Hellion (Southern Rebels MC)

“They didn’t,” I hurried to remind him, his tone worrying me. “I’m fine.”

“They could have,” he retorted, his voice growing stronger.

“But they didn’t,” I stressed. “It all worked out.”

“Other than the fact I now have grey hair I didn’t have before,” he griped, sending me a sharp frown. “Why didn’t you text me, call me, send a damn flare up?”

“My phone died and Crew’s phone was in the truck and we didn’t have time,” I answered, the words spilling out of me apologetically, because it wasn’t anger on Noah’s face, but fear. “I just….reacted.”

“And when my heart calms down, we can talk about how insanely clever you are to have a safe room in an RV,” he replied, reaching for my hand. “I’m,” he paused, swallowing hard, “So thankful you’re okay.”

“So, you’re not mad I didn’t stay at the garage?”

“No,” he shook his head. “You’re not a prisoner. I just don’t want to leave you alone until Roy Demarcus is dead.” He managed a half smile. “Of course it doesn’t look like you need a bodyguard.”

“No, but I did need someone to rescue us,” I admitted sheepishly. “Who would have thought he would take a damn nap?”

Noah shook his head, a chuckle escaping. “Definitely not a mastermind criminal.”

An enormous boom rocked the car and I flinched instinctively, my hands going to my ears as I ducked my head. Noah had swerved at the sound of the explosion, and brought the car to a stop as we stared in horror.

“That’s….” My finger was shaking as I pointed out the windshield. “That’s –” I couldn’t finish, my mind barely comprehending what I saw.

“Dwayne,” Noah confirmed, his voice hollow. “Dwayne’s place.” He immediately grabbed the phone, calling in for backup as I stepped out of the car, watching in horrified fascination as oily, black smoke plumed above our heads. Mini explosions continued as enormous orange flames kissed the sky. The wind blew heat waves toward us and I knew there was no way we would be able to go any closer.

The low rumble of engines met my ears and I turned to see a dozen motorcycles riding our way. One was ahead of the others, racing so fast I was afraid they’d go straight into the flames. I stepped away from the car, my hand lifting as if to stop them, but there was no way I could.

The bike slammed on its brakes, skidding sideways as it came to a sudden stop. The rider dropped the bike, running straight toward me and it was only when he ripped off his helmet that I realized it was Johnny.

He grabbed me, squeezing me so tightly I squeaked. “I love you, kid,” he mumbled against my cheek. “You might not love me, hell, you probably don’t like me, but I love you.” He held me away from him, staring at me. “I just need you to know that, okay? No matter what I love you.”

I nodded dumbly, too stunned to say anything. He pulled me close again and I could almost swear I felt him kiss my head, but that seemed out of character for Johnny. Hell, this whole moment felt surreal.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” I ventured once he let me go, not really sure what else to say. “Do you know what happened?”

Johnny shook his head. “This wasn’t part of the plan.”

“Plan?” Noah asked, coming up next to us. “I think now would be the time to fill me in on what your plan was since it just went up in flames.”

“I thought,” Johnny tapped his chest, “The plan was to get Roy and his men to Dwayne’s and ambush them.” He waved his hand at the fire that didn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. “This – was not part of the plan.”

“Do we know if Dwayne is in there?” Noah questioned, his face creased with concern. “Roy and his men? Any bystanders?”

Johnny held up a finger. “I had a guy watching the turnoff on the road, that’s how I knew to get out here.” He gestured and a scrawny guy scurried over, his eyes shifting restlessly. I hadn’t even noticed him, but now I couldn’t take my eyes off him. “Weasel, tell’em what you saw.”

“Dwayne’s guys left about an hour ago,” he muttered, wiping his nose. “I flagged one and he told me Dwayne had told them to leave. About thirty minutes ago, four SUVs went in.” He glanced at us. “They didn’t come out.”

“Dwayne?” Johnny asked gruffly. Weasel shook his head. “Shit,” Johnny muttered quietly, glancing away from us.

Firetrucks screamed to a stop, surrounding us. Noah flagged down the fire captain. “When came we get in there?”

The captain shook his head. “Days. Based on the explosions, fuel tanks are going off. It’s gonna burn a while.”

“There are people in there,” Noah informed him and the Captain’s face turned grim.