Lynch's Rule (Ruthless Sinners MC 9)

“We jumped off the Hyatt’s rooftop bar.”

“You did what?”

When Rae realized I had no idea what the fuck she was talking about, she explained, “We parachuted off the rooftop of the Hyatt hotel.”

“You gotta be kiddin’ me.”

“Afraid not.”

“And you got arrested for it?”

Rae shrugged, then continued, “Apparently, the police believed we caused mass hysteria when we all jumped off the ledge. People thought we were committing suicide or something crazy like that, and they called the police. We just happened to be the last two who jumped and got caught.”

“Oh, shit. That’s not good.”

“No, it’s not.”

“So, what kind of trouble you two gonna be in for causing such ‘mass hysteria’?”

“I have no idea.” Rae glanced over at Haleigh. “I’m hoping it’ll just be a manageable fine and maybe some community service, but it’s hard to tell. The judge may not be too lenient, so I’m thinking we’re gonna have to get a lawyer to be on the safe side.”

“Yeah, I’d think that would probably be for the best.”

Haleigh sank down in the seat and groaned. “My parents are going to have a coronary.”

“Maybe we won’t have to tell them.”

“I wish, but I don’t think we’re going to have a choice in the matter. It’s going to cost a fortune for the lawyer, and there’s no telling what the court costs and fines will be.

“We’ll figure something out.”

“I certainly hope so because I don’t want to go back to jail.”

I was a little surprised that the two had found themselves in such a helluva tight spot. They seemed like smart girls who had to know the risks involved when they stepped out on that ledge, but for all I knew, that could’ve been what drew them there. I would’ve asked, but seeing how the tension was building between them, I decided to save it for another day.

When we got to the Village apartments, Rae pointed to their place and said, “We’re in 3C.”

I pulled up to the front door, and they both hopped out, then turned to face me. Haleigh feigned a smile and said, “Thanks for this. We really appreciate it.”

“No problem.”

With that, she darted for their front door. Raelyn, on the other hand, remained rooted at the truck’s door. Her eyes met mine, and once again, there was that unexplainable pull towards her. It was a feeling I wasn’t accustomed to, and I wasn’t sure what to do about it.

She tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “I don’t know why you did all this for us, but we really appreciate it. I really appreciate it. I kind of made a mess of things and wasn’t sure how to get us out of it. And then you came and saved the day. I’m not sure how I’ll ever be able to repay you.”

“Oh, something tells me you’ll come up with something.”

“You think?”

“Without a doubt.” I gave her a playful wink. “You have a good one and try to stay out of trouble.”

“I’ll do my best, but I can’t make any promises.” She gave me a warm smile, then said, “Bye, Lynch. I’ll see you around.”

“I certainly hope so.”

RAELYN

“I just don’t understand.” My father sounded utterly defeated. “What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing, Dad.” I wasn’t exactly surprised by my father’s concerns. I’d always been pretty level-headed and did what was expected of me. Even when I was younger and going through my most tumultuous years, I never acted out, so it had to seem strange that I was doing it now. “I was just trying to be adventurous and have a little fun.”

“Adventurous!” He threw his hands in the air with frustration. “Jumping off a hotel building and getting arrested is beyond a little ‘adventurous,’ Rae!”

“I know, and I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t think it would come to this.”

“Well, it did, and now we need a plan to get you out of this mess. We’ve gotta get a lawyer and pay court fees.” He ran his fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair as he sighed. “There’s no telling how much all of this is going to cost.”

“I’ll pay y’all back ... every last penny.”

I meant it.

I felt awful about the way things had turned out, and I had every intention of repaying my parents. It was the least I could do for causing them so much heartache. Unfortunately, my father had other plans.

“It’s not about the money, Rae.” His tone grew serious. “I’m worried about you. Your mother is, too. We think it’s time you talked to someone who might be able to help you figure out—”

“Whoa, hold up!” I gasped. “Y’all want me to see a shrink?”

“We think it’s something you should consider.” He stepped over to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. “You don’t want to tell either of us what’s going on with you, so maybe it’ll help to confide in someone else.”