Page 78 of Crow's Haven
“Yeah, and you’re safe,” he whispers raggedly, voice thick with emotion and relief. “That’s all that matters to me.”
I hold him tight, tears streaming unchecked down my face. Over his shoulder, I watch the agents drag the man roughly towards a waiting SUV, its door slamming shut with finality. One of them lifts up his hand in a call-me gesture. I nod because I know they’re gonna want to take a statement from me about all this.
Justice is finally being served and the relief I feel is indescribable. Now, more than ever, I know just how far Crow will go to protect me.
He whispers, “Smoke told me you did good.”
I nod, pulling back long enough to look him in the eyes. “Yes. We found the contaminated IV bags. They’re taking them to the lab to test them.”
He begins walking me to his bike. “That’s what you need in order to clear your name, right?”
“My name’s already cleared. They already pulled information off the admin computers and cell phones. They wereall in cahoots framing me, but Salinas Pharmaceuticals was at the root of it.”
When we get to his bike, Crow holds my face tenderly in both hands, brushing his thumb gently across my cheek. “Ready to get out of here? To go back home?”
I nod, fighting back tears. “More than ready. I’ve been dreaming about going back to your place, since the day I left.”
He lifts me onto his bike and helps me settle into place on the seat before he gets on. I settle in close, my arms wrapped around his waist, the familiar scent of leather and engine oil soothing and reassuring.
Crow fires up the engine, and the vibrations nearly shake me apart. We roll slowly towards the exit, past rows of flashing lights, stunned faces, and curious onlookers. Behind me, Twin Rivers Medical Center fades into the distance, no longer my burden.
The night air rushes past us, cool and fresh. The highway stretches ahead into darkness, lit only by moonlight and stars scattered across the velvet sky. I press my cheek to Crow’s strong back, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong beneath me.
This man—my protector, my strength, my partner—brought me back from the brink. He trusted me, fought for me, stood beside me through everything. Now, with him at the handlebars, we ride towards freedom, towards a future built on truth and courage.
We crest a gentle rise, and Crow twists the throttle gently, engine roaring beneath us. I laugh softly, feeling suddenly light, as if all the darkness has finally been cast behind us. The road ahead is open and bright, calling us forward.
Crow reaches back briefly, squeezing my hand. “Hang tight, Ladybug,” he shouts above the wind. “We’ve got a lot of life ahead.”
I hold onto him tighter, nodding against his shoulder, heart soaring. Justice came tonight, fierce and unstoppable. Tomorrow, we’ll face whatever else comes our way together, stronger than ever.
For now, the road is ours—just Crow and me, riding into the night, leaving the shadows behind at last.
Chapter 27
Crow
Three Months Later
The cabin don’t look like much from the outside, but it’s one of my favorite perks of being in the Savage Legion MC. It might be just wood and nails and an old tin roof, but it’s a quiet, serene refuge from the hustle and bustle of our busy life.
There are just trees, thick with green foliage, a gigantic firepit, and a sunset to die for. The river’s slow-moving perfection, and great for boating and fishing. My old lady especially loves it here.
Seeing her standing barefoot in the grass without a care in the world is the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.
Now that all her legal troubles are behind her and she’s managed to clear her name, her laugh is soft, carefree, and easy on the ears. Seeing her happy does my heart good. She’s everything me and my boys ever dreamed of as a potential wife and mother.
Me? I’ve been acting twitchy all damn day. I can’t seem to sit still. Drank two beers and didn’t taste either.
Sharon has noticed. She keeps glancing at me like she’s waiting for me to say what’s on my mind.
This is one of the most important nights of my life, and I need to get my shit together. Pushing off the railing, I take a deep breath and tell myself it’s time to stop stallin’.
“Hey,” I call out, voice scratching a little in my throat. “Come with me. Got something I wanna show you.”
She raises a brow, playful suspicion in her eyes. “Is this a surprise or a setup?”
“Maybe a little of both,” I tell her. Then I jerk my chin towards the trees. “C’mon.”
