Page 89 of Snared Rider

Having just been on the receiving end of one of those punches, I beg to differ. When I say this to Wade, his jaw gets tight.

“You should never have got hurt. They should’ve known better than to go at it with you right there. Bloody morons.”

I laugh a little as I step forward, ignoring the slight wobble in my legs. Wade notices though and stays close to my side as I take another tenuous step.

“Well, you boys are hot-blooded. When those tempers flare…” I break off with a shrug.

“Yeah, well, they should have taken that shit elsewhere.”

Despite my assertion I can get back to the TV room alone, Wade walks with me. He keeps close to my side and I’m glad he’s here because I feel as unsteady as a newborn foal.

By the time we reach the room, his hold on me is the only reason I’m still on my feet. I’m more grateful than I can say when he eases me onto the sofa.

The DVD menu is still repeating on the TV as Wade flicks the main light on.

“Are you going to be all right in here? You can use my room if you want a bed.”

“Thanks, but I’m good. And thanks for jumping in with Dean and Logan. I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if you hadn’t been there.”

“Yeah, well, what happened was bad enough.” To my surprise he leans down and studies my face. “I’m going to get you some ice for that cheek. You’re going to be black and blue tomorrow otherwise.”

I will probably be black and blue regardless. I bruise like a peach.

I force a smile I don’t feel. “Thanks, Wade.”

He stares at me a beat, then says, “I’ll be back in a sec.”

I watch him go, my heart heavy. I need to talk to Dean and smooth things over. My first priority is making sure he keeps my secret, and that is something I’m not sure I will be able to convince him to do.

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