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I crumble, again, eyes filling up with tears. I drop the towel I was folding, and then Jolie’s hugging me. Unfortunately, this is when Bennett and Rage walk in.
“The fuck, butterfly?”
“Jolie, what’s goin’ on?” This comes from Rage.
“Oh hush. This is what women do, but, Shadow, I think it’s time you take your girl home and enjoy the weekend.” Jolie backs away. Bennett’s already pulling me into his chest, my back to his front.
“I’m well versed in that. Doesn’t mean I’m not gonna be worried,” Rage grunts but walks towards Jolie, who’s wiping away her tears.
“I’m sorry, Rage. We were talking, and things just got emotional.” I shrug my shoulders and feel Bennett kiss the crown of my head.
“No apology needed. Now go! And might I suggest you leave your apartment and the Inn for the weekend? Otherwise, knowing you, you’ll attempt to work or do schoolwork.” Bennett’s chest vibrates behind me, a soft chuckle leaving him.
“I like that idea. Let’s get out of here before Jolie changes her mind,” Bennett whispers into my ear.
“Okay.”
“Rage, you good to be on your own for a bit?” Bennett asks. My head turns over my shoulder, not understanding why he’d need to ask that.
“Yep, I’ll put a call into the club. When you get back, we’ll sit down and have a more thorough discussion.” All of this is complete gibberish to me. I make a note to ask Bennett about it tonight.
“Thanks, brother.” One of his hands leaves my waist, shaking hands with Rage.
“Thank you, Jolie, truly.” I swallow the lump of tears ready to stream down my face yet again. Jesus, I’m as emotional as I was when my whole world collapsed, and frankly, I’m already tired of crying.
“You’re welcome. Now shoo. I’m going to put Decker to work.” This makes us all laugh. It’s also when Bennett guides me to his room. I guess we’re going on a trip of some kind this weekend.
11
SHADOW
Rage and I had just come out of a makeshift meeting in the conference room that Jolie has set up. I informed him of my intentions of not wanting to leave Shila’s side and not expecting her to leave Louisiana either. That means having a discussion with the club, and since I’m the newest and youngest member with Diamondback, shit might not work in my favor. I may potentially be sent back to Texas. Rage isn’t seeing it play out that way, not with how we’re running our side business down here and him needing help.
“Bennett, we don’t have to go anywhere.” Shila has no problem giving me an out, but I’m pretty sure it goes deeper than that.
“We’re going somewhere, even if it’s not too far away. I know you well enough already to know that you won’t quit doing something. Can’t even sit still while I pack a bag, butterfly. If you’re worried about spending the cash, don’t. When I said I was standing beside you, that meant in everything. This is for us. Nothing to get in the way. Just the bike, the open road, and a place to be ourselves, okay?” I dip my body and cup her cheeks, so she can see the depth in my meaning.
“Okay, but I at least get to help with something.” She did this even when we were dating in our teenage years. I don’t fight her on it. It’s her strong-willed independence, and I’d never fuck with that.
“Alright, you gonna be able to pack light? I have the saddle bags, and you can wear a backpack, but I’m thinkin’ you’d be more comfortable without it.” I roll a pair of jeans, two shirts, a couple of pairs of boxers, and socks in a small bag, then head to the bathroom to grab my toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant. The way I’ve lived my whole life seems is out of a bag. Being a part of the club means you’re always on the move if a brother needs you.
“I can do that.” I can see the wheels spinning in her head already, and I doubt very seriously she can pack that light. Which is another reason I’m leaving one whole side of the saddlebag just for her.
“We’ll see about that. Ready to roll?” I kiss her lips, my hands going to her hips, holding her still.
“Yes, but if you’d quit being the chaste virgin, that would be nice,” she jokes when I pull away.
“Keep your panties on for now. I’ll be the one taking them off tonight, butterfly.” I wink, grab Shila’s hand, my other going for my bag, and practically drag her out of the room before shit gets started and we don’t leave the room for the whole damn weekend.
12
SHILA
Bennett was right once again. It was hard to pack light. I ended up overthinking it to death, like, do I pack pajamas? Will the weather be cooler at night? What about toiletries? Thankfully, he had the patience of a saint and helped me pair down a few things, even so much as saying we’d be staying in an Airbnb, which would have essentials. He wasn’t just right about me overpacking. Nope, that would be about not carrying anything in the form of a backpack. There was nothing but the sun beaming down, the breeze, and my arms wrapped around Bennett.
