Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 46130 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46130 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
“Just not in a church. I understand, Faust. I’ll invite you to attend a service with Molly. See if we can change your mind. In the meantime, I’d like to say a prayer for you to heal quickly. Totally selfish, of course. I need my secretary back at her desk.”
Faust looked at Molly and knew this was important to her. “Thank you, Steve. I’ll take any help I can get.”
Chapter
Seventeen
“Is he always this stubborn?” the nurse asked Molly.
“I’m not getting into that wheelchair,” Faust stated flatly.
“It’s hospital policy, sir. You’ll be free of all our regulations just outside the front doors.”
“I’m not getting into that wheelchair,” Faust repeated for the fifth time.
“Ummm, Faust? Will you play a game with me?” Molly asked.
“If it involves me in that wheelchair, no.”
“Even if we do a swap? You know, you get in the wheelchair so this wonderful nurse can go take care of sick people, and I’ll owe you a favor,” Molly suggested.
“What kind of a favor?” he asked, laser focused on her.
“I’m going to leave that up to you.”
He studied her face for a couple of seconds. When she winked, he muttered, “Fuck me,” and sat down. “Give me that.”
After handing him the huge, colorful floral arrangement the Littles had all made Atlas order for them, Molly trailed after them as the nurse walked briskly down the hall to the elevator. The Guardian in charge of the accounts had paid the bill without comment as he tried not to laugh, picturing Faust’s reaction when that was delivered. Molly had prevented him from ordering a teddy bear addition to the flowers but had allowed the chocolate-covered strawberries. They had been delicious.
She was thankful for the hospital’s skill in patching Faust up. They needed a break from the irascible biker who’d been ready to go home after surgery. The nurse patted her arm in a silent thanks as they stood in the elevator.
As the automatic doors opened, Molly slapped a hand over her mouth. Steele, Kade, and Storm sat on their bikes with their Littles hugging them tight. Right behind the line of cycles, Atlas stood by the open passenger door of Steele’s black truck.
“Someone stab me again,” Faust hissed.
“None of that. Look, your friends are here,” the nurse said, locking the wheelchair’s brakes.
Faust rose as quickly as his wound would allow and walked to the truck. Atlas plucked the flowers from his hands. “I’ll take that, brother. These are beautiful. I bet they made your icky hospital room colorful.”
“You helped them with that, huh?” Faust said with a glare.
“I was glad to fund your cheeriness,” Atlas said. “Need help climbing up?”
“For fuck’s sake,” Faust said, stepping back to help Molly into the truck’s back seat before swinging himself up into the passenger seat.
“Thank you, Atlas, for picking us up,” Molly said cheerfully as he climbed into the truck.
“You’re welcome, Molly.”
The cycles took off in a roar of high-powered motors. Atlas followed them out of the drive and onto the street leading to the compound. As they passed parking lots, a Guardian or two joined the procession.
Molly watched Faust look in the side mirror as more joined the group. Thrilled by the thundering assembly, Molly’s eyes filled with tears. These guys were brothers. They supported each other during the good times and the bad times. How had she ever thought they were scary?
“We’re a fucking parade,” Faust said, shaking his head.
“I want to learn to ride a bike,” Molly said, patting her Daddy’s shoulder. “Maybe just short trips for a while.”
“The doctor told you I shouldn’t ride my cycle for an extended time,” Faust guessed.
“Oh, no. I’m sure you have to get used to riding on a motorcycle,” Molly said quickly.
“Lying will get your bottom spanked,” Faust reminded her.
“So true,” Atlas teased.
“Okay, so he said use care when riding,” Molly admitted.
“I’ll teach you, Pixie. We’ll start this afternoon.”
“Maybe tomorrow?” she suggested.
“There’s not a fucking party at the clubhouse, is there?” Faust said, glaring at Atlas.
“No party,” Atlas assured him.
“Someone has their head out of their ass.”
“Bear’s making you ribs, Daddy.”
“Damn, that sounds good. If I never have hospital food again, it will be too soon,” Faust grumped.
In a few minutes, they walked into the clubhouse. Streamers trailed from the rafters and a big welcome home sign hung over the kitchen. The smells coming from the covered dishes made Molly’s mouth water.
“No party?” Faust said, pinning Molly with a steely look.
“It’s a barbeque, Daddy. That’s totally different than a party.”
“You’re lucky I’m hungry.”
“Yay!” Molly said, dancing around him as Atlas plucked the vase from his hands to place on the end of the bar.
Faust loaded his plate with ribs and all the fixins’ a few minutes later. He met the gaze of Bear who refilled the serving dishes as they emptied out. “We’ll talk about this party later.”