Page 36 of Guardian

I simply stared at him and said, “Are you crazy? What happens to Jackson in the meantime?”

He closed his eyes briefly before saying, “We hope nothing. I know it sounds insane to sit here and eat while he’s locked up, scared, and alone. But what else can we do? Where do you suggest we look for him? He may not even be in Texas, or this country for that matter. We need some clue, baby. Prime’s calling in favors, big ones. We’ll be paying the mafia back until doomsday. You’ve got to understand.”

I did understand. Sweet had gone to the wall for me and Jackson. The entire club was now involved. They were willing torisk everything to find my son, and I’d ripped Sweet’s face open as a thank you. I’d have done the same to Flame if he hadn’t stopped me. I was an asshole.

“You can let me go. I won’t hurt you again. I’m sorry,” I softly replied.

“It’s okay. You’re his mother, and you’re terrified. We all understand. Please, just give us some credit and some time. We’ll get him back,” Sweet stated.

“Do you want to sleep through all of it? Would that be easier? I can do that for you,” Doc offered.

I gave him a sad smile and answered, “No. It appears I’ve slept through too much already. I don’t remember everything I did today, but I’m sure there was a reason you drugged me. I apologize for whatever I did. Are we still at the bar?”

“No apology is necessary. We were only afraid of you losing your sanity and hoped knocking you out would let your brain absorb the mental trauma. It seems to have worked except for the mama bear attitude which is understandable. We’re not at the bar. This is the official clubhouse. We brought you here to keep you safe. One hostage is enough to deal with. The Sinners voted for you to remain here, under their protection, and to rescue Jackson. We’re all willing to die to get him back. I hope you understand how exceptional that is,” Doc said, raising his eyebrow in question.

“I think I do. I’ve ranted against all the things the Sinners do. I’ve accused them of terrible things when I didn’t even know them personally. I wouldn’t listen to explanations or agree to think outside the box. I’ve been rude on several occasions and pushed Sweet away. Still, you’re all coming to our rescue. You’re putting your club and your lives on the line for an ungrateful bitch. Isn’t that right, Flame?”

Her lips quivered until she gave way to a smile. “I couldn’t have said it better.”

“Come back to the room. We’ll talk and find a way to pass the time. You need to eat something, too. You’ll need your strength to care for Jackson when he comes home,” Sweet said.

“Take the rest of the pizza and a couple of beers,” Doc added.

“I’m going to find Rod and harass him. I’m thinking Rage is going to have to do double runs to appease Petrov. I think I’ll make a bet with Rod on it,” Flame announced.

“Be careful making bets with him, chica. He’ll be wanting his payout in sex,” Doc teased.

I was shocked to see Flame blush.

The room felt smaller with Sweet in it. I watched as he set the leftover pizza and beers on the desk before taking a seat in the chair. I was afraid the chair wouldn’t hold him, but it did. He looked uncomfortable with his long legs and muscular body overflowing the seat meant for a much smaller person. It struck me that I found him beautiful. That had as much to do with his kind and forgiving heart as it did his face.

Chapter 22

Sweet didn’t come backto the RV. In fact, I hadn’t seen him for almost a week. Jackson, Stretch, and the girl we’d rescued had been taken to a small hospital where a doctor on the MC’s parole had seen to them. I knew Sweet and Rage needed medical care as well, but neither appeared.

Jackson was fine now, although he’d have to wear the cast for several more weeks. We’d lied to the school, which had been difficult for both of us, because it was necessary. As far as they knew he’d fallen out of a tree.

Stretch remained in the hospital. He wasn’t doing well when we left. He had lost so much blood that he was having a hard time recovering. His lungs had also been filled with smoke. There was concern over permanent lung damage.

I spoke with Vikki, the young girl who’d delivered a healthy daughter, and her friend Liz before taking Jackson home. They were doing fine, except that Vikki was scared and lost. She had no family waiting for her return the way Liz did. She hadnowhere to go and no money. I assured her the MC would help, which was way out of line since they hadn’t said that at all. I just felt she needed some reassurance. She was barely more than a child, nineteen to be exact.

Shockingly, I’d watched as Rage delivered the baby in the RV. Doc had been busy with Stretch, giving him blood and keeping him breathing. I’d never forget the stunned expression in Rage’s eyes as the baby slid into his hands. I doubted he’d get over it soon.

My house was being watched. I don’t think Prime or Sweet wanted me to know I had guards, or that one followed us to Jackson’s school every morning. However, these young men, obviously prospects who wanted to join the Sinners permanently, were lousy at remaining out of sight. They stood out like a sore thumb. I didn’t mind them hanging around. It was nice to feel protected, but I wanted Sweet, not these kids.

I missed my man. Yes, I admitted to myself that he was my man. I loved him, which shook me to the core. It was unexpected and frightening. We had to have a long, serious discussion, but to do that he had to come around. I was worried that he was giving up on us, that he didn’t love me and was done sharing my bed.

The loud roar of a motorcycle startled me into dropping my cup of coffee. It shattered in the sink.

“Damn it, Jemma!” I cursed out loud. “Don’t be an idiot. It’s not Sweet. For goodness’ sake, you hear your guards roaring in and out of the neighborhood all the time.”

But the sound was different. This bike was larger, with a louder engine that was very familiar to me. My heart began to race. As bad as I wished to see Sweet I also feared he was here to say goodbye. Why else would he have stayed away for a week?

Jackson had heard the sound, too. He came running out of his room and headed straight for the door. He opened it before I could stop him and raced to hug Sweet.

The big man let my son squeeze him around the waist as long as he wanted while he patted him on the back. I noticed he was careful not to jostle the arm in the cast. No matter what happened between us he cared about my son. He eventually looked up from listening to Jackson’s rambling and gave me a tentative smile. My heart melted at the same time as my stomach churned with nervousness. That small smile could mean anything.

“Can I come in?” he asked.

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