The wind tugged at my clothes.I almost wished I could take my helmet off just to feel the wind in my hair but, hello…nurse.The thought sent a shiver down my spine, but it was laced with more exhilaration than fear.This freedom, this rush of adrenaline that coursed through my veins… it was addictive.It also made me all too aware of the man in front of me.
I took a deep breath, inhaling the scents of the open road.Gasoline, exhaust, and the faintest hint of freedom hit me like a welcome cool breeze on a hot summer night.I tried to imagine this was a teenage rebellion instead of being on the run from God knew who.Working in a high-security prison I’d been in a few dangerous situations, but this… this was on a whole different level.
Pain’s muscles bunched under my hands as he took us closer to safety.Why was a guy on a motorcycle so Goddamned sexy?Why was riding behind a man on a motorcycle so Goddamned sexy?And fuck me, but why was Pain on a fucking motorcycle soGod.Damned.Sexy?I didn’t like the vulnerability that came with trusting someone I didn’t know to navigate at high speeds on something I wasn’t safely buckled into, but I couldn’t seem to dwell on it like I should.
I expected the adrenaline crash to hit me hard, but I think the exhilaration of riding the bike let me down easily.It was either that or the warmth of the man whose back I was pressed so intimately against.I wanted to lean my head against him, to take in his scent while I could because I was under no illusion I’d ever be so close to this man again.
Two bikes pulled up on either side of us.I tightened my grip on Pain fractionally, startled by the sudden company.Which was my own fault.I should have been paying attention instead of being in my own little world.
Pain gave them both a two-fingered salute before squeezing my knee reassuringly.We continued on for another hour before we rolled into a gravel parking lot in front of what I assumed was their clubhouse.Several men poured out of the main building while a few more came from the garage.
Pain held out his hand to steady me as I climbed off.He dismounted behind me, careful to keep a hand on me at all times.The older couple who’d met us on the road approached and the man held out his hand, reaching to take Pain’s.The two greeted each other with a smile, pulling it in for a quick hug and a clap on the back.
“Glad you made it safe, boy.”
“Thanks for the escort, Pops.”Pain smiled and swung his gaze to the woman.“Mama.”There was genuine warmth in his tone which wasn’t something I normally heard from him.Of course, I had never interacted with Pain outside of tightly contained constraints.It was yet another side of the man I found fascinating.
“We’re glad to make sure you get home safe, Dr.Raven.”Mama spoke to Pain like he was a favorite nephew or something.Definitely a family member.“Venus and Piston should be here soon.”She turned her attention to me and her smile softened.“Can I assume you’re Nadine Brentner?”
I nodded, “Yes.Thanks for riding with us.”
“You’re very welcome, dear.And, Pain, just so you know, your grandfather would be so proud of you.”
Pain snorted.“I doubt that.I mean, he would have once.But he’d have been appalled at my lack of control getting in that fight.”
Mama snorted.“I want it known I’m not speaking ill of the dead, I’m simply stating a fact.Me and Pops had to bail your grandfather out of jail more times for fighting than anyone else in Bones at the time.”
“Pretty sure he still holds the record,” Pops offered, a huge grin on his weathered face.
Pain had a startled look on his face before he narrowed his gaze.“You’re dickin’ with me.”
“Not in the least.”Mama’s warm laughter actually made me feel a little lighter.“No, trust me, Dr.Raven.He’d be very proud of the man you are.”She turned back to me.“Now.Nadine.Pain tells me you’re a nurse.”
“I am.”I wasn’t sure what to say or if small talk was appropriate.Mama projected calm and motherly trust.If I had secrets, I’d have felt safe giving them to her.I didn’t miss the hardness in her gaze, though.I’d seen the same look in the eyes of hardened criminals.Actually, no.I’m pretty sure Mama could be even harder than the men I’d met in the prison infirmary.There was no doubt she was dangerous, but she wasn’t indiscriminate with her skills.
“Good.You’ll understand why I want you to come with me to see Stitches so he can look you over.”
Mama’s smile didn’t falter, but I wasn’t under any illusion I had a choice in the matter.“Who’s Stitches?”
“Iron Tzars’ doctor.He’s expecting both you and Pain.”Her gaze flickered to Pain, smiling to take the sting out of the order.
“You know, Mama, Iama doctor.You pointed that out yourself.”
“Fully aware, young man.I’m also aware that, as a doctor, you are ethically bound not to treat yourself or any close family member.”
“Nadine’s not a family member.”
“Yet.”
“Mama…”
“Pain…”
They stared at each other before both of them chuckled.
* * *
Stitches was surprisingly thorough in his exam.Not in a creepy way, but in a way that showed he genuinely cared about my comfort.Once he was satisfied I was good, he sent us on our way with a warm handshake and a smile for both me and Pain.
