I knew they would react this way, but it makes me love the bond I have with both of them even more when seeing their hearts in action.
“I don’t want to invade this woman’s peace more than it already has been, but I want her to be safe,” I say.
Kane nods. “We will respect her space but keep an eye on things at the same time. Whether it’s one of us or one of the other guys from the club, we will have someone there when she gets home tomorrow.”
Linc and I lock eyes, nodding in unison. Memories that we don’t want to relive are threatening to creep up in both of our minds, but we’re fighting to keep them at bay.
Kane grips my shoulder as he walks by. “Let’s get some sleep. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?” With that, he makes his way up to his room.
I turn back to look at my brother. “You want to talk about it?” Things like this always bring back our childhood, making the wounds seem fresher.
He shakes his head. “No. I just want to make sure she’s safe.” His eyes close for a heavy beat. “You?”
I think about it for a minute. As much as he doesn’t want to discuss this himself, I know he would listen if that’s what I needed.
But I already feel drained from processing all of this for the last few hours, while I waited for them to come home. I really don’t feel like diving into all of it more tonight.
“Maybe some other time.”
“’Kay.”
We make our way down the hallway. “Love you,” I say, stepping into my room.
“Love you,” he says quietly before clicking his door closed.
Ten minutes later, my teeth are brushed, clothes are changed, and I’m lying on my bed staring up at the ceiling.
As tired as I am, I don’t think I’m going to get much sleep tonight.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Abby
Leah has beenquiet the entire drive home.
I ended up picking up a double shift last night because a nurse called in sick with food poisoning. Mav was with Cole, so I was able to step in.
I was getting off shift around the same time Leah was being discharged, so I offered to give her a ride. We made a quick stop at the pharmacy to pick up her pain meds, and now we’re on our way to our houses.
I’m surprised to see a motorcycle parked in front of Leah’s house with a familiar man leaning against it. From a distance, it could be either Wyatt or Linc, but the longer hair pulled up into a messy bun is a dead giveaway for Linc.
The earring in his left ear or the tattoos creeping up the side of his neck would also give him away. The general “do not fuck with me” attitude he emits is in sharp contrast to his brother’s sunny disposition.
I pull my car into my driveway and get out. Leah’s movements are slow as she gingerly climbs from her seat. My heart aches a little more each time I see her cringe.
I don’t want to make her feel incapable or make anything worse, so I stay close to her side. When she rounds the car and comes into view, I can visibly see the muscles in Linc’s jaw tense.
He doesn’t even know this woman, and he’s having this kind of reaction. I suddenly like him a little more. It really doesn’t take very long to tell if someone is a good person.
“Hi, Linc,” I say when we step closer on the sidewalk connecting mine and Leah’s houses. Becks said some people from their motorcycle club would be stopping by to keep an eye on her, but I didn’t think it would start right away.
“Hello,” he says in his raspy voice.
“Leah, this is Linc.”
She eyes him warily, sticking close to my side.
Linc looks like someone you should be afraid of with his muscular build and body covered in tattoos, but I have a feeling there’s nothing to fear about this man.
