Hold Close (Biker Daddy Bodyguards #2) - Sue Brown Page 0,25

you’re okay, Louis. Finding you in the alley like that.” She shook her head. “I nearly threw up.”

“It was you who found me! I’m sorry, I can’t remember much about it.” He remembered the pain and the fear, but the aftermath was a blank.

“It was me. I’m so glad I came to look for you.”

“Me too,” Louis said fervently. “Why did you come after me?”

Trina pulled a face. “Conchita was making a fuss. I thought you could calm her down.”

Louis shook his head. “I owe her flowers for being a pain.”

“Jamie organized that already once I told him, and for me. He also offered me therapy if I need it.”

His new manager was going to get a huge bonus.

“I’m glad you’re back. That’s all I came to tell you.”

Louis held out his arms and she came back into them willingly. She hugged him fiercely and he held back the flinch. It still hurt.

“I won’t be the only one wanting to talk to you,” Trina said as she stepped back.

And sure enough, as she vanished toward the restaurant, one of the bar staff appeared to tell him how pleased he was that Louis was back. Louis smiled at him and asked him about his dog who’d been at the veterinarians last time they’d spoken. The man’s eyes lit up as he told him about the dog’s recovery. Louis had never wanted pets as he was at the club most of the time, but he understood they were family.

As the man walked away, Louis searched for Craig and found him in a corner, his eyes on Louis. He relaxed, knowing Craig hadn’t left him alone.

One by one, people appeared to tell him how happy they were to see him back in the club, and it went a long way to soothe the hurt in Louis that he had been betrayed by a few of his staff.

Craig

Craig knew he’d dodged a bullet with Joseph Holden. He remembered the party in Paris only too well. It had been a kink party, and there had been a large group of wealthy daddies and boys there. He hadn't been participating, as he had been guarding a businessman who was a little. He remembered Joseph, who had been a pain, annoying the unattached littles. He’d had to tell Holden to back off several times, which had only increased Holden's interest in him.

Of course, he hadn't realised who Holden had been until now. Thank goodness he hadn't followed through on Holden's attention. Although he hadn’t been with Louis for over a year, he was sure he wouldn't have been forgiven if he’d dallied with Holden. The one thing he did know was that Holden was no daddy, and he did deserve a spanking, but Craig wouldn't be the one to administer it.

He stayed where he was as, one by one, people came to talk to Louis, knowing that Louis needed the time to regroup with his employees. He couldn't hear what they were saying but Louis managed to bring a smile to everybody's face, and they both seemed to get something out of it.

Once he saw the pinched look return to Louis’s face, he knew it was time to get out of the club. It was lunchtime. Louis had mentioned staying during the evening, but he was exhausted, even if he refused to admit it. Craig would wrestle him home if necessary.

Craig made his way over to Louis who was resting with his head on the bar. "Ready to go?"

"Oh, hell yes," Louis admitted.

"Is there anything you need to do before you go?" Craig asked.

"I should talk to Jamie, but I think he’s tied up in other meetings. I’ll send him a message to call me later."

"Are you capable of riding back?"

The hesitation stretched just a fraction too long.

Craig nodded. "That's what I thought. Leave it with me. I will get the car here and then we’ll retrieve the bikes later."

Louis let out a long sigh. "Thanks. Every part of me hurts."

"Next time, tell me. It doesn't matter what we do. I’m here to make you comfortable."

Louis smirked at him. "It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that you hurt all over too, would it?"

"Hush you," Craig admonished. He'd never admit that in a million years.

Craig helped Louis into the Merc, noting the lines around his boy’s eyes and mouth, and the silver threading through the dark hair. He was looking older now, which surely led to his uncertainty. Craig wanted to kiss each line, each