Rely on Me - Elizabeth Knox Page 0,24

I barely know even feels a speck of affection toward me.

“I told you already, because I’m a beast. I won’t let anyone harm you. I won’t even let them get fuckin’ close.” Mammoth hisses, pulling me a bit closer to his body.

“I don’t understand any of this. I’m just a stewardess. I’m nothing special.” I say, shaking my head.

Mammoth releases me, flips me around and forces us against the back of the shower. My shoulder blades dig into the tile. His chest is pressed against my breasts and his hair is soaked, half behind his back, half falling between the two of us. “I don’t wanna hear those words ever come out of your mouth ever again.”

I scan over his eyes, not understanding so much. I feel as though nothing is making any sense. Never in my life have I met anyone who’s so faithful to a stranger, who constantly proves himself and his character.

“I’m not gonna let anything happen to you, Mouse. I’m makin’ that clear as fuck. I will take care of this Marco character, and you won’t have to live with fear. I promise you, I won’t let you down. I just . . .” Mammoth’s eyes fall to the ground as he grows quiet.

“You what?” I inquire.

“I don’t want to break you, Mouse. I’m not exactly a fragile man.”

“Mammoth! Yo, we have church. Get your ass downstairs.” Someone roars through the bathroom door. I can see a silhouette through the frosted glass.

“Fuck,” He curses under his breath. “I’ll be right down.” He replies, shouting over the music. Mammoth looks back down to me. “You finish your shower, but don’t you hurt yourself. Get dressed and meet me downstairs by the bar. Some of the girls can keep you company.”

Before I can respond Mammoth tears his body from mine and leaves me in the shower by myself. I blink a few times, fully processing what happened. I need a drink. Actually, I need another drink.

Chapter Thirteen

Ah, kindness. What a simple way to tell another struggling soul that there is love to be found in this world.

~ All Things Good

Mammoth

“You want Blood in here?” Butcher questions, being the last of us to come down.

Gamble looks to Blood, then back to Butcher. She’s quiet for a moment, and then nods. “Yes. He needs to be here because there’s something I have to tell you all.”

Butcher makes his way further into the room and stands beside me, narrowing his eyes on Gamble. “Sly’s upstairs, so we’re good to go.” Ravage tells her.

“Okay,” She takes a deep breath and lets it out. “I sent Hart and Mugshot to the hospital to relieve King and Serpent, which is why they’re not in attendance. Hart will relay the information I’m about to tell you all.”

“What’s goin’ on, Prez? Everything okay with Ace?” Butcher’s the one who speaks again. I can tell this old timer is nervous. It’s evident.

“Ace is fighting. That’s what the doctors keep telling me, that they’re surprised with how well she’s doing. The neurologist came in today while I was in the shower and called me to say she did better than he’d anticipated, based on where the bullet entered her skull. I’m not a doctor . . . but the way he explained it is like the bullet went in and got stuck between her skull and brain. I’m . . . I’m probably not explaining it right.” Gamble already seems distraught, like speaking about this will cause her to combust into tears. None of us would blame her if she does, though. We all love that little girl so much. Even though she’s the product of the purest evil in this world, she’s the club’s pride and joy.

“You’re doin’ fine, darlin’. Just wanted to make sure she was alright, and it sounds like she’s just as tough as her momma.” Butcher smiles.

Gamble sucks her bottom lip in her mouth and nods, her bottom lip starting to quiver. “Yeah,” She nods, then wraps her arms around herself. Butcher breaks the distance and goes to where Gamble’s standing. He wraps his arms around her, holdin’ her against him.

Everyone in the room stares at each other, hating what Gamble’s being put through. Fuck, Hart too. Situations like this make you feel helpless, ‘cause there’s literally nothing we can do except be here for her.

“She’s gonna be alright.” Butcher reassures her.

I don’t hear Gamble make a peep, but she wraps her arms around Butcher. He’s like the club dad for everyone, even