“My girl.” Gracie grinned.
“To bed with you.” Gun grunted, hauling a now shrieking Em over his shoulder and carrying her out.
“Does he mean with him?” Layla asked in confusion.
“He wishes,” Gracie replied.
“And doesn’t she?” Ginnie put in dryly just as Wes threw an ice pack my way. I placed it gently on Layla’s temple and had her sit back on the arm of the couch.
“Put that on for a few minutes, then we’re leaving,” I told her firmly, still pissed as hell this had happened to her under what I considered my roof.
“She all right?” Thorn’s voice sounded from behind me.
“She got kicked in the face,” I said by way of answer.
“I’m okay,” Layla answered with far more generosity than I was feeling at the moment.
“Sorry, darlin’,” he apologized. “These men are still getting used to each other. But that’s no excuse. Boon would like to apologize to you, if you’ll let him,” he added, referring to the man who’d kicked her.
“Not necessary,” I grunted, not wanting anyone unfamiliar near her. “But thanks,” I added somewhat begrudgingly. I’d seen the whole thing happen, and while I was pissed as hell, I had to admit the guy hadn’t done it on purpose. Hell, Max had launched him over the sofa in the first place.
Thorn clapped me on the back. “All right. We’ll be in touch. Take care of that eye,” he added toward Layla.
“Thank you.” She offered him a wave.
Cole strode back into the room after having likely talked to some of the Riders. He was a natural leader, and though they weren’t his men, I wasn’t surprised he’d want to have a word. Much like Thorn had done with us. “Appreciate you not adding fuel to the fire.” He offered me a chin lift in gratitude. “What did Thorn want?”
“Sounds like he knows where my mark is, offered to help.”
He cocked his head to the side. “You gonna take him up on that?”
“Probably,” I replied, as he’d likely expected.
“Make sure you have someone to watch your back,” he instructed before he turned eyes to my girl. “Sorry as hell about your eye, Layla. I hope we haven’t scared you off.”
“Not at all,” she assured him.
He smiled. “Good. ’Cause we all know Walker’s a hell of a lot less of an asshole with you around.”
Her cheeks flushed as she smiled with a nod of thanks.
“All right, baby. You ready to go?” I pressed.
She nodded, accepting my hand as I helped her up.
“Let’s hang out tomorrow if you’re around. I’ll text you,” Grace called as I slung my arm over Layla’s shoulder. “Maybe manicures with Riley or something.”
Layla nodded in parting as I guided her out to my bike.
When she reached for her helmet, I stopped her, cupping her face in my palms. “You really okay?” I demanded, looking with concern at the welt on her face. It had to hurt like hell.
She put her hands over mine. “I’m fine, babe. Really,” she assured me. “It hurts but it was an accident.”
She was protecting me, which meant I needed to take matters in my own hands and take care of her. “Let’s get you home,” I replied, helping her with her helmet and up onto the bike. She looked so natural and goddamn gorgeous sitting there, waiting for me to wrap her arms around.
As we rode home, my conversation with Thorn and what I’d almost told him rattled around in my mind. The inclination to tell him everything had been strong, surprising me.
I wondered what I’d do if the opportunity arose again.