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“Fuck you, Nova.”
“That’s Dr. Bishop to you, asshole.” I laugh, but the fact that he moans as he gets up means he’s got some stiffness and mild pain.
“How long is this shit gonna hurt?”
I shrug. “It’ll get better quicker once you’re up and moving around. The stitches have dissolved, and the sites are all closed up, so it’s just a matter of getting active again.”
He stands on the side of the bed with a grunt. “It’s been a while, but I got this.”
I nod my agreement. “True, but you’ve been laying on your ass for all that time, and now your muscles need to get used to moving again. You gonna complain and make me order you to do PT?”
He chuckles. “You wouldn’t.”
“I would,” I tell him and drop two pills into his hand, nodding to the water jug on the table beside him. “Do what I say, and you’ll be fine. Take those and listen to your fucking body.”
Banger takes the pills and laughs. “Your bedside manner is terrible as fuck.”
“Thanks. I haven’t worked on it at all since med school.” I busy myself updating his chart while Banger takes his time stepping into his jeans and boots. He needs help with his t-shirt, but otherwise, he does it all on his own. “Perfect.”
“I feel like a fucking baby,” he says.
“Good, because you’re acting like a fucking baby.”
He flips me off, and I know he’s fine, just a little sore.
“Just take me home.”
“Take your time, man. The clinic is closed, so it’s just us.” No one but us will see him like this, healed but not quite himself. Yet. “No one but us and BTD knows this happened, and they’re all dead.”
My mind automatically goes to Maggie, and I know we can’t keep her presence at the clubhouse from Banger for much longer.
“Good.” He nods with gratitude shining in his eyes as he makes his way to the door. Banger walks out to the van, stepping up and sliding into the seat with barely a wince.
“Good boy,” I tease and slam the door before he tries to reach for it.
“Fuck you, Nova. Stone, just fuckin’ take me home.” I get on my bike and fire it up, leading the guys to the clubhouse.
I’m so fucking grateful that Banger is up and well enough to leave the clinic, but I can’t shake the lingering fear that he wouldn’t make it, that his face would be another of the ghosts that haunt me. It’s not, which is damn good, but the feeling doesn’t go away as easily.
We enter the clubhouse, and everyone is here, wearing smiles and holding beers, ready to celebrate the return of our brother.
“That’s right fuckers, I’m back!” He flashes a wide grin that is pure Banger, arms stretched out wide to welcome the love.
Gia gets to him first, wrapping him in a healthy hug. “Damn, son. We missed you so much!”
He laughs and accepts hugs from our brothers, prospects, and the women. All except for Willow, and he’s powerless to hide the disappointment, the anger. “I’m alive,” he grins, his gaze focusing on Ace. “But I need an update on my woman.”
Ace nods toward Wild Man’s high-tech office, and when he puts his arms around Banger in a gentle bro hug, careful of his wounds, he says, “I understand, man. I got you.”
I stay close to Banger and close the door, so he can get his update on Willow in private.
I leave him with Ace and Wild Man, retreating to the loud comfort of the bar.
“Nova!” Shades calls my name, his beer raised high in the air, and a smile on his face. “Get over here, brother. Trudy, more beers!”
I make my way to the table. Lucky says, “Looks like a party.” Dix and Shades clink bottles while rock music blares from the speakers.
Dix leans over and claps me on the back. “You did it, brother. You brought Banger back where he belongs.” He taps the bottleneck to the one Trudy just sat in front of me. “Our very own magic man.”
