“Then, we can’t take any unnecessary chances.”
I already knew the answer, but I still asked, “You really think if he finds out I’m alive, he will come and finish what he started?”
“I don’t think it. I know it,” he answered with no emotion. “But I’m not going to let that happen.”
“I still don’t understand why you’re doing all this, but I want to thank you.”
I reached over to place my hand on his arm—just a simple gesture of gratitude, but the second I touched him, Billy inhaled a quick breath, pulled his arm back, and stood up from the sofa. He took a step back, putting some distance between us as he placed his hand on the spot where mine had been.
I watched as he rubbed it tenderly like my touch had wounded him in some way, and it was impossible not to be somewhat hurt by his reaction. I was no beauty queen. I’d always been a little on the thicker side, and the thin white t-shirt and baggy, gray sweats weren’t doing me any favors. Neither was my wild, curly, blonde hair.
I was quite a sight. I couldn’t exactly blame Billy for being revolted by my dreadful presence and wrenching his hand back. I told myself that I shouldn’t care what he thought. He was simply the man who was helping me and nothing more—but I did care. I cared more than I wanted to admit.
It took me a moment, but I was finally able to swallow the hurt and say, “I didn’t mean to overstep. I just really appreciate all you’re doing to help me.”
“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t want to.”
“I appreciate it all the same.”
He nodded, then made his way over to the fridge. As he looked inside, he asked, “You hungry? I’ve got eggs and toast or some oatmeal.”
“Either would be fine.”
“You sure?”
“Hm-hmm. I’m not all that hungry.”
“Eggs it is.”
Billy grabbed a skillet from the cabinet, then started cracking several eggs into a bowl. He’d just stepped over to the stove when the loud rumble of motorcycles drew both of our attention to the front door. Looking concerned, Billy dropped everything on the counter, and as he started outside, he said, “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
I watched from the sofa as he disappeared out the front door. Moments later, I heard him say, “Hey, Viper. I wasn’t expecting y’all to come by today.”
“Wasn’t planning on it, but Menace and I were on our way out to the Manor and figured we’d stop by to see how things were going.”
Billy seemed unfazed by their surprise visit as he answered, “They’re going.”
“And the girl?”
“She’s making it. Getting stronger every day.”
“That’s good to hear.” Viper paused for a moment, then asked, “You got any idea what you’re gonna do about her?”
“I’m working on it.” Billy sounded stressed as he told him, “Still trying to find a safe place for her, but once I do, I’ll be able to piece things together from there.”
“Sounds like you’ve been busy.”
“Oh, I have.” That hurt feeling from earlier returned when I heard him say, “Way I figure it, the sooner I get her out of here, the better.”
“I can’t disagree with you there.”
I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. I couldn’t understand why he’d gone to all the trouble to help me if he felt so strongly about getting rid of me. I couldn’t bear to listen to any more of their conversation, so I got up from the sofa and hobbled toward the kitchen. I refilled my coffee cup, then went back to my room.
I removed my bandages, took a shower, and spent the rest of the day doing my best to stay out of Billy’s way. He didn’t seem to mind. Other than bringing me a bite to eat now and then, he left me alone to work in his office or outside.
We continued on with this little avoidance routine for several days.