by K. T Fisher
“What are you going to tell them?” She asks, sounding worried for us all.
“Don’t worry about that.” I whisper as burses approach us in a rushed panic.
“What’s happened?” One of the nurses asks us as they look over Lauren and Natasha.
“These are our partners and we found them like this in an old house.” Grim replies.
As a bed and wheelchair are rolled over for the girls, the nurse who asked the question frowns at us.
“What were they doing in an old house alone?” She asks.
I help Natasha into the wheelchair and Grim lays Lauren down on the hospital bed.
“They were kidnapped.” Is all I say.
“Are you going to help them or not?” Dad asks sounding pissed at the judgemental nurse.
She rushes away shouting orders at the nurses and giving the doctor a brief as they run away. Another nurse who seems friendlier than the previous one shows us to a private room where we can wait for updates on Lauren and Natasha. The room is a faded pale pink with childish pictures of animals and alphabet letters and it’s already pissing me off.
The nurse has obviously put us here for another reason which we find out ten minutes later when the police arrive.
“Shit.” Scrappy groans.
“Hello boys.” Officer dickhead grins.
Beside him stands a pretty little thing, blonde hair with bright eyes and big tits. I find it odd because I’ve never seen a pretty police woman before. Her partner gets out a little notebook and begins to tell us why we’re here, there’s no need, we all know.
“We’re here to have some questions asked on behalf of Lauren Ashford and Natasha Hopes.” He continues.
“Of course.” Grim replies and then goes back to clenching this jaw.
“What happened?” The police woman asks and Dad tells them the truth while the rest of us stand and listen. Obviously he misses out the fact that we were involved.
“So the house was empty when you got there?” She asks.
“Yes.” Prez answers.
“Why don’t I believe you?” Her dickhead college asks.
“I don’t know officer.” My Dad answers. “But I assure you that what I say is the truth and I want the men who did this caught because I see those two girls as my daughters and I want justice for what happened to them.”
At this he has nothing to say. The female officer looks at Dad in sympathy. “We will do our best to catch the people responsible.”
Eventually they leave but not before the fucker promises to come back and ask Lauren and Natasha some questions when they are able. As soon as we’re alone my dad is on the phone to the men he hired to do the dirty work and clean up.
“Is it done?” Is all he asks.
The men we hire for rare jobs like this are highly dangerous. These are thugs and they don’t mess around. We only use them when we know we are able to make their large payments because if we didn’t, we would have bigger problems than dealing with the Devils.
They used to specialise in tidying up after themselves and now they offer their services to only those they want to associate with. So we should be honoured that then even replied to us, never mind doing business, but we have to be careful.
Guaranteed when the police show up, there will be no sign of any Devil member, along with anyone’s blood or any type of DNA for them to collect. It will be clean but not obvious enough for them to know someone has been covering their arse.
We wait around for what feels like a lifetime, but in reality it’s only been forty minutes. Scrappy and Baby wanted to stay but Dad wanted them back at the clubhouse instead. I’m so fucking tired but I cannot and will not go to sleep until I’ve heard about Natasha.
There’s a light knock on the door before a man walks in, his white coat and clean looks obviously making him the doctor. He looks from me, Grim and Prez before asking who is here on behalf of Natasha.
“That’s me.” I stand.
He gives me a little smile. “I’m Doctor Wilson. I’ve just checked in on Natasha to see how she’s doing.” He takes a deep breath and my body tenses, what the fuck is he pausing for?
“She has obvious cuts and bruises to her face, we’ve had her bottom lip stitched up and we explained that it will most likely scar. Natasha also has some bruised ribs that luckily didn’t break. We’ve explained that she can easily treat these at home with some paracetamol or ibuprofen and plenty of rest. Her breathing will have to be shallow and we’ve explained the breathing exercises to her.”
I listen to his words and everything else he has to say but they don’t calm me. All I can hear is all these injuries that Strike gave to my women and regretting that I didn’t hurt him when I had the chance.
