Page 71 of Hell on Wheels

Diablo was a bit scary with red and black face paint. He reminded me of Rael, who liked to walk around with Day of the Dead makeup. A skeletal visage that resembled the reaper I saw outside when Fred’s soul was reaped.

Reaped. Gone. Forever.

I was still coming to terms with that.

Grim walked my way as I saw Torin enter after him. I jumped from the stool, rushing to my stepbrother.

“Torin!”

“Hey, Lark.” His arms wrapped around me in a tight hug. “You okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

He shrugged. “Grim told me about Fred.”

Ah. “It’s done. We don’t have to worry about him ever again.”

“Good.” He cleared his throat. “I found Molly.”

I stopped breathing. My knees buckled, and he caught me as I heard Flint call my name. “What?”

“Molly is outside.”

“Is she hurt? Why didn’t she come in?”

“She wanted me to tell you first. Make sure you understood.” His voice sounded strained.

“Understood what?”

“She’s not staying in Nevada.”

I shoved Torin aside, running out of the bar and through the door, anxiety swimming in my gut.

Molly stood by three scary bikers. Big guys with plenty of dark ink, piercings, and hostility. Their leather cuts read Feral Rebels MC.

“Molls?” I asked, scared these guys had threatened her.

“It’s not what you think,” she blurted. “They rescued me.”

Confused, I blinked. I didn’t care about that. “Can I hug you?”

“Yeah,” she replied quietly, blinking back tears.

I ran to her, crushing her as we collided, tears overflowing as we both sniffled, unleashing all the emotional baggage we carried since her disappearance.

“I thought I lost you,” I blubbered.

“You almost did.” Tears streaked down her face as I finally leaned back, holding both of her hands in mine.

“Are you okay?”

“I think I will be with time.”

I didn’t like that answer. Smoothing the hair away from her face, I leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I love you. You know that, right?”

“I love you, too.”

“Torin said you’re leaving Nevada.”

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