“Then I’ll be happy to prove it to you.”
***
Annabel was true to her word, and after a stop at Walmart, we were on the road by six-thirty. We ate both breakfast and lunch in the car. I made sure she did lie down in the back for several long stretches. The rest of the time she was up front in the passenger seat beside me. As for me and my wound, I managed to keep my leg pain under control with some Advil.
We learned a lot more about each other on the drive home. It’s amazing what all you can talk about when you’re trying to pass the time on a long stretch of road. Of course, I learned new things about her, but they didn’t change what I already knew. It just made me appreciate who she was even more.
When we crossed the Georgia state line, I called Bishop to let him know where we were. Since bikes made better timing, he had made it home early that morning. I wondered if he and Breakneck had even stopped to sleep long—they had probably crashed along the way at one of the Mississippi or Alabama Raiders’ clubhouses. He informed me the guys were anxious to have me back.
I just didn’t know how anxious I was until we got home. As I pulled into the roadhouse parking lot, both in and out of town Raiders swarmed the car. Cheering and whistles went up in the group while others pounded their fists on the hood and trunk. Ordinarily I would have appreciated the show of support, but I knew the ruckus was the last thing Annabel needed.
Her agonized whimper drew my attention away from my brothers and over to her. She had drawn her legs up and tucked her chin to her knees. Her arms were wrapped tight around her body like she was trying to keep herself together and not lose her shit.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know they were going to do this.”
She didn’t respond. Instead, I watched as her body began trembling on the seat. “Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.Throwing the gear shift into reverse, I started slowly backing away from the crowd. My brothers’ elation quickly turned to confusion and then anger. I could hear the shouts outside the car grow in volume.
Just as I rolled the window down to try to explain, Kim’s voice, Case’s widow, interrupted me. “Are you all fucking insane? After everything that poor girl has been through, you think mobbing her is a fucking good idea?”
Leave it to Kim to say exactly what was on my mind but what I wouldn’t dare say. Thankfully, the guys got the message and hustled out of the way. Once I backed out, I pulled around the roadhouse and started down the gravel path to my house, which happened to be across the street from Mama Beth’s.
I assume she must’ve heard the commotion because she was standing on her porch.
After I put the car in park and turned off the ignition, I tentatively placed my hand on Annabel’s shoulder. “Hey,” I said softly. She turned her head slowly to look at me. “I’m so sorry about that.”
“It’s okay.”
“No. It’s not. I can tell how freaked out you are.”
She sighed as she eased her legs down. “You’re right that seeing all those men…all thosebikersdid a number on me. But you can’t blame yourself, and you can’t blame them. It’s something I have to deal with. They were just happy to see you.”
“While I’m sure Kim has chewed them out, I’ll make sure to tell them to give you some breathing room.”
“That’s sweet. Thank you. I really appreciate you letting me come here.”
“You’re welcome.” Motioning to the house through the windshield, I said, “Come on. Let’s get you settled inside.” I opened my door and started to haul ass around the front ofthe car to Annabel’s side so I could help her, but then my leg reminded me that I’d been shot ten days ago.
Annabel was already out of the car when I reached her. “Rev, you don’t have to be a gentleman every time. I can manage my own door, you know.”
“But I want to.” At her frustrated huff of breath, I added, “Even though I know you’re capable and you’re a strong, independent woman.”
She laughed. “Fine. I guess I’ll be better about you helping me.” Annabel gazed up at the house. “So this is your place?”
Kicking a few gravel pieces with my boot, I replied, “Yeah. It’s not much. I’m sure you’re used to places that are a lot finer.”
“Rev,” Annabel chided softly. When I looked at her, she shook her head at me. With her eyes, she conveyed the message that I shouldn’t be ashamed of what I had. “I like it. It looks very cozy.”
“You may change your mind when you see inside.”
“Are you saying I might be shocked at what a bachelor’s house looks like?”
“A bachelor biker’s is probably even worse.”
“Hmm,” she mused.
“Nathaniel,” Mama Beth called from behind us.
Annabel whirled around and widened her eyes at the sight of my mother. “Hey, Mama,” I said as I hurried down the driveway to her side.
