Page 130 of Injustice and Absolution

Picking her up, I walk into the bedroom and place her safely on the bed before rushing out of the penthouse to ensure Drew has been handled properly.

Reaper and Crusher pant over Drew’s still form. He’s got a bloody nose and black eye. Judging by all the noise I heard, I’m sure he’s got a bruised or broken rib or two as well.

Knowing it was an easy takedown puts the first hint of a smile on my face in weeks.

Crouching down, I rifle through his pockets until I locate the valet ticket I’m looking for.

“Call JD. He’ll lead you down the service elevator to the loading dock. Atticus and Zephyr are there waiting to take this motherfucker back to our clubhouse.” I hand the valet ticket to Reaper. “Give this to Chubbs so he can claim Drew’s car and it’s not left behind as evidence.”

Not much for talking, they nod in response to my instructions.

“Thank you for your help. The Royal Bastards are in your debt.”

I return to the penthouse, Draven on my heels, closing the doors behind us.

“Send a text to everyone,” I order Draven. “Tell them we got what we came for, and we’ll meet them back at home base shortly.”

“You got it,” he answers as I walk back into the bedroom.

The room already smells like her, the scent filling my nose and breathing life into me. She’s still out cold, and I worry she will be for a while. I’m reminded of the days following thedisappearanceof her father and how fucked-up she was.

I make a mental note to contact Dr. Caraway in the morning and get Delilah back on her schedule immediately.

Laying beside her, I curl her body against mine. We have to get her out of here and back home, but I need this. Just for a little while, I need to hold her close to me.

My hand glides along her side, over the silky dress he put on her. She looks beautiful, but I hate it. I look down the length of her body, at her stockings, her shoes.

That dirtbag trussed her up like a fucking whore.

I run my hand down her arm, trying to calm her even though she can’t feel it. Maybe it’s like being in a coma, where the person can still feel your touch and hear your words.

“You’re safe, kitten. I’ll never let anything happen to you ever again. I love you. I’m going to take you home, where you belong, and care for you until my dying day.

“But first, I’m going to kill the worthless son of a bitch who did this to you. Only this time, I’m going to be patient, making sure he gets exactly what he deserves. No shortcuts. No easy way out, like with your father.”

I kiss the back of her head, inhaling her scent once more. I spend the next few minutes declaring one oath after another to her. And I’m going to spend the rest of my days, ensuring I never break another promise I make to her ever again.

* * *

Thirty minutes later, I have Delilah in my arms in the hotel’s service elevator. Draven and JD flank my sides. When we get to the loading dock, I’m happy to see all of the cars that we parked back here are gone except for my truck.

Hopefully, that means everyone is doing everything they’re supposed to be doing so when I get home, I can get started on the next phase of the plan.

Drew’s punishment.

“This is where I leave you,” JD calls out from behind us. “Good luck from here.”

I turn to face him. “Thank you again. We owe you, big time. Please let Draven or I know if there is ever anything you need, and we’ll be there. No questions asked.”

“You got it,” JD calls back.

“See ya, man.” He and Draven clap hands and say their goodbyes before Draven meets me at the truck.

“I need to drive,” I tell him. “I need to keep my mind focused or else I’ll go crazy. Will you sit in the back with her?”

“Whatever you need,” Draven agrees, opening the back driver’s side door so I can place Delilah in the truck.

He runs around to the other side and helps me get her situated before he lays her head on his lap. I wrap the seat belt around her as best as I can before climbing into the front seat and starting my engine.

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