“You think we’ve got some rats in place?”
“I think they’re going to keep on checking to see for a weakness. We simply don’t give them one. It’s not the first time we’ve had cops breathing down our necks, and it won’t be the last.” He was used to having cops one or two steps behind him. It’s why he had guys like Billy and Ryan on the force. There were people in place to warn him in case they got too close.
“Do you think we need to worry?” Bear asked.
“Only if we leave something out and I’ve no intention of doing that. Don’t let pussy distract you. Be in control, Bear.”
“Will do.”
His cell phone went off, and he paused.
Bishop: Reaper was at the library. I’m with Robin. She’s fine. He’s sniffing around.
“Son of a bitch,” he said.
“What is it?”
“The Slaves need a message because I’m sick of them thinking they can come onto my turf.” Reaper had pushed, and now he was going to answer to him.
****
“Bishop, I’m fine.”
Robin tried to make him feel better, but he wouldn’t let her go. He helped her sit and rushed to quickly fetch her some water.
“It’s not fine. Fucking piece of shit shouldn’t have been in town. I can’t believe I fucked this up. Dad is going to kill me.”
“You have a life as well, and it’s not about taking care of me. Please stop worrying.”
“I’m not going to stop worrying. Not while that piece of shit is close.” Bishop paced the length of the sitting room. “Fuck!”
“Relax, will you? Nothing happened.”
“Nothing happened? Robin, your arms are bruised, and so is your neck. Dad’s going to kill me, and then he’s going to kill the librarian. Where did she go?”
“I don’t know, but no one is going to be killed. Nothing bad happened. We’re all safe. It’s fine.”
“No, it’s really not fine.”
She sipped at the water, leaning forward to get up. “Now you listen to me, Bishop Keats. I’m fine. You did nothing wrong.” She touched his arms, trying to get him to stop. “I’m fine.”
“When I saw those bikes, I nearly had a panic attack. I couldn’t believe he’d come close to you, Robin. I know I’ve not been the best husband right now, but I love you.”
“I know you do. You’ve got to stop feeling guilty. I’m fine. We made it out alive, and I know you’ve already told Preacher. We’re fine.”
Bishop cupped her face, pulling her in close. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Nothing is going to happen to me. I’m safe.”
She’d never been more thankful to see Bishop.
Reaper’s threats were very real, and she knew she wasn’t going to risk going to the library or anywhere in town on her own. He clearly felt he could use her to get to Preacher, and she wouldn’t allow herself to be used against the club, not ever.
As she held onto Bishop, he started to stroke her back. His touch was nice and sweet after the brutal holding of Reaper.
“I think I need to go and take a shower,” she said.
“Yes, you should. I’m going to make us something for dinner.”
“You can cook?”
“No, I can’t, but I can order takeout.”
“Okay.” She kissed his head. “I’ll go and shower. Stop trying to beat yourself up. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
She went to leave, but Bishop captured her hand, pulling her close.
“My stomach is touching you.”
“I don’t care.” He tilted her head back. “I know I’ve fucked up so many times with all of this. You have no reason to forgive me, but I promise you, I’ll have my shit together for you, for us.”
Guilt threatened to crush her.
Bishop didn’t let her go.
She held her breath as he lowered, and as his lips touched hers, she kept on staring at him. His eyes were closed and he looked so into the kiss.
She didn’t have the heart to tell him to stop. Seconds passed before he broke the kiss.
“I love you, Robin.”
“I’m going to go and get washed.”
She pulled out of his hold and walked upstairs to her bedroom. Closing the door, she leaned against it, closing her eyes.
She felt like the worst wife. Bishop loved her, but her feelings were moving more toward his father.
“I’m a horrible person.”
There was no future for her and Preacher. What happened between the two of them had been a huge mistake, one she didn’t want to repeat.
No matter how he made her feel whenever they were together, there was no future there. The sooner she realized that, the better she would be. She had to get her feelings in check. She didn’t want to hurt anyone, not now, not ever.
“It will never happen with Preacher, and you won’t allow Bishop to have second best.”
She only hoped she knew how to implement her own thoughts. How could she turn Bishop down when seeing him hurt pained her?