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“It’s fine,” I squeak out for what feels like the hundredth time in the past hour.
“Your foot is covered in blood. You are not fuckin’ fine.” Harlem’s nostrils flare as he emphasizes each word.
I clutch my purse at my side and take a hesitant step back. I can’t be here. Everything inside me is screaming at me to flee. Then I remember I came in Juniper’s car. But that doesn’t matter, because before I can register what’s happening, I’m in Harlem’s arms and being quickly carried away. I gasp and throw my arms around his neck. I look to Sage and Juniper for help, but they both look pretty damned pleased with the turn of events. Sage waves at me while beaming from ear to ear, while Juniper gives me a double thumbs up. If I’m not mistaken, Salem is doing his best to hold back a smirk.
“What are you doing?” I breathe. “Put me down.”
“No.”
“Harlem, I’m perfectly capable of walking.”
“Shut up.”
“But—”
Harem levels me with a look that says it’s in my best interest to zip it, so I do. It’s then that I fully realize I’m in Harlem’s arms.
Don’t freak out, Sukie.
5
HARLEM
My boots pound against the hard floor, echoing through the clubhouse, my heart racing as unwanted emotions churn inside me. I have been avoiding Sukie, trying to distance myself. But now, as I hold her close to my chest, all those feelings resurface.
My eyes drop to her poorly bandaged foot. Blood seeps through the thin dressing. Seeing her injury fills me with anger I can’t seem to shake. Why has she let it get this bad? Why hasn’t she taken care of herself? As I carry her toward the infirmary, my mind races with many thoughts. I’m angry at her for putting herself in this situation, but at the same time, I can’t help but feel a sense of protectiveness toward her. My jaw clenches as I struggle to keep my emotions in check.
“Harlem,” Sukie says, trying to grab my attention, but I don’t acknowledge her. At this moment, all I can think about is caring for her and ensuring she’s okay.
I kick the door open and cross over to the bed, gently lowering Sukie onto the mattress. “Stay.” I walk across the room and grab a first aid kit from beneath the cabinet.
“I’m not a dog.” Sukie’s tone is soft, almost numb to how I spoke to her, and I instantly regret it.
I take a deep breath, trying to squash my anger, but my body vibrates with tension. I can’t help but wonder what the fuck am I doing. My jaw clenches as I try to push those thoughts aside. I need to focus on Sukie. I walk back to the bed, and Sukie tracks my every move. She maintains eye contact with me.
“I know that.”
Sukie responds by sighing and shrugging her shoulders. “That’s okay. I’m used to people talking to me like I’m not a human being. Why should you be any different?” She drops her eyes to her lap.
I don’t like that she doesn’t expect anything different from me, and it feels like a sharp, piercing pain in my chest, making me uneasy and restless. I cannot ignore or dismiss my actions.
I lift her chin. “Eyes, babe.”
Sukie’s eyes meet mine.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize.
Her lips part, and her eyes narrow as she studies me momentarily. Sukie fidgets with the ring on her finger and I can sense her apprehension, but I don’t let it deter me. Before she can respond, I place a chair in front of her and gently lift her foot onto my lap. I remove the blood-soaked bandage, my hands moving with purpose. I grind my teeth, fighting the urge to say the wrong thing as I see the first stages of infection.
Sukie hisses in pain, flinching involuntarily as I irrigate the wound with precision and care.
“It needs stitches,” I state firmly, my tone neutral as I try to mask my unhappiness with the situation. I reach for my phone, knowing exactly who to call. Juneau is the only one around here who can handle the medical attention Sukie needs. His expertise is invaluable in situations like this and to the club. I dig the phone from my pocket and tap the screen.
“Brother,” Juneau answers.
“Need you in the infirmary.” No sooner do the words leave my mouth, then Juneau walking into the room, shoving his phone into the front pocket of his jeans, with a slight smirk.
“Been waiting on you, brother.”
