“You have no idea how nice this is,” Reid murmured as the cool breeze blew over both of us as we got outside. “I hate being stuck in that fucking room.”
“I don’t blame you. I’m going crazy myself and I’ve only been in here a day,” I replied, spotting Turbo and Cruz waiting by Turbo’s car. They were deep in discussion, but when we got closer, their heads swiveled towards us and Turbo instantly jogged over to take Reid’s wheelchair from me.
“Damn, I didn’t know you were bringing the banged-up has-been with you,” he joked, making Reid flip him off.
“Missed you too, Lavaro.”
“When are they letting you out?”
“Soon, hopefully,” he huffed, eyeing the cigarette in Turbo’s hand. “I’d kill for one of those.”
“You can have one if you want, but I’d bet money on you choking to death on it, and you’re not supposed to smoke if you’re healing from a punctured lung,” he answered, offering his cigarettes to me. “I suppose you’re healthy enough to have one.”
I took one, not wasting any time as I lit it and drew in a deep lungful. “You’re my hero, Lavaro. Are you guys just hanging around the parking lot for the fun of it?”
He smirked, leaning back against his car. “Not likely. Cruz was waiting inside, but they kicked him out when it got late. I found him out here like an abandoned puppy.”
I turned to Cruz who didn’t show an ounce of shame. “You were waiting for me?”
“Yeah. I told your girl I’d keep an eye on you. She was texting me earlier, freaking out that she hadn’t heard from you.”
Hope sparked in my chest, and it must have shown on my face because he let out a chuckle. “I think you’re forgiven. Near-death experiences usually do that to people.”
“She could come and visit me if she’s that worried. She’s had all day,” I muttered, earning an amused glance from Turbo as teasing filled his tone.
“Wow, you really are a girl.”
“Fuck off.” I scoffed as I flipped him off, dragging on my cigarette before blowing the smoke out as I continued. “Is Archer making her stay away from me?”
“I think you can imagine how worried he is considering she was kidnapped, Donovan,” Cruz said dryly. “And they’re dealing with Tempest too, so it’s a little bit hectic in the Hendricks household at the moment.”
“The fuck did her psycho sister do now?”
“She left Luna with Stanley and Slick at the party. They’re talking about sending Tempest to some whacky shack facility too. It seems she’s on a downhill spiral like your brother, but she’s refusing to admit she needs help. Trust me, Luna would prefer to be here with you than be stuck in the middle of that,” he replied, patting the roof of his car with a wink. “Want me to be your getaway driver? I can take you to her and you can climb through her bedroom window. I bet she’d feel like a real princess then.”
“I hate to admit it, but my body hurts too much to attempt a break-in like that. I’ll leave that style to the real king of breaking and entering,” I answered as my mouth curved into a smirk, a bark of laughter leaving him.
“You make it sound like it’s difficult. Just scope the place out, cut some wires to disable the security, and—”
“Just because I’m not going to be racing on the street anymore, doesn’t mean I’m in the market for a new career,” I said, cutting him off with a smile. “But I’ll be sure to find you if I change my mind.”
“I hope so. I’d give you the Night Thieves 101 crash course. I have a huge success rate.” He grinned, running his eyes over Reid. “You won’t be getting laid for a while. Whatdidn’tyou break?”
“Har har,” Reid fake laughed. “My dick’s perfectly fine, but thanks for your concern. I’ll just make them get on top and ride me.”
I rolled my eyes, finishing my cigarette and leaning back on Cruz’s car to cross my arms. “Yeah, you’re a real chick magnet in that wheelchair. I bet they’ll be lining up in no time.”
The guys cracked up laughing, but Reid scowled at me. “Bite me, Donovan. You’re not exactly a favorite amongst the local women right now.”
“Like I give a fuck. There’s only one woman I care about, the rest can choke on your dick for all I care,” I threw back, his lips kicking up.
“Always knew you were a big teddy bear beneath that hard exterior you insist on showing.”
“Bite me,” I mocked, motioning to Turbo. “So, why are you here? You’re lucky Mom left, or you probably would’ve been decapitated right here in the parking lot by now.”
He shrugged, eyeing me seriously. “I was considering going to your house and speaking to them, but after that warning, I’ll wait until you’re with me. I take it they’re pissed with me?”
I snorted, raising an eyebrow. “You honestly think I can keep you safe? You have way too much faith in my abilities. Yes, they’re pissed at you. Maybe I’ll let them get you since you didn’t take Luna home like I asked the other night.”