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“Izzy’s an amazing girl.”
“I still haven’t figured out why Saint calls her Miss Boots.”
“It’s a long story, but the short version is that she saved Demon and Sofia by using her boot to knock over a woman who was holding them at gunpoint. Then she kept asking for her missing boot all the way to the hospital. Hence, Miss Boots.”
I get stuck on “a woman with a gun.” “A woman tried to shoot Sofia and Demon?”
“Let’s save that for another night. What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“I was thinking of going into town and seeing Rose’s shop and maybe picking up some flowers. They brighten up the house. And maybe dropping by Hanna’s,” I murmur sleepily.
“Pick up her apple crisp tarts. We’ll have them for dessert tomorrow night.”
Just as my eyes are drooping closed, the thought of Hammer leaving jolts me awake. “Stay the night. Don’t leave,” I whisper, clasping his shirt.
His hand covers mine. “Hush, baby. I promise. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
SEVEN
Making Friends
HAMMER
I’ve never doubted that my Pride brothers would be there for me. I knew they would step up on my behalf to support Francesca through whatever it is that’s causing her so much distress. I’m just glad the meeting is over so that my brothers and I can get started on what we can do to help Francesca.
Orion was the first to step forward and as soon as the meeting ended, he pulled me aside so I could brief him on as much information as I had about Francesca and her family. War is going a different route, and since Maddie did a European tour and made great connections overseas, he’s going to see what he can find out.
Demon is in a tough position because of Sofia. Since Sofia is Francesca’s attorney, he needs to lie low. I wouldn’t expect him to jeopardize Sofia in any way, and we all agreed that he should sit this out until we need him.
Wildcard is completely onboard and will be assisting Orion to gather intel from the internet. Priest and Roscoe have already jumped in to take on more work, giving me more time to spend with Frankie.
Ghost hardly said a word, but pulled me aside as I was leaving. “I’m finding Jessop.” That’s all he said, but the way he said those words had shivers running down my spine. Maybe he was thinking of the life he left behind when he went into hiding for years to protect his brothers and Abby from a dangerous man. This might be bringing up those old feelings. It’s well known that Ghost doesn’t like it when innocent women and children are dragged into terrible situations. I have a feeling that finding Jessop isn’t going to be difficult, but getting him to take responsibility for his fraudulent dealings is going to take some doing. I didn’t argue with Ghost because, in all honesty, Jessop would be safer in Ghost’s hands than in mine at the moment.
Saint was waiting for me in the parking lot with a massive shit-eating grin on his face. “Are you going to start?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Start what?” he asked innocently. Then in a more serious tone, he said, “Izzy likes her. Although she mentioned that Francesca seemed a little awestruck at the attention she was getting.”
“Frankie left England to go into hiding. The Lady Pride are a handful even when you know them. Frankie was caught off guard.”
“Francesca’s trying to be perfect. Izzy notices everything, man, and she’s worried about her. No one can set that kind of standard for themselves and not falter at some point. She’s putting too much pressure on herself.”
“She’s been conditioned that way,” I replied.
“Look, brother, I’m only speaking up because you mean something to me,” Saint said. “And Izzy adores her brother, so I’m going to come right out and say it. I haven’t met the woman, and from what I hear, she’s good people, but there are plenty of great people and most do not fit our way of life. Do you think Francesca fits this lifestyle? Riding on the back of your bike and letting loose isn’t for everybody.”
“She’s gotta fit in,” I said with determination. “I’m not sure I can let her go.” Saint didn’t seem very convinced. “I’m sure plenty of people thought that Izzy shouldn’t be with a motorcycle club either, brother, but she is. If I recall, you stomped into a restaurant to break up a date she was on.”
“Fair enough.” He seems resigned. “Just be careful.”
“You haven’t met her yet. When you do, you’ll see what I see.”
He slung an arm around my shoulders. “I’m all in. No matter what you need or when you need it. We’re not only brothers, but we’re also family. I got your back.”
Of that, I’m sure.
* * *
After the meeting, I turn into the driveway and see Francesca sitting in her favorite spot on the porch, wrapped up in her thoughts as she stares at the stars in the sky. She’s a mixture of innocence and grace, with loads of class. Her hands are clasped neatly in her lap, and I wonder what strict boarding school she went to. Francesca looks like she’s carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, but when she turns to me, her face lights up. I feel like I won the biggest prize in a lottery.
