Page 65 of Gunner

Laying my head on the steering wheel, I thought about Aspen. She needed me here, but I couldn’t stay the night. Not with Gunner.

I lifted my head and looked at the building. Aspen would be safe here. I could go home and come back in the morning. But she asked me to stay. If she looked for me, and I wasn’t here, what would that say to her? How would she trust me if I went back on my word? It wasn’t her fault Gunner was an asshole.

Mind made up, I opened the door of my car and stomped back into the clubhouse.

Gunner rushed over. “Baby, please let me explain.”

Holding my hand up, palm out, in front of his face, I looked around the room. Seeing Bane at the bar once again, I walked over to him.

“Bane, can I ask a favor?”

Turning on his stool, he looked over my shoulder and then back at me.

“Of course, Haizley.”

“Could I sleep in your room?”

“FUCK NO!” Gunner yelled behind me.

Ignoring him, I continued talking to Bane. “I was going to go home, but I gave Aspen my word. I was not given a room because Gunner mistakenly thought I would be sleeping with him. That isnothappening. Right now, you might be the only person here I trust.”

My insides were shaking. I stood there, muscles cramping, trying to prevent the tremors from showing outwardly. If Bane said no, I wasn’t sure what I would do. The room was quiet, until I heard someone say my name.

“Miss Walker.”

Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply, counting to ten before turning around and focusing on King.

“I would like to apologize for my brother.”

He turned to glare at Gunner for a moment before turning back. “We have other rooms, and Brandy will show you one you can sleep in.”

“Does the door lock?” I asked loud enough for Gunner to hear.

“Yes, in fact, Brandy can give you the key. I give you my word. Gunner will not bother you.”

“King, what the fuck?”

King turned away from me and spoke to a brunette woman nearby. I needed to go upstairs before I broke.

“Miss Walker?”

I turned to Brandy and rasped, “Please, call me Haizley.”

She nodded and linked her arm with mine.

We made it to the edge of the room, and just before walking into the hallway, I heard King bark, “Prospect, go get her things and move them into the room Brandy puts her in. Gunner! Get your ass in church. NOW!”

Walking away, I heard them continue to argue but couldn’t make out what they were saying. I could feel the adrenaline starting to wane, and the tremors I fought in front of the room full of bikers were starting to take over.

“I’m not sure what Gunner did, but King is a man of his word. He won’t let Gunner bother you while you’re here.”

I didn’t respond.

I couldn’t.

It took everything in me not to break down in the hallway. While we made our way up the stairs, the young kid behind the counter passed us, taking the stairs two at a time.

Once we made it to the room I would stay in, the prospect met us there with my bags. I sat on the edge of the bed while he placed them on the floor. Without a word, he left, but Brandy sat down beside me.

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