“One day, you will recognize me and know that I love you and you love me, so much.” Bishop put the wedding band on the bed and left.
She didn’t make a move to pick up the wedding band.
Randall picked it up and placed it on the cabinet beside her bed. “I think it is best we let you rest,” Randall said. “Rest will help you.”
She looked toward Bear and Preacher. “Am I married to him?” she asked.
“Yes,” Preacher said.
“Do I love him?”
He honestly didn’t know how to answer that.
“You and Bishop have been friends for a really long time,” Bear said, taking the lead.
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
“It’s hard to answer. You and Bishop have always had issues. You love him in your own way. I honestly don’t know what else to tell you.”
She didn’t trust him. Preacher saw it.
“Bear, I’m going to need you to come and sign some paperwork,” Randall said.
Preacher stayed perfectly still, very much aware of his son not too far away.
Robin watched the other men go and she finally turned her gaze back to his. “You’ve been really quiet.”
“I’m just pleased you’re okay.”
“Were we close?”
He stared at her, not sure how to answer.
“I guess I’m going to have to get used to people keeping secrets from me, aren’t I?” she asked.
“It’s not a secret. We can’t overwhelm you.” He took a seat, watching her.
“I … I don’t know who that guy is who’s claiming to be my husband. I feel a little sick and I don’t understand why. Can I trust my body? My mind?” She laughed. “My mind, it’s totally gone.” She leaned back against the bed.
“You’re tired. You need to rest.”
“I want to remember everything. Can’t you tell me every single little detail?” she asked. She reached out, trying to grab him.
Preacher took her hand. “You’re going to be fine, Robin. One day, you will remember everything.”
“What if I don’t? What if I never remember anything and you all are waiting for me to remember important details and facts?”
“None of us are expecting you to remember anything. We all just want you to get well. Sleep for now, Robin. I will be watching you and taking care of you.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
She let go of his hand and settled back on the bed, breathing out a sigh of relief. “That’s good. That’s really good. I can handle it. I can handle all of this.”
He watched her fall asleep before finally leaving the room. He pulled the door partially closed and leaned against the wall. He breathed in deeply then expelled his breath. He did this several times, thankful she was at least alive and that he didn’t have to go on hunting for her or worrying about what was happening. She was back home and that was all that mattered to him. Above everything else, she had to be safe.
He couldn’t think about anything else right now, just keeping her alive, away from Reaper. That son of a bitch, he would kill him when he got the chance. His hunt wasn’t over.
“I bet you’re feeling pretty smug about all of this,” Bishop said.
Preacher looked at his son. “And why would I feel smug?”
“She doesn’t remember me or that we’re married. Or how much she loves me.”
He laughed. “I really fucked up when it came to you, didn’t I?”
“She’s mine.”
“Last time I checked, son, she didn’t have a fucking brand on her to state she was anyone’s. She has no owner.”
“She doesn’t remember me and she doesn’t remember you. You’re not going to get her back.”
“Son, all I want from her is to be healthy. I want her to get her life back. This isn’t some kind of fucking competition where one of us is the victor. She’s not a trophy. She’s a real human being and maybe if you got your head out of your ass, you’d see it.”
“Oh, she will see it. You took her from me once, but you won’t do it again.”
Preacher stepped up to his son. “The only reason I haven’t smacked you down like you deserve is because you’re my son, but all I ask from you, Bishop, is to keep on going down this selfish path and I will make sure no one can ever identify your body.”
The threat was there.
For Preacher, there were only so many excuses he could make for his son before he realized he had to take him out. He’d only just gotten Robin back, and he couldn’t allow for anyone, not even Bishop, to take her from him. He didn’t know how he was going to deal with Bear either.
Without another word, Bishop turned on his heel and walked away. Soon, he would revoke his ability to enter the club. Preacher was getting tired of his tantrums and entitled ways.
Taking a seat, he stared across the hall once again, watching the comings and goings of the staff.