Page 68 of Dagger

“I don’t need thanks, babe.”

Suddenly I felt overwhelmed. My head was spinning and my stomach churned. My legs shook as if they belonged to someone else, but somehow, I managed to sidestep overturned boxes and shelves while inhaling jet fumes before I stumbled out into the cool night air and deposited the contents of my stomach onto the ground.

I leaned back until my gaze landed on the stars that twinkled above and slowly closed my eyes, inhaling the crisp desert air. My legs buckled beneath me, and I cried out when my knees smacked the pavement.

“I got you, babe.” Dagger’s voice was soothing as his arms wrapped around me and lifted me up. “You’re okay, Sinclair. You’re okay.”

I wasn’t okay, not even a little bit. I was more fucked up today than I was yesterday, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever get any better. My half-brother had just tried to kill me, Dagger put his life on the line for me. I could never have forgiven myself if Dani ended up an orphan because of me.

Not to mention the pregnancy that I needed to tell him about. “I’m fine,” I managed. “I’m fine.” I repeated the words for myself more than him or the group of bikers that quickly surrounded us.

Get yourself together.

I swiped away my tears and tried for a smile I didn’t feel. “Thank you. Each and every one of you, for coming to my rescue. I’m not sure how I’ll ever be able to repay you.”

Hawk, the pretty one, smiled. “You don’t have to thank us, you’re family, Sinclair.”

I suddenly had a thought, “How’s Sarah?”

“She’s okay,” Hawk said. “She’s at the clubhouse.”

“Come on,” Dagger whispered, and pulled me close. “I’ll take you there.”

I shook my head again. The last place I wanted to be was surrounded by people. I needed to be alone with my thoughts.

“You need medical attention,” he said.

My hand instinctively went to my head, where I felt the throbbing goose egg. “Right. I should go to the hospital.”

“No need.” Diesel stepped forward. “Katey and Laura are waiting for you at the clubhouse. Let’s get going.”

***

The ride to the clubhouse was a blur. I was completely lost in my thoughts, wondering how I was supposed to piece my life back together after this.

Tonight, I would allow myself to cry and grieve for all the things I’d lost. Tonight, I would let my feelings take over and then I’d take care of business. Tell Dagger about the baby.

No matter how he took the news, I wanted to go ahead with the pregnancy.

It was a plan, that was all I could say about it. But I had a plan, which meant I had something to focus on to help me move forward.

“Miss Bronson!” Dani rushed at me the minute I stepped inside the clubhouse. Her face was stained with dried tears as she collided with me and wrapped her little arms around me. “I’m so happy you’re alive!” She cried hard and I held her close.

“I’m happy too,” Sarah said, and hugged me and Dani together.

I let my eyes slide closed and savored the feeling of being so wholly and completely loved.

I pushed away all my worries and tried to focus on the moment.

“That mean man said you were dead.”

“He was wrong,” I assured the worried little girl. “I’m alive.”

She flashed a sad smile. “I’m glad. I love you, Miss Bronson.”

My heart seized. “I love you too, Dani.” I did love her, and she deserved to know it. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with me and her father, but I was carrying her half brother or sister, and I would always be a part of her life. My gaze flicked up to Sarah and my heart clenched. “I’m so sorry I got you involved in all this.”

“I’m sorry this happened to you, honey. So sorry.” She hugged me again. “And your hunk came to your rescue.”

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