Page 12 of Ghost

I just prayed that one day he would be able to forgive me.

I was lost in a world of thoughts when Viper walked into the room with three bikers—each one more threatening than the last. Like Viper and his brothers, these men were massive and covered in leather and tattoos. They towered over me and Toby with an air of danger that made my blood run cold. My pulse was racing as I tried to shrink back into the shadows, hoping they wouldn’t notice me.

“I have some friends I’d like you to meet.”

Viper motioned his hand to the men standing next to him as he said, “This is Memphis, Goose, and Ghost. They’re members of Satan’s Fury, the MC out of Little Rock. They’re going to take you two back with them and watch over you.”

The man in the back—the one with the blonde hair so white it looked like cotton and crystal blue eyes was glaring at me. He was tall, muscular, and intimidating as any man I’d ever seen, and his fierce expression made me question whether I was doing the right thing by leaving with them. I looked back to Viper as I asked, “Are you sure we can’t just stay here with you?”

“You know that’ll never work, not for the long haul. Leaving is the best option.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“I know it’s hard, but you’re in good hands with these guys. They’ll keep you safe.”

“He’s right. You can trust us.” The youngest of the three men took a step towards me and gave me a soft smile. “We’ll do everything possible to keep you and your son safe.”

“Thank you.” I looked up at him and said, “I really appreciate your help.”

“Glad to do it.” With that, he turned to his brothers and said, “It’s late. Let’s get these two loaded up and back to the clubhouse.”

Minutes later, Toby and I were in the back of their SUV, and we were headed to Little Rock. I had no idea why these men had agreed to help me and my son. They were going above and beyond to fulfil a favor, but I wasn’t naive enough to think that it wouldn’t come at a price. It would. Not doubt about it.

I just prayed it would be a debt that I could afford to pay.

Ghost

“You good over there?”

“It’s nothing.” I ran my hand over my face. “Yeah, just tired.”

“You sure?” Goose pushed, his voice low and concerned. “’Cause it seems like you’ve got something on your mind.”

“I said it’s nothing.”

“If you say so.” He glanced over his shoulder and shook his head as he looked at Whitney and her son sleeping in the backseat. “You think they’re gonna be able to bounce back from this?”

“I don’t know, but for the kid’s sake, I hope they do.” My words were laced with disapproval as I muttered, “Gotta wonder what the hell she was thinking... She should’ve never put him in this position.”

“You say it like she knew this guy was gonna wale on them.”

“There’re always signs. She should’ve paid better attention.” I shook my head. “She’s his mother. It’s her job to protect him.”

“Sounded like she did the best she could.”

“Did she?” I snapped. “’Cause from where I’m sitting, it looks like the kid went three rounds in a bar fight and lost. Hell, why even have a kid if...”

“Fuck, man. Keep your voice down,” Memphis hissed from the back. “She’ll hear you.”

“And what if she does?” I spat back. “It’s not like what I said isn’t true.”

And with that, the truck fell silent.

I’d fucked up.

I’d crossed a line I had no business crossing.

I don’t know what the hell had gotten into me. There was just something about this woman and her kid that had me on edge and feeling things I didn’t typically feel. Thankfully, my brothers knew me well enough to know that I wasn’t some douchebag who thought it was women’s fault when they got knocked around.

---