Page 17 of Obliterate

He throws his leg over his bike, then turns back to look at me. “You sure you’re okay to drive?”

“I’m perfectly fine. I’ll see you back at the club.”

He dips his chin. “I’ll be on your six the whole way home.”

Somehow, that’s more comforting than it should be. I roll my window up as South’s bike roars to life, and I put my car into gear and take off out of the parking lot. My eyes flick to the rearview, and I can’t help but smile. I don’t know what it is about South, but this man has captured me, and he’s holding on with a vice-like grip.

The problem is—I really fucking like it.

“Ingrid, you need to get these thoughts out of your mind right now!” I mumble to myself as I flick my eyes from the rearview back to the road ahead and focus on driving back to the clubhouse.

My mind is all over the place, diverting from thoughts of South to my scans, to what if the results are bad news.How the fuck am I going to tell my kids? What will my options be? Am I going to go down the road of chemo or radiotherapy?

I don’t even know what they entail or what will be offered.Oh God, will I have to have my breasts removed?So many unknowns are floating through my mind that I probably shouldn’t be driving. If I’m honest, my mind isn’t on the traffic ahead of me, but somehow, I make it back to the clubhouse in one piece.

As the gates draw open, I let out a relieved exhale, hearing the roar of South’s bike ride into his spot. It’s his first official day here at the club, and already, I’m throwing live grenades at the poor guy.

As I open the door, I spot him waiting for me. Knowing I don’t want any attention on me, he doesn’t make a move to be my escort. And I can’t help but smile as we both walk toward the clubhouse.

South stays a solid yard away from me, and I have to dip my head as we make our way to Hurricane to hide what must be a stupid grin at this point. He hasn’t said a word, but I know he’s here for me all the same.

He glances up, bobbing his chin at South. “Thanks, brother, all go accordin’ to plan?” Hurricane asks.

“Ran as smooth as a baby’s ass,” South says crassly.

Hurricane glances at me for confirmation, but my stomach twists in response. I hate lying to him, but I don’t have a choice right now. I don’t want them to know. Not until I have my head wrapped around whateverthiscould be. They have enough to worry about with Anton and the Bratva back on the scene, and the Baroness is being shady as fuck too. They don’t need my medical issues clouding their judgment.

“All good, darling, nothing to be concerned over. However, I did get another call while I was out about a scheduling conflict for one of my other appointments… they wanted to know if I could move it up to tomorrow because the doctor is going to a conference the day I’m scheduled for my original appointment.”

Hurricane scoffs. “Typical. Fuckers never have their shit organized. What’s the appointment for tomorrow?”

I swallow the lump in my throat, hoping this will stop the line of questioning. “Pap smear.”

He curls up his lip and nods. “Right, yeah, okay… I’m sure I can find someone to go with you.”

“Actually, I already spoke to South, and he said he’d be fine with being my tail if you’re okay with it?”

Hurricane glances at South, and he nods. “All good with me, Pres. Gets me out and about, learning the lay of the city. Happy to do it.”

Hurricane rolls his shoulders. “All right, you tail her. But goin’ out twice in as many days can be a draw card for trouble, especially with the Bratva. So you keep your eyes fuckin’ peeled, you hear me, South?”

He nods, straightening his shoulders. “I hear you. I’ll protect Ingrid with my life.”

“Glad to hear it! Good job today, South.” He switches back to Ingrid. “I think Novah’s lookin’ for ya. She wants to talk to you about somethin’. Not sure what, though.”

“Thank you, darling.” I reach out, gently placing my hand on Hurricane’s arm.

He smiles in that genuine kind way he always does. “You stayin’ for dinner? I hear Lani’s makin’ somethin’realgood.”

I let out a small laugh. “Well, with an offer like that, how can I say no?”

Hurricane winks.

I glance at South. “Thanks for today,” I offer, making it sound like I mean for the tail, but for me, the meaning is much deeper.

South nods. “Anytime, Ingrid. I’ll be around tomorrow to escort you to your appointment. Let me know the time.”

“Appreciate that.” I reach out, giving his hand a light squeeze. He glances at my hand on his but doesn’t react because Hurricane’s watching us. Then I slowly turn and walk off, leaving the two to talk, probably about how todayreallywent.

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