“Are you also here for Lauren Ashford?” He asks me.
“No that’s me.” Grim steps forward.
Doctor Wilson gives Grim a smile, it’s less welcoming than the one gave me and I take a look at my big brother and see why. Grim is looking tense and pissed, I get why but the fixed glare probably doesn’t help.
“Lauren has no injuries but she still hasn’t woken up. We’re expecting her to any time now as the drugs that were given to her are showing signs of fading. It’s a good idea to have someone sat with her when she does wake because she will be very confused and disorientated.”
“No problem Doc, I ain’t leaving her side.” Grim nods.
“I also need to talk to you privately.” The Doctor tells Grim.
“I’ll wait outside.” I offer, Dad following behind.
“Wonder what that’s about?” Dad asks.
“Fuck knows, but I need to see Natasha.”
“You love her.” He points out.
“Is it that obvious?” I laugh.
“Yeah son.” He laughs. “She will make a good old lady for you.”
I look over at him and give him a silent nod. Shit is too emotional right now.
“Ok then.” Doctor Wilson announces as he appears from the room, Grim closely following him. He looks less stressed, probably had to have some reassurance from the Doctor. I just hope it wasn’t bad news, those fucks could have done anything to Lauren while she was knocked out. The idea makes me sick with worry.
“If you follow me, I will take you to them now.” Doctor Wilson indicates down the long corridor.
“I’ll head back then.” Dad announces and places a hand on both mine and Grim’s shoulder. “Take care of those girls.”
Keeping the emotions away, we nod in return to Prez and watch as he leaves. Then I snap to attention when Doctor Wilson asks us to follow him. I can’t wait to see Natasha and see how she’s doing. I won’t leave her side ever again, she will probably get sick of the sight of me but I don’t give a shit. As long as Natasha is safe, that’s all I care about.
“This is their room.” The doctor announces as we indicates to a plain door to his left. “We thought it would be best for them to have a joint private room. After what’s happened, it’s probably safer.”
“Good idea Doc.” Grim nods and goes to open the door.
“Visiting time will end in two hours.” He lets us know.
Grim pauses and I turn to look back at the Doctor. “We won’t be leaving them.”
“I understand, but that’s against the hospitals rules.” He replies firmly.
I stop Grim from stepping towards the good Doctor and answer for both of us. “No offense, but we don’t care for the rules. Our women were kidnapped and hurt, we are not leaving them alone again.” I stare into his eyes. “Get that?”
I see him swallow. “I think that under these rare circumstances that we can bend the rules.”
“Good man.” I pat his shoulder and follow Grim into the room.
Grim quickly makes his way over to Lauren, and she’s still knocked out. It’s weird looking at her like that, sleeping and deadly still. I look over to the bed on the other side of the room and see Natasha sat over the covers with pillow plumped up behind her. Her fa
ce is free of blood and I see the stitches on her lip. She’s wearing one of those hospital gowns and she looks like hell, so why the fuck am I thinking I can see some boob from this view and wanting to see more?
“Hey baby.” I stroke her hair because I’m scared shitless to touch her anywhere else.
She’s holding an ice bag to what I’m assuming is her bruised ribs and she looks like she’s struggling to breathe.
“Are you ok?” I ask her, pulling up a chair and getting as close to her as possible.
“Yeah.” She says quietly. “Just hurts to breathe.”
“But you can breathe right?” I panic, looking her over.
She laughs and immediately winces. “Don’t make me laugh.” She frowns.
“I made you laugh?” I ask, feeling very confused. I didn’t do anything to make her laugh. Is this the drugs kicking in?
“Your face.” She smirks. “You look cute.”
“You’re making fun because I’m worried about you?” I ask.
She nods her head and I can tell she’s being careful to not laugh again.
“How’s Lauren?” She asks.
“Still waiting for her to wake up.” I look over at Lauren still sleeping. Grim holds her hand whilst stroking her hair. I’m so thankful that we have them back safe and sound.
