The money on which she had pinned many hopes, her way out of the life to something better—it was gone. All of it. Betsey guessed her mother had seen her adding to her stash and simply bided her time until she had the opportunity to leave.
She would cry if her nose allowed it. She sat down on the ground in defeat. No money. No family. No job. No place to go. What am I supposed to do now?
She heard the rumble of a familiar motorcycle and saw the beam of the headlight cutting through the dark. “Betsey? Baby, where are you?”
Brick had come for her exactly when she needed him the most. He didn’t let her down; he made her the priority she deserved to be. His voice was a balm to her torn nerves, and she felt calmer even though she had the urge to cry. Her heart swelled with love for this man, and somehow she knew everything would be okay. “I’m here.”
The gravel crunched as he approached her. It stopped when he got close enough for a look at her bandaged face. “Fuckin’ hell, woman.”
He took in her injuries, but there was no stopping him. He wrapped her in his arms, and she leaned her head on his strong, broad shoulder. Betsey sensed his struggle to control himself. He was angry. Very angry, but he stayed silent and held her for a few moments. “I should have protected you better, baby. Please forgive me. I swear, I’ll never leave you again.”
“It looks worse than it is. I’m just glad you’re here.”
“Ain’t nothin’ gonna keep me away. I’d fight the Devil himself to come back to you.”
Betsey soaked in his warmth. This was where she belonged. This was home.
“I went by the diner and saw Moses. Taz told me Deuce is the one who hurt you. I’m guessing he killed Moses as well.”
She nodded against his shoulder. Her voice sounded strange as she spoke. “Yeah. I think he was high on somethin’. He was actin’ and talkin’ crazy. Then he shot Moses.”
Brick’s warm body grew tense, and he seemed to hesitate. “Deuce paid, and that’s all you need to know for now. I won’t lie to you, and I’ll share more when I can, but not right now. Forgive me, sweetheart, but I gotta ask. Did he… did he do something to you I can’t see?”
A flush of embarrassment ran through her, but she answered steadily. “No. He tried, but Moses stopped him.” She sniffed and leaned back to gaze into his face. “Lord have mercy, I still can’t believe he’s dead. I saw two of your club people all shot up at the clinic. What in the world happened tonight, Brick?”
“A lot of things, darlin’. More than I can talk about right now. I’m just damn glad I found you.”
“My mama is gone, Brick. She stole all my money an’ left. My… um… father is in the house, stupid drunk from his bootleg shine. He says I’m not really his daughter. That part don’t bother me, but I can’t stay here. I don’t have a place to go.”
“Yeah, you do. You’re coming with me. I said you were my woman now, and that still sticks. Trust me, sweetheart.”
Betsey took a calming breath and borrowed from his strength. “Is it over, or is there more bad stuff comin’?”
“It ain’t over, but I’ll tell you right now, I’m done with the bad. I don’t care if it takes a lifetime, I’m gonna make this world a safe place for you, for my brothers, and for the kids we’re gonna make. I made some promises, and I’ll be damned if I’m not gonna keep ’em.”
Brick’s declaration made Betsey’s nose tingle with unshed tears. “I wish I could kiss you right now.”
“Got a lifetime, darlin’. I can wait until you get your fancy headgear off. Are you hurtin’? Think you can ride? You’re the only woman who’s ever been on the back of my bike and the only one who ever will be. Will you ride with me and wear my patch?”
Any doubts she had about her place with Brick disappeared. She could dye her hair any color she wanted. She could wear clothes that were hers and not someone’s castoffs. She could be herself at last and have a strong man by her side. She was someone’s world. She was loved. “Yes, I will. I will ride with you, Brick.”