There’s a slight pause, then he answers. Steady. Calm.
“That’s good. I can get there faster than the cops anyway.”
There’s a fumbling noise in the background, then the jingle of keys before he’s back.
“I’m coming. Stay where you are. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes. I will.” My voice is shaking as badly as I am.
“Good. I’ll be there soon, ‘Lo. Just sit tight. I’m not far.”
“Okay.” There’s another rattle at the front door and I practically jump out of my skin.
“It’ll be okay. I promise.”
“Hurry, Tier.” My voice squeaks at the end as panic flares with every additional noise I hear.
I’m panting in shallow, quick breaths. My vision swims, and I sink down on the treadmill, my legs weak and shaky.
You just have to keep it together until he gets here. You can do that.
The silence in the gym is pervasive, and I start to hope that maybe the intruder’s left.
The rattle-bang sounds again, and I startle. The urge to run and hide is almost irresistible, but somehow I stop myself.
Then I hear it … the distant rumble of a Harley, and I know it’s Tier.
Chapter 10
Tiernan
Ipush my bike to the limit, gripping the handlebars tightly. My jaw clenches hard as I take a corner with a lean lower than usual, my jeans almost skimming the pavement. Less than a mile to go. It’s a straight shot to the gym now. The streetlights are brighter and more evenly spaced now that I’m out of the residential area. I lean forward, forearms locked, and open it up.
The gym entrance comes into view. I can’t see much yet, but someone’s at the front entrance. Damn it! I’m not close enough to pick out any details.
I glance down for a moment, and when I look up, they’re gone. Probably heard the bike. Doesn’t matter.
I’m parked and off my bike the second I’m close to the door. The lock’s a mess and the handle’s bent, but I’m able to fit the key in and open the door. I yank it shut behind me, throwing the deadbolt.
“Arlo!” I’m scanning for movement with every step. I saw the intruder leave, but I don’t trust it. What if they had an accomplice? I check the office, but it’s empty. My heart beatswildly as I move toward the main gym. My head’s on a swivel, checking every corner, every shadow.
“Tier?” his voice is shaky and small.
I see him. Thank God! He’s sitting on a treadmill in the back corner of the gym. He stands the minute he sees me. I rush to get to him.
“Tier!” His legs wobble and he grabs the machine for balance. I reach for him, holding him steady even as I struggle to get my own breathing under control.
“Are you okay, ‘Lo? I’m sorry I didn’t get here in time.” I grab his arms, my grip firm, looking him over—head to toe. No blood. No physical damage. His face is ashen, eyes still wide, pupils blown. Wrapping my arms around him, I pull him in tight. We’re both a sweaty mess, but I don’t care. I just need to hold him.
“But you did, Tier. You did.” He murmurs, burying his head in my chest, even as his body continues to shake. His arms come around me, squeezing with only slightly less pressure.
“I’ve got you. You’re safe.” I say over and over as I hold him tight, stroking his back lightly until the shaking stops.
He needs to know he can trust me, that I’ll keep him safe because I’m not sure I’ll be able to let him go.
We stay like that until Arlo’s breathing normalizes and I’m able to unclench my jaw. It takes a while for both of us, or maybe neither of us wants to let go.
Arlo pulls away first. Slowly and with effort.
