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“I’m Mack.”
“Thanks for everything.” I reached my hand out, and he accepted it. As I stood, we shook, but my attention remained on Shelby. We stared at each other for a long beat, then I opened my arms, and she walked right into them. “Hi, baby.”
“I don’t know how you did it, or how you knew I needed to be rescued, but thank you. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.” Her hands went under my denim jacket and fisted my T-shirt. I felt her heart race and her body tremble as I held her against me.
“We can discuss payment later.” I teased in a lighthearted tone and kissed the side of her head. It might have been the wrong time, but I needed to help her relax and joking with her usually did it.
“Deal.” She buried her face against my chest and inhaled a deep breath. Her body relaxed and she let go of my shirt.
“Shall we go see your mama?”
“I brought a few shirts from the bar,” Diesel said. “Figured y’all would want something clean to wear.”
“I definitely do.” Martina stepped forward. “I’m Martina. Shelby’s best friend.”
“Good to meet you.” Diesel handed her a shirt, then considered Mack. “I brought you an extra-large, but it might not be big enough.”
“It’ll be fine. Thanks” Mack tore off his shirt and flashed his eight pack and hairy chest.
“I’ve got wipes in my bag to clean off the dried blood.” Diesel dug out a packet and gave several sheets to Mack.
I was shocked at how much blood was on their clothes. Shelby’s cut had been worse than what they’d told me.
“I’d like some of those wipes, too.” Martina put her hand out, and Diesel gave her some.
“Here’s a shirt for you, Shelby Belle. When you’re ready, I’ll have a look at your hand. But given all the blood on the three of you, I’m confident you need stitches, which I can do. Or you can be seen at the hospital.”
“Thanks.” She took the shirt and looked at her hand. “I’m fine with you doing it, but where?”
“Let’s go to my place so you can clean up properly before seeing your mom. Your family will be scared if they see you this way.” God knew I was freaked out.
“That sounds like a good idea,” Martina said.
“Okay, but we need to be in and out. I don’t want to waste time. I need to see my mom.”
“Then let’s get a move on.” I led her to my truck, and the others followed.
As much as I wanted to lock Shelby in a room and take care of her, I wouldn’t stand in the way of her seeing her mom. Family meant everything to her, as it did to me.
Besides, talking about everything in front of an audience wasn’t how I rolled. But I’d get Shelby alone before the day was over, and she’d tell me what happened with Jake.
After we arrived at my ranch, Diesel took care of Shelby’s palm. It had only taken ten stitches, which had seemed like a lot to me. But Diesel had said it could’ve been a lot worse.
The girls had been gone for fifteen minutes in the bathroom, while Mack cleaned up in the barn and met up with Storm and Graves. I was grateful to have Storm and his crew taking care of my town. The Saint’s Outlaws too, but I didn’t know them and couldn’t trust them the way I did the Knights. Either way, I was glad to have an army of bikers standing watch over my hometown.
We needed to catch the vandals so we could all get back to living our lives.
“I can’t believe everything she’s been through.” Diesel shook his head with a concerned expression. “She doesn’t look good. I’m sure you noticed the bruises on her face and arms.”
I grunted and rolled my hands into fists until they ached.
“Do you know how she cut herself? She nicked the bone. If the blade had gotten a hair closer to her vein, she could’ve bled out.”
“She didn’t want to talk about it.” My jaw ticked and my breathing deepened.
“I’m sure you’ll get it out of her. And then will end that motherfucker.”
I gave him a sharp nod. “She’s strong and will heal.” My girl had always been a force to be reckoned with, even when we were kids. Nothing and no one could keep her down.
