Still, I need her to answer. I have to know she’s okay.
The ride takes much longer than I’d like since there’s no hospital in Raven’s Crest. The town is too small for more than an Urgent Care. You have to drive to Willow Wood Falls or up north to Columbus if you need specialized care.
Willow Wood Falls is about an hour away and tucked deeper into the forest. It’s still a smaller town, but the population is larger. Enough that there’s a modest hospital.
That’s where Thad is being treated.
I’m in luck as I pull up to the entrance and snag a spot close to the door. Once I park my bike, I practically run inside and mash the fucking elevator button until it pops open.
People stare at me, but I don’t care. I’m too wound up. Nothing is going to make me feel calmer until I see Natalya.
I’ve already been here, so I know which floor Thad is on and his room number. He’s been asleep every time I’ve been there. As I throw open the door and rush in, I see Nat and Thad talking.
That’s why she never picked up.
“Hi,” she greets me as Thad turns in my direction.
“You’re the guy who helped me.”
“I am.” My body relaxes. There’s no danger. Sticking out my hand, I offer it to Thad. “Hayden Phillips. But you can call me Hayride.”
He gives me a somewhat firm shake, but considering all he’s been through, it’s strong. “I owe you a debt I can never repay. You’ve been there for Nat when she needed it.”
“I’ve been a bit selfish,” I admit. “Her smile won me over.”
“Well, Scott smiles are infamous.” He glances between Nat and me. “We’re all grown-ups here, so I don’t feel bad asking what your intentions are with my sister.”
Nat gasps. “Thad!”
He doesn’t look affected. “If this is just fun, Hayride, she needs to know. Don’t fucking break her heart.”
“You asking because I’m a biker and I wear colors?”
“Yes, and no. I don’t care if you’re a fucking purple alien with a twelve-inch dick. If my sister likes you, then I’ll accept it. What I won’t is you fucking around with her.”
My lips twitch. He’s ballsy. I don’t take offense. “My dick isn’t purple or twelve inches.”
Nat dramatically sighs.
I look right into Thad’s eyes. He needs to see and hear I mean what I say. “I’m not fucking around with Natalya, but I am having fun. Lots of it. She’s enjoying it, and I don’t have any plans to stop being with her.”
Nat groans as she covers her face with her hands. “You did not just tell my brother about our sex life.”
“I’m glad Dad isn’t here right now,” Thad says with a laugh.
I walk to Nat and slide my arms around her, lowering my head to capture her lips. Her minty breath teases my tongue as I slide it into her mouth.
Thad clears his throat. “Spare me, please. I need bleach for my eyes.”
I pull my mouth from Nat’s and kiss the tip of her nose. “Gonna need you by my side for a long, long time, Fireball.”
“It’s a good thing I like you, biker man.”
For a minute, I just stare, taking in her pretty green eyes. They capture me every single time. So expressive. “You think you can love an outlaw?”
It’s a conversation meant for private, but I don’t mind that Thad is hearing it.
“I know I can.”
