“Yeah, I guess.”
He stuffed my things into my bag and zipped it up. “Let’s get going.”
“Can I bring my guitar?”
He turned back to me, his brow creased like he was confused by the question. “Of course.”
I grabbed it from its stand and walked toward the door. Kit wrapped his arm around my waist, halting me and nuzzled his face into my neck. “One day I hope you’ll realize that I’m doing this to keep you safe, not to punish you.” He kissed me gently on the cheek and guided me out of the room with a hand on the small of my back.
Chelsea and Optimus were waiting outside for us. Chelsea hugged me tightly. I winced with pain but didn’t say anything, enjoying the moment I had with my best friend.
“I’ll see you soon,” I whispered in her ear.
“I’ll see you soon,” she repeated sadly.
Chelsea stepped back and Optimus moved into her place, looking down at me with a face I couldn’t quite read. “This is the best way, Harm. When we know you’re safe, we will welcome you back with open arms.” His eyes flicked momentarily over my shoulder. “If that’s what you want.”
“Harmony!” Caleb came racing over from his guard position at the front gates. He pulled up sharp in front of me. “I’m real sorry, Harm.”
I hadn’t seen him since this all happened. Yes, I was upset I’d gotten shot but it wasn’t exactly his fault. He was trying to protect me, and whether I liked to admit it or not, being shot was the only thing that saved my ass from being dragged away into that van.
“It’s okay, Caleb.” I smiled softly and reached out to touch his arm. “I’m still here because of you. This shit will heal and I’ll be back in no time.” I told him, gesturing to my shoulder.
Caleb had a special place in my heart. I felt myself always wanting to watch out for him, even when the other Brothers played their stupid hazing games. We joked and flirted all the time, but to me I think I would always see him as a goofy little brother.
“Come on, Harmony. The boys are itching to get back,” Kit said from behind me. I nodded and walked toward the large Chevy truck that was parked next to Kit’s bike. I sat in the cab, watching as Caleb returned to his post and Optimus ordered Chelsea away. He and Kit had a small pow-wow with a few of the men. There was nodding and stern faces, but it was over quickly and Kit was soon stalking toward me and climbing in the driver’s side of the truck.
He didn’t say anything as we pulled out of the clubhouse lot and onto the main road, bikes surrounding us in a chorus of revving and rumbling.
I was sad. There were no big words to describe how I felt. No heartfelt meaningful shit. I was just sad.
The club here had been my life for the last three or so years. I tried to think of it as a little vacation. But the reality was that Kit had made it crystal clear that he had his mind set on keeping me, and I knew he would make it very hard for me to leave.
My phone rang in my pocket, the ring tone was one of Ashes and Embers’ songs – the band my mom was currently representing.
“Hi Mama,” I answered, trying to sound as cheery as possible. I saw Kit’s eyes flick to me before once again focusing on the road.
I could hear the band playing in the background, figuring they must be in rehearsals. “Hey, beautiful girl. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mom. How are things there?” I tried to take the conversation off me, not really wanting to explain to her the situation that I was currently in. But, of course, this was my mother. Nothing got past her.
She scoffed. “Let’s try that again, this time with the truth.”
“Mama, I can’t talk about it right now.”
“Are you okay? Have you been kidnaped or something? Cough twice if you need me to call the police,” she said frantically.
I let out a small giggle. “Seriously Mom, that’s what you’ve got? Cough twice?”
I heard a sigh of relief. “Sorry, I worry. You know this.”
“I know, Mom. But honestly I’m fine. I’m actually going away for a few days with some friends from the club.” I saw Kit’s hands tighten on the steering wheel of the car.
“Is this friend a boy?” she asked, curiously with maybe a little too much excitement.
“It might be.”
“Is he hot?”