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Razor

T HE MOMENT KATIE wheeled me out of the building she started in on me. “What the hell was that ?”

“What?” I asked, knowing damn well what she meant.

“Duh, m...m...my name’s Gio. Der, and I think you are p...p...pretty. Duh, and I want to be on you.”

I groaned. “Do we really have to do this?”

“In all my years, I’ve never seen lovestruck Gio before, and my lord is he a hot mess,” she teased. “You were like a lost puppy. I swear, I thought I was going to have to put down newspaper on the floor.”

“I can’t help that the physio and I have chemistry,” I said, as we reached the car.

Katie laughed. “That woman would have chemistry with a bowling ball. She’s pretty well near perfect as far as I can see. You, on the other hand, are a raging dumpster fire with way too many personal and club issues to deal with right now. You don’t have time to spend any amount of time chasing after a woman who is clearly out of your league.”

I craned my head to glare at her. “It’s these kinds of talks I’ve come to look forward to the most in our relationship.”

“You know I’m right.” She set the brake on the wheelchair. “Besides, she doesn’t even know the real you. She hasn’t met Razor, and she never will.”

Katie opened the door and carefully guided me into the passenger seat of her car. It was bad enough riding in a cage, but to be stuck riding shotgun was almost too much to bear.

“Let me ask you something,” I said, as Katie buckled my seatbelt. “Have all the women in my life always been this fucking bossy or did you all start a gang up on Razor club when I was in the hospital?”

She shrugged. “You have a lot of people who care about you.”

“Well, how about you care about me a little fucking less. Huh?” I snapped before slamming the car door shut. After a few tense moments, Katie climbed into the driver’s seat and started the car.

“That was a strange thing to say to a woman who’s spent most of her day looking after you,” Kaite bit out. “Maybe I’ll just roll you to the nearest bus stop and you can get your own damn self home. ”

I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I know you’re only trying to help. I mean, you are helping, and I really fucking appreciate it. I’m just not used to needing anybody’s help, you know? I’m comfortable calling my own shots. Living as freely as possible.”

Katie chuckled. “You guys crack me up. You know that?”

“What did I say that was so fucking funny?”

“All you Dogs are the same. Every club member talks as if he’s a lone wolf, alpha male. Free from the shackles of society, and yet you all dress the same, talk the same, and think the same. If some civilian tells you do something, you tell them to eat shit, but if an officer of the club told you to jump off a building, your only question would be from what floor.”

I shook my head. “Non-members can never tell the difference between abiding by society’s rules and club rules.”

“Maybe it’s you who doesn’t understand,” she snapped back. “And I may not be a member, but as long as my brother is, I’m family. A position I’ve earned through my loyalty to the club, by the way. And do I need to remind you he’s a fucking officer?”

We drove in silence for the rest of the trip home. Me only breaking it once we’d pulled up to Hatch’s place.

“Katie, I’m sorry. Of course, you’re family and I love you like you’re my own sister, probably more, but being told what I can and cannot do is pegging my needle into the red. I really feel like I’m gonna crack up if I don’t get out of this cast and get my ass back on a bike.”

“I’m sorry, too. But I am concerned that you’re not taking your recovery and rehab seriously enough. And you getting physical with your physical therapist is the last thing that should be on your mind.”

Of course, Katie was one hundred percent right, but the truth of the matter was, I was going to ignore one hundred percent of what she said. Waverly would most certainly be a distraction, but she’d be a distraction of my choosing.

* * *

Waverly

The next day, I arrived home to find a giant bouquet of flowers and a tin of Almond Rocha waiting for me at my front door. I carried it inside, and after locking up, I found the card and opened it.

“I love you forever and a day, and I’ve given you space, but if you don’t answer your phone, I’m going to get my ass on a fucking plane and come out there. I will hug you so tight, you won’t be able to breathe. Do not test me, Gravy. Love you, bitch. Lenn.”

I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath.

Lennon was my ride or die. She would never do anything to hurt me on purpose. Maybe I was being unfair.

Or...

Maybe she shouldn’t have lied to me.

I sighed, opening the tin of Rocha and peeling the foil off one of the treats before popping it into my mouth. I kicked off my shoes and opened my drawer to figure out what I was going to order just as my doorbell pealed. Grabbing my phone, I checked my doorbell camera and let out a quiet squeak. I engaged the microphone and growled out, “No.”

“Housekeeping,” Lennon sassed.

“No.”

“Open the door or I’ll make a scene.”

“No.”

“Bitch, you know I can rival you in the dramatics. Open the goddamn door.”

I let out a frustrated squeal and stomped to my door, yanking it open. “What are you doing here?”

She walked inside like she owned the joint, closing the door behind me. “If the mountain won’t come to Mohamad...”

“Are you calling me fat?”

Lennon smirked. “Yes.”

I gasped. “Bitch!”

