“Can you drive with that hand?” he asked, nodding at it.
“I will make it work.”
“That guy… will he make sure you get all checked out?”
“He’ll insist on it.”
“Seemed like a good guy to me,” Chip said, nodding. “You should pack anything sensitive or valuable too.”
“Okay. Yeah,” I agreed, dragging myself off the floor.
“Ten minutes,” Chip said, back in his military mode.
“Ten minutes,” I agreed.
But I waited for him to leave before making my way back up the stairs, choking back whimpers and groans the whole way.
I grabbed my phone, tablet, laptop, and some clothes, shoved them into my weekender bag, along with my gun, then made my way downstairs.
It felt like pain was settling in more with each passing moment as I threw my purse over my shoulder, then made my way to my car after locking up.
Chip was already waiting, and unloaded my bags from me before opening my door.
We drove in tense silence to the hotel he was going to be staying at, and I sat in the car until he secured a room and gave me a wave.
Then, with one hand, I turned the car toward the highway and headed toward Navesink Bank.
I was proud of how well I held it together for the drive.
It wasn’t until I was inside the clubhouse—and Rune’s arms—that I finally broke down.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Rune
“What’s going on?” I asked, walking out of my room to find Spike, Cain, and Croft sitting in the living room. Not a girl or drink in sight. “You guys in trouble for something?”
“Been partying nonstop for two weeks,” Cain said. “It was time to dry out for a few nights.”
“And three of the club girls went to Cape May for vacation,” Spike admitted.
“There it is,” I said with a laugh.
“Problem is, our bodies are used to the party schedule,” Croft admitted. “So… we’re up.”
“Up and watching… documentaries?” I asked, glancing at the TV.
“One of the club girls gave us homework,” Croft said, shrugging. “We’re not far in if you want us to restart it.”
So we ordered delivery from the local diner… and watched a fucking six-part documentary until Cain suddenly reached for the remote and paused the TV.
“What is it?” I asked, tensing when I saw him stiffen.
“Think I heard a car door.”
“At this hour?” Croft asked, making me glance at the clock.
It was late as fuck.