to break down as I relive it. “I came here because I remember Hunter saying one of the boys was a cop. I thought he might be able to help.”
“Ryan, I’ll call him now and let him know what’s going on.” Jules walks out of the room and returns a few minutes later. “Luckily, Ryan is at the station and not out on call. He is going to try to get him out. Brian is out of town scoping out some new projects, so you know what that means…”
I laugh. “Margaritas?”
She frantically nods her head before practically skipping out of the room. I try to let the fear and stress of the day melt away. I can be scared tomorrow. I can worry about my relationship tomorrow. Tonight I just want to have a few drinks and try not to think about Hunter or the fact that someone is out there trying to kill me. Some girl time might be just what I need. It’s been so long since I had a friend, I swear I have forgotten what it feels like.
Jules helps me forget. We talk, laugh, and she tells me embarrassing stories about Hunter. I really like her. As I look at the time, I dread finding a hotel right now. I was supposed to stay at Hunter’s house but I refuse to go there alone. My house is a good three hours away and after all the tequila, I think that’s a bad idea.
“Alright chica, I’m getting tired. You ready for bed?” I look at her, confused by her question. “We have a guest room. I assumed you would stay here.”
“I’d like that.” I can’t help but smile.
“As long as you don’t try to sneak into my bed. I’m all about you girl, but I don’t get down like that.” She winks at me, before walking upstairs. I follow her as she shows me the guest room. “I’ll grab you a shirt to sleep in if you want one.”
“That would be great. Thanks so much for everything tonight, Jules.”
She smiles at me. “No problem babe. While you were in the bathroom earlier, I programmed all of the boys’, mine, and Laceys’s numbers into your phone. You’re part of the family now. Don’t ever hesitate to ask for anything.”
I walk over to her and give her a hug. I can’t help it. The kindness and caring she has shown me tonight is more than I have felt in a long time
I lay down, happy that I finally have a family, even if they aren’t blood. They are more than I have had, ever.
Before I fall asleep, my thoughts go to Hunter.
Is he okay?
Was Ryan able to help him?
Why was he so mad at me?
Chapter Nineteen
Hunter
As the guard unlocks the cell door, I say a silent thank you that I’m getting out of this shithole. Ryan is waiting for me at the desk where you sign out. How the hell did he know I was here?
“I would say I was surprised when Jules called, but my momma taught me not to tell a lie. You are a stupid fucker for punching that detective.” He laughs as he tosses a clear bag full of my stuff at me.
“Asshole deserved it. You know he is treating me like I’m the fucking criminal. Not only that, but he had his hands all over Sam right in front of me. He antagonized me and fucking enjoyed doing it.” When I think about him touching her, I get pissed off all over again. Sitting in that damn cell all night while Sam was on her own tore me apart. Ryan told me that she went to Brian’s house and it makes me feel good that she knew she could depend on them, but I wanted her with me. I won’t be okay until I can hold her. Until I can make sure that she’s okay.
“I think you might be over exaggerating a little bit brother.” Ryan and I walk out towards his car.
On the drive to Brian’s, I can’t shake the feeling I have that something is up. We pull into the driveway and I turn to Ryan. “Can you check into him for me?”
“Who? The detective? Are you out of your fucking mind? He outranks me, Hunter. I can’t just go asking around about him and expect no repercussions.” He shakes his head at me and seems pissed that I even asked.
“Ryan, I don’t ask you for shit. I know something is wrong.