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“That hotel room is suddenly a brilliant idea,” Battle whispers.
I silent agree as I take Austin his Bloody Mary.
He sits up tall and drinks it down before handing me the glass. “I could get used to havin’ a booze wench around … Heyyyy,” he shouts when I smack him in the back of the head. “I’m kiddin’.” He glances up with a boyish smile. “Seriously though, thank you. I feel like a new man.”
“You’re welcome, but refer to me as a wench of any sort again, and I’ll be servin’ your balls in that glass.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He laughs.
Battle doesn’t laugh. He leans against the counter, chewing on a toothpick. I wish I could help him mend his relationship with Tucker. It’s clear to me how much their abandoned friendship bothers him. I don’t want to grill him about it though. His eyes stay on me as I walk to him. I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze, hoping to fill him with reassurance.
Hoping for more.
We arrive in Oklahoma City five past eleven. I step outside for some fresh air while Battle goes into the bedroom to check in on his mother and make a reservation at a hotel.
The back half of the arena where we park is covered with motorhomes and fifth-wheelers. Riders and their families wander the lot interacting with other families. Some kids nearby ride bikes and skateboards, while a few others play a rowdy game of football. The environment reminds me of tailgating at the Chiefs games.
Tucker and Austin help Cooper ready the motorhome for the weekend. They open windows and roll out a huge awning. From a bottom compartment, they pull out an area rug and lie it down in front of the stairs. They set up a table and chairs, and unlock a cabinet revealing a large flat-screen television. Austin and Cooper go to the back of the motorhome, leaving me alone with Tucker. His eyes stay trained on me. I make my way to the door to escape inside.
“You’re too good for him,” he says before I reach the door.
I turn around to face him on the brink of losing control, but I remain calm. “Please don’t. Leave me out of whatever issue you have with Battle.”
“I’m only tryin’ to help you,” he says striding toward me, a look of steel on his face. He towers over me. His lip curls as he says, “He ain’t right in the head, and I hate to see a girl as sweet as yourself get hurt.”
My heart pounds in my ears. I want to run, but I also want to defend Battle. My fingers curl into fists at my side. I straighten my spine, glaring at him. “You’re wrong about him, and I can take care of myself.”
I back away as he steps closer. “Ah, you women.” He keeps coming until he backs me up against the motorhome. His right hand presses flat against the metal wall behind my head. I glance up to his amused expression. “You always think you can change him. Like your pussy has some magical fuckin’ powers that he can’t resist. Battle doesn’t love anyone except Battle. He won’t ever fall in love with you, and before long he won’t even like you. He’ll take everything he can get from you and move on to the next girl that comes along. You’ll be beggin’ him to come back, and he won’t even remember your name. He doesn’t care about you.”
“Back the fuck off, Tuck!” Austin shouts and drags him backward by his arm. I sag against the wall of the motorhome with my hands on my trembling knees. “Take your shit up with Battle. Leave Faye the hell alone, or we’re gonna have a problem.”
Tucker spins and shoves Austin in the chest. “Well at least I know whose side you’re on. I shoulda known. You’ve been kissin’ his ass since you joined the tour.”
That was a low blow. Tucker’s a jealous asshole, and I hope Austin knows it.
Austin meets him chest to chest, and eye to eye. “I don’t care what you think.” He points at me. “I’m on Faye’s side. You and Battle beat the shit out of each other if you want, but leave her out of it.”
For several intense seconds, they’re quiet. I’m terrified and confused. What if everything Tucker said is true? I watch, waiting for one of them to throw a punch, but Tucker finally backs off. “Where’s Coop?” he asks. “I need a smoke.”
“He’s hookin’ up the water,” Austin tells him.
Tucker leaves, and I finally catch my breath, but I can’t stop shaking.
“You all right?” Austin asks, looking me over.
I nod slowly. “Thank you.”
“No need. I might act like a manner-less douche on occasion, but my mama did teach me to stick up for girls.” His lopsided smile shows a sweeter side of him.
“She did a fine job.” I smile, my heart rate slowing. “What’s the deal with Battle and Tucker?”
Austin laughs. “They’re both dicks.”
“So, you’re not gonna tell me either?”
He nods toward the motorhome. “Your boyfriend would kick my ass.”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” I clarify. “We’re just gettin’ to know each other.”
