Page 73 of Road to Absolution

“Yes.”

I rolled my neck that suddenly felt strained. “I’m not sure—”

As if properly warned how I would react, she ignored me again. “But I’d have a stipulation.” Her head bobbed playfully. “A payment for the risk.”

Not wanting to owe anyone else anything, since I now belonged to an MC, I said, “Thank you for the offer, but—”

She offered me a business card. “She’s one of the best out there. She can work with you outside of this hospital, even at the club if needed, and get a certain motor skill of yours back in action.” When I stayed quiet and didn’t take the card, she casually mentioned, “Your wife is beautiful—”

“No wonder Diesel trusted you.” I snatched the card. “You play dirty, too.” Twisting the card in insecure fingers, I asked, “Does Lilah know about—” I held up my right hand, then ashamed of it, set it in my lap like it was a useless extremity.

“No,” she answered with an appreciated kindness. “Diesel tries hard to not meddle in relationships.” She patted my shoulder. “He really likes you.”

That was something Diesel’s actions had shown for years. Hence him singing at my wedding. This woman, as much as she knew him, didn’t know him like I did. “Nice of you to say.”

She asked, “So, we have a deal?”

“Crazy Love” played in my mind, making me think of Lilah. I also thought about where I was and why, and who was trying to help Lilah and me get through it. I guess we needed all the help we could get. “Deal.”

Hearing a ruckus outside my door, I peered over in time to see the door swing open. Diesel, smiling like a big ol’ lovable goon, said, “You el ready to blow this joint-o?” When he saw the doc, his lips pursed, completely fake-like, and he strolled over to us. “Oh, look who’s here. I had no idea you’d be visiting my boy.”

He may have been sneaky, maneuvering pieces so they fit in his favor, but that man was no liar.

Noticing Doc staring at Diesel as if he were a hunk of meat she’d like to nibble on, I thought, Are all redheads getting laid around here?

Not able to stop myself, because his smile and effort were totally appreciated, I slipped off the bed and hugged the bastard. “Hate to El breakit-o to you, but I don’t even know if I’m a free man yet.”

“Oh, ye of little faith.” He leaned back and offered what was in his hand. “Welcome to my pack, Pup.”

Backing away a couple of steps, showing me that she knew this was huge, Doc teased, “Another one bites the dust.”

Standing there, stunned, staring at the leather vest that had an embroidered howling wolf sewn on the back, along with Redemption Ryders, I swallowed. “Can I put it on later, so Lilah can be there?”

He grabbed his chest. “Damn, you love her… Sorry, son, it’s claim time to all watching.” He pointed to a bare spot. “We’ll add your road name once we’ve decided on one.”

“Have any you’re considering?”

He grinned mischievously. “A few, but none have stuck. Not like your wife’s.”

“JB?”

“Nope, now it’s Puddles. But she sure ain’t happy about it.” He chuckled.

I was too nervous to ask how she earned such a name.

Mustering up the guts to dive into a world I knew very little about, I put on my cut. If it was good enough for Tucker, it was good enough for me.

Next thing I knew, Diesel was by my side, holding his cell in the air, saying, “Cheese!”

I didn’t. I only lifted a brow at his camera. “Did you just take a selfie?”

He was admiring his pic-taking talents. “Damn, I’m a looker.” He peered over his shoulder to Doc. “Ain’t that right?”

Before I could get over the shock that this biker liked selfies, Scorch was accompanying in my doctor, who looked a tad concerned and unusually sweaty. What the fuck did they do now?

“Ah!” celebrated the leader of the guilty. “Perfect timing!” Diesel put an arm around my shoulders, and told me, “Look who’s here with good news.”

I get to go? Maybe Doc a little on the scared side isn’t that bad. Right?