Smokey walked over to Ryan and helped him to his feet. His brother smiled, then winced, pressing two fingers to his swollen lower lip. “Thanks for helping me out.”
“Yeah.” Bending down, he rummaged through the pockets of the man he’d shot in the leg. He pulled out his wallet and memorized the guy’s name and address, while Klutch strode over and did the same to the other man.
“We know who you are and where you live. Consider this your lucky break—we’re not gonna kill you.” Smokey cocked his head to the side. “But if you flap your fuckin’ mouths, we will hunt you down.”
“And your death won’t be easy,” Klutch said.
“Forget about us and him”—Rags pointed to Ryan—“and life will be good. But fuck up, and you’ll pay the price.”
“Disrespect is never tolerated,” Smokey said.
Nudging Ryan with his elbow, they walked side by side toward the alley with Klutch and Rags following behind, the sound of their boots shuffling along the pavement.
“I’m glad you guys came by when you did.” Ryan wiped his nose with the heel of his hand. “I’m sure they would’ve killed me.” A hacking cough erupted from his lungs, and he gasped for air. “It hurts like a motherfucker.”
Smokey gripped his brother’s arm. “You’ve probably got some broken ribs. I’ll take you to the club and have Doc look you over.” He knew Hawk wouldn’t be happy if he found out Ryan was back at the clubhouse, but there was no way Smokey could take his brother home in the shape he was in. Their mother had never been known for her caring ways when it came to them. If Hawk kicks my ass over this, then that’s what he does. He pushed out a long breath. Ryan can be such a fuckin’ pain in the ass.
“We’ll deal with Ray,” Rags said, breaking into his thoughts. “You take care of Ryan.”
Klutch pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll call Bones and have him pick us up.”
Smokey lifted his fist in the air. “I owe you.”
Putting his arm around Ryan to balance him, Smokey led him toward the SUV, focusing on their surroundings for any signs of danger. In the past, he and his club had encountered citizens who didn’t understand that they should never provoke hardcore bikers, and those men had learned that lesson in a brutal way. Smokey wanted to make sure the jerks who’d beaten the crap out of Ryan didn’t come back for an encore with a group of their buddies.
Smokey opened the passenger door. “Here we are.” Loading him inside, he rounded the front and hopped in behind the wheel, bringing the engine to life.
“It hurts like hell when I breathe,” Ryan said as the SUV pulled away from the curb, making a U-turn.
“You gotta stop this shit, dude.”
“I didn’t do anything. Those guys grabbed me, threw me in their car, then brought me here. I was minding my own business. I didn’t do jack.”
“Except flash your dick to the dude’s sister. What the hell is up with that?”
Ryan slinked down in his seat and stared straight ahead.
“This is like the fifth time in almost two years. What the fuck? I saved your ass in the past, but the fuckin’ badge said his damn hands are tied. You’re gonna be charged.”
Ryan just sat there, bouncing his leg against the door panel. From the corner of Smokey’s eye, he saw the fear that crept over his brother’s face, and an ache tightened in his chest as Ryan wiped his nose with the back of his hand.
Reaching over, Smokey squeezed his brother’s shoulder. “It’ll be okay. Hawk’s old lady is a lawyer. I’ll give her a call.”
He wiped his eyes with the hem of his T-shirt. “I didn’t mean it.”
“I know—you never do. You gotta get help with your drinking or you’ll end up like our old man.”
Ryan nodded. “I don’t know what Mom’s gonna do.”
He scoffed. “Don’t worry about her. She’s never given a damn about anyone but the old bastard.”
“She’s still pissed at you for not going to Dad’s funeral.”
“I know, but I don’t give one fuck about it.” Smokey glanced over at him. “I’ll take you home tomorrow and tell her how it’s gonna be.”
“Thanks,” Ryan whispered before leaning his head back and closing his eyes.
In the silence enveloping the ride home, thoughts of Ashley ricocheted Smokey’s mind. At that moment, he’d like nothing better than to have her in his arms again, their lips and bodies fused together.