Page 36 of Sanction

“I’m okay momma,” I whisper as I squeeze around her middle.

Skittles enters behind him with Tanner leaning into his side.

“Oh Tanner!” My mom steps over, wrapping her arms around her.

“Come in. Let's get them to sit down.” My mom quickly wipes away a stray tear.

“Girls, I need water,” Ember snaps at Chasity and Jasmine as they stand by the bar watching us.

“Yes mam,” Jazmine answers as she turns for the kitchen. Chasity reluctantly turns to follow and the bitch has the gall to roll her eyes. If I wasn’t traumatized at the moment, I’d kick her ass.

“I’m so glad y’all are home.” Ember hugs us both tightly before we move over to the couch. “What do you need?” She asks.

My mom pushed my hair off of my shoulder and I saw her tear up again as she gently brushed her fingers over my bruised cheek. Her eyes moved to Tanner next, then she tenderly touched her bruised shoulder.

“It’s probably not as bad as it looks,” I whisper.

“We called Doc. Had to leave a message. He may be in surgery, but we are getting him out here as quickly as possible.” She added.

When Jazmine came back with the waters, Tanner and I guzzled them down like we hadn’t had a drink in ages. Which isn’t too far off considering we got to take a few sips of water a day. I knew we were dehydrated, fatigued, and honestly, I’m not sure how either of was functioning psychologically at this point.

My mom and Ember buzzed around, trying to make us comfortable. We are all on edge as we wait for the guys to return. I knew what was probably happening, but I know as well as anyone, you don’t ask questions. I was relieved to be home. Relieved to be on safe grounds, but I was aching. Not just my body, but my soul. I needed him.

An hour passed when the clubhouse door opened. It was Maverick, followed by Romeo, Tank, and Boston. He came straight towards me and wrapped me up in his arms after I stood.

“I’m so happy you are okay,” he whispered.

I nodded. I couldn’t speak. He leaned back to look at me, like he was finally taking in my bruises and my physical state. Rage passed through his dark eyes before he stepped away and moved to Tanner.

I sat back down. My eyes continued bouncing from the door to my feet. I was holding my breath. Waiting for him to walk through. I needed him to walk through. Maverick held Tanner, whispering soothing words in her ear. She hugged him as he kissed her cheeks and forehead. I longed for that. Longed for the day Travis would love me out loud. Not just behind closed doors.

My fingers traced the paisley patterns on the couch and I counted each breath I took. It felt like it had been hours, possibly days. The creek of the door tore me from my trance and when I turned my gaze, I met a pair of baby blue eyes.

Before I could think, I was on my feet. Even though I was in pain and even though it stung to breathe, I ran across the room and dove right into his arms.

Chapter 22

Travis

The second I had her in my arms it was like a thousand pounds was lifted off of my shoulders. Her arms clung to my neck and her long legs wrapped around my waist. I couldn’t help but bury my face in her hair. I inhaled deeply, not even realizing how much I missed her scent. I felt the shudder before her sobs broke out. Like she had been holding on, staying strong until she felt safe enough to break down. My hand rubbed up and down her spine, trying to soothe the pain. She finally lifted her head, so I could see her eyes. Our foreheads fell together and my eyes closed as I reminded myself, she was safe. She was alive. In my arms. I opened my eyes and not giving a fuck about who was in the room, or who was watching, I pressed my lips to hers. It wasn’t a long passionate kiss, but it was one that held a lot of emotion. When I pulled back her teary gaze remained on mine.

“Skittles. Get her things and bring them to my room. She’s staying with me.” I spoke to him, but my eyes were on her.

“I got it,” he answered.

She pulled me close again, tucking her face against the crook of my neck. Everyone in the room knew what my words meant. I didn’t have to come out and say “I claim her”. My eyes scanned around the room. Every brother understood just from my look alone. She’s mine. When I reached Gerry, a faint smile drifted across her lips before she and Ember disappeared into the kitchen. There was one face I hadn’t got to yet, and when I locked eyes with Maverick, I didn’t back down. A few emotions passed through his face. Confusion, surprise, and maybe even some anger. But we both knew it wasn’t the time to have this conversation. He finally broke the contact and turned away to place a kiss on Tanner’s forehead. With that, I turned, and carried Dani up the stairs to our room.

I reached into the shower, turning the faucet with Dani still strapped to my chest. Stepping back, I lowered her down to let her settle on the counter top.

“Let’s get you out of these so we can clean you up,” I said quietly.

She let go of my neck and placed her hands on the marble to gain her balance.

“Princess,” I cleared my throat.

Her eyes were focused on my bloody shirt. She takes in my bloody knuckles and then turns her eyes back to my face.

“Are you…. okay?” She asked.

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