Page 11 of Flame's Fight

I nod, not because I think Deion is a great guy, although I prefer him over his men. I nod because I know most people feel the same way about bikers.

“I know what you mean. When I was dating Flame, I’d hear about how violent bikers are.” I tell her. “Not that they’re strangers to violence. Flame’s here because someone shot him.”

“Trask.” Tanya says with a scowl on her face. “I’ve never liked him. He always gave me the creeps.” She pauses and considers her next words. “Actually, all of his men make me uncomfortable, except his cousin Killian. But that may be because his sister is my therapist, Dr. Athena Stokes?”

I nod because I recognize the name. She has a great reputation for working with rape victims. I glance at Tanya, who is watching my reaction. She nods when we lock eyes.

“I’m a rape victim. A woman, who I thought was my friend, drugged me and sold me to a vicious man who kept me in his home as his personal sex doll.” She growls at the last words, but then shakes her head. “I escaped and got help. Athena helped me live again. I still have flashbacks and nightmares, but they are lessening.”

“That’s good. I’m sorry you went through that. One of my friends is also a rape survivor. She inherited a large sum of money and is building a haven for victims. I wonder if Athena would work with her on it.” I muse, mostly to myself, as I consider the opportunity.

“Caitlin Chambers?” Tanya asks, and I nod in surprise.

“You know her?” I ask.

“I know of her. Actually, Athena has mentioned wanting to meet Caitlin and understanding her plans. I can’t remember the name of the place.”

“Crossroads.” I tell her. “Caitlin is working with the Demon Dawgs Motorcycle Club on the project. They like to incorporate devil and demon terminology into their names.” I say with a laugh.

“Like, Lucifer’s Den?” Tanya asks and nods. “I’ve been there. Very nice.”

“Caitlin’s sister is a doctor here.” I suddenly remember the brouhaha that I left. “Oh my god, Tally, I need to go. It was nice talking with you. Maybe we can get together later and I can introduce you to Caitlin?”

“That would be great!” Tanya calls after me. “I’ll leave my number with Deion to give to you.”

I wave back to let her know I heard her as I rush toward the ER.

I can hear the commotion and cringe. Tally’s voice carries over the space, and I can hear her anger and her anguish. I step into the waiting room to find Tony standing between her and her father. She has tears on her beautiful face as she glares at Tony.

He’s shouting at Tally. I can’t make out all his words but I hear him say ‘violence’, ‘suspension’ and ‘revered.’ Tally’s father is shouting at Tony, and I can hear him more clearly. He’s threatening Tony with bodily harm and the end of his career if he fires Tally.

Fuck, what a mess.

I step forward, but I don’t know what I’m going to do or if I can help. Dante is the one who takes charge the second he steps through the doors. He lets out an ear-splitting whistle to get everyone’s attention. Everyone turns to look at him. Reaper and Chaos enter with him and move to his side. Ashlyn comes in after. She goes straight to Tally and pulls her into her arms. I go to stand with them.

CHAPTER SEVEN: FLAME

Watching Brooke flee the room makes me equal parts satisfied and remorseful. And 100% pissed off. I just don’t get it. We were good together. Great, in fact. The best sex I’ve ever had was with her. But it wasn’t just the sex. It was everything. Being with her made me feel complete. I know she felt the same. So what the hell happened between us? I want to call her back and demand an answer.

Since I can’t get up and follow her, I let my mind wander back to the day it all went to hell.

We had plans to go out for breakfast because we both had the day off. I was early because I wanted to talk with her in private before we went out. Seeing that man, who I now know was Curt, leaving her apartment sent me into a tailspin. I couldn’t think of a single reason for him leaving that early in the morning, except for the obvious one. He had spent the night and was leaving before I arrived. Unlike what I told Shield, I had confronted her. She swore she didn’t cheat on me, but she never told me who he was. I don’t remember the entire argument, but I remember the end. She accused me of not trusting her and that maybe I had a reason not to.

I thought she was admitting to cheating on me, but now I know she didn’t, at least not with Curt. So what did she mean?

With no answers, I drift off to sleep. When I wake up, Gina is bringing me my meal.

“This is my floor now.” Gina explains. “So we’ll be seeing more of each other.”

I nod and thank her. Before she leaves, she turns to look at me. “Don’t give up on her. Something is going on with her. I think she needs you.”

I consider her words and nod. “I don’t know if she’ll let me in, but I’m not going anywhere.”

After she leaves, Axel and Ashlyn step into my room.

“What are you doing back here?” I ask her and roll my eyes when she sticks her tongue at me. “I wasn’t complaining, I was just asking a question. Where’s Reaper? I thought you two were going out to dinner.”

“We did.” Ashlyn says, taking a chair. “Dante called him back to the clubhouse for a meeting.”

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