by Piper Stone
There were no reports of sightings of Kelly’s sister or her daughter, although there were several agents still working the case. Sadly, the blood had turned out to be Ashley’s, although it certainly hadn’t been enough to convince anyone she’d been shot at the cabin. I couldn’t believe even a monster could hurt his own daughter.
Maybe I was a dreamer after all.
What I did know is that I loved her with my broken heart and longed to share a life with her. Sadly, I knew better than to pretend there were such things as fantasies, but maybe I could at least show her I was still a good man.
“You need to go to her,” Dylan suggested.
“I don’t think she wants to talk to anyone,” I whispered, almost choking.
Wade kicked the sand as he walked closer, lifting an eyebrow as he glared at me. “What did I tell you before?”
“Not to be a martyr. I think we’re past that.”
“No. I think I told you not to be a damn asshole. She loves you,” Wade snorted. “You need to talk to her. Get your head out of your ass.”
I chuckled, giving him a nod of respect. “I think she loves all of us, only in a different way.”
“Well, she needs your support and your strength. You’re like the alpha dude here,” Dylan said, laughing.
I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the ocean. I had no idea if I could ever feel peace again, not even standing in front of the water. “We all love her.”
“Yes,” Dylan whispered.
“Agreed,” Wade said before pushing me forward.
My feet were heavy as I walked toward her. When I was within only a few feet, she turned her head. Still unmoving. Still quiet.
Still riddled with sadness.
While I had no idea what to expect, I wrapped my arms around her, merely pulling her into the heat of my body.
When she placed her hand on my arm, I almost lost it, tears forming in my eyes. As I heard her soft sobs, the ugliness erupted all over again.
“I know, baby. I know.”
Kelly shifted around to face me, hiding her face against my chest, her body shaking as she continued to cry.
“I know you don’t want to hear this, but I love you. Wade and Dylan love you. We’d do anything we could to take away the pain.”
She pummeled her fist gently against me and I feared she would have dropped to the sand if I hadn’t been holding her.
Several minutes passed until she stopped shaking. When she eased away, she rubbed her eyes and tried to give me a smile. “And I love all of you too. I just don’t think I’ll ever be right again. I just... I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” I whispered as I wiped away her tears.
“I owe you for saving my life and I want you to know that developing a trust for Emily was... It was...” Several additional tears slipped down her face. “Beautiful. You have no idea how much that meant to me.”
“I would do anything for you. Do you trust me?”
Her eyes narrowing, she took a deep breath then nodded. “With my life. Why?”
“I want to bring you some healing. If you’ll allow me to try.”
She wrapped her hand around my shirt, tugging as she twisted her mouth. “I don’t think anything will work, but I do trust you.”
I moved back a few feet, reaching for her. She had to take my hand. I refused to force her. When she did, a flood of warmth rushed into my heart. I would die to protect her. Now if only I could make her smile again.
“What are we doing?” she asked.
“Trying to find salvation.”
* * *
“You want to tell me why we came here?” Wade hissed after jerking off his helmet. He stared at the Hell’s Fury clubhouse.
Cutting the engine, I eased off the bike. “There’s something I need to do. This trip is about salvation.” I’d found my answer in Salizare’s admittance. There’d been no betrayal, just an unfortunate mistake I’d made, setting the course in motion. While the cabin had been tossed, the building had been left intact. Maybe it was a godsend.
Maybe an omen.
But I would keep it just in case I needed a place of solitude.
I was surprised when Kelly’s hand pressed against my back in a way of encouragement. She knew exactly what I wanted to do.
“Hey, they are still our brothers and they came to our aid, dude,” Dylan stated.
“Yeah, I know. Just seems like damn weird timing.” Wade chuckled. “But everything about Jace Crockett Brackett is weird.” He stepped out of the way as he grinned. “Including that damn haircut of yours. You look like some freaking cop.”
“Asshole,” I said, shaking my head. Dylan was right. The number of club members who’d brought their muscle to the harbor had been incredible. Somehow, I managed to get Steve to yank them off the radar as bad guys.
As I walked inside, the others following me, I felt a solid sixty pairs of eyes staring at us. I’d had no way of knowing what Hawk had told them. When they started clapping and whistling, I couldn’t have been more stunned.
I’d never allowed the majority of them to get close to me on any level. I’d missed out on pretty amazing possibilities.
When Hawk appeared in the doorway, his big bruiser of a dog by his side, I was relieved.
“I’ll be right back. Then we can go.” I squeezed Kelly’s hand before walking into his office, waiting until he’d closed the door.
I took a few minutes, greeting Buck, his tail wagging as he jumped up to give me kisses. Maybe I’d even get a dog of my own one day.
Hawk finally cleared his throat.
“I didn’t have a chance to say thank you for your help,” I managed.
He said nothing as he walked around his desk, shoving his hands into his pockets. Sighing, he looked down. “I know you had your doubts about me. You believed I might have sold you and the rest of the club out to Salizare.”
“Not going to lie to you, Hawk. I did and I was wrong.”
