Page 118 of The Good Girl

“Yeah. We loaded it up before we checked out this morning. Get the keys from Capone.”

“What about the stuff from the venue?” G asks.

I shake my head, thinking about the books and swag I had on display. “Just leave it. I can’t go back there.”

“I can get it. I have my car.” Lil offers.

“I’ll go with her,” Toot says, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and kissing her temple.

“Everyone else, head back. I’m calling church. I’ll fill the rest of you in when you get back. Any questions?”

When nobody says anything, Havoc leads me outside to his bike. He straps my helmet on and lifts me onto the bike before slipping his own helmet on. He stands there for a moment with his helmet pressed against mine. I feel him swallowing down his rage before he climbs on and takes us home.

The ride home is a somber one. So far, everyone has pulled through, but this could have all gone differently. We lost track of Ambros and his sister when the cops were questioning us, so I make a mental note to call him later to make sure they got home okay. I’m not sure I’d have ever forgiven myself if that bullet had done more than graze her. I close my eyes and try to shut out the images flashing in my brain, but it’s impossible to think about anything else.

By the time we pull into the compound, I’m so exhausted I’m not sure I can climb off the bike. Havoc helps me and removes my helmet before taking off his own. He wraps his hand around mine and leads us up to the saloon, the others falling in behind us. None of us speak. There will be enough of that to come. For now, the quiet of the night offers comfort from the loudness of the hospital and the chaos of my mind.

When we walk in, Havoc stops dead, making me look up. Standing in front of us are Blade, Inigo, and Conan.

“It’s done,” Blade answers Havoc’s unspoken question, which makes him relax.

“I’ve called church so you can fill everyone in,” Havoc tells him before stepping forward and giving the man a one-armed hug.

Conan steps up to me. I have to tip my head all the way back to see his face.

“Rough day, Tinkerbell?”

I try to smile, but it comes out strained.

He tugs me free of Havoc’s hold and pulls me in for a hug. We must look ridiculous together, but it’s impossible not to feel safe when a literal giant is wrapped around you. “How about I sit with you while everyone else goes to church?”

I nod. Part of me just wants to crawl into bed but I don’t trust my brain to let me fall asleep.

Conan lets me go so I can look at Havoc. Havoc moves into me, kissing me until I’m breathless before pulling back and pressing his lips to my forehead.

“Stay with Conan. I’ll fill you in on what you need to know once we’re done.”

“Alright.”

“Make sure she gets something to eat. She hasn’t had anything all day.”

“I’ve got her, Havoc. Don’t worry.”

I don’t bother telling either of them that food is the last thing on my mind.

When Havoc steps back, Inigo steps forward and kisses my head before following Havoc into church. Blade says my name softly before he swipes a tear from my face. Hell, I didn’t even realize I was crying again.

“Everything is going to be okay. Trust your man. Trust the club.”

“I do.”

He nods before quickly hugging me and turning me into Conan’s arms. Conan leads me over to one of the sofas at the farend of the room. He urges me to sit as the rest of the brothers follow Havoc. A handful of club girls hover near the bar, looking unsure of what to do. The rest of the room is empty.

“Where’s Hoops?”

“He’s on the gate tonight.”

“Does he know that Dice is okay?”

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