Page 82 of His Other Half

Her heart splintered into a million pieces. Her worst nightmare unfolded in front of her, and she wanted to deny what Priest was saying. It couldn't be Paco. Not her Paco.

"We don't have a good track record with the Blackfoot people." Rick crossed his arms. "We won't make it far over the border on our motorcycles without tribal police stopping us."

Her heart beat wildly, echoing their words. She tried to make sense of them. Paco wasn't supposed to leave her. He was doing work for the club. He'd come back to her. Probably tonight. That's how they kept their relationship going. Paco would never go to the casino without telling her. He knew what it would do to her.

"Josie?" Priest's mouth tightened. "We can't ride onto the reservation.

She shook her head. "No, they wouldn't let you."

Askook would torment Paco. If he was still alive.

She sobbed, pressing her hands to her chest. This couldn't be happening.

She panted, unable to catch her breath.

"We're working on a way to find him, but it'll take time." Priest squeezed her biceps and then let go of her. "You're free to stay here, or one of us can take you back to your apartment."

She wanted Paco. Being at the clubhouse without him wasn't the same.

If he escaped Askook, he'd first go to her apartment or call her. She knew that with her whole being, he would make sure to contact her before Tarkio.

"I...I want to go back to my apartment." She pressed her hands to her cheeks. "Will you call me if he contacts you?"

Priest nodded. "We'll find him."

Rick led her out, spoke to Whip, who escorted her to her car. Her heart pulled her away from Tarkio. Paco was out there, and he needed her.

She couldn't shake the feeling that he was alive. He had to be. Wouldn't she know or feel something if he was dead?

Her feet wouldn't move. She held on to the door of her car. If Paco was on the reservation, Tarkio wouldn't be allowed near him. No one would.

Priest could try all he wanted, but the tribal police would stop any rider from getting close to the casino or the people.

She turned around and looked at Whip. He stayed near her. Knowing he'd follow her back to the apartment, she got into the car and started the engine. If she left now and drove to the reservation, everyone at the clubhouse would take chase to stop her.

She needed to think.

Not wanting anyone else to get hurt because of her, she drove home slowly. In a daze, her mind played over her next plan.

She needed to get away from Whip. Her people wouldn't stop her from coming onto the Rez.

She'd left the reservation in shame.

She'd return ready to unleash all her anger and hurt on Askook for what he'd done.

And, hopefully, she could convince Askook to release Paco back to his club. Even if she had to hand over herself to free Paco.

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