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“That narrows it down to half the state,” Riot teased.

“I was busy keeping three men from dragging her away,” he spat.

Riot’s gaze settled on him. “Only three?”

“Five total, but only three approached us,” Mayhem said.

“And you let them leave?” Riot asked.

“I had her behind me.” Understanding replaced Riot’s surprise. Mayhem could have killed the three men he saw. He might have reached the other two before they drew their weapons, but he couldn’t guarantee Delaney wouldn’t be caught in the gunfire.

Riot stepped closer. “You did the right thing.”

“I don’t need your approval,” Mayhem growled.

“No.” Riot stopped less than a foot away. “You never do.” The familiar scent of leather, soap, and wintergreen wrapped around Mayhem. Riot had chewed the same brand of gum for as long as Mayhem had known him. For years, that scent had felt like home, but then Riot had asked Mayhem what they were doing, and Mayhem didn’t have an answer to his question. Riot had wanted something Mayhem didn’t know how to name. Something more than stolen nights, motel rooms during club runs, and the occasional woman between them. So Mayhem ended it. At least, he’d tried to. They still found their way back to each other whenever jealousy, alcohol, or anger weakened their defenses. It was messy and painful, and Mayhem had no idea how to fix it.

Riot’s gaze dropped to the scratches on Mayhem’s neck.

“She do that?” he asked.

“She woke up scared,” Mayhem said, defending her.

“She trusted you enough to get on your bike,” Riot said.

“She didn’t have much choice. It was either come with me or go with them. I guess she chose the lesser of the two evils,” Mayhem teased.

“She had a choice because you gave it to her.” Riot’s eyes met his.

The medical-room door opened, and Doc stepped into the hallway. “She needs fluids, rest, and monitoring. I’d prefer the hospital, but she won’t agree to go.”

“I’ll watch her,” Mayhem said.

“So will I,” Riot added.

Mayhem looked at him. “Why are you volunteering to watch her?”

Riot’s expression hardened. “Because five men are looking for her, and you can’t stay awake forever.”

“I don’t need—” Mayhem started to protest.

Riot raised a hand, silencing him. “This isn’t about what you need.” The words landed harder than Riot probably intended, or perhaps exactly as hard as he wanted.

Doc glanced between them. “Are you two going to start measuring things, or can I finish giving instructions?”

Riot smirked. “We’ve already measured.” Mayhem’s stare could have cut steel.

Doc sighed. “I regret asking.” A soft sound came from the examination room, and Mayhem pushed past Doc. Delaney was attempting to climb off the table.

“What are you doing?” Mayhem asked.

“I need to leave,” she insisted.

“You can barely stand,” Mayhem pointed out.

“I can’t stay here,” she said.

Mayhem approached slowly. “Why not?”