Page 31 of Skid
His two friends appeared unfazed, almost sure they would be let go. Little did they know, a madman was coming for all three of them, very soon. And his name was Devlin Callahan.
“Son, I don’t give two shits who your father is. I have you on camera with attempted sexual assault, and your two friends will be charged as accessories. Now, put your hands behind your back, or this won’t be pleasant for you,” he spit at the three douches.
Grace was shaky next to me, and I stood, offering her my hand as the cops handcuffed the men and dragged them through the bar. Grace, Eddie, and I followed, and customers threw empty plastic cups at the three as they were led outside into the waiting squad cars. A few of the regulars stepped up to check on Grace, and I wrapped my arm around her and gave them a look that said. ‘Don’t get close to her.’
As angry as I was, no words were needed to tell everyone to stay away from Grace. I guided her to the bar and helped her grab her small purse before Eddie led the way to the front door. The crowd parted, most giving me a chin nod in acknowledgment of protecting Grace. I would kill for Grace, and now everyone knew she was mine.
Eddie walked us to my bike and pulled Grace into a deep hug, whispering into her ear as he looked at me over her shoulder. Murderous rage was in his eyes, and I drew my thumb over my throat, to let him know it would be handled. He released her and handed her off to me before wiping his eyes and returning to the bar.
“I’m going to help you with your helmet,” I explained and secured it on her head, tightening the strap under her chin.
She held onto my hand as she climbed onto the back, and I quickly pulled my helmet on and moved in front of her. Cranking the bike, the sound of the band playing permeated around us as I squeezed her hands gripping into my stomach. She rested her head on my back, and I slowly pulled away from the bar.
The lights filtered away as we pulled onto the road and where I would usually lay down rubber, I refrained and drove cautiously back to her house. She had enough excitement for one night, and when I pulled into her driveway, I exhaled slightly. The anger was rolling through me, pulling my brain in too many directions. She needed me calm, so I dismounted the bike and removed her helmet before taking mine off. She sat on the bike looking lost and scared, so I scooped her up in my arms and carried her up the stairs to the front door.
She tried to wiggle out of my arms to unlock the door, and I leaned over, “Go ahead.”
She smiled softly at me and replied, “I can walk.”
“No need to when you fit so perfectly in my arms. Now unlock the door so I can get you comfortable and roll us a joint. I don’t know about you, but I could use one right now.”
I had yet to smoke with her and I had some premium smoke from the Death Hounds grow house stashed in my cut. I was hoping to relax her tonight, not to have sex, but to ease her worry. She looked at me, and I whispered with an eye wiggle, “It’s DHMC primo.”
She chuckled and pushed the key into the lock before turning the knob and opening the door. I carried her across the threshold, and thoughts of our wedding day played in my mind. Grace in a dress, her curly hair blowing in the breeze, and herProperty of Skidcut on, declaring her love and loyalty to not only me, but the Death Hounds as well.
I took her into the bedroom and placed her on the bed. Kneeling in front of her, I met her gaze with mine as I explained, “You need to take a shower, and I’ll be right here when you get done.”
She twisted her hands in her lap and glanced down. I slowly lifted her chin, and her watery eyes stared at me as she admitted, “I’m scared to be alone.”
That fucker had wrecked her independence in one selfish moment, and I would spend a lifetime rebuilding her. Making her stronger and teaching her how to protect herself if I’m not by her side. I rested my hands on hers and told her, “You’re never going to be alone again. I promise on my life, Grace.” I moved closer and cupped her cheek, needing to apologize again for leaving her vulnerable. “Grace, I’m so sor—” She placed her small hand over my lips and stopped me before I could finish the sentence.
“You saved me, Dalton. If you hadn’t come when you did, he would have . . .” She inhaled and continued, “So, please. Don’t apologize again. Okay?”
I softly kissed her lips and replied, “You’re so strong, Grace. I stand in awe of you.”
Chapter 12
