“Ain’t that right, VP?” Tempest smirks.
Me? I’m just fucking glad my prospecting days are long behind me. Inwardly, I snort. What I also thought I’d left in my rearview was being a punching bag for one of my brothers. At least the full patch on my back allows me to get my revenge.I’ll wait, though, until I know my lungs are up to the fight I’ve prepared in my head.
“Wow, you’re a sore sight for the eyes.” Rattler slaps my back as he comes up behind me.
“Shouldn’t that be a sight for sore eyes?” I ask.
“Have you fuckin’ seen yourself? You look like a raccoon and a hamburger had a baby.” He chuckles. “Freak should be proud of his handiwork.”
My eyes narrow, but I don’t say a word. He’s quickly getting added to the list of people who’ll feel my fist when I’m fully recovered.
But he doesn’t know when to shut up. “Heard it worked. Got you in to see Doc and that nightmare family of his.”
That does spur me to respond to him. “Doc’s family’s not the problem. Fuckin’ Doc is.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out. “Speak of the devil,” I murmur.
“Doc?” Saint’s brow furrows. I know he’s thinking that Doc doesn’t usually randomly check up on his patients, and never by phone.
“Nah.” I turn the phone toward him.
Bronwyn?he mouths. Then snaps, “Put it on speaker.”
I stiffen. What’s he think we’re going to do? Exchange sweet nothings? But I’ve nothing to hide, so prove it by doing what he’s asked.
Bronwyn’s voice comes through. She’s breathing heavily, and there’s an unmissable tremor. “It’s Dad,” she whispers so softly, I turn up the volume without being asked. “I’m scared, Short.”
“You think he’s going to hit you again?” I growl, curling the hand not holding the phone into a fist.
There’s a slight hesitation before she gives her answer. “Yes.”
Saint leans over the phone. “Give us a moment, darlin’.” He then presses the mute key.
“We can’t leave her there.” Riled, I spit the words at my VP. “If Doc’s worked himself up because of our visit, there’s no telling what he’ll do to her. She’s such a little thing. She can’t take much more punishment than he’s already dished out.”
“Fuck.” Saint smooths his hand back over his hair. “Prez might kill me for this, but he’s not here to make the decision. Tell her to get herself to the club. Doc wouldn’t dare follow her here.” He thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. “We’ll send a prospect to make sure he doesn’t.”
I hadn’t noticed until now that the music has been switched off, and all the brothers who are here have gathered around us.
“If Doc does come after her, we’ll give him a dose of his own medicine,” Words promises.
Glad, but surprised at his quick capitulation to do what I thought only I believed needed doing, I raise a brow toward Saint. When he gives me a chin lift in return, I activate the phone once again. “Pack a bag, Bronwyn. Then get in your car and drive here. We’ll send a prospect to give you an escort in case you’re followed.”
There’s a sob on the line, then she blurts out, “I can’t. I can’t leave Trip here alone.”
“I’m sure your brother will be fine. Your mother will look out for him.”
“You don’t understand.” Her voice is now a desperate plea for help. “Dad threatened to… hurt him.”
“Has he ever hurt the kid before?” Tempest growls.
“No, but I’ve never seen him like this. He’s beyond angry. I’m so scared. Trip’s so small. If I leave and Dad takes his fury out on him...”
“This gets fuckin’ worse.” Saint’s murmur is close, so only I can hear.
“Why would he turn on Trip?” I wonder aloud. “Is it because we saw him today?”
“Yes,” Bronwyn gushes, picking up on my words. “Dad likes to keep him hidden. He doesn’t want anyone to know about him. He’s his failure and embarrassment. That’s why he’s kept secluded at home.”
