Page 18 of Finish Line
“Athena.” I tip her head up, so her eyes are on mine. “I promise you; you’ll never have to run again. Stay with me and I’ll protect you. My club will protect you.”
“Why would you do that for someone you just met?” She sniffles.
“I knew from the moment I walked into Rusty’s there was somethin’ special about you and I’m not gonna let you get away so easily,” I smirk at her.
“What about Minx?” She asks. This woman’s life is at risk with an asshole chasing her and she’s worried about how my daughter will react to her stayin’ here.
“Don’t you worry about her,” I tell her. “She’ll like you as much as I do, once she lets herself get to know you.”
“I sure hope so,” she whispers.
“Why don’t I have a couple of my guys go check out your apartment? I’ll have one of the Ol’ Ladies go and grab some of your clothes and anything else you need,” I suggest.
“That would be really nice.” She gives me a small smile. I know she’s gonna be hurtin’ for a while after layin’ all that out.
“You stay here. Get some rest. I’ll go talk to the guys.”
She stands from my lap, moving to the desk. She grabs a piece of paper and a pen, jotting something down. She then walks back to me and hands me the paper.
“You might need this,” she says, climbing back in bed.
I glance at what she wrote—her address and the things she’ll need. “Yeah, that might help.”
She giggles and I grin. I could get used to that sound.
“I’ll be back after a bit,” I tell her then head out to the main room to find Kicks, Buzz and Shade. Walking into the room, I find Shade and Sienna first.
“Shade! Come here,” I call to him.
“What’s up, Prez?” he asks.
“I need you, Buzz, Kicks and Sienna to go check out Athena’s apartment. See if there’s anything or anyone suspicious there and grab some of her things,” I explain to him.
“You got it,” he replies.
“Call me as soon as possible if y’all find anything,” I order.
He nods his head then goes off to find the others. I glance around the room to see who all is still around. Most everyone went off to do their own things for the day.
“Everything okay, Pops?” Minx asks.
“It will be,” I tell her. “Athena will be stayin’ here until further notice. She needs our protection.”
“The girls and I will make her feel at home,” she says.
I give her a questioning look.
“I mean it! I promise!” she assures me.
I chuckle. “Thank you, baby girl. I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me.”
I give her a quick hug before heading back to Athena.
Chapter Thirteen
Athena
I’m more tired than I had thought I was. As soon as Bull leaves the room, I drift off to sleep. I’m not sure how long I’m asleep, but I’m woken up as the bed dips behind me. His cologne wafts over me as I turn to face him.
