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Yes, this apartment was a dump. But right now it was her dump and it was the only place in the entire world where she felt safe enough to lay her head and fall asleep.
When Hawk settled on the stool, near her, she said, “Hawk, I need to leave town ASAP.Especiallyif that not-a-hangaround man was sent by my stepfather.”
“Isthereany chance you’ll tell me why you’re on the run? And why your stepfather is so desperate to find you?”
“It’s better if you don’t know.”
He frowned, as if he didn’t agree. But he didn’t press her on the issue.
She glanced at the dark window. “Do you think that guy outside the bar tonight could be a member of a rival MC? Maybe he was a PI.”
“He said he was a Devil’s Renegade hangaround when he wasn’t. And I’ve never known a private investigator to make up that kind of story. It’s too easy to get caught, and most MCs don’t like it when men lie about their affiliation. A good PI would know that and not take that kind of risk.” Hawk shook his head and gripped his knees until the knuckles turned white. “J.R. gave me a good description. It’s possible the guy is someone I’ve met before. Unfortunately, if I’m right, it’s not a good sign for you. Or for my club.”
She chewed her bottom lip. Hawk was probably right. Which didn’t leave her with many options.
“Izzy, why would your stepfather send someone in a motorcycle club after you? Why not hire a PI? He could certainly afford the best.”
She shrugged and studied the white bandage on her hand. She wasn’t quite ready to share. “Who do you suspect the not-a-hangaround might be?”
“A Sergeant-at-Arms named Nine.”
The name Ninewasclose to Neon. “And his club?” Please let it be any club other than the one on her stepfather’s payroll.
“A rival outlaw club out of Boston who has a charter here in Virginia.”
She held her breath and prayed silently despite the fact no one ever listened to her prayers. “Which club?”
“A club I’d hoped never to run into again, mostly because they have serious ties to... really bad men. A club known as the Black Jacks.”
Izzy clutched the chair’s arms. Her breaths felt short and tight, and that nauseated, panicky feeling began again. “Are you absolutely sure?”Please be wrong.
“Ninety-five percent sure.” He stood, went into the kitchen, and opened the only cabinet door. “As far as I’m concerned, that’s pretty damn accurate.”
She leaned forward, with her elbows pressed into her thighs, and took deep inhales and exhales to steady her heart rate.
“That’s why I’m staying the night.”
Did he mean in her bed? She stood, immediately regretting it when she wobbled from lightheadedness. “You can’t.”
“I am. And don’t worry. I’m not going to push myself on you. When you’re ready, you can come to me. And I’ll decide whether or not I still want you.”
Well, that was harsh. She sighed heavily. But she did deserve it. Leaving him in that motel room, and hitching a ride back to town, hadn’t been the nicest thing she’d ever done.
He returnedwitha glass of water. But when he handed it to her, her hand shook so much the water spilled over the top and onto the floor. So he took the waterbackand placed it on the counter.Then he took her hand, picked up a candle, and dragged her down the narrow hall into the bedroom.
“Hawk? What are you doing?”
“Putting you to bed. Alone.” He pointed to the narrow futon that took up most of the room. Her duffel bag lay in the corner, near the bedside table whose fourth leg, which had long ago broken off, was propped up on a brick. He placed the candle on the table and drew back the duvet cover. “You’ve had a long night, and I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be even longer.”
She hated the fact that she agreed with his assessment. And when she sat on the edge of the bed, fatigue hit hard and heavy,makinghereyesdroop. “Where are you going to sleep?”
His gaze drilled into her, and her cheeks warmed beneath his regard. It was clear what he wanted, yet she could also see the lines around his eyes that hadn’t been there earlier in the night. “The chair.” He nodded toward the hall leading into the living room. Before she could respond, he left the room.
She curled up beneath the blanket and listened to the rain pounding on the roof. She wasn’t sure about trusting Hawk, but her limited choices were disappearing quickly. At this point, her best bet was to wake up early and hitch a ride out of town. If she were lucky, she’d make it to West Virginia before anyone knew she was gone.
ChapterFour
Hawk poured the glass water down the sink’s drain with one hand and dialed his prepaid phone. While he wished Izzy had drunk the water, from the haunted look in her eyes, she probably needed something stronger. Lord knew he needed something stronger. This situation was beyond fucked-up, and it was time to clue in the club before things got out of hand.
