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“You still at Juniper’s place?”
“Yes, I’m still here. I was just about to head home, though.”
“Stay. I’ll be there in ten.” Then he disconnects.
I look at my phone, puzzled. “Well, okay then.” I look at Sage to see she has her phone to her ear, a worried look on her face. “Okay. Who’s with Ashlyn?”
Juniper and I share a look. She shrugs, appearing just as clueless as me about what’s going on.
Sage ends her call. “That was Ash. He’s on his way with Harlem.”
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Sage shakes her head. “Ash didn’t tell me. He said some shit is going down with the club and not to drive home. He’s going to pick me up.”
“I just got the same call from Luca. He told me to stay put until he gets here.”
“This can’t be good,” Juniper says.
“Whatever it is, I’m sure the guys have it under control.” I know Sage’s words are meant to put us at ease, but I can tell she’s just as worried.
A few minutes later, Salem and Luca come barging through the front door of Juniper’s apartment without knocking. Luca’s eyes are on me when he steps into the room. I rise from the sofa, taking in his emotional state. He looks angry, yet focused.
“What’s going on?”
Luca ignores my question. “I’m taking you home.”
I study him for a beat. “Okay, but what about my car?”
“I’ll have one of the guys drop it off later.” He jerks his chin. “Get your stuff, baby.” This time, he softens his tone.
I walk over to the kitchen island for my bag, then turn my attention to Sage and Juniper. They’re huddled together with Salem, talking in hushed tones. The three of us share a smile, but behind our smiles is worry. There is no doubt they also feel the tension radiating from Luca and Salem. Something is definitely up, and whatever it is, it is not good.
“I’ll talk to you two later.” I wave goodbye.
Luca tips his head at Salem. “Takin’ Sukie home.”
Salem nods. “Report back.”
After their cryptic exchange, Luca takes my hand, and I follow him out of the apartment. Baja is waiting by his bike when we reach the alley. Mystic is straddling his motorcycle, smoking. I toss him a little wave hello, and he offers me a reassuring smile. Baja’s mood mirrors Luca’s and Salem’s. The guys don’t exchange words as Luca straddles his bike.
“Come here, baby,” he murmurs.
I step closer to him, and he senses my weariness to the situation. Luca grabs the helmet hanging from the handlebar of his bike and places it on my head. He buckles the strap beneath my chin. It amazes me how large, rough hands can also be so gentle.
“Everything is going to be okay,” he assures me, and I nod. “Climb on.” And just like that, he makes me feel safe.
Luca’s pupils dilate when he notes my reaction. Gripping the back of my neck, he pulls me against his chest and takes my lips in a bruising kiss. The sound of Mystic’s chuckle has me breaking away. When I’m with Luca and his hands are on me, I tend to forget where I am and that other people exist.
Ignoring my embarrassment, I climb onto the back of Luca’s bike.
When we arrive at my house, I realize I had forgotten to text Mom to let her know I was on my way. She must have heard Luca’s bike, because when we pull up, she’s already standing on the porch, a look of relief on her face.
I hop off the bike and rush to her side. “I’m sorry, Mom. I forgot to tell you I was on my way home.”
“I was tracking your location and saw that you left Juniper’s. I was worried.” Mom pulls me in for a hug. I notice she’s trembling, making me feel even more guilty.
“It won’t happen again, Mom. I promise.”
