Текст книги "Affliction"
Автор книги: River Savage
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Текущая страница: 16 (всего у книги 21 страниц)
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Sy
“Look who’s come back!” Jesse shouts when he sees me walking in through the clubhouse Tuesday morning. I hold in my smile as all the boys start hanging shit on me.
“Did you forget where you lived?” Brooks adds, slapping my back walking past me.
“Fuck off,” I grumble my normal morning greeting. It’s been a few days since I’ve been back to the clubhouse. When we came back from the recovery on the weekend, we filled in the boys about Mackenzie, and our visit from the sheriff and then I headed straight for Holly’s, determined to sort it out. It wasn’t an intentional move, but definitely a necessary one. After the fallout of everything that happened, I needed to get things right with Holly. We spent the last few days excluding ourselves and trying to find our way back to where we were. I did speak to Nix and Beau, keeping up on the Mackenzie drama, but for the most part we stayed locked away, not ready to face anyone or their questions. I didn’t think the news of the baby would bring up so many memories of Katie and Keira, but it has. Even letting Holly in about Keira has been hard enough. I know I’m still holding onto some guilt with Katie, guilt that I need to let go, but I’m working up the courage for that. To go see her.
“What’s going on?” I ignore them and ask the reason why we’ve all been called in.
“Sheriff’s department is on the way in with a warrant,” Nix answers, looking more pissed off than normal.
“What the fuck?”
“Jackson just called. Says it’s out of his hands and they’ll be here within the hour.”
“Mayor is dirty as fuck. Who knows who he has under him,” Brooks puts in and he’s right. I just didn’t think anyone would have made us.
“We have anything to hide here?” I ask, knowing we keep it clean and above board, but who fucking knows what might be hidden within these walls.
“Yeah, everything has a permit. We’re good. Just pissed this fucker is playing with us.”
“I think the asshole has a hard on for you,” I say, wondering just how stable this fucker is.
“We sure we got Mackenzie out okay?” Nix questions, running his hands over his face.
“She was dropped off and no one made us,” Beau assures him. After waiting for another hour for the doc, we were able to get Mackenzie down to a hospital and get her into surgery. She needed her elbow reset, and plates put in to help with a shattered forearm. I was surprised the woman was still lucid after waiting that long with her arm seriously messed up.
“How the fuck does he know we had a part in it?” I ask, wondering where their information is coming from; first the visit to the safe house and now here.
“Only guess would be someone saw us.”
“We were in and out,” I state, not understanding how that was possible.
“Some fucker might have made the truck. Registration is in Nix’s name,” Jesse comes up with a plausible explanation.
“Having the Knights Rebels in their town could have tipped them off.”
“How can we be sure that someone in the hospital didn’t make us?” I ask, remembering the two males who helped us when we moved Mackenzie from the truck into the secured room at the hospital.
“Everyone who’s in on this is legit,” Beau insists, still not sold on the idea we were snitched on.
“Boss, they’re here.” Hunter comes inside letting us know our guests have arrived.
“Everyone keep their mouths shut.” Nix stands and walks outside as they pull in.
“Well, if this isn’t a pissing contest, I don’t know what is,” Brooks says as two county sheriff’s cruisers and Jackson’s truck pulls into the forecourt. Three officers pile out, followed by Jackson, and the fucking asshole, Chad Morre.
“Nix,” Jackson greets, walking up and handing over a piece of paper. “We have a warrant. I need you to get the guys out so we can search the premises.”
“What the fuck is that fucker doin’ here?” Nix ignores the warrant, but looks over to the asshole who’s behind all this. It’s not normal protocol, but knowing what we’ve learnt of the fucker, he doesn’t go by protocol.
“We're looking for a Mackenzie Morre. We've got reason to believe she might be here, or you might know her whereabouts,” Jackson replies, ignoring Nix’s question.
“Nope, no one here and nothing to hide.”
“We’ll check around and be gone then,” he informs, not looking happy about it. Nix doesn’t say anything, just nods and lets the three officers through to do the search.
