“No. She’s in no condition to be anywhere but in bed.” He shoved out into the brutal cold. “Find Libby. She’ll take care of you.”
The cold bite helped to reduce my fuming temperature. I fisted my hands on the way back to the clubhouse. My chest burned with fucking fear.
Fear?
What the hell was that about? I despised Aspen. Cursed her name on the regular. Even so, I didn’t want some psychopath after her. I didn’t want her to die.
If Patch had it right, that she was pregnant, I didn’t know how I felt about it. Part of me, the bitter asshole side with a chip on my shoulder the size of the Grand Canyon, was relieved. Even if she wasn’t mine, I didn’t want her to have a kid with another guy.
What the hell are you thinking, Box? You don’t hate her that much.
Fuck no, I didn’t.
Part of me still loved Aspen. She adored children and used to babysit when we were teenagers. She’d been the most sought out babysitter in The Dalles. Kids loved her. If she was miscarrying, it would tear her apart.
I rubbed the spot over my heart where her name was tattooed, remembering when we used to dream about the family we’d have after we were married.
A pipe dream.
None of that mattered. The sooner we ensure Aspen’s safety, the better. Then she could leave, and I wouldn’t have to see her again.
Maybe I could get some closure. Finally, move on with my life. Fall in love with a good woman and have a family. I’d always wanted kids. I wasn’t like some of the lifelong bachelors in the club.
No, I wanted little tykes running around. I just hadn’t found the right woman yet.
But I would, then I could be stupidly happy like Storm with his Angel.
3
Aspen
So cold. I couldn’t stop shivering, chilled to the bone. Darkness filled every inch in my head. Terror swelled my slow beating heart. Was I dead? Close to death?
Christ, had Casso found me?
A weak whimper bobbed in my throat, too afraid to open my eyes and see his black orbs staring back. He’d never let me get away with leaving him. Never let me see the light of day.
Fight, Asp. Fight for the baby. Don’t let Cass conquer and destroy.
A sharp stabbing made me claw my nails into the surface below me. God, I hurt so much but couldn’t manage to touch the spot.
Brain, register what’s going on.
Pain. Cold. Pain.
Danger. Darkness. Death.
“Shh, don’t move,” a calm voice whispered. “You’re safe.”
I’m safe? Why am I so cold? Is heaven cold?
Maybe I died and went straight to hell.
Another whimper jiggled in my throat.
Warm droplets dripped out of the corner of my eyes. The low voice shushed gently, wiping the wetness away. The Devil would never be kind.
“Here’s another blanket from the dryer,” a woman said as heat encased me.