Page 123 of Riding the Edge

“You need to go,” I tell him.

A wave of nausea washes over me and I close my eyes briefly. The two of them rush to my side and I force my eyes open, holding up a hand.

“I’m fine,” I insist. “Just a little nauseous—probably a side effect from the anesthesia.”

“Should I get the doctor?” Lauren questions.

“No,” I say.

“Yes,” Al insists. “Get the doctor.”

Of course the traitor listens to him and hurries out of my room to grab a doctor, leaving Al and I both staring at one another.

“Lady,” he starts.

“I love you,” I interrupt. “And I am so grateful for you but, Al your place isn’t only here with me.”

“Sure it is.”

“Your whole club was arrested,” I say softly. “And instead of running to their aid, you’ve been sitting here holding my hand. You did your part, honey. You don’t need to choose between me and the club. I know you love me.”

“Maybe I didn’t do it for you, Maria,” he growls. “You ever think that I needed to be here for myself? That I needed to see you through this and look into your eyes the second you woke up? Yeah, I wanted to be here for you. I will always be here for you, but I needed to be here for me too. I needed to know my other half was whole.”

“Now you know.”

“Now I know,” he confirms.

“Now go make the other half whole,” I say softly. Staring at him, I can see he’s still conflicted and so I give him the push I know he needs. The words we’ve come to live by.

“You and me.”

You’re not alone.

I’ve got you.

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