“You know this is bullshit, right?” I ask, pissed the asshole is in our compound.
“Just keep your mouths shut and they will be gone soon,” Jackson says, lowering his voice so only we can hear. We stand around for a moment longer in silence, waiting for them to search for someone who isn’t even here.
“You didn’t show up to family game night,” Jackson says to Jesse, breaking the silence. If you didn’t know they were brothers, you wouldn’t guess it. Where Jesse is blond and easy going, Jackson is dark and solemn.
“Was busy,” Jesse replies, shrugging. I don’t know much about their family, but I do know they used to be tight before Jesse joined the club.
“Well, Pops is having a game night next week so you should come,” he tries again, but Jesse doesn’t respond, just nods.
“Are you going to be checking to see if my wife is in there, Detective, or just chatting about bullshit family game nights?” Chad calls, still leaning against the car.
“Chad, the three officers are on it.”
“Jesus, Jackson, you gonna let this fucker speak to you like that?” I ask, growing more annoyed by him. Who the fuck is this guy?
“It’s better just to let him think he’s got me by the balls. I’ll enjoy it more when I take him down,” Jackson explains, letting us know where he stands. He might be stuck right now but if push came to shove, he would handle the motherfucker.
“All clear, Detective.” One of the deputies comes out a few minutes later.
“Impossible,” the fucker, Chad, calls out, making his way forward. “Just tell us where she is and this will all be over with,” he says, looking smug in his pressed suit, which just pisses me off.
“Even if we knew where your wife was, I wouldn’t tell you,” Beau fires up, pushing off the wall.
“Beau,” Jackson warns, stepping in as the officers walk toward Chad.
“So you do know where she is?”
“Don’t know where she is,” he shrugs, pissing him off more. I move in, not liking this asshole on our turf showing no fear or respect.
“I know you know where she is. Your truck was seen leaving the last place she was at,” he sneers.
“Don’t know anything about that. What I want to know is why are you going to all this trouble to get her back? You clearly don’t love her with all the bruises she’s had in the past,” Beau fires back and sits dangerously close to crossing the line. We need to play it cool here. Not give him any idea we know anything.
“Stand down, Beau,” Jackson grinds out, stepping in front of him.
“Can’t you see these lowlifes have my wife? Who knows what they are doing with her,” Chad has the audacity to accuse. Yeah, fixing her up after he broke her.
“Couldn’t be any worse than what you’ve done to her, hey, Chad?” Beau goes at him again, not giving a fuck that there are witnesses around.
“Beau, calm down,” Nix orders, pushing him back out of the firing range. “Take a breather,” he suggests, pointing over to the side of the parking lot.
“Chad, get in the fucking car,” Jackson snaps, running his hand over his head.
“I know they have her,” he spits, walking back over to the cars.
“Jesus, Jackson. What a fucking mess,” Nix says, shaking his head.
“Well, this is what you're up against. This guy is fucking dirty as fuck. He has his eye set on you. I'd watch your steps for the next few weeks. He's not giving up.” Well, fuck, this guy is a loose cannon and one we don't want hanging around.
“We’ve got it,” Nix nods, heeding the warning.
“And make sure you turn up next week, Jesse,” Jackson adds, turning back to his brother. “I’ll let him know you’re coming.” He smirks before nodding and turning back to the truck.
“No, I’ll let you know,” Jesse argues.
“Be there, little brother, or we will be having words, words you won’t want to have.” There’s no room for negotiation in his threat.
“Fucker,” Jesse mumbles, watching his brother get back into his truck.
“What a clusterfuck,” I say, watching them all drive out of the compound knowing it’s not the last time we’ll probably deal with this shit.
“Tell me about it. I fucking hate games night; always happens on Saturday night, the best night for pussy,” Jesse sulks next to me.
“Not that, you dickhead,” I say, turning and hitting him over the head. “Jesus, Jesse. Stop thinking about your fucking dick for one second.” Following everyone else, I head back inside.
