Page 59 of Rebel

Iwas like a fucking caged animal, pacing in front of the clubhouse while I waited—and hoped—that Nikki would return home safe and sound. When I got back to the clubhouse the women looked like someone had died when they told me she had left alone to ‘clear her head’, whatever the fuck that meant. Livvy was here with the other kids, enjoying burgers and dogs, her smile smeared with a mixture of ketchup and barbecue sauce.

Livvy was happy and safe, but who the fuck knew where Nikki was?

She hadn’t answered one text or picked up any of my two dozen goddamn calls in four hours. Either she was hurt or ignoring me.

If something had happened, I needed to know. “Shit!” I rushed inside and found Slate eating his weight in barbecue ribs and chicken. “Slate, can you find Nikki’s phone?”

His brows dipped into a frown. “Something wrong?”

“She hasn’t picked up my calls for hours.” I raked a hand through my hair and blew out a long breath. “I’m worried.”

“Are you, or are you just pissed that she’s ignoring you?”

“Both,” I growled. “But what if she’s not just ignoring me?”

Understanding flashed and he nodded. “Yeah okay.” He licked each of his fingers, wiped them with a napkin and hit a bunch of keys until a smile appeared on his face. “Good news is she’s alive. Better news? She’s close.”

“Thanks,” I tossed over my shoulder as I rushed out of his office and the clubhouse to resume pacing the parking lot. Stubborn fucking woman was determined to get herself killed, and for what? Because I was pissed off at her?

Her car turned into our compound and I stopped, watching as she maneuvered around me without sparing me a glance and shifted the car into park. Nikki’s chest rose and fell before she licked her lips and stepped from the car. She leaned into the backseat and came out with a box of something. She saw me, I knew she did, but she didn’t look my way, she just headed for the door like I was fucking invisible.

“Nikki!”

She turned at the sound of my voice and arched one brow. “What?”

“Are you serious? Where the hell have you been?”

She sighed and rolled her eyes. “I’ve been out, not that it’s any of your concern.”

“It is my concern actually. It’s my job to keep you safe, and I can’t fucking do that if you don’t tell me where you’re going!”

“You’re not my keeper, Logan. Livvy is here, safe with your family so what’s the big damn deal?” She hitched the box up against her hip and narrowed her gaze at me. “I’m here. I’m fine.”

“Yeah, well how the fuck was I supposed to know?” Was this woman really so fucking oblivious?

“You weren’t. If I wanted to tell you, I would have.”

“Just because we’re not talking doesn’t mean I want something to happen to you. And if it had, I would’ve been in the dark about it.”

She rolled her eyes, making it clear she didn’t believe me. “You don’t have to pretend with me Logan. I can take care of myself. You just worry about Livvy.”

“Goddammit, Nikki!” I grabbed her arm, and she yanked free, almost dropping the box.

“Get your handsoffme!” She shook her head. “Don’t yell at me, I am not your fucking child!”

I laughed bitterly. “Maybe I’ll just wait five fucking years and find out what you are!” It was a low blow, I knew it as the words flew from my mouth—but I couldn’t stop them any more than I could’ve stopped my next breath.

Her nostrils flared but her expression remained otherwise blank. “Right.” Without another word, she turned and went inside the clubhouse. The bar was full but oddly quiet, which meant they’d all been listening to us argue. “I brought dessert,” she called out and set the box on the bar before she glared at me and hauled ass to her room.

My feet moved on their own, following her but she slammed the door—and locked it—before I made it to her. “Nikki!” I pounded on the door so hard it shook and if I let myself, I’d knock it down.

“Go away,” she called through the door. Her words were muffled but I heard the sentiment loud and clear.

“Open the goddamn door or I’ll break it down!”

Laughter sounded on the other side of the door. “It’s your door, not mine.”

Fuck.

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