Page 39 of Break Away (Riot MC Next Generation #2)

He returned my stern look. “Don’t deny it. You’re just as strong and resilient as your mom. You keep the faith. I’m telling you, he’s gonna be all right. What’s happening with this punk named Porter?”

“He got shot in the leg, and they brought him here, too.”

A twinkle hit Razor’s eyes. “If you want me to take care of him, say the word, sweetie.”

I almost smiled, but Razor reminded me of how Rafferty insisted that I was ruthless. Looking back, spending time with Razor, Tennille, and Sally Mae, Razor’s daughter from his first marriage - that influenced me to be ruthless, too.

“Where’s Tennille?” I asked.

He stood. “Working. She’s sending you both positive energy. My offer stands. Don’t forget it.”

I watched him walk away, and taking in the whole waiting room, I saw the number of people here for Rafferty had doubled. Blood, Abby, Vamp, Rainey, Gabriella, Yak, Nora, Punc, and Liar were milling about on the far edge of the room.

“Rolland,” a doctor in green scrubs called out from the mouth of the hallway.

“That’s us,” Roll said, moving toward the doctor.

Trixie grabbed my hand, stood, which forced me to stand, and took me with her across the room.

“We’ve removed the bullet from his lung. It didn’t fragment when it entered his body,” the doctor said.

I squeezed Trixie’s hand, and inhaled deep.

“He’s very lucky that the bullet missed his ribs and any major arteries. It will take time for his lung to heal. His condition is serious, but stable. He will be closely monitored over the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours,” the doctor continued.

“But he’ll live?” Roll asked.

The doctor’s head swiveled in an almost-circular nod. “Barring any complications or infections, he should recover.”

“Wait. Wasn’t there a second bullet?” I asked.

“Based on the flesh wound along the lateral side of his torso, the second bullet grazed him. We’ve stitched up the resulting wound. He was also given a blood transfusion because of the blood loss.”

When I inhaled, my breath hitched with a slight sob. Trixie squeezed my hand and bumped her shoulder into mine.

“When can we see him?” Trixie asked.

“He’s in recovery. We’re moving him to ICU due to his serious condition. I’ll send a nurse out when you can see him. One at a time.”

I turned around. All of the Riot MC brothers were huddled close by. Beyond them, I saw the sliding glass doors open, and Nate strode over to us.

I skirted around the group to him. “Are you okay? Did…the others figure out who you are?”

Nate grabbed my hands. “I’m fine. They know who I am now because they committed enough crimes right in front of me that I could arrest them. How’s Rafferty?”

“In recovery. Then he’ll be in ICU.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

I tilted my head. “Did you come here just to check on me?”

“Not exactly, though Mom would never let me hear the end of it if I didn’t come see you.”

“Thanks. Out of curiosity, did Porter shoot Rafferty twice?”

Nate’s lips stretched out in a grimace. “Yeah. I’m pissed that he got the jump on KC. That shit’s fucked up, and I should have double checked that Porter had really been knocked out. That could have turned into a far worse situation.”

I nodded. “Where’s Suarez?"

“In custody.”

“I kind of feel bad.”

“Why? He didn't care about you.”

“That wasn’t the impression I got from him. He seemed to care that Porter had hurt me.”

Nate did a slow nod. “Yeah, but he’d have thrown you to the wolves just like KC wanted to do.”

“Sorry if I blew your cover.”

He gave me a slight grin. “You didn’t. Put it out of your head. I have to go talk to the ER staff, make sure they know Porter’s being taken into custody.” He took two steps and turned around. “You need to give a statement about what happened. Call me, and I’ll let the detective know you’re coming.”

Dad wandered up to me. “What did the doctor say, sweetheart?”

“They’re moving him to ICU, but they got the bullet out, and no broken ribs or nicked arteries.”

He pulled me into a hug. “That sounds promising.”

I tipped my head back. “Trixie told the nurse, he and I are getting married.”

His lips quirked and his eyes twinkled. “She’ll say whatever it takes to get her way. That goes triple when it’s one of her kids in trouble.”

I lowered my chin and hugged Dad. “Yeah.”

Trixie sidled up to us. “The nurse told Roll he could go back to visit him. I’m goin’ when he’s done, then you can be with him.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

She went down the corridor.

Dad let me go. “You should head that way so you don’t waste any time.”

Woodenly, I dropped into the chair next to Rafferty’s bed. The dim lighting of his room couldn’t hide the pallor of his skin. The contrast of his skin against the bright colors of his tattoos only made it worse.

I wrapped my fingers around his hand. “You better fight, Tee.”

The heart monitor beeped rhythmically.

“Your mom told the nurse we’re getting married. I’d ask if you can believe that - but I’m pretty sure you can. She’s crazy that way. You know I’m nothing like that.”

The monitor beeped a little faster.

“Yeah, you are,” he rasped.

My eyes widened and I looked around foolishly -for someone to tell, a pitcher of water - but there was nobody and nothing I could give him.

“Shit! Are you supposed to be awake?”

The smallest smile curled his lips. He’d never looked more handsome. “Dunno. But you’re just like Mom - in your own way.”

I wheezed out a laugh and shoved his words out of my mind. “I love you. Let me get a nurse.”

His hand beneath mine twisted up and gave a weak squeeze. “No. I love you, too. I’m tired.”

I held onto his hand and watched him close his eyes.

A nurse approached, I waved her into his room, and told her he’d been awake.

She nodded. “That’s great news. Your time is almost up. It would be good to let him rest.”

I didn’t leave immediately. For some reason, I was determined to take all of the time they’d give me with him. I leaned over, cupped his cheeks, and kissed his forehead.

In the waiting room, Jasmine stood near the doors to the ICU with her arms wrapped around her waist.

I hurried to her and gave her a hug. “Your turn. He was awake while I was in there and he fell back asleep.”

With a teary-eyed smile, she nodded and went to see her brother.

Roll lumbered toward me. “You goin’ home now?”

I frowned, realizing I didn’t have any way to get home. “I don’t know. I’m not ready to leave.”

He put a hand on my shoulder. “You do him no good if you’re spent from lack of sleep.”

“I know, but—”

“No buts. They gave me his bag of personal items. I got your car keys.”

“Why did he have my car keys?” I interrupted.

Something stirred in Roll’s eyes. It might have been admiration or regret.

“He didn’t want to draw attention going into that neighborhood on his bike.

He told Beast and Cal he was gonna drive your car instead.

I gave your keys to Cal, and he went to get your car.

I’m taking you home so you can get back here fresh in the morning. ”

“All right, but where are you staying? There’s an empty bedroom at my place and Jazz can stay—”

Roll dropped his hand from my shoulder. “We got a hotel room already. He’s gonna be here for a while. Jasmine comes back out, we’ll go.”