“So, we lay low until this blows over,” Nix says when we get back inside.
“You got a contact for Mackenzie?” I ask, wondering if we’ll know if she needs help.
“None. That's not how this works. We recovered her. She won't come back now. She's been trying to get out for the last two years. This was her only chance at getting free. She’s scared of the fucker.”
Fuck.
“Well, let's hope this blows over. Maybe he'll get a new lead and leave us alone,” Nix says, getting his shit together to head out.
“We done here?” I ask, needing to head over to Ink Me. After taking the last couple of days off, I need to check in.
“Where you going?” Jesse asks, being a nosey fucker.
“I was planning on going to check on Ink Me. Then if it’s okay with you, I was gonna head back to fuck my woman. Need to know anything else?” I ask, walking down the hall to get a bag. I'm staying with her, and if I have it my way, I won't be leaving so I'm gonna need some clean clothes.
“Ha ha ha, fucker. Will you be back for the club meet tonight?” he asks.
“I’ll be back with Holly later, don’t worry,” I tell him. As much as I want to stay in bed with my woman, I need to make sure she’s included in the club life.
“I think I preferred it when you weren’t getting laid,” he calls out, needing to have the last say.
“That’s because you’re a jealous fucker.” I laugh my ass off down the hall.
“Fuck me, he’s a goner, Brooks. Look, he’s even fucking laughing these days.” I hear him having a go, but I don’t respond because he’s right. I am a goner and there isn’t anything I can do about it. The woman has me by my fucking balls and she knows it, too.
God, help me.
***
“Holly?” I call out, walking through her apartment. I know she’s here ‘cause her car sits in the same place it was when I left earlier this morning. “Holly?” I call again, setting down the grocery bags on the counter top and going in search of her. I messaged her to let her know I was coming back and knocked when I got here, but when she didn’t answer, I tried the door realizing she hadn’t locked it. We’ll be talking about that later.
Walking through the apartment, I hear the shower going and I get excited that I’ve turned up just in time. Turning the corner, I’m more shocked than I thought I ever would be.
“What are you doing?” I ask, but instantly regret it. I should have kept my mouth shut and stood there watching her.
“Ahhh,” she screams, my voice freaking her out. “What are you doing here?” she frantically rushes out, realizing she’s been caught in the act.
“Holly—” I drag out her name, smirking at the guilty look on her face.
“Sy, get out of here,” she punches out her demand.
“I’m not going anywhere.” I admire her body relaxing under the flow of the water. Resting back against the wall, my cock grows against my fly. “What were you doing with the shower head?” I ask again and watch a slight blush grow over her cheeks in embarrassment, but I’m not going to let her off so easy. “Don’t stop ‘cause I’m here.”
“You want to watch me get off?”
“Sweetheart, that’s a fucking dumb question.”
“Shut up, Sy. Go away.”
“No, I’m not going anywhere. Continue what you were doing ‘cause it’s sure as fuck hot.”
She looks hesitant but only for a second as she moves the showerhead down between her thighs. She parts her pussy lips, the soft, pink flesh begging for me to come and take over, but I don't move. I stay rooted in my spot as the hard flow of the water hits her right where she needs it. “Wait…” she pauses and looks up. “If I do this, I want to see you do it, too,” she challenges, but she doesn’t have to tell me twice. I pop the buttons on my jeans and reach in and grab my throbbing cock. Her eyes go to my hand while I watch her bring herself to an orgasm. “Oh, God, this is so fucking hot,” she breathes out, her face flushed and her hair stuck to her forehead. Fuck, she is beautiful. Her lips part, her head falls back, and her hand comes to the glass that separates us, holding her stance as the beginning of her orgasm takes her.
“Look at me,” I growl, wanting to admire her face as the pleasure consumes her. I walk forward as her eyes come to mine, and for once, I don’t see the pain, don’t see panic. I see lust, pure fucking ecstasy.