I want to punish every single Devil member, luckily for me we have some locked up in our warehouse for me to play with when I get Natasha out of here.
“I can’t believe she came out there.” Natasha shakes her head.
“She loves you, she wanted to save you and the rest of the women.” She seems confused by what I say, so I fill her in on everything.
“I’m glad he’s dead.” She frowns. “The world is better off without him.”
All three of us think about that for a minute until a moan from beside Grim has us all waiting in anticipation. We’re all watching Lauren as he head moves from side to side.
“Brandon?” She asks.
“Thank fuck.” My brother sighs and jumps onto the bed, lying beside Lauren.
Natasha squeezes my hand tears rolling down her cheeks. Kissing her on the forehead and breathe her in.
Twenty-four hours later and Lauren and I are free to go home. Well, to the clubhouse. Devlin has told me lockdown is over but everyone wants to see us. It’s still hard to breathe, although it’s easier than when I first arrived at the hospital. Devlin takes notice of when I can have my pain killers and has been a star in while I’ve been bored in the hospital. I am fully capable of feeding myself but he wanted to help me, so I let him. Just little things like that have made me feel well and truly looked after.
When Lauren woke up, it took her a while to come around properly. The Doctors thought that’s because she was given a lot of drugs. I still can’t believe that she put herself in danger like that but Lauren is an amazing woman and as soon as Devlin told me why she gave herself over to Strike I wasn’t surprised. Lauren wasn’t only trying to save me but the rest of the women connected to the club as well. She’s spoken to me a little about how she feels killing her ex, Andrew. Secretly, I think she’s silently mourning Andrew because before she realised he was The Devils member, Switch they were a couple. Whether Lauren cheated on him or not doesn’t really matter, she was still with the guy.
Lauren and I hold hands as we walk into the clubhouse. The music is low and I can hear the chatter of everyone. I’m automatically relax and I realise it’s because I’m home. These people are my family and this is where I belong.
Drew and Elise are the first to run up to us but before they even get close Devlin blocks their way.
“Be careful.” He warns them but he still doesn’t move.
“Dev, I’m not going to squeeze her to death. I know about her ribs.” Drew argues.
“Let them pass Devlin.” I laugh.
With a loud sigh Devlin moves out of their way but still stands closely to my side. He watches the girls closely as they gently hold me, their tears bringing on my own. Lauren joins us, Elise and Drew are able to hold her tighter than they can me.
“I’m so sorry.” Drew cries.
“It’s ok.” I insist.
“No.” She shakes he head. “I could have stopped him taking you.”
“Drew,” I argue. “There’s no way you could have stopped them, but we’re safe now.”
“Finally.” Lauren breathes a sigh of relief.
“I put both of you in danger.” She hangs her head in shame.
“Don’t you dare.” I growl. “You have nothing to be sorry about and I don’t want to hear this self-pity a second more. You had nothing to do with it, you couldn’t have stopped them and we’re safe now.”
Devlin laughs beside me and I give him a funny look. “Tough old lady.” He says laughing.
Drew and Elise join him and we meet the others who have waited to see Lauren and I. All the old ladies are here and glad to see us safe. Nelly is much like Elise and Drew and won’t stop crying even though we’re both here with them. Tech, her Old Man, puts an arm around her to try and settle her. Their two year old son Bobby wriggles in his father’s arms as he tries to reach Nelly. She reaches for him and when she holds him, Bobby stretches his arm and caresses his mother’s face, Nelly stops crying and kisses him on his chubby cheek.
“So, I hear Bomber is here.” I whisper over to Elise.
Her smiling face fades and a frown covers her features. “Yeah.”
“Why the long face?” I ask, taking a much needed sit down on the closest sofa.
Elise joins me. “He’s tried talking to me, but with you and Lauren gone, I didn’t think it was right.”
“But now we’re back.” I tease her.
