“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” I tell Sawyer, ignoring my sister. She really should be in the freaking drama club or something with how much she likes to overdramatize and react to things. “I like him, and he likes me, but we’ve been dealing with this, and I really don’t know that we have anything other than that.” A soft snort sounds from Theo, the first sound he’s made in hours. “What?” I demand.
He doesn’t take his eyes off the door or relax his stance, but he does say absently, “Babe, you have a lot to learn about biker life. I haven’t been around here very long, but I’m a quick study, and I’ve gotten the stories out of Kaleb and Carson. Every single biker with an Old Lady saw a woman and went after her. They wanted her, and they were going to have her, simple as that. When these men find a woman they see as a life with, good luck shaking them off. They’ll move heaven and earth to make it happen, even if you’re not sure. Add in being veterans for most of them, and they know what they want and read things quickly enough to make judgment calls without overthinking it. It’s instinctual. Hulk wants you, and that’s not going to change.”
“Yeah, well, it’s not all about what Hulk wants,” I grumble. Though there’s a part of me that warms at his words. Sure, Hulk said all that earlier, but that could have just been the sex andall the feel-good hormones. I honestly can’t put much stock in those.
“No, but if you really didn’t care, you wouldn’t be pacing this place and muttering that if he dies, you’re going to kill him, and then in the next breath, hoping that he’s going to be okay,” Theo states drily.
Shit, I was saying that stuff out loud? I glance at Isla and Sawyer, who both nod.
“Yeah, well…oh shut up,” I huff when Sawyer and Isla grin knowingly at me, and I can hear Theo chuckle softly. I don’t have to explain myself to any of them. I’m a nurse, so naturally I worry about the result of injury to people.
Damn it. That’s an excuse. Of course, I’m worried about Hulk. The man and I have been through a lot together, so it only stands to reason that I’m bonded to him in some way. Whether or not that’s enough to be anything past this situation remains to be seen.
“Incoming,” Theo states sharply, tone hard. “All three of you in the back corner. Now.” We’re already moving before that final word.
Isla huddles under my arm, with Sawyer standing slightly in front of us both. I want to yank him back, but I understand at the same time. He’s growing into a man, and he’s not going to be content standing back anymore.
The door opens, and the first thing I see is Hulk, and I feel my body sag with relief. His face is smeared with dirt, his blue eyes are heavy, but they instantly find mine. Isla bursts away from me, rushing for him and wrapping her arms around him. “Thank God you’re not dead,” she cries, hugging him tight. “No one would give me a gun to avenge you.”
Hulk chuckles, some of the shadows in his eyes receding as he hugs her back. “No weapons for you, kid. I don’t even want to know what you’ll do with them. I’m alright.”
“What’s happening? What’s going on? What happened with the Misfits? Are there a lot of dead bodies outside? What—” She’s cut off as Sawyer moves forward and covers her mouth with his hand.
“Shut it,” Sawyer orders. He looks up at Hulk, respect and relief in his eyes. “Glad you’re not dead,” he tells him simply.
Hulk’s lips pull up into a smile. “Me too.” He moves one hand out for Sawyer to fist bump. “Thanks for looking after your sisters for me.” Sawyer nods, standing a little straighter.
Isla shakes Sawyer off, glaring at him, and steps away from Hulk. “Go kiss her already,” she orders. “We all know you want to.”
Hulk chuckles, and he steps forward as I move toward him. Neither of us says anything as he pulls me into him and presses his lips to mine. The kiss is hard, but I can feel the emotions shimmering under the surface. They’re ready to burst. Whatever happened, it’s not anything good. I want to soothe him, but kissing him back will have to do for now.
When he finally pulls away, I breathe out, “You’re lucky you didn’t die. I’d have sent Isla to haunt you.”
He chuckles. “I think I’d be the one doing the haunting in that instance, angel.” He kisses me again quickly and steps back, but only enough that he can tuck me into his side as he turns back toward where Theo, the kids, and now Crypt are watching us. He must have been the one guarding the outside of the room.
“Not with the way Isla would do it,” I joke lightly.
“She’s right,” Isla confirms.
Hulk just shakes his head. “Alright, here’s the situation going on outside. There are a lot of people outside, including the FBI. They’re getting things figured out, but until they leave, neither of you can go outside or go near any of the windows. We don’t want them looking at you. They’ve already caused enough trouble.” There’s a dark edge to his tone. “Thea and Rose both are goingto be up in Rose and Bullet’s room, so you can go and hang out there if you want instead of in the room you’ve been using.”
“Definitely, that option,” Sawyer agrees. Yeah, someone has a crush. I really don’t look forward to that crashing and burning inevitably. Isla nods, but I can tell she’s fighting back the urge to tease Sawyer about his eagerness.
“Alright,” Hulk nods. “Crypt and Theo will both stay with you and them.”
“And Avery’s not going to be with us,” Isla states, arching a brow.
“I need to tend to anyone who needs to be fixed up,” I remind her, shooting her a warning look. Thankfully, she accepts that without arguing.
Hulk looks at Crypt and Theo. “Go with them, and we’ll fill you in later. We’re having Church tonight, and Prospects are being included so we can debrief.”
Theo and Crypt nod. We all trudge out of the safe room and up the stairs. When we reach the common room, I can see the flashing lights outside and people moving around, but nothing close enough that I can tell what happened. I look around the room but don’t see anything terribly destroyed other than some overturned chairs and tables. Easy enough to clean up.
I hear voices, a low murmur, and I see people standing in their Church room. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but I ask Hulk, “Do you need to go in there?”
He glances over and then shakes his head. “Not now. Later. Right now, I want something else.” He slows his steps, and the kids, Theo, and Crypt walk by us and head up the steps.
“We’re kids, not idiots,” Isla calls over her shoulder, winking at me, before she keeps on heading up the stairs.
