Page 30 of Bullet

Bullet comes through the door to see Violet huddled close with my arm around her. “Shit! We’ve been looking everywhere for you,” he says.

“They’re going to the town library,” I inform him. “Someone has to be with Abby.”

Not a second later, Crush enters the room along with Saint and Izzy. Bullet turns to Saint. “They’re on their way to Abby’s workplace.”

Saint pulls out his phone and makes his call. “Ghost, get to your woman. We got Violet, but we’re not taking any chances.”

Bullet hauls me into his arms and locks his arms around me tight. “Fuck, baby. You scared the shit out of me.”

“I-I didn’t mean to.” I can hardly breathe; he’s holding me so tight. “Can’t breathe.” Bullet quickly loosens his hold but doesn’t let go. He turns his attention to Violet.

“What are you doing here, Violet?” he asks, bewildered.

“Hiding in the library.” Violet is wringing her shaking hands together. “I-I didn’t know where to go. I’m not safe anywhere. I went to the bus station, and they were waiting for me. I don’t have a car. I can’t afford a plane ticket. I can’t call Vance.” She slumps to the ground, hiding her face in her hands, and begins to sob. “They killed Sal. He gave them their money, and they still killed him. They would have killed me too if they knew I was there. They must have found out I was, because they’ve been after me ever since.”

Crush literally picks Violet up off the floor and carries her out of the library, down the hall, and into my office, forcing us to hurry after them. He plants himself in a chair and holds her in his lap as Violet continues to cry uncontrollably. There are looks exchanged between Bullet and Crush, then between Bullet and Saint.

Something big just happened. I can’t tell you what because I don’t speak biker, but I do know the tides have shifted.

Sixteen

The Whole Story

Bullet

The message from Guard was clear. We’re to bring Violet to the club, Amelia and Izzy too. We need descriptions of the men who came for her. There’s a piece of the puzzle missing, and Violet may hold some of the answers we need. Crush refuses to leave Violet’s side, and it seems best to keep them together because it’s clear that she feels safe with Crush. She’s holding on to him for dear life.

Amelia refuses to leave without having a chat with Kate. Since we don’t know how dangerous these men might be, she wants to drive the message home that no one enters the school without permission from her.

After Crush, Violet, Izzy, and Saint leave for the club, I sit outside Amelia’s door and can’t help but overhear her conversation. “Kate, I know they seemed like nice men, but we’re responsible for all the children and staff in the school. We knew nothing about them. What if they were disgruntled parents in the middle of a custody battle and looking to get to their child? Or if they were stalking one of the teachers? Maybe I’m being overly cautious, but I don’t want anything happening to anyone,” she says.

“They seem like…gentlemen,” Kate responds.

“And they might very well be. But we can’t take those kinds of chances. Do you understand?” Amelia asks gently.

“I do. I’m very sorry. I really thought I was being helpful,” Kate answers.

“You’re the best secretary I could ask for, but I want you kept safe too. Let’s just put the rule in place that anyone coming into the school needs to be cleared through me first before being allowed past the office,” Amelia finishes.

Kate leaves her office but doesn’t seem any worse for wear after their talk. Amelia comes out with purse in hand.

“Ready to go?” I ask.

“Yes,” she answers, locking her office. I take hold of her hand and walk her to her car.

“I’ll follow you to the club,” I say, dropping a swift kiss on her lips before closing the driver’s door. She gives me a sweet smile. I’ve known from the start that Amelia is a strong woman, but after the drama of the afternoon, I understand her resilience and her unwavering character to help others. She’s protective and genuinely cares for the people in her life.

After all the day’s turbulence, she still manages to smile at me like there’s no one else in the world but the two of us. If it weren’t for Guard’s wrath, I’d take Amelia home and make her forget the chaos of the day.

Instead, I climb on my bike and wait for her to pull out of her parking spot. I follow her to the compound, where there’s much to discuss now that we have Violet, who might be able to fill in some of the blanks.

It seems that the Lady Pride have rallied as well. Crush is sitting at the bar, remaining close with his eyes glued to Violet. Ava is sitting with Violet, while Hanna, Vi, and some of the others are wandering between the kitchen and the main room. As soon as Amelia and I come into the room, Violet jerks her head up and, when she sees my woman, comes rushing over.

Violet hugs her, and Amelia returns her embrace.

“You saved me,” Violet says, once again on the verge of tears.

“You did a fine job of that yourself,” Amelia returns. “It was smart to hide in the library. Lots of small nooks to hide in.”