Page 37 of Falling for Her Protector

“Do you remember now? You left me there to pay off your debt with Grady,” my lip trembles and he starts to move forward. I lift my hands stopping him from coming any closer.

“Honey, I’m sorry. I don’t...I don’t really remember everything,” he confesses.

“Well, try to remember this. I’m leaving. I’m going away, and I’m not ever coming back here unless you clean yourself up. I’m not sure what happened to my dad, but you’re not him. I just needed to say goodbye,” I force out the words despite the tears now rolling down my cheeks.

I turn away. I honestly don’t want hear his response. I move quickly, finding myself back outside as the cool air fills my lungs. I’ve said everything that I needed to say and I have no intention of ever coming back to this house.

26

Redemption

X.

The wind smacks my face as I ride back in the direction of the clubhouse. Panic grips my chest as I realize just how dark it’s grown around me. I’ve gone everywhere I can think of, twice, and still no trace of Vanessa. I had honestly expected to find her standing right outside. She wasn’t in the best state to be wandering around town. There’s no way she could’ve gone far, and I definitely should have found her by now.

What the fuck did I do?

I turn into the parking lot at the Irving station, deciding to check here one more time. I know it's unlikely, since I’ve been here twice already, but I found her here the last time she walked away from the clubhouse. The small bell chimes in my ear as I step inside the small convenience store.

“Back again?” the teenage kid behind the counter notices my return.

“Have you seen her?” I question roughly. I know he’s just a kid, but I’m all out of patience.

“Nope. Sorry, man,” he offers and I immediately turn, walking right back out and climbing on my bike again. I don’t have any time to waste. She’s been gone for too long and I need to get back to the clubhouse to regroup.

I can’t believe how badly I’ve fucked this up. I told her to leave and that’s exactly what she did. It’s like she fucking disappeared. And despite the fact that I'm trying really hard to keep my cool, I’m scared fucking shitless.

I have to find her. I need to make sure she’s safe. And even if she never forgives me for what I said to her tonight, I need her to know that I really do love her.

Pulling into my usual spot, I slip easily from the saddle. My boots feel heavy against the pavement as I stomp my way inside. All the boys saw how I treated her tonight. I know it’s far from the worst display they’ve seen around here, but Vanessa deserves better. I acted like a fucking coward and I need to make up for that shit. But first, I need to find her.

I notice a small group of regular females clustered at the bar, their heads hanging as they gossip loudly. Their voices turn to a hushed whisper when they see that I’ve returned without Vanessa. I nod to acknowledge them, but no one dares to utter a word in my direction.

“Where’s Lacey?” I growl.

“I think she went to Mikey’s room to make a phone call,” Pax finally speaks.

“Thanks,” I offer a clipped response before continuing to stomp a path down the hallway. Vanessa is my focus. Once I find her and know that she’s safe, then I’ll worry about making it up to my brothers.

I pound my fist hard against the heavy door and it opens quickly. Lacey’s face is pink and splotchy, with fresh tears still streaking down her cheeks. Fuck. I open my arms and she falls against my chest.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I’ll find her. I won’t stop looking until I have her back here,” I promise.

“She wasn’t at the apartment, and Diane hasn’t seen or heard from her either. Where could she be?” her voice shakes and I clear my throat, holding back the building emotion. Seeing Lacey like this has my guilt hitting a whole new level.

“No luck?” Mikey asks from inside the room and Lacey pulls back, turning and falling into his waiting arms.

“No. I went everywhere I could think of – and nothing,” I share, feeling the overwhelming weight of my choices.

“But, it’s so late. What if...what if Grady or some of the Vipers found her?” Lacey words are muffled against Mikey’s chest, but they ring loud and clear inside my head.

My body tenses and my fingers curl against my palms as my fists clench at the thought. I've been so preoccupied checking all the places I thought she might have gone on her own, but my first stop should have been to Grady and his den of fucking Vipers.

“I’m going back out,” I growl roughly, spinning on my heel.

“I’ll go with you,” Mikey offers behind me.

“No,” I answer simply. This is my mess. I need to take responsibility and go get her. I’m not putting this on Mikey.

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