Page 44 of The First Cut
I nod and let my gaze move over the room. I spot my cap on the dresser so I walk over and grab it, putting it on and tugging my bun through the hole at the back. While Hannibal packs a bag, I slip my Converse back on sans socks, not wanting Hannibal’s help. Everything feels different. We feel different. The only constant in my life right now is chaos. I want the world to stop spinning for a little while so I can get off.
Looking down at the book on the bed, I sigh. I guess I’ll have to imagine how it ends. I pick it up and place it on the nightstand along with the other one. I leave the tray of food where it is, the sight of it now turning my stomach. I look away, moving to sit on the edge of the bed while I wait. I try to gather my thoughts, but my head is filled with white noise, washing everything else out.
“Lola.”
I snap my head around to look at Hannibal. From his concerned expression, I’m guessing he called me more than once.
He looks me up and down before he glances around the room. “There’s nothing here of yours?”
“I was waiting for the stuff you bought this morning to come up, but then everything happened…” I shut up when I see how pissed he is.
He slides his backpack over one shoulder before taking my hand. “Let’s go.”
I follow him out, not bothering to look behind me. The safety the room provided is gone, bursting like a bubble with the first round of gunfire.
Chapter Thirteen
Hannibal
Something in her has changed. Any progress I made has gone. I don’t know if it’s because we’re heading back to the home she shared with Driller or because we used her as bait this morning. Whatever it is has made her shut down and even though I know I’m at fault for delivering it like I did, I’m still pissed.
I take her out the back way and lead her out to her truck.
“What about your truck?” she asks quietly.
“One of the brothers will drive it up with the rest of my shit.”
“Did you find a tracker?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
When she doesn’t respond, I whirl on her, making her jump. “Did you really think Havoc was going to let you stay here? Is that what this is?”
“What what is?” She looks confused and nervous. I back her up until she’s pinned against the truck.
“You look like leaving is ripping out your fucking heart. Not being a dick here, Lola, but Havoc doesn’t want you. I do.”
“I haven’t thought about Havoc once,” she says softly. “I’m disappointed that I was used as bait, even though I get it. I’m gonna guess the tracker is still on my truck so Driller knows I’m heading back home. You’re expecting him to come for me. Maybe he will, but he’s not so dumb that he won’t consider it a trap.”
I grind my teeth. “It wasn’t my call to make, but you’ll be guarded. You won’t be in danger.”
She sighs. “I guess that makes everything okay then. Look, I’m not mad, not really. I’m sad. I’ve been happier here locked in a room all week than I have been back home for years. And now you’re about to become king of a crumbling castle filled with people who hate me. Why are you expecting me to jump for joy?”
“Fuck!” I snarl, pressing my forehead against hers. Of course, she’s not happy to be going back. She’s been miserable there. “I’m a dick.”
“I know.”
I grin before kissing her hard. Her hands grip my arms, holding me to her instead of pushing me away like I anticipated.
Thank fuck.
I’m coming to realize I could take whatever I wanted from this woman. I could force her hand, knowing the situation she’s in. I could have her crawling on her knees for me. But I don’t want to take it. I want her to give it to me freely. I want Havoc and Driller to be nothing but memories.
I pull back at the sound of the gate opening and see Blade, Conan, and Inigo riding in on their bikes. Surprised to see them here, I walk back to the biker hanger and wait for them to dismount and remove their helmets. Blade looks over first, his eyes moving past me to Lola, who moves behind me slightly. Frowning, he walks over, with Conan and Inigo following suit.
“Was not expecting to see you before I left.”
“Lucky you.” Blade grins before turning somber.