“Look, I’m leaving in two days for Africa, and I needed to get eyes on you. I can’t leave the country without putting all of this to rest. You know I could contract malaria or something and then you’d feel really guilty if I died.”

“You’re vaccinated, you’re not going to die from malaria,” I reminded her.

“Feline Aids?”

I bit back a snort. “You don’t actually know how any of this works, do you?”

She shrugged. “Isn’t it the number one cause of cat death?”

“Okay, Debbie Downer, calm your tits. One, you’re not a cat, and two, I’m pretty sure it’s not even in the top three.”

Lennon sighed. “You cut your hair.”

“I did.”

She frowned. “Are you okay?”

“I’m good.”

She pulled me in for a hug. “I’m so, so sorry.”

“Sorry for what exactly?”

“For lying to you.”

“But not for dating a piece of shit?”

“He’s not a piece of shit, Waverly,” Lennon snapped, her long, blonde hair whipping around her shoulders.

“Every biker’s a piece of shit.”

“That’s like saying every cop’s noble, or every teacher’s a hero. You can’t make those sweeping statements. When you meet him, you’ll get it.”

“Oh my god, you didn’t bring him here, did you?” I breathed out in horror.

“No! God, Gravy, I wouldn’t do that to you.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Do you actually think I’d do something that would scare you or make you even feel a little bit uncomfortable?”

I bit my lip. “I didn’t think you’d date a biker after everything I’d been through.”

She threw her hands in the air. “I didn’t think I would either. Honestly, I’d vowed never to even look at anyone associated with Harleys and then Granny kind of orchestrated our first meeting and he’s the kindest man I’ve ever met. Nothing at all like the men we ran into at the party, and nothing like Aaron, who isn’t a biker, by the way, and is a total piece of shit.”

“That is true.”

“I fell in love with Snarl, Gravy, and I honestly wasn’t expecting that.” She met my eyes. “But I will dump him if having him means losing you.”

I stared at her for a few tense seconds. “You really would, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes. You’re my best friend and I won’t let a man come between us.”

“You love him?”

“With everything I have.”

“How the hell did you let this happen, Len?” I cried.

“He has a giant dick.”

I couldn’t stop a snort at her retort, and I let out a frustrated groan. “Where’s your bag?”

“Outside. I didn’t know if I was going to have to grab a hotel.”

“Bring it inside. I’ll open a bottle of wine. I was just about to order dinner, so what do you feel like?”

“Chinese,” she said as she opened the front door again and dragged her small suitcase inside.

“Letting you stay does not mean I’m ready to accept this man of yours.”

“I know,” she said, locking the door again. “I just need us to be okay before I get on a plane and travel to an entirely different country for an indeterminate amount of time.”

“We’re okay.” I nodded to the flowers and chocolates. “The Almond Rocha certainly helps.”

She grinned. “Almond Rocha always helps.”

I cocked my head. “If you’re leaving for Africa in two days, when are you leaving here?”

“Tomorrow.”

“You’re insane, you know that, right?” I said, pulling out the menu drawer and grabbing the Chinese one.

She grinned. “Well, I haven’t actually been tested, but you might be right.”

“I love you, nutso.”

“Love you more, honey.”

“Well, that’s obvious.” I waved a finger toward her. “I’m not sure I’d fly all the way to Colorado to apologize to you .”

“Well, I’m also more evolved than you. And a better person. A hero, if you will.”

I burst out laughing, throwing a chocolate treat at her head. “Whatever.”

She unwrapped it and popped it in her mouth, giving me a chocolatey grin.

“Okay, what do you want?” I asked.

After calling in our order, we opened a bottle of wine and let it breathe while we changed into pajamas, gave ourselves facials and mani-pedis, then had some much-needed girl time. Suddenly, for the moment at least, all was right with the world, but I had to put the thought of my best friend leaving me the next day out of my head.

* * *

Razor

Two days later, I awoke with my shoulder on fuckin’ fire. A knock at my bedroom door brought Maisie and I let out a quiet groan.

“Good morning, love. I heard you yell out.”

“Shit, sorry,” I hissed.

“I think you should take a Vicodin, lovey. The doctor sent over a different anti-itch med. Hatch picked it up last night. Do you want to try?”

I knuckled the sleep out of my eyes. “Yeah, sure. I’ll give it a shot.”

She gave me a relieved smile. “Okay, I’ll send Hatch in with it, and he can help you up. What can I make you for breakfast? I’ve got eggs, bacon, and toast going, but I can make you an omelet if you want.”

“No, I’m good, sweetheart, thanks.”

Maisie left me and Hatch returned a few minutes later.

“Hey,” he said, helping me sit up before handing me two pills and a glass of water.

“Fuck,” I bit out as my arm twisted.

“How bad?” Hatch asked, wheeling my chair over to me.

“It’s okay. I just tweaked it. My fault. I’ll ice and it should be good.”

“Let’s get you into the bathroom.”