“Come, now, Holly,” I tell her and listen as her release echoes around the room, the sound switching something in me. I pull the glass door open just as my release takes me over. My cum hits her naked, wet body, but her eyes never leave mine. I step into the shower, still fully clothed and take her mouth, catching the last soft moans as her orgasm slows. The taste of her on my lips brings me back to the happiness I crave from her. I bite down on them, reminding her this is how I like it, hard and soft, always hard and soft, but for this woman I’d have it any way.
“That’s the last time a shower head is ever that close to your pussy. Do you understand me?”
“Whatever, Sy,” she says, stepping back and resting her shoulders against the glass wall, a small smile playing on her lips.
“I’m serious. You only come apart like that again by me,” I tell her, stripping my wet clothes from my body and throwing them out onto the bathroom floor. She doesn’t look up, still in her post-orgasm state. I take the shower head from her hands and switch the flow to wash away the cum from her stomach. Seeing it stirs my cock again. Leaning down, I take her nipple in my mouth, the temptation too great to ignore.
“You can’t order me to not masturbate again,” she sasses, but her argument is invalid when she moans as I roll her sweet nipple between my teeth.
“Yeah, I can, sweetheart. You touch your sweet pussy again when I’m not here and you won't be able to sit for a week,” I answer back, meaning every word. “What the fuck you doing in here anyway? I only ate your pussy this morning,” I wonder while lathering up some soap to wash her back.
“I was horny because I was thinking about this morning,” she explains, but that doesn’t make me feel any better. “You told me you wouldn’t be back till tonight,” she says, tilting her neck back as I lay kisses on her body.
“You should have called me, baby. I would have dropped anything to feast on your pussy,” I tease, my mouth watering wanting to taste her.
“Yeah, like that’s going to happen…um…Hi, Sy, I know I’ve just had you in my lair for the last few days, but my vagina is throbbing for your tongue. Please drop what you are doing and come and eat me out,” she jokes, but there’s no telling my cock that. Her words bring him to attention. Even after just emptying myself on her, the need to bury my cock deep inside her is strong.
“You ready for me again?” I ask, moving my hand down to her smooth lips.
“Yes.” She spreads her legs, giving me better access.
“Good, cause I’m gonna fuck you raw, fill you with my cum and then wash you clean. You understand me?” I ask, watching her quiver at my words.
“Sy,” she breathes, “we’re risking it.” Her words fight it, but her body is ready to obey me in an instant.
“Good. Now bend over and show me that pretty pussy,” I demand, my control slipping when she does as she’s told. “Spread them wider,” I instruct, watching her feet inch further apart. Her tight little asshole stares back at me and even though we’ve never talked about it, the thought of taking her there has my balls aching. My hand moves on its own accord, trailing up along the inside of her thigh, and grazing her pussy lips before running a slow and deliberate trail to her back entrance. I see the muscle flexing at my touch.
“You want me to take you there, baby? ‘Cause I’m going to,” I promise her with the intent to fulfill it soon.
“No,” she answers, but I hear the interest behind her words.
“Yes, you do. Don’t lie.”
“It’s going to hurt,” she complains, tensing up when I add some pressure.
“Not if I do it right,” I tell her as I slide my finger down to her pussy, and drag her wetness up to her ass. Fuck, what I would do just to fuck her there.
“Okay,” she breathes out, moving her body in motion with my lazy strokes.
“Not now, baby, but soon,” I promise, becoming rock hard knowing it will happen soon.
“Okay,” she moans when I slide the tip of my finger past the entrance to her ass.
“Fuck, woman, don’t tempt me now.” I inch my finger further in.
“More,” she begs as I slowly slide my finger out. Stepping forward, I line my cock up with her pussy and let her heat take me.
“Fuck, you feel tight,” I murmur, letting the tightness of her pussy grip my cock. I don't know what feels better, her tight cunt, or the warmth of her asshole around my finger as I sink further into her.
