Page 9 of Her Grumpy Biker
My brothers, Reaper and Savior, take care of the other two ex-pledges, while the Prez and our Sergeant at Arms join us in the shipping crate. I can’t concentrate on anyone except Camden.
Silent sobs shake her body, and tears flow in an endless river down her cheeks. Her eyes are squeezed shut, and she looks like she’s still bracing herself for death.
“Camden,” I choke out. “Look at me, sweetheart. You’re safe now.”
I’m vaguely aware of my brothers staring at me in shock, probably because I called this woman sweetheart. I don’t give a fuck about appearances right now, however. I just need to get Camden out of this wretched place.
A handful of Savage Kings staked out the old railroad tracks after Chip got a lead on where the next hand-off was going to be. I was shocked to see Camden, but then quickly realized she had no idea what she had just walked into. This woman was willing to give her Social Security Number to a complete stranger, so, of course, she would be an easy, vulnerable target to get roped into running sketchy errands.
My girl takes a shuddering breath and peeks one eye open. I try to give her a reassuring smile, but I’m not sure I pull it off. Can’t remember the last time I wanted to make someone feel comfortable, but I’m reminded of a few days ago at the bookstore when Camden spoke so softly and brought me back from the edge of a panic attack.
She deserves someone who can treat her with the same care and respect. Fuck if I know how to be that for her, but I’ll learn. No way in hell I’m letting someone else swoop in and take advantage of this precious woman.
Camden gasps and then chokes out another cough. I approach her with slow movements, not wanting to scare her. She opens both eyes, her green irises dimmed and framed by wet lashes. I hate seeing her cry. Despise it with every bone in my body.
Slowly, I push the coat off of her shoulders, noting the white substance leaking from the torn fabric. Powdered meth, if I had to guess. I toss the coat to Rock for disposal. He catches it, but his gaze remains fully focused on Camden and me.
“You know each other?” Rock asks.
I nod as I smooth my hands up and down Camden’s arms, hoping to comfort her somehow. She sways forward, still trembling from head to toe. My girl tries to speak, but no words come out. Her pain and regret shine through her eyes, and it’s fucking killing me to see her like this. I follow my instincts andwrap my arms around this sweet, sad, broken angel, protecting her from every damn thing that led her to this point.
“Are you going to expand on that?”
“Not right now,” I answer. “She needs rest.”
“She needs to come to the clubhouse for questioning,” the Prez argues.
“No.” I’ve never defied an order from Rock or from our previous President. When Camden buries her face into my chest and fists my jacket to try and get closer, I know I’ll do anything to keep her from feeling this way ever again.
“This isn’t a debate. She’s involved in drug trafficking, Deadeye.”
“Does she look like she wanted her night to end up like this?” I snap back. “She didn’t know what she was doing. I’m sure of it.” Camden nods in confirmation against my chest, and I squeeze her a little tighter.
“Whether she meant to or not, the woman has important information on who sent her and what the recruiting process is like.”
Rock crosses his arms over his chest and straightens his spine. I know he’s right. If it were anyone else, I’d drive them to The Black Crown myself. But Camden isn’t just anyone, she’s mine.
“Let me take her back to my place,” I offer as a compromise. “I’ll get her cleaned up and keep an eye on her while she rests. Then, I’ll bring her to the clubhouse tomorrow, and we can discuss everything.”
Rock narrows his eyes as he stares at me, then at Camden, then back to me. I hope he can see my desperation and determination. Finally, he nods once before turning on his heel. “Tomorrow,” he calls out over his shoulder.
I take a deep breath, gathering the strength I’ll need to get through the rest of the night. Camden and I have a lot to discuss,but first, I need to get her inside my house. Someone has to protect this woman, and it certainly isn’t going to be anyone but me.
We take slow steps out of the crate, and I’m practically carrying Camden by the time we reach my bike. I don’t mind. I’ll be anything she needs; all she has to do is ask.
I peel the terrified woman off of me, resting my hands on her shoulders to steady her. I’m not sure what comes over me, but I lean forward and press my lips to her forehead. God, it feels strange but also perfect.
After making sure Camden can stand on her own, I get on my motorcycle and instruct my girl to climb on behind me. She clings to me, her arms wrapping around my torso and squeezing as if she wants to dissolve into me.
Fuck, I get it. I’ve experienced countless horrors in my lifetime, but I’ve never known fear like when Stitch grabbed Camden and shoved her out of sight. Jesus, my chest aches at the thought of the recent memory.
I start up the motorcycle, revving the engine before getting the hell away from here. Camden rests her head against my back, and something clicks into place. While I hate the circumstances that brought us to this moment, I can’t deny how good it feels to have this woman on the back of my bike.
It takes less than ten minutes to get to my house. I’ve never cared about anyone’s opinion of my home, but I find I want Camden’s approval. I wish I had something better to offer the woman who has changed me in a way I still don’t understand. She deserves so much more than a work in progress. That goes for me and my house.
I help Camden off the bike, steadying her with an arm around her hips. She’s still shaking from the adrenaline, and I know it’s only a matter of time before she crashes.
We make it inside, and I direct Camden to sit on the couch. We need to talk now that she’s out of harm’s way. I’d sit next to her, but I’m still buzzing with chaotic, frantic energy. I pace back and forth, going from one end of the living room to the other.
