Lee shot him another of those beseeching looks, which he now understood. “Makenna,” he said, using his most commanding tone. “You look worse than Kara, and you’re running on fumes,” he said, gathering her hands in his.
“Gee, thanks.” Her hair was a mess, falling from a sloppy bun, and the bags under her eyes could carry a week’s worth of supplies. In truth, she looked adorably sleepy, but the woman needed to get horizontal before she crashed and ended up in a bed next to Kara.
“You know I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that you are seconds away from collapsing. How about this, you go home and sleep for a few hours while Lee stays. When you wake up, you can relieve him, and he’ll go to Copper’s.”
“I’m no—” Lee’s mouth snapped shut as Thunder shot him a murderous glare. “That sounds good, Mak. Please let him take you home for a while.”
She stared at Kara for a few moments before saying, “I don’t know…”
Thunder moved in close and slid an arm around the back of her shoulders. Even now, in this uncertain situation, he couldn’t help but savor the way she fit just right against him. “Baby, she is fine. They are only keeping her to be overly cautious. Even the neurologist said so.”
“Yet they still wouldn’t let me take her,” Mak grumbled.
“Come on. You know this is a smart decision.” He started to gently tow her toward the door.
With a sigh, Mak nodded. “Okay, fine.” Then she turned and pointed a finger at Lee. “But I’m coming back in a few hours at most, okay?”
Lee nodded though he trained his eyes on Thunder over Mak’s shoulder who shook his head and mouthed, “In the morning.” He had a few tricks up his sleeve to ensure she was too drained to do anything but pass out for the night.
She pulled away from him and moved to press a soft kiss to Kara’s head. After whispering something to her sleeping sister, Mak rejoined him.
He extended his hand to her, and she gave him a startled look before interlacing their fingers together.
Ahh, that’s where you belong.
In silence, they walked to Lee’s car. And in complete silence, they drove home. Mak stared out the window, lost in thought. Every so often, her eyes would drift shut, then pop back open as though she fought the battle of her life to remain awake.
That was fine. They didn’t need to talk right then. He’d give her time to collect herself and her thoughts, but he’d be taking over once they got inside her house.
When he killed the engine after pulling into the driveway, Makenna jumped as though surprised they’d arrived home. “Thank you,” she said, opening her door. As though she were a zombie, she trudged up to the front door and stuck the key in the lock.
Thunder trailed right behind her, but she didn’t notice his proximity or even the fact he’d left the car. She just opened the front door and stepped into the house as though on autopilot. When she turned and moved to shut the door, Thunder slapped his palm against the wood.
Mak started again and met his gaze. “Oh, uh, do you need something?”
“I sure as fuck do,” he said, shoving the door open.
“No!” she said in a panicked tone. “Don’t come in.”
But it was too late.
He was in the house and couldn’t tear his gaze away from the row of backpacks lined up by the door. Kristy must have done it after she left.
“What the fuck?” he whispered before turning on her. “You’re leaving?”
Shaking her head, she took a step away from him. Her back hit the door.
“No? You’re not leaving?” He planted his palms on either side of her head.
“I-w-we are. We have to,” she whispered, as though the admission broke her heart.
“No, you don’t, Mak.”
With a nod, she said, “They found us. They came here looking for us. Kristy sent them on a wild goose chase, but it’s only a matter of time before they realize and come back. It’s not safe. We have to leave.”
“Oh, baby,” he said as he rested his forehead against Mak’s. “You really don’t get it, do you?”
“Thunder, I-I have to put the bags in the car and go.” Fat tears rolled down her cheeks. Her hands landed on his chest, but instead of pushing away, she curled her fingers into the fabric of his shirt. Despite her words of dismissal, the idea of leaving him killed her as much as it did him.
That simple over-the-clothing touch had him shuddering in pleasure. “You don’t have to go anywhere, Makenna. You have a big, tough, family ready to fight your battles at any time.”
“I can’t. It’s too much. The club already has the CDMC to deal with. Thunder, you don’t understand how dangerous my father can be. He wouldn’t think twice about hurting or even killing any of you.”