Page 72 of Rogue

“I thought you were dead,” I say to him. I still don’t know if I can trust him, but he did bring Rogue here so maybe I can. “Thanks.”

He laughs. “For what? Not dying?”

“For making sure Rogue found me,” I say.

I’m not making a whole lot of sense and the ground feels very unsteady under my feet. Like a boat on turbulent waters. Probably because of shock and getting punched in the head so many times.

“Tito’s inside,” Trinity says, coming out of the trailer. “He’s dead.”

“Tito got what he deserved,” Unholy says. “He was a slimy piece of shit.”

“But still one of my men,” Rogue says, sounding troubled.

“They killed him because he was with you and because you allied with the Devils,” I tell Rogue. “And we have to tell the Devils I’m fine before they come riding into this trap.”

I feel like I might lose consciousness, so I have to get all this info out before that happens.

Rogue tightens his grip on my shoulders. “We’ll take care of all that. But right now, we have to get out of here. Can you walk?”

I nod and wrap my arm around his waist. “But I’ll lean on you if you don’t mind.”

He chuckles. “I don’t mind at all.”

Then he leads the way into the darkness. And a few minutes later, I’m on the back of his bike, both my arms wrapped around his waist, resting against his back, his jacket heavy yet comforting, and so very warm as it keeps the chilly air off my nakedness. The ride is slowly putting all my fears to rest and even the pain is starting to subside.

I’m safe now. And I know I’ll stay that way as long as I have Rogue to hold on to.

35

Rogue

I haven’t really been breathing this whole time. I only realize that once the gate in the fence surrounding the clubhouse is firmly shut behind us. And it’s not just today, not just since I found out Melody was taken, and not just since the terror of possibly never seeing her again settled in my bones.

I haven’t been breathing right for the past decade. But I can now. That knowing is crystal clear as I help Melody off my bike and pull her into my arms, kissing her deeply and passionately.

The rest of the MC goes inside, some chuckling as they pass us.

“Wow, seems like you sure missed me,” she whispers as I break away from kissing her lips to kiss her perfect, long neck.

“I thought I lost you,” I say and kiss her again. Because I want to and because I can.

And as far as I’m concerned, this is all we’ll be doing for the next few days, weeks, years probably.

Then I remember Blade, and sweet as they are, even Melody’s kisses aren’t driving that terror away.

The parking lot in front of the clubhouse is packed. Meaning everyone got back all right. Thank God for that.

The bar door opens and Alice comes out. Her face is deathly pale, almost as white as her hair and she keeps her arms wrapped tightly around her chest as she approaches.

“Blade?” I ask, and I can’t say anything more than that.

Melody’s eyes are full of concern as she squeezes my hand tightly.

“He’s in surgery,” Alice says. “They’re hopeful he’ll make it.”

“Who’s operating?” Melody asks.

“A Dr. Tanner,” Alice says.

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