Page 122 of Bronco

Ryder stands, taking a swill of coffee. He winces and slides out from the booth. “Gonna ride with me,” I tell Erica, holding onto her arm as she grabs her bag. “Can go grab your shit from the motel, but we ain’t got much room.”

“I just need my things,” she says. “Where are we going?”

“To the Holiday Inn.” I tip my head to the waitress as she finger waves. I think the fifty bucks did the trick because there aren’t any cops in sight. “I’ll take you to see Amber and Olive at first light.”

Once we’re outside she turns to me, then flings herself into my arms. “You’re an angel, Bronco, all of you?—”

I let her hug me, knowing this woman has been to Hell and back. “It’s gonna be okay. Amber’s been lookin’ for you, and I gotta tell you, woman, you better have a damn good explanation for why you left without tellin’ her shit. She’s been worried sick.”

“I panicked,” she whispers, her voice ragged. She’s a wreck. “I didn’t want any harm to come to Amber and Olive. Amber has already done so much for me.”

“She loves you, and you’re her family, but if you pull a fuckin’ stunt like that again and hurt her, you’re gonna have worse problems to worry about than the Olgettis, you got me?”

She glances up, her mouth opening and closing. “I… I understand.”

“Good. C’mon. Let’s get you something decent to eat and pretend this conversation never happened.”

I need to get back to my girl.

24

AMBER

I stare at the phone.It’s almost 2 am and I’m still in a daze.

He found her. He really fucking found her.

Bronco sounded tired, but also relieved. To hear Erica’s voice… it meant the world to me. Sure, I’m mad as fuck at her, but I also love her so much that I couldn’t yell. Not yet, anyway. When she gets back, there will be plenty to say.

I brace myself to talk to Olive, ready to explain that her mom is coming back today, and that everything is going to be okay from here on in. Erica can start a new life here with Olive; it’s what she wanted to do before all this mess took over our lives.

I sink back against the island, relief flooding through me. A few moments later, I feel a wet nose nudge my leg. Looking down, Titan’s sweet face peers up at me. He looks as perplexed as a dog ever could, the concern I see in his big brown eyes is unnerving. “Good boy,” I whisper. “Such a good boy.”

He nuzzles his head into my hand as I scratch him behind the ears, easing his tension. He mewls in contentment, and it’s as if he really does feel all the angst around him. After a few moments, he flops at my feet, yawning like he’s done a good job.

I owe so much to Bronco and to the club, and I know I can never repay it, but I’ll do everything in my power to make sure the money is not only paid back with interest, but that Erica stays on the straight and narrow from now on. No more loan sharks, and no more running away trying to fix a bad situation only to make it worse.

I wish I could talk to Abigail about this, but it’s a lot for someone in the MC to deal with, and I don’t want her involved. She obviously knows I work for the Rebels, and often teases me about the hot bikers. If only it were that simple.

My mind brings me back to the present moment; I shudder at the thought of what Erica has been through, but also what she’s put me through worrying about her. I’ve shielded Olive for most of it, but she’s becoming more curious with her questions, and the kid isn’t dumb. I never wanted Olive to be burdened with the actual truth, and it’s been searing a hole in my heart as big as Texas. We always said we would never have any lies between us, and Erica broke that. I know it’ll take some time to forgive her, but I also understand running. We’ve done it before, and when you’re scared, you do things without thinking. I just wish she’d have come to me. This whole mess could’ve been sorted out.

I sigh, knowing that I need to get some rest. Olive has to be up for school, and I’m even contemplating letting her stay back today depending on when Bronco sets off. Cash made it clear that although the coast is clear now with Cut City Boys, we have to stay put until he gives the go ahead to go home. I’m assuming that’ll be when Bronco comes back. As the MC Prez, it’s his job to make sure everyone is protected under his roof. I get that, and as much as I want to go home and sleep in my own bed, I’m not going to make a fuss. The club has already gone above and beyond for me in ways that I could never dream of. So staying here a little while longer isn’t an issue. Now that we have Bronco and Erica returning, my heart could sing with joy.

I came down to the kitchen to get a glass of water after Bronco’s call. My throat is dry and hoarse from the crying jag I had just earlier. I tiptoe back up the stairs to bed, with Titan on my heels, and sleep finds me swiftly. I just can’t wait for the morning light so Olive can be reunited with her mom again. It’s all I’ve wanted for these last few weeks, and I can’t wait for her to be back where she belongs: with her family.

I end up taking Olive to school the next morning. Of course, Titan rides with us because there is no keeping him at the clubhouse. Since Bronco won’t be back until lunchtime, I want to get my house in some sort of order ready for Erica’s return. Cash insisted that one of the prospects go with me, but since they’re off doing other errands, the only other brother available is one of the Nomad Brothers. Brew, to be precise.

He’s the broodiest, quietest biker in the entire MC, and while I don’t feel uncomfortable with him, it feels kinda awkward when he folds himself into my SUV, pushing the seat back because he’s so huge, and taking up all of the room in the front seat.

Olive chats the entire way to school, patting Titan’s head as she rambles, and occasionally Brew gives her one or two word replies if she asks him something. Clearly this man has never been around kids before, but at least he tries.

After giving Titan a pat, Olive skips off happily through the gates, meeting up with Cami as she waves goodbye.

I climb back in my vehicle, waiting for Brew because he stepped out. I’ve gotta hand it to the guy, he takes the job seriously.

“Is everything okay?” I ask when he climbs back in.

“Drive.”

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