I take a long deep breath and cringe from the pain shooting through my stomach.
“I don’t know.” She bites on her lip.
“What’s the deal with you two?” I ask.
Ever since we were taken to the US Kings of Rebellion clubhouse and saw the way Elise and Bomber interacted, I’ve been so curious. Now that he’s here, I’m wondering if we will see something develop.
“We were close as kids but then his dad joined the American charter. I didn’t know then that he was actually going under cover at The Devils and I definitely didn’t know he had taken Bomber inside with him. There was something there, even at the age of fifteen.” She looks happy as the thinks about their shared past. Young love, how sweet.
“Now you can reconnect.” I smile at her, but she frowns again.
“We’ve hardly spoken. Between you and Lauren missing and Scrappy making sure Bomber is kept well away, I don’t think anything will happen.” She sulks. I can tell how much she likes him by how down she looks.
“Don’t worry, you have me back now.” I wiggle my eyebrows, making her laugh.
“You ok babe?” Devlin asks, he’s standing above me, looking concerned.
“I’m ok, just needed to sit down.” I try to reassure him.
“Come on, you need to go to bed.” He holds out his hand and as much as I want to refuse him because he’s telling me what to do, I know I need to rest up.
I take his helping hand and groan as I stand. Shit that was sore. Devlin fusses over me, making Elise smirk from the cuteness.
“Devlin, I’m ok.” I tell him.
“Go and rest.” Elise adds.
“We’re not done with this conversation.” I remind her as Devlin helps me away.
“What conversation?” Devlin asks as we make our way through concerned members.
“Bomber.” I reply, preparing myself for Devlin and him telling me to stay out of it.
“That won’t happen.” He laughs. “Scrappy won’t allow it.”
“You knew?” I gasp as we make our way to his room.
“Everyone does.” He shakes his head. “Scrappy doesn’t trust him, never has.”
“Because of him being with The Devils?”
“Not just that. He’s very protective of Elise.” Devlin t
ells me as he helps me down on the bed.
I sigh in content, this bed feels good. Devlin joins me, smoothing my hair.
“I’m so glad to have you back.” He whispers.
“Me too.” I kiss him softly, careful to not press too hard on my stitches. “So, am I your old lady?”
I know he asked me before but it wasn’t totally official and after hearing him call me it in front of everyone today has left me feeling weightless.
“Of course you are.” He laughs. God he’s so sexy, his laugh is deep and husky and his dark eyes stare into my bright ones.
I’m so happy to be back where I belong. Devlin holds me, careful not to hurt me and we lay like this for the rest of the day. Happy to be back together, with no threats hanging over our heads. I know that Savage and the rest of The Devils that survived are in the warehouse awaiting their punishment from The Kings, but I won’t say anything. Devlin will know what I’m intending to do, I just hope Savage is still alive when I’m able to sneak in and give him my signature blessing, I hope he likes heat to his dick. If he’s anything like Demon, he will scream like a bitch.
The next morning a church meeting is called and this one will be very interesting. Prez has just announced that he’s set up a phone call with Savages VP, back in the US and that will be on loud speaker during church. His name is Breaker. I’ve never met him but my brother has and as long as he says he’s a good man, I’ll take his word.
I can’t figure out if he would have been involved or not. The way Strike told it, Savage wanted to be the new and improved Devil President, with no help from anyone but the Devils. Meaning that nobody from the US Kings charter, including Breaker, knew what their back stabbing Prez was up to. But I’m not about to start trusting Strike, dead or alive. Which leads us onto the second topic for church, what are we going to do about Strike’s sister and Grims agreement to keep an eye on her?
Leaving Natasha in bed this morning was tough. I have my club duties but having her back with me and injured I feel like I can’t leave her alone.
“How’s Tash doing?” Spliff asks when I take my seat at Church.
“Better now she’s home.” I answer, full respect for my brother for asking how my woman is doing when he’s just lost his own. “How are you doing?”