“Keep still,” she instructs, holding onto the shower seat. She spreads a little wider and leans forward, slowly sliding off my dick. I want to follow her, stay planted deeply, but her command stops me. “Sy, let me.” She slowly sinks back onto my cock, repeating the process in a deliberate rhythm. She might be riding me at the slowest pace, but it couldn’t feel any fucking better.
“Fuck, I can’t even begin to describe how fucking awesome that feels,” I tell her as she continues to glide along my cock. I want to dig my hands into her side, grab on and just bang the fuck out of her, but the feeling of her slowly milking me is holding me off. I follow her movements with my finger, slowly easing in and out of her ass, at the same pace my cock slides out of her pussy.
“Sy,” she murmurs, keeping her rhythm up. I’m not lying; I’ve never felt anything like it before. The overwhelming need to explode sits at the base of my spine, but the slow movements as she slides forward then back just holds me off.
“I don’t know what you’re doing with that cunt of yours, but I don’t ever want it to stop,” I groan as she clenches around me drawing out her own orgasm. “Fuck,” I shout as stars burst from behind my eyes when I release one of the most intense orgasms I’ve ever had. “Woman, you’re too much,” I admit, fumbling with my feelings. I feel like I’ve just been taken to the edge and don’t ever want to come back. How the hell did I end up here? Wanting to completely surrender to her. “You’re so fucking amazing, Holly,” I tell her when she stands to full height.
“Right back at you.” She turns and her eyes light up with her smile. It’s a smile that lets me know all is right in our world.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Holly
“I’ll have the chicken melt, please.” I order, handing the menu back to the waitress.
“And for you?” she turns to ask Kadence.
“I’ll get a double cheeseburger with bacon and a side of loaded fries. And I’ll have a chocolate milkshake and strawberry milkshake,” she smiles sweetly.
“Two milkshakes?” the unsuspecting waitress asks.
“Yeah.” Kadence shrugs like it's no big deal.
“Okay, I’ll be right back,” the young waitress says, taking our menus to place our order.
“What?” she asks, catching me looking at her.
“Are we expecting Nix?” I tease.
“Ha-ha! I’ve been so hungry the last week or so. I can’t get enough.” She leans back resting her hands over her growing bump.
“How have you been?” I ask, feeling like we haven’t had a chance to actually talk. I haven't had a moment alone since that afternoon Sy came to my apartment three weeks ago. It’s not that we haven’t spoken, but so much has happened. Between mine and Sy’s issues, which we’ve had to work through, we’ve been living in our own world of work, club life and being together. It’s meant my life’s been pretty hectic.
“I’ve had the worst heartburn the last few weeks. I swear to God, I can’t wait to have this child vacated,” she complains, making me laugh.
“Kadence, you’re not even halfway,” I laugh at her being over it.
“Don’t remind me. Seriously, why did I ever let Nix put a baby inside of me?”
“‘Cause you love him and want to have little biker babies,” I remind her while laughing at her annoyance.
“Babies? Hell no. Just one, thank you.” Her face turns ashen at the thought of doing it all over again.
“So, what do you think you’re having?” I ask like I ask every time I see her. I have no idea why she wants to keep the surprise. I hate surprises.
“I don’t know. Some days I think it’s a girl, and then some days I think it’s a little Nix.” She smiles as she rubs her belly.
“I think you’re having a girl,” I surmise, looking forward to seeing Nix cope with a little girl. The man is screwed.
“If it’s a girl, I’ll need to get out of town. Nix will never survive,” she jokes. Nix Knight will not cope with a mini Kadence.
“So, what’s happening with you and Sy?” She turns the questioning back to me.
“Nothing exciting.” I smile at the thought of everything that is amazing with Sy.
“Yeah, sure looks like nothing,” she argues, even though she is used to me not sharing gossip about our relationship.
“It’s going really well. You know how private he is,” I say as a way of explanation for us keeping to ourselves. The others don’t know about Sy’s past. It’s something Sy has decided he will tell them in time, but for now, it’s between us. “We’re getting there,” I admit truthfully. “I feel like we’ve moved on from the drama and finally getting past it all,” I explain as our food is brought over to the table.
