Page 24 of Dozer

“With who?” Because she’d gotten to the club on the back of my bike. I’d anticipated getting her home the same way.

Hana’s brows furrowed. “None of your business. She’s a big girl and can take care of herself.”

“Are you fucking crazy?” I braced a hand on the table and leaned into her. “Have you seen Pike? She’s a target if she’s with the Hellers.”

“You’re still bleeding,” she snapped.

I slicked my tongue across my lip, tasting the coppery blood oozing from the corner of my mouth.

“She’s not you, Hana,” I said. “Unlike you, she doesn’t carry a knife in her boot or pick fights with Crawlers and jocks in bars.”

“She called a ride share and went home, asshole.” A smile curled her lips, and her voice lowered. “You seem concerned about my girl. Is there something you want to tell me?”

“I know chicks can’t keep a secret.”

“I don’t know,” she countered. “She’s kept mine, and I’d never share hers.”

“She has secrets?” I lifted a brow. Maybe I was one of them.

“Every girl has secrets.” She tipped her beer to her lips.

“I don’t have her number. Can you text her and make sure she got home?”

“Since you asked nice and because I think she’s fucking lying to me about you. Both of you are full of shit.” Hana pulled her phone from her pocket. I shifted closer and read over her shoulder.

Hana: Are you home?

Pippa: Yes. How bad is it?

Hana lifted her phone and quickly snapped my picture. “My words would fail to deliver the impact Bullet’s fists had on your face.”

Pippa: WTF!

“She’s concerned.” She held the phone to show me the last text message.

My lip was split. I was going to be sporting some serious bruises for a few days. A dull throb numbed my face. “Tell her it looks worse than it feels.”

“Nah, fuck that. Pain is ripping you apart. You are seriously near tears. You need to learn. We areweak when our guys are hurting.” She glanced over my shoulder at Blade. “Emotionally damaged is even better, and you’re about as fucked up as Blade.”

I laughed. And I never laughed. “Does anyone tell you that you’re just like your brother?”

“Everyone. But don’t tell Vance. He’s in denial.”

“Thanks, Hana.” I moved to step away.

I didn’t know Hana well. Her brother was one of my best friends. Because of him, I’d protect her from anyone who tried to hurt her.

Blade would crawl through fire for her.

I recognized the difference. I’d burn for Pippa.

“Dozer?” She rested a hand on my forearm.

“Don’t worry,” I said to her. My phone pinged. I pulled it from my pocket. Hana had shared Pippa’s contact information. I leaned in to kiss her cheek.

She put a hand against my chest to stop me from reaching her face. “Fuck no, you are a bloody mess. You can get me another beer instead.”

“Fuck that,” I said. “Rule one, prospects get the beers.”

---