“And I don’t blame you.”
I could hear sadness in his voice. “I gotta ask you a question. What really happened on that night in the alley? Why did you want to save me?”
He moved to sit on the edge of his desk, finally lifting his head. “You know exactly how I feel about Domingo Salizare. When my sister died in my arms, I didn’t want to live again. I knew one day I’d meet that man in a dark alley. I wasn’t shy about allowing that out into the public either. That garnered me both enemies and friends, some of which felt the same way. That also afforded me information, even if I didn’t want to hear it. When I heard some ass-wipe attorney had fled his life and that he was being hunted, I didn’t give a shit. Why should I? When I learned Salizare’s soldiers had tracked you to my city, I knew it was a chance at getting to the asshole sooner versus later.”
I shook my head. “I don’t blame you.”
“It was luck of the draw one of his soldiers opened his mouth to one of ours. That’s how I was able to find you. By all rights, I shouldn’t have interfered, but when you mumbled the words about your fiancée on that dark night as well as your desire to kill him, I couldn’t let you lie there and die. I also didn’t expect to give a shit about you, but I did. So here we are. Plus, Buck liked you, so I figured you were an all right guy.”
“Thank you for that.” I laughed as Buck issued a single bark.
“Thank you for helping me do the right thing. You were right. This club isn’t about breaking the law. It’s about companionship and attempting to do something good.” Hawk laughed. “Listen to me. Maybe I’ve grown up.”
“You have no idea how much you helped me when I needed it the most.” I held out my hand, grateful I had such an amazing friend.
He accepted the handshake, his eyes shimmering. “You clean up good, kid. I take it you’re going back to your previous life.”
“I honestly don’t know what I’m gonna do.” Although the offer from my grandfather’s company was still on the table, Grandis nagging me mo
re than once.
“I think you know the answer to that one. Most men don’t get lucky twice. Make sure you grab it with both hands.”
“I am. There’s something I need to do to try and help Kelly heal. So, we’re taking a road trip.”
“Hmmm... I think that sounds like a damn good thing to do. I hope you’ll come back sometime but just to visit.” Hawk grinned.
“You can count on that. I better get going. Want to try and get as many miles in as possible today.”
“Keep her safe, Crockett. She’s a special lady.”
As I walked toward the door, I glanced around his office. “Might be time for you to redecorate.”
“Shut the hell up and get out of here.”
Laughing, I headed toward the others, shaking a few hands along the way. When we moved outside, I took a good look at the line of Harleys, thankful I’d found a home against all odds.
As we got onto the bikes, the door to the clubhouse opened, several of the bikers walking outside, one of them sliding over the bike next to mine.
“Good day for a ride,” he said. “We thought we’d come with you.”
There were few times in my life I’d been humbled, but this was not only one of those times, this was one I’d never forget.
Trust.
I’d learned several valuable lessons.
I’d also learned how to love again.
Chapter Seventeen
Kelly
A long road home.
I’d thought about those words as I clung to Crockett on the beautiful but tiring trip. At first, I hadn’t known where he was going but as the sign for Virginia came into view, I’d almost begged him to stop.
Salvation.
Maybe the man I adored was right. At least I could get a chance to see where my little baby had been last, to smell her delicate scents, gathering things she’d owned.
I would never stop looking for her or my sister, but with every day that passed, my hope was fading. Even I would have never believed Michael such a horrible monster, but I’d been forced to face the truth the moment he’d pointed a gun to my head.
And my beautiful hero had arisen from the ashes, refusing to allow me to fall prey to the horrible beast.
All three men were heroes in my book, keeping their promise of protection against so many challenges. I only hoped I could stop the pain at some point. Maybe one day.
The twelve bikers who trailed behind me were also a method of protection, taking their vow of honor to an entirely different level. While I’d yet to learn all their names, I would, although there was no adequate way to thank them.
The morning was beautiful on this second day, the ride even more incredible as we drove through the mountains. Everything was so green and lush, flowers along the roadside. I loved it here, even though I realized being in this state had to bring nothing but pain to Crockett. Maybe he would be able to deal with some of his demons. I knew they remained no matter what he’d said to me.
The feel of his body against mine would forever be powerful. So strong. So virulent. At least I’d been able to lean on him, as well as the others.
I’d only seen pictures of the cabin when Ashley had considered purchasing it, but I would know it anywhere. As we rolled down the street, my heart was ready to fall into additional pieces. I willed myself to be strong. With any lucky, maybe we could find some answers. When Crockett slowed the bike, pulling into the driveway, I still had hopes that maybe the door would open and my little family would come rushing out.
There was nothing but the light breeze as everyone parked. Ashley’s car wasn’t in the driveway and there were no signs of activity. As I eased off the bike, I could see my sister’s touches everywhere in the flowers she’d planted and the wind chime hanging by the front door. She’d made this a home.
I was trembling when I removed the helmet. Even though my heart was heavy, just being here already made me feel better. The view of the lake from where we were standing was breathtaking, the very reason Ashley had insisted on buying the place.
