Page 19 of Biker On The Hill
The sheriff’s attention slides to me.“I’m sorry this is happening to you.Luckily the fire was quickly under control.”
“Yeah, because my VP and my sister both acted fast.What if they got hurt?What if there were people standing in front of the window?Throwing a brick through a kitchen window is one thing, throwing a Molotov cocktail through a bookstore window is intentionally starting a fucking fire to destroy someone’s business.”Abbott’s voice is harsh and angry.
I should be angry too.Maybe the numbness I feel instead is due to my bucket holding all my emotions over the past few weeks is overflowing already?Who knows.
A tired sigh rips from me.“I should go and check the store.”
If I didn’t have to wait and talk to the sheriff this morning it would have been me working in the store instead of Delcy, who thank fuck brought her old man with her.
Abbott places a kiss on the top of my head and murmurs, “We’re going to wait a few minutes for Kevon and Oswin to get here.I don’t want to leave your home unprotected.Especially with that fucker starting a fire, and the cat is still locked in the bathroom.”
“Mina.”A small gasp leaves me.
How could I forget about her?At least one of us is still thinking clearly.My chest tightens.I can’t lose anyone or anything else.Not my best friend, not my cat, not the house, the store.When will the grief, torment, and danger come to an end?
“Maybe I should just give Vance everything and be done with it.”My voice is shallow and a mere whisper and yet, both men’s heads turn to me.
“Fuck, no,” Abbott snaps.
“You can’t let anyone bully you into anything,” the sheriff firmly states.“You’ve done nothing wrong and have a big heart from what I’ve heard.Evina was damn lucky to have a friend like you.It was her decision in life and everyone else has to respect her wishes, especially now she’s dead.The law will make sure everything is handled correctly, and I’m going to do my best to uphold it as well.Though, I advise you to keep Abbott close by at all times.You shouldn’t be alone while Vance is still at large.”
Abbott’s grip tightens on my hip.“I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
The sheriff gives a tight nod and leaves, letting Kevon and Oswin inside.Abbott quickly gives both men some information and then we each dive into a bedroom to throw some clothes on.
Instead of taking my car, I let Abbott guide me in the direction of his bike.He hands me a helmet and I strap it on while he fires up the bike.At least I can have a moment to clear my head and enjoy the ride.
Pushing everything out of my mind, I wrap my arms around Abbott and push my lower body against him.His strength and warmth seep into me while trees flash by.The ride into town is short, but I simply breathe in the man in front of me and the serenity he has to offer.
Once the bike comes to a stop in front of the bookstore my freshly gained serenity vanishes the next instant.The large window on the left side of my bookstore is shattered and I can already see the black soot covering the floor.
Stepping inside, Delcy rushes toward me and grabs me in a tight hug.Abbott’s hand is on my lower back to steady me.
“That fucker is deader than dead once I get my hands on him,” Delcy growls once she pulls back but holds my shoulders in a tight grip.“Layton and I both saw Vance throw the Molotov cocktail.The fucker doesn’t even care if he has witnesses, he’s on a self-destructive rampage.”
“Can we keep our voices down until they’re done logging in the evidence and are all gone?”Abbott grumbles under his breath.
Delcy glares at her brother.“They’re finishing up.One patrol car will stay outside to keep an eye on the place.”
A car honks outside and draws all of our attention.
“Good, they’re here,” Abbott states.
I glance over my shoulder to see a few of Abbott’s club brothers unload large panels of wood.Swallowing hard to get rid of the thickening lump of emotions in my throat, I turn back to Abbott.
“Thank you,” I croak.
Abbot reaches out and grabs the back of my neck to pull me close.I gasp when his lips brush mine and feel his tongue dip inside to swirl against mine.Tingles spread throughout my body, sparking positivity inside me.
He pulls back way too soon and simply states, “Everything for my old lady.”
“Old lady,” I murmur.
The corner of his lip twitches.“Where did you think we were going when I suggested the date?”
“To go get a burger?”I deadpan.
A few people chuckle around us and Abbott slowly shakes his head.“What fills your lungs with joy, and makes you feel alive, Ryett?”
