Page 79 of Brutal Boxer

Storm hiked a brow. “You sure? We have plenty of room.”

“I’m sure. I’ll go get Nova.” She darted away.

“She’s odd.” Storm kissed my cheek. “How are you really?”

“Worried about you. And the others.” I took his hand.

“Don’t be. I don’t want you stressing.” That was his way of telling me he feared me losing the baby the way Aspen lost hers. I was farther along than her, just about five months. No matter how many times I told Storm we were in the clear, he still worried about me.

“We’re fine.”

He hugged me again. “I talked to David,” he told the room. “His VP betrayed the club. He went to the safe house and tried to take Aspen.”

“Oh my gosh.” I covered my mouth.

“Did anyone get hurt? Sugar asked.

“Jill’s gone.” He looked at me. “Wolf is a mess.”

Shocked gasps came from the other women.

“What about Boxer and Aspen?” Tears rolled down my face, feeling the enormity of our situation. I couldn’t imagine how devastated Wolf and Boxer were. My heart ached for them.

“They all got out before Campbell arrived.” He caressed my cheek.

Karma appeared with a sleeping Nova in her arms. “We’re ready.”

Storm dropped his gaze to mine. “Try to get some rest and stay calm.”

“I will. Stay safe out there.” I popped up on my toes to kiss him. “I love you.”

“Back at ya, Angel.” He winked.

24

Aspen

It was pitch out at almost eleven o’clock. We’d been driving for hours in silence. Zach stopped for gas once, took me to use the bathroom, got some snacks and a few other things. We were back on the road.

I had no idea where he was taking me. Nor did I care.

My best friend died today because of me. Nothing else mattered. How would I live with her death on my hands?

How would I enjoy life after stealing hers away?

And my gosh, my heart was broken for Wolf. That giant Russian teddy bear. To hear a man whimper and sob… His grief-stricken cries were seared in my memory. I didn’t think I could ever face him again.

How many more people would die because of me?

A shudder worked through my head to my toes. I didn’t dare imagine what might come next.

“This looks like a good place to stop for the night.” Zach pulled into the parking lot of a creepy motel. It appeared like something you’d see in a horror movie where ghosts or a deranged serial killer ran the place.

On the fritz, aVacantsign flashed. Not a good omen, if you asked me.

My eyes went wide as I turned toward him. “Here?”

“Yeah. Can I trust you to not run away? I’d take you in with me, but it’s better if you don’t show your face everywhere.” He stared at me with tired, languid eyes.

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