“I’m so happy for you, Holly, and you look happy,” she notes after a few minutes of eating in silence.
“And you are glowing.” I smile back, loving that this is our life at the moment.
“Do you think? I feel so tired and fat,” she replies, once again making me laugh.
“Well, you don’t look fat. How’s your bump coming along?” I ask, concerned about her scarring and what the specialist has told her.
“We’re just keeping an eye on it. If it gets too much in the next few weeks, we will look more into it.” She doesn’t look worried.
“Good, now you just need that husband of yours to lay off the bubble wrap.” I laugh at Nix and some of the stupid shit he has done since they found out Kadence was pregnant.
“Oh, God. Don’t remind me,” she laughs. I know she says it’s annoying, says she hates it, but I can see she secretly loves it.
“Excuse me, ladies.” A tall, well-dressed man approaches our table.
“Hello.” Kadence smiles up at him. His ash-blond, tailored haircut is disheveled and unkempt, like his hands have run continuously through it in frustration.
“You don’t mind if I sit, do you?” he asks, pulling a chair from a nearby table. The question is void when he pulls up a seat, but I keep my opinion to myself. Something is off about this guy. I just don’t know what.
“Umm, sure,” Kadence says, looking at me, trying to gauge if I know him.
“I was just watching you from across the diner,” he says, looking smug like he has a secret and is ready to share it.
“Yes?” I prompt him when he stops for some reason.
“And you are absolutely glowing.” His lips thin, attempting a smile, but failing miserably. Insincerity oozes out of him.
“Oh, well, thank you,” Kadence awkwardly replies.
“Yes, definitely glowing,” he repeats, reaching out and stealing a fry from my plate. Is this man for real?
“Excuse me, we’re enjoying a lunch date here, so if you don’t mind…” I try to be diplomatic and not come across as a bitch, but this guy is seriously starting to creep me out.
“I wonder what your husband would do if you just went missing one night? Perhaps not make it home from Rushford Primary,” he questions with a high dose of threat.
“I beg your pardon?” I exclaim and go to stand, but I don’t get far when his large grip is thrown out, squeezing tight around my upper arm to get my attention.
“Sit down, bitch. I’m not done,” he sneers, his grip tightening when I try to kick him under the table.
“Let go of her, asshole,” I hear Kadence say, and for some reason, I can’t help but get thrown back into a memory.
“Don’t fucking touch her, asshole,” I yell out to Zane.
“Don’t worry, Holly. You can watch. Then you’ll be next,” Zane taunts and the bile I had been holding down since being thrown in the van, slowly starts to rise.
“Don’t,” Kadence pleads with him. “You can have me, but please don’t touch her,” she says, giving herself over to him.
“What the fuck is wrong with her?” I hear someone ask, but it comes from a distance and I feel myself slowing starting to fade into the black. The threat of this man is pushing me back to that day in the shed.
“You're fucking scaring her, asshole,” Kadence says, her voice laced in concern. Breathe, Holly, my mind tells me, trying to take back control. I shake my thoughts clear, not letting myself get pulled back into the past. My eyes come to Kadence and her body relaxes when she realizes I’m not about to have a meltdown in the middle of the diner.
“I’ve got a message for your husband, Kadence,” the man spits out her name, which concerns me even more. Who is this man? His hold on my arm tightens when I try to pull out of his grasp. A whimper leaves my lips, his fingers digging deeper. I should shout out, lash out, but I still feel like I’m in a daze; like I’m watching the moment happen but have no control over it.
“You tell him if he doesn’t tell me where my wife is, he’ll know what I’m feeling real soon.” He releases me, pushing me back with such force my head hits the back of the high booth seat. And as quick as he was there, in our space, he’s gone.
“Are you okay?” Kadence reaches for my throbbing arm, her soft touch soothing the dull ache.
“Yeah,” I say, still not believing what just happened. “Are you okay?” She doesn’t reply, already dialing out on her cell.
