Heartless (Steel Demons MC #6) - Crystal Ash Page 0,101
at it, but I knew he caught the glimpse of Mari’s name written on the front.
“I won’t read it,” he muttered. “Swear.”
“I know you won’t. You’re…” I sighed, revving up my engine. This was the worst fucking time to get sentimental. “You’re a good kid, Slick. I’ve always liked you.”
“Thanks, Shadow.” His head bobbed up and down in a nod, still looking from side to side. “Sorry to hear about…everything. Good luck out there.”
“You too.”
With nothing left to say, I picked my feet up from the ground, drove the bike forward, and never looked back.
Twenty-Nine
MARIPOSA
I couldn’t stop rolling my neck around on my shoulders. Having the brace off was both freeing and strange. Rhonda and Dr. Brooks couldn’t believe that I requested to have it taken off after just three days, but they relented after much pestering. I had to act just as surprised as them, while my men and the animals stood by trying to hold back their grins.
With my arms wrapped around Reaper’s waist, the chilly wind in my hair, and the rumble of the bike underneath us, it was such a relief to be heading home after my hospital stay.
Being laid up in that room, only allowed to go on short walks, gave me too much time to think, to circle back on what happened with Shadow again and again.
Ultimately, I knew I wanted to try things again with him, after some time. But I kept that between myself and Freyja. Reaper and Gunner would blow a gasket if they knew. Although I was pretty certain Jandro wouldn’t.
My sweet VP had been the only one to visit Shadow, although he didn’t share much about how he was or what the club’s plans were. Jandro, usually full of smiles and warmth, was the most sullen and quiet I’d ever seen him. I knew he could see Reaper’s point of view, but he was also Shadow’s longest and closest friend. He had to feel some of the same conflicting feelings as I did.
Reaper avoided all talk of Shadow since I told him how I felt. He was not a man of inaction, so I hoped he would have some answers by the time I got home.
As far as I was concerned, Shadow was still mine. He’d be among the men at my side once he had time to work through his trauma. I knew in my heart he was remorseful and that was all that mattered to me. I didn’t need to hear an apology right away. My chest ached at the thought of how much he surely blamed himself, how guilt-ridden he must have felt. He might never want to touch me again out of fear, and that thought hurt almost as much as the torn ligaments in my neck.
I wasn’t ready to see him yet, but maybe soon. And eventually we’d be able to put this behind us.
Reaper pulled slowly up to our house, the lights in the windows warm and inviting. My fingers tightened for a moment around the edge of his cut.
“Is he…?”
“No, sugar.” He brought my fingers to his lips and quickly kissed them before dismounting.
“Where is he?” I asked.
He looked at me, lips setting in a hard line before holding his arms out. “Let me help you off. I think Jandro’s got dinner ready.”
Avoiding the subject again. But I was tired and hungry, and let him lift me off the bike. After settling back in at home, I’d press him for information. But not right now.
Reaper led me inside, mumbling some excuse as he took off down the hall to his study.
“Baby girl!” Shirtless and barefoot, Gunner slid off the couch and came to greet me with an embrace and a smile. “Welcome home.” He pulled me into his chest and I could have dozed off right then, perfectly content against his warm skin.
“It’s good to be home,” I sighed, squeezing around his waist.
He brought his hands to my face, tilting it up for kisses. I melted under the soft presses of his lips, always like gentle rain.
“What do you need? Food? A drink? Sleep?” He pecked kisses on my mouth between each question, making a smile pull across my lips.
“Hm, all of the above. In that order, please.”
“Coming right up,” he murmured, pulling away to holler toward the kitchen. “Jandrooo, make her a plate.”
“What d’you think I’m doing, asshole?”
Gunner and I both flinched at the sound of his voice, full of malice and not a hint of Jandro’s usual playfulness.