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“Sorry, it’s not going to happen.”
“But—”
“Come on, Holly. You need to rest.”
The fresh air hits me when I step outside, and I bask in the warmth of the sun as the events of the last day hit me. I was kidnapped, punched, and knocked out twice, and had my hands mutilated, all for reasons I don’t understand because no one will talk to me.
Blinking, I clear the tears from my eyes as Bonnie pulls back sheets on a bed I’m assuming she’s getting ready for me. Guiding me to the bed, she helps me get settled and tucks me in. My mother used to tuck me in like this when I was sick, and it always made me feel safe.
“When you wake up, your hands will still hurt, you’ll still have a lot of questions, but the world will look a little less gloomy. Every day you wake up, things will look a bit clearer, I promise you that.”
“Thank you for being nice, even if you are pretending. I’m assuming Cas wants you watching me so I won’t try to leave or go to the police.”
“Hey, now, I’m not pretending to be nice—I am nice. Actually, I’m a really nice person, and if I weren’t, you’d know about it. Cas asked me to sit with you because he knew I’d understand what you’re going through better than anyone else here, and when you feel more settled, I’ll tell you my story.”
Her touch is featherlight when she sweeps my hair away from my face and runs her fingers across my cheek. My eyelids droop, and that’s the last thing I remember before drifting off.
* * *
I’ve spent my college life being woken by an alarm, and I’ve spent my summer being woken by hangovers, or Tal asking why my alarm is going off so early. This time, I’m woken by the throbbing in my hands, and a bladder fit to burst. I open my eyes and see Bonnie is gone, but has left a glass of water and two pills on the nightstand.
I need the pills, but I need to pee more.
Climbing out of the bed, it hits me like a ton of bricks that getting up is going to be the easiest part of my day.
I stare at the door handle and swallow my building frustration. I can’t just push it down and open it, but I’ll figure this out because I have no choice, and I really, really need to pee. Using my elbow and forearm, it takes me far too long before it clicks open, leaving me ninety percent closer to peeing my pants.
Thankfully, the bathroom door is already open, and I leave it ajar so I don’t get trapped inside after I’ve finished my business. I wiggle out of my shorts, glad they’re not button-ups, and plonk my ass down on the toilet. The relief is better than the meds in taking the pain away in my hands, and then the tears come, because I can’t even wipe myself when I’m done. Even if I could rip the toilet paper off, I can’t grip onto it to fucking wipe myself clean. Feeling disgusting, I wait for a few minutes to drip dry, then battle with pulling my shorts back up my thighs. When I succeed in the task, I blow out a long breath and make my way into the hall. Seeing all the doors closed as I walk down the hall, I creep quietly down the stairs, finding no one awake.
The clock on the kitchen wall reads that it’s just after six; I slept for nearly fourteen hours. The place looks like a normal family lives here. You’d never guess it’s in the middle of a biker compound, surrounded by men who ride motorcycles and commit whatever crimes they do to put money in their pockets. And here I am, in the middle of their unconventional life with my hands wrapped in bandages, with no clue as to why. Well, I’m going to find out. With no one around, I head for the front door, but stop when I see it’s a knob, not a handle. There’s no way I’ll be able to open it.
I refuse to let more tears fall—I just refuse. Instead, I get angry. I kick the door, wanting to bash my way out and find the damn answers I need and deserve. At least the pain is now coursing through my foot instead of my freaking hands.
“Here, I can help you.”
I’m moved to the side when an older blonde woman opens the door and smiles. She’s beautiful.
“I’m Alannah. You must be Holly?”
Frowning, I ask, “Does everyone know who I am around here?”
Swinging the door open, she confirms, “Unfortunately, yes. Now, why are you trying to kick down my door?”
“I’m sorry. I c–couldn’t open it myself.”
“It’s not like you did any damage.” Her smile is warm, and doesn’t set me on edge. Walking past her, I step over the threshold.
She joins me outside on the top step, just as seven bikes come through the gates.Does anyone sleep around here?
Thinking that perhaps Tal is with them, I forget the pain in my foot and walk over to Cas, knowing Alannah’s following because I can smell her perfume.
I watch the guys climb off their bikes, but none of them are Tal. They all glance at my bandages and quickly look away.
“How are you feeling today?” Cas asks, walking toward me.
“Not good. I need to see Tal.”
He’s already shaking his head before I finish speaking.
