Page 52 of Pike

“Do you forget how we met?” He chuckles and shakes his head.

“I didn’t forget, but this is different. We have the advantage this time. They won’t see us comin’.”

“You sure about that?”

“I’m sure. There’s nothin’ to worry about. We hit them, they fall, I come back to you.”

“It sounds good when you say it, but things changer, Pike.”

“Listen to me. I’m comin’ back, Feather. You can’t just give up on me now.”

“I’m not giving up on you. I need you here,” I admit.

“Good. Just trust me,” he says just as Mask yells at the guys to round up. Pike kisses me quickly before standing and walking over to the group that’s formed in the middle of the room. Mask talks but I mostly tune him out worrying over Pike. I don’t like this. I don’t like the idea of him being out there again. Not after all that’s happened to him. How can he keep going? How does he have the strength? It’s amazing to watch a man like Pike hold his head high after all that he’s been through. He’s dealing with things in his own way, and I appreciate that.

Silk, one of the club girls, drops down next to me and grabs my hand, squeezing it softly.

“He’ll be fine.”

“I’m not worried.”

“You look worried.”

“Okay. I am a little worried. How do you girls not freak out seeing them go?” I ask her.

“Well, it’s a little easier on me since I’m not an old lady, but it still bothers me. I care about the guys. They take care of us, and without them, we’d be out on the streets or worse. I just have to keep faith that they’ll come back home, and so do you. Pike won’t let you go that easily.”

“I know. But there are so many guns and so many unknowns.”

“That’s the hardest part. The unknowns. They go silent when they do this shit, and we don’t know until they get back what’s going on. It can make you stir-crazy, but a lot of us find things to do to stay busy. Like cook. They’re always hungry when they get back,” she explains, smiling at me.

“I can help with that.”

“Good. I’ll count on your help then.” Silk stands and walks away as I smile a little more. When I look over to my right, I see Pike’s eyes on me. Mask finishes talking, and the guys disperse, with Pike coming straight toward me.

“What did she want?”

“To make sure I was okay.”

“And are you?”

“I am. She was helpful.” He nods his head.

“Good. That’s good.” Then both his hands cup my face, and he brings his lips to mine. He kisses me hard, and I love every second of it until he pulls away, and I know he has to go.

“You have to go?”

“I do. I’ll be back, baby. I promise.” With that, he pecks one last kiss on my lips and turns to walk away. I watch him go when a few of the other girls come up next to me. Silk throws her arm around my waist and pulls me against her side.

“He’ll be back. This isn’t their first time out,” she says. I nod my head and sigh. I watch as the guys file out, and the door close behind them. A part of my heart leaves with them. I hate seeing him go, but I know he has to.

The girls finally walk away and go on about their business as I stand here staring at the door. My heart sinks in my chest even though I feel like he’s going to be alright.

Finally, I turn and walk back to the bedroom, where I drop onto his bed and wait.

And wait some more.

Chapter 25

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