Hard.
His arms pinwheeled wildly as he flew back against the wall. “Do noteverrefer to Annabel like that again.”
Bishop slowly shook his head back and forth. “Jesus, man, what has come over you with this girl?”
I threw my hands up in exasperation. “I already told you?—”
“It’s more than just that.” He eyed me suspiciously. “You’re not ready to let her go either, are you?”
“No, I’m not, but it’s not for the reason you think.”
He cocked his brows at me. “You sure about that?”
“While she’s healing, I’ll do everything within my power to help her. I don’t want Annabel to spend wasted years of her life drowning in useless emotion.” Staring straight into his eyes, I said, “I really would like to have you on my side.”
Bishop crossed his arms over his chest and grunted. “I should be offended that you even have to question whether or not I’m on your side.” His expression lightened. “You’re my brother—I’m always on your side. I might not like the shit you’re doing, but I’m with you.”
I couldn’t contain the smile that spread across my face. “I’m so glad to hear you say that.”
“Just remember though. We never let puss—er, women come between us. Got it?”
“It’s a deal.”
***
The next morning I awoke to the sound of someone pounding on the door. Annabel shot straight up in the bed with a whimper of alarm. “Easy, now,” I assured her.
My words did little to ease her fears as her body began to shake. Although I would’ve preferred to stay and comfort her, I couldn’t ignore the pounding any longer.
“Lock the door behind me,” I instructed.
Annabel’s eyes widened in fear, but she didn’t argue with me. Instead, she slipped out of the bed and
I grabbed the gun off the nightstand and hustled down the hallway. Cocking my gun, I demanded, “Who the fuck is it?”
“Just Chulo,” came the muffled reply.
I peeked out the ragged curtain to confirm he was alone.
“What the fuck are you doing here so early?”
He waved a manila folder at me. “I have the paperwork for you guys.”
Relief echoed through me.
While Annabel forceddown some breakfast, I slipped in the shower to get ready. I had almost finished when Annabel’s blood curdling scream had me barreling out the door, buck naked and ready to take someone out.
With her eyes widened in fear, Annabel cowered on the bed. Her horror came from the three strange bikers standing in the room. Of course, I could see the back of their cuts plainly read “Raiders”. “Wait, it’s okay, Annabel. These guys aren’t going to hurt you,” I said. Quickly, I ducked behind Sidewinder so she didn’t have to see me naked. I hadn’t bothered to stop for a towel when I heard her screaming.
“Rev?” she pleaded as if she couldn’t imagine safety among any bikers other than Bishop and me.
“Yeah. Give me one sec. Okay?”
“Um, okay.”
I raced back into the bathroom and threw a towel around my waist. When I came back out, Chulo had his hands upas if Annabel was arresting him. I bypassed the two to go to Annabel’s side.
Chulo put his hands down and smiled. “We’re sorry to have scared you, but we just wanted to stop by and see you before you left.”
