Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 87911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
She nodded but wasn’t about to say anything. They both knew why he didn’t make a patched member.
“This is the first time you’ve been here in five years.”
“You’ve counted.”
“Of course I did. I’ve been hoping you’d come back all this time.” Alfie stopped, and she had no choice but to do so as well. She folded her arms across her chest, wanting this conversation out of the way. “I discovered who made the tape.”
“Good for you, but it doesn’t change anything between us. I mean, it has been so long ago, and I’m sorry that you had to deal with it all too,” she said.
“Chloe, I know you hate me right now, but you’ve got to believe me. I never wanted to hurt you, not ever.”
“I really can’t do this right now. My mom, I need to see her.”
Alfie nodded, and it seemed to make him realize that he didn’t have a chance in the hospital.
“I’m glad you made it as a patched member,” she said, walking beside him.
“You are?”
“Yes. I know what happened between us was horrible, but I didn’t want it to ruin your life’s plans. I know how much you love the club, and well, I did tell my mom to tell your dad no hard feelings.”
“Chloe, I’m so sorry.”
“Stop it. We don’t need to keep on doing this to each other. You can move on. I know I want to.”
“You’re dating,” he said.
This was the most awkward meetings in the history of all of them, Chloe was sure of it.
“Not really. Can we not do this?” she asked.
“You were the one that brought up the club.”
“I’m sorry. I just need to focus on getting this together.” She tucked some of her hair behind her ear.
It looked like Alfie wanted to say more, but he didn’t. He took her to her mother’s room, and seeing Lily, lying out, unresponsive, it took every single ounce of control not to break down. Both of Lily’s legs were broken, and she looked so pale.
Eagle sat in the corner, watching.
“Do you know who did this?” she asked.
“Not yet but I’m going to get to the bottom of it, Chloe. I promise.”
She nodded and moved closer to the bed. Every single part of her mother looked bruised. She knelt on the floor as Eagle had the only chair.
“I’ll go and get a couple more chairs,” Alfie said, leaving.
Ignoring him and the man in the corner, Chloe kissed her mother’s hand. “It’s going to be okay. I know it is. We’re going to make it through all of this.” She pressed her face against Lily’s hand, and just took several deep breaths, needing to calm her nerves.
“It’s good to have you back, Chloe,” Eagle said.
Pulling away from her mother, she turned to Eagle. “How did you find out? You called me before the hospital even did. It’s crazy.”
“I pulled some strings at the sheriff’s office to be alerted on Lily’s safety. I didn’t like her being alone, and I wanted to be there for her when she needed me.”
“It’s Satan’s Croft.”
“I know, but that doesn’t mean bad shit won’t happen. Someone ran her down, Chloe. They didn’t stay behind to make sure she was okay, and as you can see, she’s not okay.”
Chloe could also see that Eagle was struggling to keep it together. Whoever ran Lily down would pay, and it could even be with their very life.
“I’m sorry. I was only talking to her yesterday, and she was encouraging me to go out on a date.” She sniffled, feeling the tears build in her eyes. “I know I’m completely crazy, right?”
“No, not crazy. Your mom only ever wanted the best for you, and I can see her trying to encourage you to date.”
Alfie returned with a couple of chairs. He placed one beside her, and she sat down, thanking him. He took a seat in the far corner, watching the door and her mother.
“I’m going to put one of my guys on the door,” Eagle said. “I want her protected until we know more about this hit-and-run.”
“You think someone could come and hurt her again? You really don’t think it’s an accident?” she asked.
“I think I want to take care of her, and I’m not willing to take any chances when it comes to her safety.”
Chloe nodded. She turned toward her mother, and for the next hour, she watched her sleep. Lily looked so peaceful in sleep.
One of Eagle’s guys showed up, but she couldn’t remember his name. Within ten minutes the nurse was there to tell them all they had to leave for the night. She hated the thought of leaving her mother for even a second.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, she grabbed her bag and made her way outside.
“Miss,” the receptionist said. “The cab driver left this for you.”