Page 103 of Bad Luck, Hard Love
I clear my throat, surprising even myself with what comes out next. “As soon as everyone is released from the hospital, end it. I want to be there.” No one argues.
Raze gives a single, solemn nod. “We'll make the arrangements.”
One by one, the men file out, leaving with promises to return tomorrow. The room feels suddenly larger, emptier without their imposing presence.
“You're the bravest person I know,” Thor says once we're alone, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my arm. “Most people would be running as far from this life as possible after what you've been through.”
“I'm not brave,” I correct him, the words coming out rougher than intended. “I'm angry. There's a difference.”
“Is there?” Thor's thumb traces across my knuckles. “Because from where I'm sitting, choosing to face your demons instead of running from them sounds pretty fucking brave to me.”
I shift slightly, wincing as the movement pulls at tender muscles. “I'm tired of running. Tired of looking over my shoulder. Tired of him having power over me even when he's not in the room.”
“And after? When it's done?”
“Freedom with zero regrets about what it’s taken to get here. Freedom that, I hope, you’ll share with me.”
Thor's arm tightens around me, careful to avoid my bruises.
“Freedom with you,” he says. “I like the sound of that.”
The gravity of his words hangs between us, thick with promise. I reach up, tracing the outline of his split lip with my fingertip. Even battered and broken, he's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
“I don't know what happens next,” I admit. “I've spent so long just trying to survive that I never thought about what living might look like.”
“We figure it out together.” His hand captures mine, pressing a kiss to my palm that sends warmth cascading through my veins. “Day by day. No rush.”
A soft knock interrupts us. The door cracks open to reveal Hanna, the medic who helped free me from Terrance's restraints. She's traded her leathers for scrubs, but her stare is just as sharp.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she says, stepping into the room with a small duffel bag. “Thought you might want some real clothes. Hospital gowns aren't exactly fashion-forward.”
“Thank you,” I say, genuinely touched by the gesture. “For everything.”
Hanna shrugs, setting the bag on the chair by Thor’s bedside. She starts to leave, but I call out to her.
“Are you with the other club? The Black Hoods?”
“Nah,” she laughs. “I served with Hero. I’m a doctor here at the house. I ride with a veteran MC. Hero reached out when he realized how bad shit was going to get.”
“My club’s vice president,” Thor adds in.
“He stick around or did he take off?” Hanna asks.
Thor shrugs. “He hasn’t stopped by.”
“Tell him I said hi when you see him next. Been a long time since he reached out. Damn good to hear him doing so well. I always worried he’d be a statistic like so many other of our brothers and sisters in arms who saw combat.”
A Code Blue page goes off over the loudspeaker. “Gotta run. I’ll swing back by after my rounds to check on you both.”
She's gone before either of us can respond.
You hungry? It's melted, but still chocolate.”
I eye the sad puddle of brown liquid. “That looks absolutely disgusting.”
“Hospital gourmet,” he grins, scooping up a spoonful and holding it toward me. “Come on, live dangerously.”
“I think I've done that enough for one lifetime. You should rest,” I start to disentangle myself from his side.
