clear. “And whose fault is that?”
I shake my head. “Fuck, Red, I ain’t got time for this shit. Did I fuck up? Yes. Am I paying for it? Yes.” I run my hands through my hair. “This,” I point to the closed door, “isn’t Hell. The anger, the trashing of my bike . . . that’s Hell. This? This scares me.”
Red’s eyes soften as she places her hand on my arm. She thinks for a moment, then a small smile plays on her lips. “You know what Rochelle can never refuse? A party.”
I nod, knowing she’s right. Hell has always been one for a good get-together.Fuck,she can be angry at me, but she needs to know everyone else is still here for her.
Red and I settled on a barbeque, thinking a relaxed, informal get-together would be enough to get her out of the room and for her to realise everyone here loves her.
The weather is perfect, like the universe is backing me, and as Hell steps out into the sunshine, she takes my breath away.
I remain by the grill, watching as she descends the steps, tugging at her top uncomfortably. She looks tired yet perfectin leggings and an oversized shirt. Her hair’s scraped back and secured away from her face.
Bella approaches and kisses her on the cheek, and she smiles, instantly looking like she’s relaxed. They both take a seat, and I watch as she lowers herself carefully onto the chair.
I grab a bottle of water out of the cooler and make my way over, but the second she sees me coming, she rolls her eyes.
I offer her the bottle anyway, but she makes no move to take it. I sigh, dropping my hand to my side.
“Are you okay?” I ask, my tone careful.
“I’m fine,” she answers, and my heart almost stops. It’s the first time she’s spoken to me without disdain for such a long time.
