The blonde’s eyes met mine and instantly filled with confusion. Her gaze roamed my body from head to toe and quickly assessed that I was covered in her sister’s blood. That was when her eyes narrowed. Instant attitude. The feisty nurse probably thought I was some kind of Sons of Anarchy knockoff or biker pimp. She’d blame me and jump to conclusions based on my cut and appearance.
It wouldn’t be the first time.
People liked to make snap judgments before they knew the facts. I might have been pissed except the agony on her face was so real I knew she loved the traumatized victim on the gurney. I was fighting enough of my own demons to recognize when another soul was doing the same.
She thought I was the one responsible though and that posed a problem. I could see the revelation taking place and her cute features as they transformed into a vicious snarl. I’d be fuckin’ lying if I said that it wasn’t a turn on, especially when she bolted forward like she was ready to kick my ass. It was the absolute worst time to become aroused, but I couldn’t help my reaction. I wasn’t a choir boy. Fuck, I was the goddamn devil himself.
“Shit,” I cursed on a whisper, debating if I should let her try or bend her over and spank her ass for considering it. The thought was the last in my head before that spunky, curvy, sexy little blonde in light blue scrubs punched me in the gut so hard that I exhaled with an audible grunt.
Fuck.
I think I was in love.
Chapter 6 – Nylah
“That’s for my sister, you son of a bitch!”
I’d lost all sense of propriety or composure. All I cared about was the fact that this bastard biker drove my sister to the hospital, probably after he fucked her up himself. Screaming and shouting obscenities, I barely noticed when his hands gripped my shoulders and held me back, grinning like a damn fool as I fought him with every ounce of anger I felt.
“I didn’t hurt your sister, little hellcat,” he promised gruffly. “I did fuck up the motherfuckers I caught lighting her on fire and I don’t regret that at all.”
Blinking, it took a second for me to realize what he just admitted. “Are you telling me that you hurt the men that attacked my sister?”
“Sure did, kitten.” The side of his mouth twitched with amusement. “And I enjoyed their screams.”
Taken aback, I shoved his arms away and took a couple of steps away. “You’re insane.” This man was dangerous. I should remember that. Not that he didn’t deserve my anger. Who showed up like that and didn’t make it clear they weren’t the assailant?
He shrugged. “Probably. Doesn’t change the facts.”
I had no idea what to say or think. He was probably a liar but something about his tone of voice and those piercing hazel eyes seemed to resonate with truth. “Why would you risk your own ass to help a stranger?”
He frowned and it made the biker seem more menacing. “I take violence against women seriously.”
Studying his appearance again, I was surprised. Maybe I had judged him quickly but that makeup on his face was straight out of a horror movie and he was more than a little intimidating. Black ink covered his arms from biceps down to his fingernails. Silver rings shaped like skulls and snakes filled his fingers. The man exuded sin and had bad boy written all over him. “You better stick around and speak to the cops. They’ll want your statement.”
He snorted. “Yeah. I already counted on their pleasant company.” His sarcasm was noted.
“I want to know everything. Don’t you dare leave this hospital before you talk to me.” Gesturing to one of our security guards, I waved James over as he appeared down the hall on alert. Someone must have called him already. “Thi
s man brought my sister in. He doesn’t leave until he meets with the police,” I announced, “or me.”
“You got it, Nylah.”
The biker’s grin widened. “You always that bossy, Nylah?” The way he enunciated my name sent shivers down my spine.
“That’s Miss Peters to you,” I responded with attitude. “Don’t make me hunt you down once my sister is stable.” Turning my back on him, I was only a few steps away when he grabbed my arm, but it wasn’t rough.
“I hope she pulls through.”
The sincerity in his voice made me swallow hard. I didn’t expect this biker to exude such compassion. The heat of his touch seemed to burrow down into my skin. He was unlike anyone I had ever met. “She will.”
He released me and followed security out into the hall. James nodded. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”
Focusing my attention back on my sister, I squared my shoulders and walked forward, offering my assistance.
IT WAS HOURS LATER when I finally left the O.R. and scrubbed out, seeking coffee and any available space to put up my feet. The hospital was busy now and the patient rooms were bustling with activity. Hospitality was delivering breakfast trays as their carts were pushed down the hallways. My sister was stable but yet to regain consciousness. Nobody had to tell me that she was in critical condition. I already knew the risks and concerns and I needed a few minutes to process it all before I met with that biker.
Sinking down into a chair in the nearest lounge, I sipped on the coffee and stared off into space. My head kept bobbing as the lack of sleep took its toll. I’d been up for over twenty-four hours now without so much as a nap. My body was demanding rest whether I wanted it or not. Before I knew it, my head was resting on my arm and I was leaning over the table. Eyes fluttering, I never noticed when sleep claimed my conscious mind . . .