Page 12 of Jett

“Get the fuck up. I need you dressed and out of my goddamn hair.”

Ouch. That hurts, but this is just bravado. Grim might be a big tough biker who can kill a man without batting an eye, but inside, underneath that hard exterior, is a heart of glass. Fragile, vulnerable, and one hundred per cent transparent.

“Someday someone will love you, and they won’t see your scars.”

“Someone like you?” His gaze is heavy with challenge. My face falls. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“It’s not because of your scars, you dummy. It’s because my heart is already split between two men—I don’t think I could handle another.”

His brow creases, and he studies my face as if he might find the answer there. “Two men?”

I exhale slowly. Even though I can see how this confession has hurt him, for the first time since I’ve been in Jett’s employ, I feel relief. It’s short-lived when Grim narrows his eyes and says, “What the fuck do you mean two men? And if you say Kick, so help me God ...”

“It’s not Kick. His name is Joshua. He’s ... he’s my husband.”

“Husband? I don’t see no ring on your finger.”

“I sold it to pay for his care.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? You told me you had no one.”

“You asked me why my car was still in the shop, and why I live in the shittiest neighbourhood in Sydney. It’s because every cent I earn goes into Joshua’s care. Do you think ... do you think we can make a stop on the way to the clubhouse?”

“Prez’s orders were to go straight there.”

“Please? He’s been doing poorly lately, and I can’t go into lockdown without seeing him first. Please, Grim? I’d never forgive myself if something happened to him and I didn’t ... I have to see him.”

He inhales sharply through his nose and breathes out on a sigh. “Fine. Get dressed in whatever you can find. I think I got a pair of old sweats that might fit you, from before you started fattening me up with those clubhouse meals.”

I frown.My food does not make everyone fat. “Why does everyone keep saying that?”

GRIM

“MRS COLE, VISITINGhours aren’t until nine.” The stalwart nurse rolls her eyes over Raine and then me. It’s clear from her raised brow and stern expression she finds us wanting.

“I know.” Raine smiles, and I swear to God it lights up the whole motherfucking room. Not that this bitch deserves any pleasantries. “I’m really sorry, but I have to see him now. I’m going out of town for a few days.”