Page 27 of Piston

Mason sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. "It's complicated, Jenny. The club, the cops... it's a mess. We thought it'd be safer to keep him here, where we can protect him."

"Protect him?" I scoff, anger flaring in my chest. "He needs more than protection right now. He needs proper medical care, not some makeshift setup in the back of a biker bar."

Mason pushes off the wall, his expression hardening. "You think we don't know that? You think we wouldn't do anything to make sure he gets the best care possible? This is the only way, Jenny. The only way to keep him safe."

I open my mouth to argue, to demand more answers. But something in Mason's eyes stops me. A flicker of pain, of desperation. And I realize that he's just as scared as I am, just as worried about Piston.

"Fine," I say, my shoulders slumping in defeat. "But I'm not leaving him here. He needs to be in his own bed, in his own home. With people who love him."

Mason nods, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. "We'll make it happen. Whatever he needs, we'll get it for him. I give you my word."

I search his eyes, looking for any hint of deception. But all I see is sincerity, a fierce determination to do right by his brother.

"Okay," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "Okay. Let's get him home."

Mason turns, his heavy boots echoing down the hallway as he leads me back to the main room of Perdition. My mind races, already making a mental list of everything I'll need to take care of Piston. Bandages, pain meds, maybe even a private nurse if I can swing it.

As we enter the smoky haze of the bar, the conversations around us fall silent. All eyes turn to me, curious and wary. I lift my chin, meeting their gazes head-on. These men might be Piston's brothers, but I'm not about to back down. Not when it comes to his well-being.

Dagger steps forward, his brows furrowed. "What's the verdict, Razor? She taking him home or what?"

Mason nods, his jaw tight. "Yeah, she is. We're gonna make it happen. Get the van ready and round up some supplies. We move out in ten."

A ripple of surprise goes through the room, followed by a buzz of activity as the men spring into action. I stand there, watching them work, a lump forming in my throat. These rough, tough bikers, dropping everything to help one of their own. It's a side of them I've never seen before, a glimpse behind the leather and tattoos.

Mason turns to me, his dark eyes searching mine. "You sure about this, Jenny? It ain't gonna be easy, taking care of him on your own."

I swallow hard, my fingers curling into fists at my sides. "I'm sure. He needs me, Mason. And I'm not about to let him down."

He holds my gaze for a long moment, something like respect flickering in his eyes. Then he nods, a ghost of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Alright then. Let's get our boy home."

I feel a rush of gratitude as Mason turns away, barking orders at his men. They move like a well-oiled machine, gathering supplies and preparing for the move. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. This is really happening. I'm about to take on the responsibility of caring for Piston, the man I've grown to care for more than I ever thought possible.

As I watch the bikers work, my mind races with the tasks ahead. I'll need to make sure Piston's place is ready for him, that he has everything he needs to recover. It won't be easy, but I'm determined to see it through.

I pull out my phone, my fingers shaking slightly as I dial the number for the salon. When my boss picks up, I take a deep breath and launch into my prepared speech.

"Hey, it's Jenny. Listen, I hate to do this, but I need to take a couple of weeks off. Family emergency." I wince at the half-truth, but I know I can't give her the full story.

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment I'm afraid she'll say no. But then I hear her sigh, hervoice tinged with concern. "Of course, Jenny. Take all the time you need. We'll manage here, don't you worry."

I feel a rush of relief as I thank her and hang up. One down, one to go. I dial the number for the sports bar, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

It goes much the same as the first. My boss is understanding, telling me to take care of what I need to. I thank him, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

I slip my phone back into my pocket just as Mason approaches, his expression serious. "We're ready to move out. You good to go?"

I nod, my heart hammering in my chest. "I'm ready."

He studies me for a moment, his dark eyes unreadable. Then he nods, jerking his head towards the door. "Let's ride."

I follow him out of the clubhouse, my mind whirling with thoughts of the road ahead. I know it won't be easy, taking care of Piston. But as I climb into the van beside him, watching as the bikers secure him for the journey, I feel a sense of purpose settle over me.

I'm ready for this. Ready to face whatever challenges come our way. Because that's what you do when you care about someone. You stand by them, no matter what.

As the van rumbles to life and pulls out onto the road, I take Piston's hand in mine, feeling the warmth of his skin against my palm. And I know, deep down in my bones, that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.

TEN

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