Page 24 of The Bane of a Sinner
“What the goddamn hell are you talking about?” The question clawed its way out, leaving a bitter taste coating my tongue.
“The club, Bane. George, the board... everyone.” His breath hitched.
“I don’t give a flying fuck about the club,” I snarled, icy fury radiating off me in waves. Turning, I started back toward the room, toward Diana—the scent of her perfume, usually a balm, now a sharp, desperate reminder of the danger.
A hand, like a vise, clamped down on my arm. Shame’s grip was surprisingly strong, his fear palpable.
“August,” he hissed my name like a desperate prayer. “Listen to me. Get Diana out. Now. If George sees you with her... he’ll fucking destroy you both.” The desperation in his voice, coupled with the stark terror etched on his face, was more terrifying than any threat from George himself. This wasn’t just about club business; this was about survival. And suddenly, the chill that had settled on my skin was no longer just anger—it was ice-cold fear.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“He knows she was admitted,” my intern said firmly, standing his ground. “That sick fucker called him. He’s on George’s payroll.”
Shame’s words hit me like a physical blow.
I knew George Stone’s reach was long, but the realization that my intern was more level-headed than I was in that moment sent a fresh wave of anger coursing through me.
I cursed under my breath, my mind racing. I knew Diana and I were living on borrowed time. I just thought we’d have more than a few months together.
“Okay,” I said, making a decision. “Give me fifteen minutes. Tell George I need to speak to him privately. Buy me some time. Then meet me out front.”
Shame nodded, his face set in a determined expression. He turned and disappeared down the hallway, his footsteps echoing on the linoleum floor.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I had to do next. Diana was my responsibility, and I would get her out of here and to safety, no matter the cost. As I pushed open the door to Diana’s room, my heart hammered in my chest. The sight of her, pale and vulnerable in the hospital bed, sent a stab of protectiveness through me. She looked up at me, her eyes wide and fearful, and I forced a reassuring smile.
“Baby, I need to get you out of here,” I said, my voice gentle. “But we have to move quickly. Can you walk?”
She nodded, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. “I think so,” she said, her voice weak but determined.
I helped her to her feet, my hand supporting her elbow. As we made our way slowly toward the door, I kept a careful eye on the hallway, alert for any sign of George Stone or my club brothers. “What about Dr. Wilcox?” Diana asked, her voice laced with worry.
“He won’t be a problem,” I said, my jaw clenched. “But we have to move.”
“You know.”
Cupping her face, I quickly kissed her, resting my forehead against hers. “I knew the second I saw your tattoo, baby. Your family is well known in the Biker Federation. There is so much we have to talk about, but not right now. I don’t care who you are, baby. I love you. You’re mine now, and so is our son. Fuck everyone else.”
I guided Diana through the maze of hallways, my heart hammering in my chest. I knew we didn’t have much time before George and my club brothers would be on us. Shame could hold them off for only so long. Every step felt like an eternity, each corner we turned a potential ambush. I kept a firm grip on Diana’s elbow, ready to pull her back and protect her at any sign of danger.
“August, wait,” Diana whispered, her eyes darting around anxiously. “What about my father? He’ll come after you. He’ll never let me go without a fight.”
I paused, my hand tightening on the door handle. “Your father will be the least of my worries if I don’t get you out of here now,” I said through gritted teeth. “My club has eyes and ears everywhere. You’re not safe here.”
She bit her lip, her fear warring with her determination. “I know, but he’s not going to just let me walk away. He’ll hunt us down.”
I pulled her close, my eyes burning into hers. “Then you’ll run. You’ll disappear where he can never find you. But first, I need to get you out of this hospital.”
The exit loomed ahead, a beacon of hope in the dim hallway. I could almost taste the freedom that awaited us beyond those doors. But as we approached, a familiar figure stepped into our path. It was Shame, his eyes wild with panic. “Bane, they’recoming. Wilcox went straight to George. He’s on his way with the others. We have to go now!”
I cursed under my breath, my hand instinctively reaching for the gun at my waist. “Take Diana and get out of here. I don’t care where you take her; just get her the hell out of here. I’ll hold them off,” I said, my voice steady despite the fear in my eyes.
It was the only way. The only chance was to split up.
“I know of a place they will never find her.”
Shoving Diana toward Shame, I yelled, “Go now! Meet me at the clubhouse when she’s safe.”
“What about Montana?” Shame asked.
