And I was beyond exhausted.
I figured I’d fall right to sleep.
I didn’t.
I tossed and turned, and was becoming more restless by the second. I just couldn’t seem to get settled knowing that Everleigh wasn’t in the house. I couldn’t begin to explain it, but there was something about her sleeping in her bed or lying there next to me that put me at ease. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sleep without her there, so I got out of bed and threw on some clothes. Seconds later, I was on my bike and driving over to the Ruthless Sinners’ clubhouse.
When I pulled up to the gate, one of Viper’s boys came over to me and asked, “Yo, Billy. What are you doing here?”
“Came to get Everleigh.”
“Ah, I haven’t seen her. Pretty sure she already crashed for the night.”
“I’m sure she has. I’m gettin’ her all the same.”
“Understood.” He eased the gate open as he said, “I’ll let Davies know you’re here for her.”
I gave him a nod, then pulled through the gate and parked right next to the front entrance. I was about to head inside when Davies opened the door. I could tell by his groggy eyes that he’d been sleeping, but he didn’t act the least bit put out as he asked, “You looking for Everleigh?”
“I am.” As I stepped inside, I asked, “You got any idea where she is?”
“Yeah, Country put her up in one of the guest rooms.” He turned and started walking out of the bar as he said, “I’ll take ya to her.”
“Thanks, man.”
“No problem.” He led me down the hall, and when he got to the right room, he eased the door open and whispered, “She’s in here.”
“Appreciate this, Davies.”
“Anytime.”
He waited for me to step inside, and then, he disappeared back down the hall. I wasn’t planning on staying long, so I didn’t bother shutting the door. I used the light from the hall to help me see as I made it over to the side of the bed. After I eased the covers back, I leaned down, and her eyes flew open the second I lifted her from the mattress. “Billy?”
“Um-hmm.”
“What are you doing?”
“Taking you home.”
“What time is it?”
I didn’t respond. I simply grunted, then started out the door. Her brows furrowed as she pushed, “Where have you been? Why didn’t you come back with the guys?”
I wouldn’t even look at her as I continued down the hall and into the bar.
“Um, Billy?”
Again, I didn’t respond, which didn’t seem to sit well with her. “Oh, it’s like that, huh? You just going to leave me for hours on end and then not speak to me?”
“Got nothing to say.”
Shaken by my harsh tone, she shimmied out of my arms, and without another word, she followed me out to the parking lot, pouting all the way. She didn’t say a word as I got on my bike and handed her the spare helmet. She simply glared at me as she slipped it on, then hopped on behind me.
I could’ve said something to ease the tension between us, but I was too fucking stubborn for that. Without saying so much as a word, I started the engine and pulled out of the clubhouse parking lot. Seconds later, we were on the main road and headed back to my place.
When we got back to the house, Everleigh followed me inside, then, without saying a word, went to her room and closed the door. I knew she wasn’t happy with me, but that was okay. I wasn’t exactly happy with her either.
After I locked everything up, I kicked off my shoes and fell into bed. Unlike earlier, I was able to drift right off to sleep, and I slept for hours. In fact, it was almost noon before I finally pulled myself out of bed. I brushed my teeth and threw on a pair of jeans before heading out to the kitchen.