Fanning the Biker's Flame - Piper Davenport Page 0,64
because of the dangerous nature of a motorcycle. I mean, mostly it was, but it was also because being on the back of a bike meant something. Especially his, and especially to me. I wasn’t willing to admit that out loud just yet, however.
“I got my truck,” Doom said as he put a new lock on my door. “You can ride with me.”
“Thanks, bud,” I said. “I’ll go pack a bag.”
“We’re not done with this conversation, seester,” Nolan called to my back.
“Yes, we are broooother,” I retorted, closing myself into my room… just as Silas walked in.
“What the fuck, Cat?”
“What the fact, what?” I retorted, dropping a duffel on my bed.
“Why didn’t you call me about this asshat?”
“Why didn’t you tell me Nolan was having you follow me?”
“Baby, I’m ahead of him in the pecking order, he didn’t have me do shit.” He crossed his arms. “He couldn’t if he tried.”
I rolled my eyes, throwing a stack of clothes into the bag. “Why were you following me, then?”
“That’s my secret for the moment.”
“Always some kind of secret,” I mused. “Are you like this with everyone?”
“No.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
He smiled gently. “You freaked?”
There it was. Silas’s way was to get to the heart of the matter and tonight, he didn’t disappoint. I nodded and he closed the distance between us, pulling me in for a hug. “That asshole isn’t gonna do another goddamn thing to you.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, taking the comfort he offered, even though it tormented me to no end. I was in love with my best friend and he was someone who could never love me back.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my memory. I saw it was Silas, so I answered immediately.
CHAPTER TWO
Shutter
After Catalina’s boss, Melonie, called me, I diverted my plan to head to the club and rode over to Darlene’s instead. Melonie didn’t give me much in the way of useful information, just that Darlene was hurt, and Nova wanted me there.
I pulled up just behind the fire trucks and ambulance, relieved to see my club brother was on duty. Shadow was currently holding Nova, but when he saw me, he gave me a chin lifted and carried her to me.
“What’s goin’ on?” I asked taking her from him.
“Mama won’t wake up,” Nova said.
“Okay, baby girl.” I set her on her feet, then knelt beside her. “We’re gonna let Shadow take care of her okay?”
“Call Posey,” Shadow said. “Nova can hang with her for a few. I’m gonna get back.”
“Thanks,” I said distractedly, then focused back on Nova. “You okay with me callin’ Posey?”
She bobbed her head. “But can I stay with you after?”
“I don’t know, baby, but we’ll figure it out.”
“She had lots of owies,” Nova whispered.
“Come here, baby.” I pulled her close and hugged her as she cried softly into my cut.
Jesus, what manner of hell did this little girl just witness?
As was my habit of late, particularly when facing something difficult, I pulled my phone out and called Catalina first.
“What’s going on?” she asked after the first ring. “Is Nova okay?”
“Not sure what’s goin’ on. But I’ve got Nova and I’m gonna get her to your brother’s place until I can figure out what to do next.”
“I’m off in ten minutes. Do you want me to meet you?”
“Actually, are you up to coming to Darlene’s? I’ve got my bike, but it would be safer if Nova was in a car.”
“Yeah, of course. I’ll be there soon.”
“Thanks.”
She hung up and I called Posey.
“Hey, Shutter,” she said.
“Hey, sweetheart, are you up to watchin’ Nova for a bit?”
“Of course,” she said. “Shadow texted to give me a heads-up, but do you know what’s going on?”
“Not yet,” I admitted. “Cat’s meeting me, then we’ll bring Nova by.”
“Okay, bud. See you when you get here.”
Nova patted my leg. “I need Mr. Diggles.”
Mr. Diggles was the stuffed pig I’d bought her when she was three and she didn’t go anywhere without it.
“I’m not sure if I can get him right now.”
“Please, Uncle Shutter?” Her big eyes filled with tears again and I sighed, stroking her cheek.
“Let me talk to Shadow and find out if we can get him, okay?” I hunkered down in front of her again. “But we need to be patient and wait until they’ve done their job.”
She nodded, throwing her arms around me and bursting into tears. “Is Mama dead?”
“I don’t know, sweetness. But I got you.”
I lifted her and she wrapped her legs around my