Page 120 of Throttle

I entrust him to the nurse who arrives to check on him, and as Throttle and I exit the hospital, I kiss him deeply.

“Wow. What was that for?” he asks with a raise of his brow.

“For being you.”

Jules and Angel hold me in their embrace for what seems like an eternity, and I didn't have a problem with it. I welcome the comfort of my friends.

Angel strokes my hair as she pulls away first, and Jules takes in one more second before doing the same.

“We were so worried.” Jules’s voice breaks and her eyes glisten over with tears.

“You shouldn’t be worrying about anything,” I tell her, rubbing her belly. Last thing I wanted to do was stress out my pregnant friend. She had Chloe. Charger. Her bar (The fallen Star). She cannot stress about me too. I was fine. I will be fine.

“Impossible. I couldn't help but worry. I remember how scared I was and I’m sorry for what you went through.”

“Me too.” Angel doesn’t bring it up, but she, too, endured years of pain. Being controlled by a mafia boss and forced into prostitution.

I escaped all that. No, I was saved from the same fate. I am forever thankful to Throttle and the rest of the club. They may try to shift the blame, but it wasn't their fault. They’re the reason I am here.

“Hush is back,” Jules whispers, peering over my shoulder.

He hasn't changed his blood-stained clothes from last night. Did he stay with Danika? He must have.

If only he didn't appear so uneasy, approaching him would be simpler. But who can blame him? We're all going through it together.

I approach Hush, as I see him bidding farewell to Tank.

I’ve never held more than a sentence with him. He’s always kept to himself. Dangerous and quiet. I'm not afraid of him, but how do you communicate with someone who is completely closed off? Yet, he helped rescue both me and my friend.

“Hi Hush.” I’m timid as he glances down at me. “I was wondering how Danika was?”

His eyes soften. “The doctor cleaned her up and gave her antibiotics in case of any infection.” He pauses with a tick to his jaw. “And she did a full examination.” His voice was soft, yet deep and masculine. Whatever he was feeling, I’d say I was feeling it too because I knew what full examine meant and it turns my stomach all over again.

His eyes possess a dominating and interesting intensity. I find myself being absorbed in them. He is a beautiful man. Strong features. Tall. And his mystery adds such a powerful vibe. He reminds me of Throttle in that way.

I ponder a moment of Hush's mysterious past, but then my thoughts return to Danika. “Did she say where she was going by chance?” It was unlikely, but I hoped she had said something. Anything.

“She didn’t.” He catches my gaze once more before walking off.

Without hesitation, I make my move, placing a hand on his sturdy forearm. As I touch him, he freezes, unsure of how to respond, prompting me to retract my hand. “Thank you. Not just for being kind to her, but for helping rescue me.”

Following a brief pause, he nods. “You’re welcome.”

I observe him leave and ascend the stairs to the second level. I am forever thankful for the kindness he has shown to both her and me.

I thought work would distract me, but it was harder than I expected. Memories keep playing over and over in my mind. Every time the pool balls hit or a guy laughs, I startle. Another loud noise from the front door made me freeze, which was silly. My hands tremble holding a glass.

The memory of Mya, so young, losing her life, lingers fresh in my thoughts. She never experienced life. To encounter a lifelong journey of love.

I hate it. It wasn’t fair. The men who stole her away are utterly despicable.

From behind, I am enveloped by warmth and a familiar scent, while the distant muffled noises now appear even further away.

The only sound I can hear is Throttle's voice. “I got you.” His soft, caring, gentle touch calms me as he takes the glass from my hand and sets it down onto the counter. “We’re going home.”

I nod in agreement, wanting to go where I’m safe with the man who I feel that with.

THIRTY-FIVE

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