Page 110 of Boulder's Weight

I nod, understanding why everyone is being so cautious. "He's my brother, Boulder. He's the only one who ever stood up for me."

Boulder's arm slides around my waist, drawing me against his side. "I know. And I'm not going to get between you two. But the club needs to be careful."

I lean into him. "I understand."

Brick finishes his examination, confirming what I already knew—Sam's ribs are badly bruised, possibly cracked, but not broken.

He gives Sam some pain meds out of the first aid kit and apologizes for not having anything better.

Sam's eyes track Boulder's arm around my waist, a small smile playing at his lips. "So, you're the one who's been protecting my sister."

Boulder nods, his stance shifting. "I am."

"He claimed me," I explain, watching Sam's reaction carefully. "For protection."

Sam's eyebrow raises slightly. "Just protection?"

I feel heat creep into my cheeks. "It's complicated."

Sam laughs, then winces, holding his ribs. "It always is with you, sis."

"I'll give you two some time," Boulder says, pressing a kiss to my temple before moving toward the door. "I'll be right outside if you need me."

Once he's gone, Sam fixes me with a knowing look. "He's more than just protection, isn't he?"

I sit beside him on the bed, suddenly feeling shy. "Like I said, it's complicated."

"Does he make you happy?" Sam asks, cutting right to the chase like he always does.

I think about the past few weeks with Boulder—the way he looks at me when he thinks I don't notice, the protectiveness, the moments of surprising tenderness.

"Yes," I admit. "He does."

"Then it's not complicated at all," Sam says simply.

Tears prick at my eyes again. "God, I've missed you."

"I've missed you too." He takes my hand, squeezing it weakly. "When I heard what Benji was planning, I knew I had to find you. I couldn't let him hurt you again."

Dread pools in my stomach, but I have to know. "What is he planning, Sam?"

Sam's expression darkens. "He wants to bring you back. Make an example of you before Dad dies. Show what happens to family who betray us."

I shudder, remembering Benji's idea of examples. "And he's working with this Sally woman?"

"I don't know the details. Just that he found someone who hates your club as much as he hates you. I don’t think he had that plan when he came here, but something changed, and he’s unhinged." Sam's eyes drift closed for a moment, the medication starting to take effect. "Be careful, Cady. He's not the brother we grew up with anymore."

He means the redeemable brother, the one who still had some good left in him.

I stay with Sam until he falls asleep, then slip out of the room to find Boulder leaning against the wall, just as he promised.

"He's resting," I tell him, emotionally drained but relieved to have Sam here.

Boulder nods, his eyes searching my face. "You okay?"

"Better than I've been in a long time," I say honestly. "Having Sam here... it's like having a piece of myself back that I didn't know was missing."

"I'm glad," Boulder says, and I can tell he means it. "He seems to care about you a lot."

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