“Are you sure you can do this?” Crockett asked in such a revered manner.
“I’m sure.”
“How are we getting in?” Dylan moved beside me.
“If I know Ashley, she kept a key under her flowerpot.” I bit my lip as I walked toward it, holding my breath as I lifted the edge. I’d been right. True to form, there it was. There was nothing quite like opening the door, immediately able to tell that my baby girl had been happy here.
There were toys everywhere, children’s books on the coffee table. While Crockett had been right and there was no sign of disturbance, I couldn’t get over the feeling Ashley had left in a hurry. I’d heard the blood belonged to her, but I refused to think about what she must have endured.
The others stayed behind as I made my way into the kitchen, studying the knickknacks and colorful towels positioned just so. Everything was in its place, not a plate in the open or any packages of food. As I walked into the living room, I was drawn to the back of the house, windows and glass doors covering every inch of the wall. The view was spectacular.
“I’m going to take a look around,” Dylan said as he unlocked the patio door.
“I’ll do the same.” Wade followed him. I had the distinct feeling that they wanted to give me some space.
My heart was in my throat as I noticed at least a dozen children’s movies on DVD, all of Emily’s favorites. I refused to cry, although I knew tears would come.
“I’m going to her bedroom. Okay?” I said absently as I moved toward the hallway, surprised when Crockett didn’t follow me.
I noticed Ashley’s bedroom first, the comforter tossed aside and clothes on the edge. There were boxes everywhere. I was struck that everything had been here for more than just a few days. Ashley must have moved here out of fear when she couldn’t get in touch with me. My beautiful, amazing sister.
I studied the bathroom next and for some reason, I was unable to bring myself to go inside. The last room on the right had to be Emily’s.
I’d never wanted to have a child when I was younger, but the moment Emily was born, everything in my little world had changed. She was the sun and moon, the stars and the universe. I could no longer feel my feet as I forced myself to go inside.
Pinks and purples adorned everything, the lovely little bed exactly what my daughter had deserved. Ashley had spared no expense, pouring her heart and soul into caring for my baby. As I walked further inside, I brushed my hand across stuffed animals and more books, a tiny radio and even a little television. All for my little girl.
I allowed myself onto her bed, unable to stop the tears as I cradled one of her little dollies in my arms. Nothing seemed real any longer. Nothing would ever be the same.
As Emily’s scent rushed into my nostrils, I felt some level of comfort, a moment of quiet and peace that I knew Crockett was right about. Maybe he knew me better than I knew myself.
I had no way of knowing how long I spent curled on her bed in a fetal position, but the creak of the floor dragged me out of my sadness.
“I found Ashley’s phone. The screen is cracked.” Crockett’s voice held such darkness. “It was buried in the couch.”
I sat up, rubbing my eyes and staring as he held it out. “Maybe we can figure out if anyone called her.”
“I’ll see if I can find the charger.”
I nodded, trying desperately to give him a smile before he walked away. When I finally gathered the strength, I took slow steps into the living room, immediately going outside and heading toward the lake. Every biker gave me a wide berth, including Dylan and Wade, but I could feel their presence as they watched me.
Forever protective.
Forever loving.
The water wasn’t completely clear but as I stood on the dock, I realized this was perhaps one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Emily must have loved it here.
I’d never wished harm on anyone in my life.
With one exce
ption.
And I hope the bastard fried in hell.
“Mommy. Mommy! I miss you.”
No. I couldn’t do this. I just...
“Kelly.”
Crockett’s tone was different, sending a cold chill down my arms. “What’s wrong?” I sucked in my tears, my heart racing.
“I think you need to see this.”
Cringing, I slowly turned, blinking several times until I could no longer hold back the tears.
“Mommy!”
“Emily!”
As I raced toward her, dropping onto the ground, I said a silent prayer for granting me my greatest wish.
I love you. I love you.
“Kelly? You’re here!” Ashley said, gasping as she clasped her hands over her mouth. “Oh, my God. I was so worried. Your call, and you were gone so long. Then the news. What happened?”
“Mommy. I missed you.” As Emily’s little arms wrapped around my neck, I knew I would never let her out of my sight again.
“How? I mean...” Ashley stumbled closer, falling to her knees. “I was so worried. I just...”
“Your phone. I called you. Where were you?” I demanded, reaching out for her. “I found blood.”
“I had a bad feeling and decided to take her away. Then when the news came out about Michael’s death, I stayed. I forgot my phone. The blood was from cutting an apple. Soon after, I got jumpy. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I promise that she was never out of my sight. I was right there.”
I grabbed her by the neck, pulling her into a bear hug as I clung to my little girl. “It’s okay. It’s okay. We’re together and the nightmare is over.”
“How? What happened? I tried to call you back.” Ashley finally noticed the group of men standing around and swallowed hard.
I pulled Emily with me as I rose to my feet. “You need to meet some very important people in my life. This is Wade, Dylan, and Crockett. They protected me. Hell, they saved my life more than once. And...”