Page 77 of Skid
Chapter 26
Grace
The entire drive fromMemphis to Portstill, Dalton kept his arm around my shoulder and his other hand covering mine. It was almost like he had to touch me to make sure I was real and not going anywhere. I never expected Dalton to show up looking for me at Rhys’s and to find out James was Rhys’s cousin was mind-boggling.
Devlin drove, and James was busy on his computer, typing away and mumbling to Devlin as the miles passed. I knew they were investigating The Community and looking into the name I gave them, but I didn’t want to know what they found. It may sound like I was sticking my head into the sand and ignoring everything, but it took me years to not worry and look over my shoulder, so I refused to look back.
My future was sitting next to me, and with Dalton by my side, I never had to worry if his love was a manipulation. The sign for the Portstill city limits was up ahead, and I pressed up to whisper into Dalton’s ear.
“Can we go straight home, or do you need to work?”
“Home, baby. This isn’t my business anymore,” he explained, and I smiled as I rested my head against his chest.
Devlin pulled into the underground parking garage of one of the buildings across from Pierce Lake, and I looked up when I heard him mutter, “Damn it.”
Parked inside were three Death Hounds, and Dalton sat up with a smile to see who was waiting for us. Devlin parked the car, and I saw Gunner get off his bike and walk toward the vehicle. Dalton opened the door and clasped hands with his President as Devlin and James left the vehicle. Claw stood to the side, observing everything.
The third brother was standing too far away for me to see his name, but I wasn’t scared as I climbed out of the back seat. Dalton wrapped his arm around me as we all gathered on the passenger side of the SUV.
“Grace, it’s good to see you. Are you okay?” Gunner asked, and I nodded.
“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry if I caused anyone problems,” I said, and the tall man smiled down at me.
“If Skid was my old man, I’d need to take off from time to time myself.” He chuckled and everyone joined him, releasing some of the stress building.
“I want to get Grace home,” Dalton said, and Devlin and James stepped closer.
Ever the quiet one, James stood and watched as Devlin spoke to Gunner. “I need to speak with you about some business. Can you talk now, or would tomorrow be better?”
“I want to escort Grace and Skid home, but why don’t you come by the clubhouse tomorrow and we can talk,” Gunner replied, and Devlin nodded once and extended his hand to the men.
They all shook hands, and then Devlin turned to me. “Grace, it was such an honor to meet you. Elise and I would love to have you and Skid over for dinner soon.”
“That would be nice,” I admitted. “I’ll make dessert.”
“I look forward to it,” he replied before he and James turned, leaving me with the Death Hounds.
Dalton looked down at me and smiled. “Are you ready to go home?”
I felt the tears building, and I blinked rapidly as I answered, “Home sounds nice.”
“I’ll lead. Jackal can bring up the back,” Gunner stated, and Dalton helped me to his bike.
After stowing my duffle in the saddlebag, he helped me onto the back and climbed onto the front. I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged myself tightly to him. He fell in line with the other brothers as we pulled out of the garage. Driving through Portstill, a few of the citizens stuck their heads out, waving at the club as we drove through the main street on the way to Portstill.
