Page 22 of Striker

Doctor Hank just looked at me, blinking his eyes. “I can hear you just fine, dear. Help me up, I’m fine.” I took his hand and helped him sit up. “The real question is; are you okay? Lilah, I don’t understand how he got in. Are you okay? Let’s get you upstairs.”

The doors flew open a second time making both of us jump. Striker came rushing in, falling on his knees next to me. “Lilah! My Little Lark. Are you okay? Where did he hurt you? Oh Jesus Christ, I’m so sorry.”

He pulled me to his chest, kissing my head over and over. I pulled back and took his hands in mine. “Striker. I’m okay, I promise.”

He took my face in his hands and looked at my neck. “He fucking hurt you! Doctor, let’s get her upstairs quick!”

I grabbed his hands again and brought them to my chest. “Levi! Look at me, now.” Striker looked right into my eyes, those blue eyes cold as ice. “I am fine. Doctor Tickner needs medical attention. Please help me get him upstairs.” I looked over at the doctor and pointed to him. “And don’t you argue with me. Your head needs to be cleaned, stitched, CT scan and MRI.”

We got Doctor Hank upstairs to a private room and laid him down on the exam bed. Striker was pacing as I took my small pen flashlight and performed a few tests on the doctor. “Alright. Let’s get you cleaned up. Striker, open the drawer and pass me some of those cleaning pads.” I turned toward the open door and yelled for one of the nurses. “Amanda, please get me some numbing gel, a suture kit, and water. I also want a CT scan and MRI after.” The nurse nodded and came back a few seconds later with all the supplies I needed on a neat little cart. “Alright Doctor, let's get this over so we can do those tests.” I rubbed the gel around the cut on his forehead, making sure it would be relatively numb for him. I grabbed the suture kit and took out the needle and sutures. “I’m using the vicryl, so it will just dissolve on its own. It’s a small cut, but not terribly bad. Won’t even leave a scar.” I smiled as I carefully stitched up the Doctor, humming quietly to myself. “Alright then! Looks good. You know the drill, now let Amanda take you over to get some testing done.”

Doctor Hank stood and gave me a big hug. “Lilah, your Daddy would be so proud. I know I made the right decision by choosing you. Now, go home and get some rest. And don’t worry, I will get a ride home.” I just smiled and turned to clean up, forcing the tears back.

Striker was still in the corner of the room with a dark, angry look on his face. “Choosing you? What is he talking about, Lilah?”

I sat on the stool and rolled over to him. Taking his hands in mine, I kissed them and started to explain, “He wants me to take over. Like the whole place. Pay for my schooling, mentor me, the whole thing. And I wouldn’t have to leave. I didn’t say ‘yes,’ but I didn’t say ‘no’...” I looked at Striker to see if there was any emotion on his face. Those icy blue eyes gave away nothing.

“Great. I’m proud of you Lilah.” There was no emotion in his words. I turned and started to clean up.

“How did you get here so fast Striker?” He looked away as he stood from the chair. I could tell he wanted to leave and avoid this conversation. We were both scared of making the same mistakes as last time.

“Doc called me when he couldn’t find you. Knew something was wrong. I need to talk to the Prospects.” He stormed out of the room, not a single emotion showing. My sweet Levi had, once again, transformed into the cold and dangerous Striker.

I grabbed my things from my office and headed toward the front entrance. As the doors opened, I could hear screaming. I ran toward the voices on the side of the building. As I turned the corner, I could see Striker, finger in somebody’s face as he has them pressed up against the wall. Running toward them, I got closer to see who it was. I realized it was Billy up against the wall, terrified, shaking, fear spreading across his face.

I gently put my hand on Striker’s shoulder, “Levi.” Just one, whispered word, made him turn around; his face going from angry to calm in a matter of seconds. “Striker. Come on. It wasn’t Billy’s fault and you know it. Danny snuck in when he had the opportunity. He’s sneaky and there’s no way you can post everybody out here and neglect other duties.” Billy had stopped shaking, looked back and forth between myself and Striker. “Come on babe, let's get back to the clubhouse. Deal with it there, not out in the open.” I tugged on his arm, trying to get him to just walk away.

Striker ran his hand down his face, wrapping his other arm around me. He pointed at Billy who was still frozen against the wall. “You’re lucky today, Prospect. Lucky Lilah is a fucking saint. Lucky Lilah grew up with you. Lucky she knows you have the hots for her and takes it easy on you. But next time, if this fucking happens again because you would rather flirt with a nurse than do your goddamn job, you won’t be as lucky. Thin fucking ice, Billy.” He turned and stalked toward his motorcycle.

I patted Billy on the arm, “Don’t let that Prospect patch go to your head. Chin up, you made a mistake. Own it and just don’t let it happen again. It’s okay, Billy. I’m okay.”

I turned and walked toward the front to Striker’s motorcycle. He turned to me and gently put my helmet on my head. He took my face in his hands and kissed me. “I love you, Lilah,” He turned and threw his leg over the motorcycle.

Climbing on behind him, I wrapped my arms around him, holding on tight, not wanting to ever let go. He revved the engine and took off. Gliding around turns, and over the hills. I closed my eyes while the wind whipped around my face. I tried not to think about what happened earlier, but the emotions won as tears slowly fell down my face.

Chapter 16

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