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“I understand.” Jag smoothed my hair, and I leaned into his touch. “Give me fifteen and I’ll be ready.”
In record time, I had what I needed for school, including my computer, jammed in my backpack. Once I packed clothes, shoes, and toiletries, I rolled up my phone and laptop chargers. I stuffed them into my bag before zipping it closed. I had zero inkling how Jagger would balance everything on his bike, but I trusted him.
“I’ll find Teagan. She’s probably grabbing breakfast in the kitchen.” I blew out a breath, my heart heavy. My stomach churned with reality. I hated being unable to talk to Teagan about what was really happening. When I’d told her about Peter and the fire, I thought my days of lying to her were over. The only thing that offered a tiny bit of consolation was that not telling her the truth would protect her and the girls. Hell, I didn’t even have the whole story yet. I had a feeling Jagger had played it like that, so I couldn’t tell Teagan anything until we were gone.
“I’ll load up the bike. If I were you, I would go to the bathroom and put your hair in a ponytail. The helmet will help, but if it’s flying everywhere, it will be a mess to comb out.”
The corner of my lips curved upward. “You remember how I hated to have my hair brushed when we were little.”
Jagger’s chuckle warmed me. “I’ll never forget those screeches when Mom had to work on your hair for an hour because you refused to brush it all week.” He kissed me on the cheek. “I’m glad that’s changed. Not sure I could deal with you having a rat’s nest.” He scooped up our duffle bags then headed to the front door.
I grabbed my backpack and put my purse into it. A nagging feeling twisted my stomach into knots.
Hurrying downstairs, I found Teagan at the table in the kitchen.
“Hey.” I gave her a warm smile.
“Morning.” Her spoon paused in midair, milk dripping from it as she stared at me. “Are you okay?” She shoved the Raisin Bran in her mouth then wiped the corner of her lips with the back of her hand. “So ladylike, huh?” She laughed. “I’m starving.”
I wondered what had caused her to be so ravenous, but I didn’t have time to ask. Nervously shifting my weight from one foot to the other, I urged myself to tell her we were leaving.
“The parental units called and they want us to come home for a while. They’ve lined up a physical therapist for Jagger, and I need to focus on school. I’ll have to finish my classes online for now. It won’t be for long. We’ll be back before you know it.”
Disappointment flashed in Teagan’s gaze. “I’m guessing after Jagger was shot, it scared the shit out of them.”
“It did.” I hadn’t shared with Teagan that I’d basically told Theo and Samantha to fuck off. It was a good thing since it made my cover more believable.
“I’ll miss you. Hell, I might even miss Jagger.” Teagan stood, then threw her arms around me.
“Love you,” I whispered with more emotion in my voice than I’d meant to let slip out. I couldn’t tell Teagan I had a bad feeling or she would worry.
“Love you, too, Ari. Be safe and let me know when you get there.” She returned to her seat and offered me a supportive smile. “I’m glad your folks are being so awesome and helping you both, especially after the rift between you guys.”
If she only knew the truth. “Me too. I’ll call you later. Please tell the girls bye for me, and I’ll hop on our group chat as soon as possible.” I gave her a wave before I hurried to the bathroom before I met Jag outside.
“The weather is gorgeous.” I soaked in the sun on my face and took a deep breath of the fresh autumn air.
“Perfect day for a ride.” Jagger handed me my helmet.
“You’re going to have to drive, Ari. I can’t with my shoulder.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “I haven’t driven a motorcycle since we were teenagers,” I stuttered.
“Yeah, but you’ve driven one before. It will all come back to you. I’ve got you, babe. You can do it.”
I smirked at him as I pulled my helmet on. “Looks like you’re the bitch this time.” I winked at him as he groaned.
“I’m not a bitch, Ari. I’m just your backpack.” Jagger chuckled.
I fastened the strap beneath my chin before I hopped on.
“Ready, baby?” Jag winked at me as I started the motorcycle and waited for him to climb on behind me. The engine rumbled between my thighs and I grinned. Maybe the ride might be fun. I mentally laughed that my brain would go there under the circumstances.
I rolled out of the driveway and took a left. He wrapped his arms around my waist, holding on for life. It had been a long time since I’d been on a bike.
* * *
Eight hours later, we had arrived in Montana and I turned down a dirt road and slowed. The crunch of the gravel beneath the tires alerted the homeowners that we were approaching.
