Page 6 of Wrath

Cotton let his words sink in before adding, “But for now, we need to take a moment and catch our breaths.”

“And the lockdown?” Savage asked.

“I’m lifting it.” Cotton’s tone was stern as he said, “I still want you to remain on high alert. Don’t take any unnecessary risks but go home. Get some rest, and we will pick up here later in the week.”

Without saying anything more, Cotton dismissed church, and we all dispersed. Some went to the bar for a beer, while others went straight to their rooms to start gathering their things. I didn’t have anything in my room that I couldn’t live without, so I skipped going by my room and headed straight to the parking lot.

We’d been in close quarters for days, and after another long one, I was eager to get the hell out of there. Rooster and a couple of the other brothers were standing around talking, but I didn’t stop to speak. Instead, I gave them a quick nod, then got on my bike and started the engine. As soon as I had my helmet on, I eased out of the gate and started home.

It was the perfect night for a ride. The sun had already set, casting a beautiful orange and pink glow over the horizon. I was completely surrounded by trees as high as the eye could see, and all I could hear was the sound of my engine and the loud rush of wind as it whipped past me. It was just what I needed to put this long day behind me.

The road ahead was full of twists and turns—just the way I liked it. As I made my way around the first bend, I could already feel the tension in my shoulders starting to subside. It was the moment I’d been waiting for. After days of stress and hard work, I was finally able to let go and breathe.

I eased back on the throttle and coasted around the next big curve. I was in no hurry. I needed a moment to clear my head, so I took my time as I continued down the deserted road. Moments later, I pulled up my driveway and parked next to the front steps.

I owned an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. I’d been working on it for years, and while there was still lots to be done, I really liked the place. It was set back from the road and surrounded by lush green fields and thick woods. It had three bedrooms, a wrap-around front porch, and a large barn in the backyard.

I took off my helmet and headed up to the front porch. I’d just made it up to the front door when I heard, “Hey there, stranger.”

“Hey, Rosa.” I turned to face my beautiful, but intrusive neighbor as I asked, “How’s it going?”

“It’s going well. I’ve been busy at work, but it’s been good.” She gave me a half-hearted shrug. “I haven’t seen much of you lately. I was beginning to think something happened to you until I saw you pull up.”

“Been busy.”

“Yeah, that’s what I figured.” She took a strand of her long, blonde hair and twirled it around her finger. “I was just hoping we might get a chance to hang out again sometime soon.”

We’d hooked up a couple of times, and it was alright. She was a great lay, but I’d had a hell of a day and wasn’t interested in a hookup. “Sorry, babe. I’ve had a long one.”

“Are you sure? We could watch a movie or…”

“Maybe some other time. Tonight, I just wanna shower and hit the sack.”

There was no missing the sound of disappointment in her voice as she muttered, “Oh... O-kay. Well, I hope you sleep well.”

“I’m sure I will.” I grabbed the mail from the mailbox and stepped inside. Before I closed the door, I told her, “Night, Rosa. Have a good one.”

I tossed my keys and mail on the table, then closed the door behind me. I took a quick look around, and just as I expected, everything was exactly as I’d left it. There were a few dirty dishes in the sink and a full basket of clean laundry on the kitchen table.

I ignored both and headed straight to the fridge. Since I didn’t see anything that looked appealing to eat, I grabbed a beer and headed to the bedroom. After a long, hot shower, I changed into some fresh boxers, then headed into the living room. I sat down in my recliner, then grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. I’d just started flipping through the channels when my cell phone started to ring. I grabbed it from the table, then glanced down at the screen.

When I saw it was Torch calling, I answered, “Yeah.”

“What are you doing?”

“Just got home. Why?”

“Savage and I are about to head over and watch the game at Bones’. Thought you might wanna join us.”

“Thanks, but I’m in for the night.”

“You sure? We got pizza and wings, and there’s plenty of beer to go around.”

“Sounds tempting, but I’m beat. I’m gonna finish off this beer and hit the sack.”

“Suit yourself.” Before he hung up, he said, “Get your rest, and we’ll catch up with you tomorrow.”

As soon as he ended the call, I tossed my phone back on the table and turned my focus back to the TV. I found the game, then settled back in my chair. It wasn’t long before my exhaustion got the best of me, and I started to doze off. When I could barely keep my eyes open, I got up and made my way down the hall to my bedroom.

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