Page 54 of Blade

Crystal looks up at me with surprise and Paul chuckles. “Wedidn’t allow them to do anything. They’re adults. We will support them in whatever they do. If my kids were monsters, I would step in and let them know my feelings, but they’re not. Chris and Cam have never connected with the upper class growing up. I could tell they would run as far from that life as possible once they were out of the house.

“The girls have always been the ones to help others. For some reason, they both have the mentality to be protectors, even though they’re woman. They fell in love with two men who just want to ride their bikes and enjoy life. They can’t help it if evil people decide to come after them. They do what they have to do to protect us, and I could never regret something like that.”

I nod my head in agreement with what she says. I didn’t think she would have any resentment toward the club, but I just wanted to hear her honest opinion. I don’t know any rich people personally, but from what I’ve seen, they’re all snobby and look down on most people. But Crystal and Paul are the opposite of what I’ve seen of rich people.

They’re humble, down to earth, and kindhearted. Those aren’t the qualities you see in someone who’s worth as much money as Paul and Crystal. The front door opens, breaking my thoughts, and in walks Torch and Cam. I’m off the couch and in Cam’s arms in seconds.

He chuckles when I slam into his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist. I don’t even realize I’m crying until Cam bends down to whisper in my ear. “Shh, it’s okay, Coco. I’m fine. I’m sorry I left you worried like this.”

I nod and continue to hold on to him as he does the same. “Where are your sisters, Christian?” Crystal asks, her eyes wide with worry. Torch doesn’t answer. He just looks to the ground, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh God! No! No! Don’t you say that to me. No,” she wails as Paul wraps his arms around her, stopping her from falling to the floor.

Torch steps forward with wide eyes, shaking his head furiously. “No, they’re fine, Mom. They’re at the hospital.”

“Well, if they’re at the hospital, that’s the exact opposite of fine, Christian,” she scolds as she slaps his shoulder.

“Ouch! What was that for?”

“Stop being a baby. You have all those muscles. My dainty little hand did not hurt you. Now, tell me what happened to my babies.” Torch looks away as if he doesn’t want to answer and Crystal gives him the mom eyes.

Oh, he isn’t going to be able to resist now.

“Don’t bs me. I know you can’t tell me everything, but youaregoing to tell me something.”

Torch sighs and gestures for everyone to take a seat. Cam leads me to the loveseat and settles me onto his lap. Torch sits across from us, and he eyes Cam and waves his hand. “Your turn. I already took a hit.”

Cam grits his teeth while glaring at his brother. I have to bite my lip to suppress my laugh. They’re two grown badass bikers and they’re still terrified of their mother.

“The guy who shot up the clubhouse last year took Cara. She was only with him for maybe all of five minutes before the SUV crashed. She might have broken her wrist, so Viper took her to the hospital. Sara isn’t injured, but she went to be with Cara.”

Crystal has tears streaming down her face as Paul rubs her back, trying to comfort her. “I swear you four are grounded for a month so I can have a month of peace, knowing my kids are okay. Let’s go. I need to see my girls.”

Mom leans forward and places her hand on my knee. “Go, honey. I’ll stay back and watch the kids. You need to be there with your fiancé.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

After a quick nod and hug, we head for the hospital. I ride on the back of Cam’s bike as his parents follow behind with Sofia. When we get to the hospital, we approach the nurses’ station. “I’m looking for Cara Huxley,” Crystal tells the nurse.

“And you are?” she asks.

“Her mother.”

The nurse looks up with wide eyes before looking around nervously. What’s all that about?

“Can I ask you something ma’am?” she whispers while leaning forward. Crystal nods, looking around, worried. “Is your daughter being abused?”

Crystal gasps before shaking her head frantically. “No, she is not. Why would you ask me that?”

Before she can answer, Doc approaches the desk in his white coat. It really is weird seeing him outside of his cut. Doc’s arms are covered in tattoos, but you’d never be able to tell with that white coat on. He’s the double threat. He can be a smoking-hot biker one second, and Dr. McDreamy the next.

“That’s enough, Regina. I told you to stop pushing this narrative.”

“You have to admit, Dr. Crawford, her reasoning for her injured wrist is a bit alarming.”

“Regina,” he says with a warning in his tone. The nurse shakes her head, grabs a clipboard, and scurries off. Doc turns to us with uneasiness radiating off him as Crystal and Paul look to him for an explanation. Doc tells us to follow him, and he takes us into a small waiting room. Once we’re seated, Doc takes a deep breath before explaining.

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