Knock,knock.
Twitch is at my window. He opens the car door wide for me, and once I get out, he puts an arm over my shoulder, pulling me in close and kissing the side of my head. I feel lighter knowing he’s by my side. He spoke up and stood up for us. Now it’s my turn to reassure Reaper.
“Are you all right?” Twitch asks softly, concern lacing his voice.
I give him a small smile. “Yes,” I reply, and we walk inside the clubhouse together.
The moment we step inside, the room falls silent. Everyone in the living area, by the pool table, and on the couches stops what they’re doing to watch us. My heart pounds, nerves shooting through me. My poor heart is getting quite the workout today.
Axle whistles, breaking the silence. The ol’ ladies clap and cheer. My cheeks heat, but I search for Reaper. He walks in from the kitchen and pauses, his eyes locking on me and Twitch. I gently pull away. “I’ll be right back,” I say to Twitch, who still looks concerned, and I walk to my brother.
When I reach him, I give him a tight hug, and he puts his arms around me, holding me firmly. “I’m so sorry for lying to you,” I whisper, my voice trembling as I fight back tears.
He inches back, his hands resting on my shoulders. “No, I should be the one apologizing,” he says, his voice heavy with regret. “I’ve always thought I was protecting you, but when you needed me most, you didn’t feel like you could come to me. That’s on me, not you. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I didn’t realize I’d trust one of my brothers more than any stranger.”
His words hit me hard, and I can hear the sadness in his voice. “Thank you for apologizing. I didn’t want to disappoint you. Neither did Twitch. It was hard for him too. But there was no need to punch him,” I add, giving him a pointed look.
He huffs, but before he can respond, Axle yells out, “Twitch told Reaper in the middle of the club meeting that he banged you.” Axle laughs like a hyena, practically doubling over.
I gasp, appalled. “He didnot!” I exclaim, turning to Twitch, who flinches and avoids my gaze. His guilty expression says it all.
Unbelievable. I scoff, crossing my arms. “No wonder you hit him,” I mutter to Reaper.
“It was one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard,” Viper chimes in, grinning.
My brother’s face is stern. “It wasnotfunny!”
I take a deep breath and address the room. “Something else happened today,” I announce and wait until the room quietens. “A patient’s husband—whose wife died of a gunshot wound a while ago—came to the hospital today with a gun and threatened to kill me.” The room collectively gasps, and I quickly add, “Everything’s okay. Twitch was there, and no one got hurt.”
Reaper gives Twitch a chin lift, and I see it’s out of respect. Ava and Ivy dash over to me and hug me tightly on either side. “I’m so grateful you’re okay,” Ava says, her voice full of relief.
“That’s horrible,” Ivy says, frowning. “You have had to go through another life-and-death situation.”
“I’m okay,” I assure them. “The old man was just grieving and in a lot of pain. I don’t hold it against him.”
Sophie, Elena, and Zara join us, and I give them a brief hug too.
“Still...” Sophie says, her tone curt. “Old man or not, what he did wasnotokay. You’re there to save lives and help people. What was he thinking?”
“I agree, but it’s all over now, and I’m taking some much-needed time off work.”
“Taking your own advice, are you?” Zara says with a sassy smile.
I jerk my head in a nod. “Yes, I am, and now they have a doctor to fill in for me.”
“So no more McDaddy. What a shame,” Sophie murmurs, pouting dramatically. She leans in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “But Twitch? Girl, he’s hot—go get some!”
I laugh out loud, drawing some curious stares from the men. “I already had some,” I say and give them a flirty wink.
Sophie whistles. “I need details.”
“He’s pierced,” I whisper.
The group erupts into a mix of wide eyes, squeaks, and squeals.
I see Twitch making his way over to us, so I stand up straight and give him a sweet smile, pretending I wasn’t just talking about his dick to everyone.
SEVENTEEN
