Page 62 of Weatherman

More sobs escaped her throat, and she visibly fought against letting them out. Weatherman didn’t know if he should be impressed by her control or frustrated by her stubbornness. His chest pressed tightly against her back, and her head rested on hisshoulder. He tipped his head forward and rested his chin on her hair.

“We were just getting started when it happened. I had some trouble with a bad deputy. Corrupt cop thing. He’d… stopped me a few times and demanded… favors to not give me a ticket.”

Anger jolted in Weatherman’s throat. He didn’t have to think hard about what she meant by “favors.”

“I had no power. No standing. No support until Camo gave it to me. I told the cop no more, and one night he tried to force me. Beat me up pretty bad. I thought I was gonna die, but I called Camo before I got out of the car and left my phone on so he knew where to find me. He came with some of his friends. I was on the ground bleeding and heard shots. When I woke up in the hospital, they told me… they told me….”

She whimpered, and he barely heard her hoarse whisper. “Camo gave his life to save me. I’m not worthy of that. It’s my fault he died. All my fault.”

Weatherman squeezed, adding his strength to hers, holding her together. His rage mixed with sorrow and admiration at this woman’s strength. To have been through such an emotional ordeal and survived was amazing. Add that to her addiction battle, and the level of power it took to overcome everything made it awe-inspiring. She had scars, deep ones, but she’d lived through it and found a way to move on. Healing took a lot of time, and he could tell she was in that process and would be for a while yet.

He didn’t have to think about it long—he simply made his plans to be a part of it. “It’s not your fault. I’m not going to list the reasons why, ’cause I bet you’ve heard them a dozen times already. You’re still grieving, and you’re allowed to do that as long as you need to. I’m here. My mom is here. Betsey, Brick, Table, Lori, all the Dragon Runners are here for you. I told youI’d keep you safe, and I meant it. Camo sounds like he could have been one of us. A brother. I wish I could have met him.”

He pressed his face into her neck. “Also, babe, don’t ever let me hear you say you’re not worthy. With what you’ve been through and what you’ve had to do to get to this place, right here, right now, there’s no one who deserves a chance at a good life more than you. I hope you’ll get used to the idea of me being around to watch you grow and see what’s next. I can’t be Camo, but I can be the man in your life if you’ll let me.”

Opal didn’t pull away from him, nor did she turn around. The woods remained still in hushed reverence at this turning point. She finally spoke in a husky tone. “I don’t know what to do. I… feel something for you, but I’m scared. So damn scared of loving again. The two men I thought I had a future with were taken from me. I don’t think I can handle losing that one more time.”

Something released in his chest. She wasn’t rejecting him or the idea of being with him. He imagined there were some men who would hear her story and run for the hills. He wasn’t that kind of man. It would take patience and perseverance to make this work, but he had never failed at any goal he’d set for himself in his life. He wouldn’t fail at this one either. “I can wait. It’s been a heavy day, and we don’t have to make any decisions just yet. I do need to tell you something. Mute texted me, and Betsey knows what went down at the salon. She’s taken it upon herself to rally the boys and get you set up at the Lair for the night. I hope you have it in you to let her do that for you.”

“I don’t want to be trouble.”

His chuckle puffed her hair. “Trust me, babe. It’ll be more trouble if you don’t let her take care of you. I’d prefer to take you home with me, but I don’t dare go against Betsey when she’s on a mission.”

“Why would she want someone like me in her home?”

He breathed in to take in the scent of her hair. Some sort of coconut-lime shampoo. “Betsey is a rarity in this world. She’s the least judgmental person I’ve ever met and has no problem twisting herself into knots to help someone in need. The only time I’ve ever seen her go after anyone is when one of her people gets hurt. No one will tangle with her when she’s in mama bear mode. She considers you one of us already. I promise, if you take a chance with the club and with me, you’ll never be alone.”

He waited as she made up her mind.

“Okay.”

CHAPTER 27

I guessit’s true what they say about living in a small town. A person sneezes on one side and someone across the way says, “Bless you.”

We collected Pearl from Lori and headed up to the Lair. It was dinnertime when we got there. Smells of comfort cooking filled the air.

Betsey met us at the door. No questions. No disapproving stares. No condemnations. She just opened her arms and took me in, and for once, she only had four words to say.

“You’re gonna be okay.”

This was a statement made as if it was a factual law.

That was it. That was all it took. I clutched at her shoulders and let loose like I was dying. I’d seen a mother’s love in Mama J and the DRMC old ladies, but I’d never had it for myself. Betsey might be the grandma to the world, but right now, she was the maternal figure I needed. One I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed until now. “I don’t know how to thank you for… all of this.”

“Pshhhht, this is part of being a family. We hold each other up, and if one of us falls, we’re the net that will catch you. I want you to stay here tonight, and you’re welcome to stay longer if youwant. I always got room. Period. Now, let me feed that baby of yours, and you take a little ‘me’ time. Deal with life when you’re ready.”

I wasn’t hungry, but the tangy scent of pork barbecue enticed me to eat a little. Betsey cooed and played with Pearl as my child smeared mashed potatoes all over her face rather than use the curved toddler spoon clutched in her hand. Bryce stayed by my side at all times, as if shielding me. My shelter in the storm.

“Mute and Dodge went over to check your place. Kimmie cleared out already, and we don’t know where she went. They can’t tell if she took any of your stuff, but she did turn all the faucets on full blast and propped the refrigerator and freezer doors open. They took care of it, so you don’t have to worry. If anything is missing, we’ll replace it.”

I wasn’t surprised at Kimmie’s pettiness. It bothered me, as I’d been paying all the rent and utilities for the past couple of months, and that act was nothing more than spiteful vengeance, but she was so far into herself that she probably didn’t recognize how far she’d fallen. I hoped wherever she went, she would find her way back.

This was a typical night at the Lair. Some members came in for a quick visit before heading home. A few of the single members played a game of pool while the giant TV showed a football sports show. The deer head above the fireplace wore a Carolina Panthers ball cap, showing where the Dragon Runners’ allegiance lined up.

Betsey walked around in her heeled boots with Pearl firmly on her hip. When my girl squirmed to get down, Betsey let her do that and kept an eye on her steps.

No one asked me about the details of today’s event. No one pointed at me and whispered behind cupped hands. No one bothered me at all. It was refreshing to just be in the moment and not have any obligations or responsibilities.

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