“Don’t blame me for thinking that you running off with my best friend feels kind of icky. Plus, she’s so upset, Dad, I want to be able to help her, and so will Mackenzie and Ophelia.”
He shakes his head and massages the back of his neck with one big palm. “I’m not running off with her. I’m protecting her. Besides, when Camile is in a better position to talk to you, I’m sure she’ll let you know the details, but … she’s got something going on with one of the guys in the MC.”
I have? This is news to me, but I don’t have the energy to question him. Also, I’m aware enough to understand what he’s doing. He’s trying to put Vani’s mind at rest about us by making her think I’m interested in one of the younger guys instead of him. It makes sense, but Vani still isn’t buying it, if her set expression is anything to go by. Even through my pain, I feel that now familiar twist of guilt. I never wanted to come between one of my bestfriends and her dad, but I can’t think about any of that right now. It all feels so inconsequential even though I know it isn’t.
“Which one?” Vani asks.
“One of the new guys, Ace. He’s hung up on her like a lost fucking puppy.”
“Can we trust him?”
“Yeah. He’s also my Road Captain. He sometimes acts before he thinks, but his heart is in the right place.”
Vani purses her lips. “I see. What about if I come back with you guys, too? Camile could use a friend.”
“She has friends at the compound.”
I do? That’s news to me.
Jack continues. “The girls are taking her under their wing.”
“I’d still like to come.”
Jack finally loses his temper. “Ivani McGrath, you stay right here, got it? Zane, Lex, and Saint will watch out for you.”
“With our lives, sir,” Lex says from behind Vani.
“You think I need protecting?” she asks.
Jack blows out a breath. “There’s no reason to think whoever is after Camile will pay you any attention, but I’d prefer to be cautious.”
“They might if they find out you’re harboring Camile.”
She has a point.
“I know, and if that happens, then you coming to the compound might be in the cards, but all of you would need to come, and it might be a longer stay than just a night or two.” Jack looks around at Vani’s men.
Zane steps forward, his bulk almost as impressive as Jack’s as he scribbles something on a pad and hands it toJack. Zane had his throat cut by one of his father’s enemies a few years back, and, despite numerous surgeries, he will never regain his voice.
Jack reads it and nods. “I know you’re all armed. I trust you.”
I’m only vaguely aware of all of this going on in the background. My head is still spinning, my chest heavy with grief. There’s a strange buzzing in my ears, and my limbs don’t feel like they belong to me.
“Can you go and grab a bag of Camile’s things?” he asks Vani. “A few changes of clothes and her toiletries. I don’t know how long she’s going to need to be away.”
Vani looks at me, and sympathy replaces her scowl. Her face softens and her eyes fill with a sheen of tears, making them even prettier. She offers me a sad smile.
“Is there anything in particular you’d like?”
“My book, please, and my um…personal items…” Oh, God, my face burns. I can’t say my birth control in front of her dad.
Vani appears to know what I mean, and she nods quickly. “I’ll bring any meds, too.”
“Thanks.” My smile is wobbly but genuine.
She turns and races back up the drive, Zane hot on her heels.
Jack turns his attention back to me. “Come on, Camile. Let’s get you back where it’s safe.”