Once I endured the humiliation of my president helping me piss, then dress me, I hopped into my chair and was wheeled into the kitchen where Maisie set a plate full of breakfast in front of me.

“I’m gonna head out,” Hatch said. “You good?”

“Yeah, I’m good,” I said.

“I won’t be long,” he said to Maisie.

“Go have fun, love. We’ll be fine here. ”

He kissed her, grabbed his keys, and made his way down the hall.

“Do you want an icepack now?” she asked me.

“That’d be great, thanks.”

She settled it onto my shoulder the way Katie showed her how, and I felt almost instant relief. As hard as it was to do nothing, I was determined to rest my shoulder enough so I could get back to see Waverly as soon as fucking possible.

I could not get the beautiful woman out of my head.

“Razor?”

“Hm?” I glanced up at Maisie and she smiled.

“Coffee?”

“Oh, sure, thanks.”

“You feeling okay?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Because I’ve called your name three times, so either you’re in pain, you’re falling in love, or you’re planning some kind of devious revenge plot.”

I chuckled. “Oh, yeah? You think it’s one of those three?”

She leaned against the kitchen island. “I’ve raised two boys, love, it usually is.”

I sighed. “Well, I’m not in pain, and I’m not plotting revenge.”

She grinned. “Ah.”

“No, ah, Maisie, it’s nothing.”

She set the carafe back in the coffee maker and nodded. “Got it.”

“I’m serious. Don’t say anything to Hatch, okay? ”

“I’m not in the habit of gossiping, honey. I mean, if he asks me, I won’t lie, but I’ve never known my man to talk to me about his brothers’ love lives.”

“I appreciate that.” I pointed to the near-empty plate of food with my fork. “Best breakfast I’ve ever had, Maisie. Seriously, thank you.”

“I highly doubt that. Your mom’s a phenomenal cook.”

“Yeah, but breakfast was always cereal. Dad was the one who did big breakfast.” I focused back on my food. “After he died, she... well, it was back to cereal.”

“I’m sorry, sweetie.”

“It’s all good.” I forced a smile. “I didn’t mean to bring the mood down. I just wanted to compliment the food.”

“No worries,” she said, sitting beside me. “Thank you for the compliment. It makes me happy when all my kids are happy.”

“You think of me as one of your kids?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.” She frowned. “Is that okay? I mean, I know you’ve got a mother, and she’s a great one, but I still feel like you’re one of mine, if that makes sense.”

I grinned. “It’s absolutely okay.”

She relaxed and smiled again. “Good.”

“How many times has Dad told you if you keep feeding them, they won’t leave?” Poppy sassed as she walked into the room.

Poppy was Maisie’s daughter from her late husband, but Hatch had adopted her when he and Maisie had gotten married more than two decades ago .

“Hey, poppet, I didn’t know you were coming by,” Maisie said, giving her a hug.

“I wanted to see how the invalid was doing,” she said, leaning down to kiss my cheek. “Devon and Sid took the kids to the park for a few hours.”

I grinned. Poppy had always called Hatch her ‘Stand-in-Dad,’ or Sid for short.

“Hey, Poppy.”

“Hey, bud. How are you feeling?” she asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

“Better.”

“Awesome.”

“Do you want breakfast, love?” Maisie asked.

“If you don’t mind, but I can make it.”

“Sit down, honey. I’ll take care of it.”

Poppy gave me a little grin, like she knew offering to make her own breakfast was nothing but lip service, and sat across from me.

“How long do you have to be in the chair?” she asked.

“A couple more weeks at least,” I said. “I can’t put any weight on it until it heals more. They’ll do another x-ray in two weeks and then do another cast, and I might be able to use the walker then.”

“It’ll be longer than a couple of weeks, love,” Maisie interjected.

“Not if I have anything to say about it.”

“Razor,” she said with a sigh.

“Oh, so, basically, you trying to walk on it the other day was totally not okay,” Poppy sassed.

“Yeah, it was totally not okay,” I parroted.

“Why do you boys always have to push the limits?” she challenged, sipping her coffee.

I shrugged. “Because we can, I guess?”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, it’s good Mum’s babysitting you then, huh?”

“I wouldn’t call it babysitting.”

“Oh, right, sorry. Man sitting.”

I chuckled. “You’re worse than my sisters.”

“That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

“That’s not a compliment,” I challenged.

“It is to me,” she retorted. “Your sisters are amazing. Not only are they smart, they’re gorgeous, and they have skin like glass.”

“You’re all of those things too, Poppy.”

She gave me another cheeky grin.

“Oh, I see what you just did. You’re diabolical.”

“Thank you.” She laughed. “I won’t tell Devon you think I’m gorgeous, smart, funny and have skin like glass.”

“I never said you were funny.” I grabbed a piece of bacon and bit into it with a grin.

“Oh, I’m hilarious.”

I would never say this to her, but she was hilarious, and the fact she’d taken time out of her morning to check on me meant a hell of a lot.