Page 69 of No Mercy

“I don’t want any moves made until Allie and Sam are out of harm’s way.” I swung my leg over my bike, dismounted, and headed toward the front door. I didn’t want Allie involved, but if there was a possibility that Boomer had only taken Sam to get to me then I had to take the chance that he’d let them both go. I hoped it was that easy. I didn’t care what he did to me.

I opened the door and walked in, my gaze landing on the three women at the kitchen table. I could hear the children playing upstairs, the sound of Sheryl’s voice peppering their play. I took in the fact that Robin was holding a damp cloth to her swollen cheek and clenched my teeth. I was going to take pleasure in killing Boomer. In spite of her sore cheek, she attempted to smile.

“You okay, sweetheart?” She nodded. “Sorry this happened.”

“Wasn’t your fault, Rock. I’m sorry he took Sam. I should have fought harder.”

“No sweetheart, don’t even think that.” My eyes met the apprehension in Allie’s. “We’ll get him back.” My comment was meant for both women.

“Robin told me what happened.” Allie left her seat and rushed to me. “Will this man hurt Sam?”

“No. He’s using Sam to get to me.” There was no need to sugarcoat it. “We’re going to do an even exchange, me for him.”

She didn’t like the sound of that. I could see new fear brighten her watery eyes. “Rock−no−”

“It will be okay, baby.” I would fucking see to that. “You’re going with me to get him.” I could tell that surprised her. “We do things his way until you and Sam are safe.”

“I’m scared.” She trembled against me. “I can’t lose Sam or you, Rock. I need you both.” Her hand went down to her slight belly. “This baby needs you.” The thought that I might not be around for this child gutted me.

“Are you sure Allie should go with you?” Audra questioned with concern in her eyes.

Fuck no, I wasn’t sure, but it’s what Boomer wanted, and right now he held all the cards. If we tried anything before we had Sam back, the situation could turn disastrous. I knew the camp he wanted to meet at, and the location would give Boomer a clear view of us coming in. It was probably the reason he’d chosen it. Hawk and Big John would need to stay well behind us to remain out of sight.

“Boomer won’t give Sam to anyone but her.” I didn’t have to explain anything to Audra, but because she was Hawk’s woman and she obviously cared for Allie and Sam, I did. I took a deep breath, keeping my eyes on Allie. “You ready, babe?” She nodded. I couldn’t help myself from leaning forward to kiss her. I had meant it to be a brief show of affection, but once it occurred to me that it may be the last time I would ever kiss her, I ground my mouth against hers, tasting her sweetness, taking her strength. The hardest thing I’d ever had to do was end it. “Come on.”

Snake’s old, rusty truck was waiting for us when we stepped outside. Hawk stepped forward, demanding Allie’s presence in a silent way. “There’s something you need to know. Clay will be going with you, but he’ll be hiding beneath the truck. You’ll be on an old camp road, so if you come across any water or deep holes remember that. Just follow Rock and do what he says, it will all work out.”

Allie nodded, and then looked at Clay. “I’ll try to be careful,” she told him.

“No worries, sweetheart.”

“We ready?” I was eager to be on our way.

“Yep.” Clay fell to the ground, rolled onto his back and scooted beneath the truck. “Ready!” he called out.

I opened the truck door, helped Allie in, and closed the door. We kept our eyes locked. I purposely hardened mine against the soft vulnerability I saw in hers. “I need you to stay strong, babe.”

“I will,” she promised. “I love you.”

I steeled myself from giving in and kissing her again. “Love you, too.” I pivoted to my bike, got on, and kick started it. Making eye contact with Hawk and Big John, I said, “Let’s do this.”

The sound of their bikes revving behind me as my bike shot forward was music to my ears, because I knew I had my brothers at my back. If anything went south they’d protect Sam and Allie with their lives. I knew they would do everything within their power to make sure they got home alive and safe, even if it was at the expense of my life. That’s what we did. We didn’t hesitate when it came to our women and families.

Allie and Sam were my life.

They were all that mattered.

Chapter 37

Allie

I was scared and shaking. Who wouldn’t be under the circumstances? There was so much that could go wrong, but I trusted Rock to get our son back. I didn’t know this Boomer person, but only a monster would take an innocent boy and use him as a pawn. I knew I would go to hell for my thoughts but I wanted him dead, and I hoped that Rock made him suffer first.

We’d turned onto a barely there road and it was instantly clear that we were heading into the woods. Hawk had said that it was a camp road, and it was easy to see that it was hardly traveled. It was nothing more than a narrow one-way road with a strip of grass down the middle. Trees and bushes brushed the side of the truck as I followed Rock.

Worry for Clay came at almost every bump in the road. I was forced to go around several deep pot holes that were filled with muddy water. There was no telling how deep they were, and I wasn’t going to take a chance of getting stuck in one and drowning him. We passed a couple of tiny houses that were little more than shacks, located off the trail a little ways, overgrown with uncut grass and bushes. I guessed they were camps that were not currently occupied.

I sensed that we were nearing the end of our ride when a lake appeared ahead of us. Thank God! I was anxious to have Sam back in my arms. Robin had felt terrible over what had happened, but she and Sheryl hadn’t stood a chance against the two armed men, not when they’d also had Robin’s four children to consider. I didn’t blame them for anything, but I knew it would be a while before I allowed Sam out of my sight again.

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