“Nix?” she says, looking up at me. “Some asshole just approached and threatened us.” She stops to listen to what he says. “We’re fine. Yeah, Happy Chef,” she confirms before hanging up.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asks again looking down at my arm.
“I promise. Just give me a moment,” I tell her, trying to grasp the reality that I’m sitting in a diner and not back in that awful barn.
“Nix is on his way down,” she informs, her hand moving to mine, offering me a tight squeeze.
“Is everything okay here?” The waitress comes up checking on our meal.
“Yes, can we have some cold water?” Kadence asks before dismissing her. “Wanna tell me what’s happening?” she asks after a few more minutes of me trying so hard not to be dragged down into the dark part of my mind. I have fought day and night these last few months not to be held hostage in those memories, and with one touch, I’ve spiraled back into it. Enough is enough.
“I’m good,” I finally say, coming out of the moment.
“Okay, good. ‘Cause Sy was with Nix and even I know he’s going to be pissed with what’s happened.” She points to the outline of the five-finger death grip the asshole just left me with.
Oh, shit.
***
“Tell me exactly what he said,” Nix asks, sitting next to Kadence, his temper rising by the minute. Three of them walked in thirty seconds ago, exactly ten minutes after Kadence called out the SOS. Sy, Nix and Hunter.
“He said to tell him where his wife is or you’ll know what he feels like,” she relays the message back but I don’t hear his response. I’m too lost in Sy’s stare.
“Sy?” I ask, hoping he doesn’t lose it. I’m trying to let him work out whatever is going through his mind, but I can see him struggling.
“I’m going to fucking kill him,” he growls his first words since walking in to the diner.
“No one is killing anyone. You both need to calm down,” Kadence says, trying to be the voice of reason in this cloud of anger.
“I might not kill him, but I’m gonna fucking try.”
“Sy, I’m okay. I promise.” I reach out to soothe him with my touch.
“You don’t look fine.” He comes in closer and searches my face. “Did you have a panic attack?” he asks, seeing what I hoped he wouldn’t.
“Just a small one, but it’s okay, Sy. I’m fine,” I try to reassure him. I feel good I was able to bring myself out of it; that I didn’t let it take me completely. In the past when I’ve had them, they drain me, but right now, I’m feeling good. Strong.
“You haven’t had one in a couple of weeks.” He shakes his head like he’s still working it out. “I’m gonna fucking kill him,” he says, working himself up again.
“Okay, well, this is getting us nowhere. Nix, talk some sense into him. This guy is the mayor’s son, right? You can't kill him.” Kadence tries to reason with Nix, giving up on Sy.
“I don’t give a fuck if he is Gandhi, Kadence. This fucker has been messing with us for three weeks now. Shutting down the bar with licensing dramas and harassing the boys, we can deal with that, but this is going too far. Threatening something that is mine, my wife, my child, the fucker is going to be in a world of pain.” Nix looks to me, then to Sy and I see it in their eyes: this is serious shit.
“Gah, seriously, this is pointless. Come on. Let's just go back to the clubhouse.” Kadence looks over at me, trying to get me to convince Sy to calm down. I really don’t think that’s going to work.
“Good idea. Hunter, follow them back and stay there until we get there.” Nix stands, moving out of the booth and letting Hunter sit.
“Nix, no,” she tries to argue, but I already know it's not worth it. The boys have made up their minds.
“Baby, stay with Kadence until I get there,” Sy tells me and then kisses me gently.
“Sy, please don’t go,” I try to get him to see reason.
“Holly, this is one of the times where you just have to turn the other way. He put his hands on you, marked you. Don't ask me not to do anything about it.” He leans back in and quickly kisses me again, then pulls back.
“Sy,” I call, but he’s already moving out through the diner to go who knows where to do who knows what.
“Watch her, Hunter,” Sy says, holding his gaze, and something passes between them before he pushes through the door out to his bike. Nix follows behind and we look through the glass shop front as they climb on their rides and roll out.
