Page 27 of One Night with the Biker

He should’ve been awarded a prize as the worst patient to ever exist. Granted, he was in pain and losing both his hands was absolutely horrific, but instead of gratefulness that his life was spared, he was angry and refused to say more than a few words to me. As if it was my fault he was now what he called a handicapped burden.

I left him in peace as much as possible, which didn’t helpmymood. I didn’t have anyone to talk to, so when he sent me to the clubhouse to see Boom Boom, I didn’t hesitate to grab my keys and almost skip out of the house.

The moment the guards sent to watch over our house saw me, two prospects hopped on their motorcycles to serve as my escort. Ever since the ambulance picked Roman up, Bloody Scorpions closed ranks to protect my brother and me.

I texted my thanks to Louisiana, but he never responded. He left me on read, so I knew he hadn’t blocked me. So many times, I prayed Reese would call to check on Roman, on me. I wanted to hear his voice again and feel his lips against mine.

Whenever those thoughts overtook the memories of our evening together prior to the lovemaking, I chalked my feelings up to Nova’s assumption. It was my pussy talking and nothing more than lust and desire. Then, I immersed myself in caring for Roman and shoved Reese out of my mind.

Sometimes, I wondered how Roman’s brothers knew about his injuries. They found out somehow and arrived in time to escort the ambulance and me, since I followed behind in my car. The first two days were touch and go. Roman had been shot, beaten, and lost both his hands. By the time he was brought to surgery, infection had set into the gunshot wound.

Right around that time, Dayton’s death hit the news cycle. Reportedly, he’d killed a waitress, then OD’d on cocaine. Purposely or accidental no one knew. ExceptIknew it was all bullshit. Roman had killed him.

Ever since Louisiana and his masked men brought my brother to my apartment, I’d felt so alone. Devastated. Frightened. My nightmares also returned. I always awakened drenched in sweat and fearing my heart would beat out of my chest.

The only reason Roman even agreed to let me move on my own was because they’d been almost non-existent for months. Inside me had settled down and I found peace. I’d gotten a job, a car with Roman’s help, and a tutor to help with my grades. My future seemed so bright. Then, my brother killed Trinity and that began another downward spiral.

At the clubhouse gate, Spike waved me through. I grimaced. The sea of bikes and cars indicated a crowd. It was a Friday evening, so of course it would be crowded. Once I parked, I hurried inside, nodding at the brothers who greeted me. They clapped me on the shoulder and asked about Roman. Those who hadn’t visited promised they would. I darted between the big bikers, old ladies, hangarounds, and club girls, adept at weaving my way through the crowd because I’d done it since I was a child.

The loud music, the indistinguishable chatter, the roar of laughter blended together and became white noise. At first, it had been a coping mechanism as a grieving kid. Dad had taken us to family events. Roman brought me as much as possible, so I was always with him.

Finally, I reached the hallway that led to the offices. It took longer than expected because of the sheer number of people concerned about Roman.

As I passed the conference room to get to Boom Boom’s office, he called my name.

“We’re in here.”

Damn it! Boom Boom wanted to see me in the conference room and not his office. I knew what that meant. Nova pulled rank and went to her father to make me talk to her again. She’d gotten me into trouble before with her dad. I could do without his shouting today. I could always threaten to expose her and reveal she was dating a club enemy, but I wouldn’t do that. Those club enemies spared my brother.

Stiffening my backbone, I peeped into the conference room and snapped my brows together. Nova sat to the right of Boom Boom, but all the club officers filled the other chairs.

My stomach knotted and a wave of nausea slid through me.

I greeted Boom Boom first, then said hello in ranking order. Roman drilled three things into me—rank meant everything, never disregard an officer, and never disrespect the club’s colors.

Boom Boom tasted whatever concoction he’d wanted tonight, then set the glass aside again. His black gaze never left my face. I once told Roman that Boom Boom reminded me of Count von Count fromSesame Street. He hadn’t been amused.

“Would you care to explain why you’ve shut my daughter out, Ainsley?” Boom Boom demanded.

Annoyance swirled into me. This show of force wasn’t necessary just so Nova could have her way. “We had a falling out,” I said calmly.

“She tried to apologize on several occasions and you rebuffed her each time.”

That was news to me. She’d tried twice.

“She’s over here, Ainsley,” Boom Boom barked, pointing to her. “You’ve known each other most of your lives and this is how you treat a friend?”

If only my eyes could chop that heifer into tiny pieces. A glare had to suffice. I didn’t want to chew her ass out until we were alone.

“Apology accepted, Nova,” I said sweetly.

“I’m so sorry, Ains,” she said quietly.

“Yeah,no. You hit me for no fucking reason, then you swiped that fucking soup off my dresser.”

Nova got to her feet and rushed to me. “It’s just that I didn’t like what you were saying.”

“Then you could’ve cursed me. Walked out. Told me to lose your fucking number—” Like Reese had. “You could’ve done any of the above as long as you kept your motherfucking hands to your motherfucking self,” I yelled, my brother’s influence showing itself at the wrong time. But I was so furious she’d put me in this predicament and I was angry at Roman’s treatment. I jabbed her chest. “Punching me is a hard no. I would never raise my hand to you.” I wagged my finger at her. “And let me tell you this, wench, you’re so fucking lucky you shocked the fuck out of me because you would’ve left in an ambulance.”

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