Page 33 of Harmless
“My dads’ riders’ brought them out of storage and rode them over,” Gwen said with a reassuring look. “I promise your bikes were well taken care of.”
“Oh, I trust you. I’m sure they were.” I sniffed and blinked away my emotion quickly. “So, this is your parents’ club?” I looked around at the impressive fleet of bikers who’d come to our rescue, who were now helping people up the elevators out of the canyon, searching more of the resort, treating injuries, or just shooting the shit with Carter’s men.
“Yeah, Chasing Death MC.”
I cocked my head, letting that name bounce around my brain like a pinball. “I think my uncles know them. Sons of Odin MC.”
Gwen’s eyes widened, and then she bobbed her head up and down in a nod. “Oh, yup. I’ve heard some stories about the Sons of Odin.”
“Don’t corrupt my innocent ears.” I jokingly slapped my palms to my head. “But seriously, Gwen, I can’t thank you enough. We owe you big time.”
She shook her head, her artfully crafted eyebrows furrowing. “Just find the people responsible for this. And end them for good.”
“That’s the plan. Speaking of.” I hopped out of Carter’s truck bed, where we’d been sitting together. “Nella still hasn’t been found. I need to at least see a body before I’m satisfied.”
“I’ll leave you to it. I’ll see if these guys need any help.” Gwen headed off to where a group of Chasing Death medics were packing up supplies.
The worst of the injuries had been treated, including Santos’ shoulder and Paige’s graze. We’d be ready to head to the safe houses in a couple of hours. I couldn’t believe all that had happened occurred over several hours. It felt like I had blinked and now dawn was teasing the eastern edge of the horizon.
A handful of gladiators and service staff had died when caught in the crossfire, including two maids. Paige didn’t have much of a reaction when I told her, though she may have still been in shock. With a blank expression, she only said she didn’t know them. I wondered if she had been discouraged from forming friendships with other maids, just like the fighters were.
Well, she wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore.
Torr and some of the others were burying those who had died trying to escape the resort. As for the ones who attacked us? The vultures and other desert animals would take care of them just fine.
I went down the elevator into the canyon to find a disgruntled Santos waiting for me. He was shirtless with a fresh bandage taped over his shoulder, wearing a clean pair of canvas pants and black leather boots. My heart did a little flutter as the elevator door opened. Who knew if he’d ever take it up, but he’d look so damn hot straddling a motorcycle.
“Don’t you look happy to see me,” I teased, approaching him.
His frown lifted into a smile that took my breath away. “Always, paloma.”
The need to kiss him rode me hard, and I was never one to ignore my urges. So I did, rising up on my tiptoes and bringing a hand to his nape, while our lips connected so effortlessly.
He and Torr had been given clean clothes, cleansing wipes, and toothbrushes from the toiletry supply. Just enough to remove the grime of their captivity before getting into a real shower.
As a result, Santos actually tasted and smelled decently. His lips were just as soft and pillowy as I remembered, his tongue slick against mine now that he’d chugged some water and was decently hydrated.
The bossy persona I’d taken on to see this mission through—the reason why Carter had sarcastically called me president—melted away as Santos didn’t let me break the kiss, his good arm coming around my back to keep me pressed to his chest.
“Fuck, I’m so glad you’re okay,” I whispered when he finally let me breathe. “The whole time I was away from you, I was terrified I’d be too late.”
“But you weren’t.” His fingers came to my chin, holding my face while he let his forehead rest on mine. “I believed you’d make every effort to get back here, but holy shit, I had no idea you’d be such a badass.”
“What, me?” I laughed bitterly. “People died. I got us trapped in here.”
“Everyone knew death would be a risk. The vast majority of us are alive, and thanks to you, free.”
I sighed and leaned against his supportive weight, suddenly feeling much more tired. “There’s still so much left to do.”
“You have more support now. Word of this will spread.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” I leaned away, reluctantly stepping out of his embrace. “On that note, this entire canyon needs to be combed from top to bottom for Nella. She needs to be found or else we have to assume she escaped.”
Santos’ face hardened. “There’s still no sign of the Ghost—I mean, Devin—either. I’ll bet you anything he’s hunting for her.”
“Why, something personal there?”
He blew out a long breath. “You could say that.”
