Page 32 of Finish Line
“Thanks, Tech.”
Athena comes to my side and I wrap my arm around her shoulders. I know she’s shaken up after seein’ that rose, so I take her down the hall to my room.
Chapter Twenty
Athena
Once we’re in the safety of Bull’s room, the tears start pouring down my face and my breathing picks up. I sit on the bed, struggling to breathe. Bull sets the box on the dresser and is by my side in seconds. My eyes are glued to the floor as I fight to regulate my breathing.
“Goddess, babe, look at me,” Bull tells me. His finger is at my chin, lifting my face, so my eyes are on his. “Breathe.”
He takes a deep breath, holds it for a couple seconds, then releases it. My breathing is still sporadic. Bull grabs my hands and takes another deep breath. I attempt to do it with him this time, but a sob catches in my throat.
“Just focus on my breathin’. You can do it,” he encourages me.
He does it a couple more times before I’m able to take a deep breath with him. A few deep breaths later, the tears are still falling, but my breathing has steadied.
“What . . . What are we going to do?” I stutter out.
“We’re gonna stay calm and let Tech do his thing. He’s amazing at what he does and should have some information for me within the hour,” Bull explains. “Until then, we’re gonna go outside and enjoy the company of the brothers and their families.”
“I don’t know if . . . if I can handle being around everyone right now,” I sniffle.
“It’ll be good for you. Being with everyone will help keep your mind off this shit,” he insists.
I nod my head. “Yeah, okay.”
He kisses my forehead. “It’s gonna be okay, Athena. We’ll find him and take care of him.”
“I know what he’s capable of, Jase. He’ll stop at nothing to get me back,” I cry.
“And I’ll stop at nothin’ to keep you safe,” he states. “You’re mine now, remember? That asshole can try all he wants. I’ll fuckin’ kill him.”
I tense at his words.
“I won’t let him hurt you ever again. And if killin’ him is the only way to stop him, it’s what I’ll do,” he says with a softer tone.
“I don’t want you getting in trouble over me,” I tell him.
He chuckles. “Darlin’, I’m the president of the Savage Menaces motorcycle club. I ain’t getting’ in trouble with anyone. You let us do the worryin’, alright?”
“I’ll try,” I reply. I can’t promise him I won’t worry, because I will to some degree. I care about him a lot and Kevin isn’t scared to do whatever he has to, to get to me. I think back to the blue rose and remember there was something else in the box. “I have a question.”
“What’s that?” He sits on the bed next to me.
“What’s the significance of the red starbursts?” I ask.
Bull lets out a sigh. “My wife’s nickname was Cherry. Red starbursts were her thing.”
“How would Kevin know about that?” My face twists in confusion.
“He’s gotta be workin’ with someone who would know information about me,” he states.
“But who?” I question.
“It could be a few people, but I’m thinkin’ it’s someone deep in the cartel who was an alliance in another life,” he explains. “But enough of this. Let’s get outside and mingle with everyone. I’m sure some food will be ready soon.”
“I need to freshen up a bit before I show my face to the whole club.” I give a small laugh.
