Claiming Crusher (Savage Brothers MC #4)(62)

My decision made, I pick up the phone and dial.

“Hey kitten,” Ray’s voice almost makes me smile.

“Hey Ray, I umm…would it be possible for you to get me some new papers.”

My question is greeted with a moment of silence and it’s thick. He knows there would be only one reason I’m asking.

“Is this phone secure?”

“Yeah I picked up a burner.”

His sigh is loud and I can’t stop the tear that falls. It was a call both of us hoped I would never have to make.

“How’d he find out, honey?”

“Zander thought he’d get revenge on what was done to me,” I said lamely.

“Idiot,” Ray groans.

I swallow, not really liking that. “He loves me,” I defend lamely.

“He’s trying to get you killed,” Ray growls.

“He doesn’t know Michael. He thought he was protecting me.”

The silence stretches again.

“You love him.”

“I love him,” I answer honestly. “I love him more than anything in the world. Enough that I have to protect him, Ray. I can’t let Michael touch him.”

“Do you want to see if he’s right? Maybe he can handle Michael? He has fighting power behind him at least.”

I think it over. I have all the faith in the world in Zander. Even though he lied to me, after I got over my initial panic, I understood. He wants to make life better for me, he wants to protect me and take away the shadows. He wants to save me. I get it. What I have with Zander is the first real adult relationship I’ve ever had. At the same time, I don’t think Zander understands who he is dealing with.

“I may try to stay. I want to be in Nic’s wedding and I’d love to see her baby.”

“Yeah, I can’t believe she’s knocked up.”

“So sweet, Ray,” I tell him sarcastically.

“Paul says that all the time, especially when he’s got his lips wrapped around…”

“Spare me please,” I laugh. “Can you get me the papers? I need to be able to leave quickly, just in case. You still have the bank account info, right?”

“Yeah I got it, Kitten. I’ll have them made up today and overnight them to the safe address you gave me when you first moved.”

“Thanks Ray-Ray, as always I owe you more than I could ever repay you.”

“Anything for you. Take care of you and always check in. It’s our deal.”

“It’s our deal,” I tell him, hanging up.

I stare at my phone for a little bit, before I start packing up. It’s early, like really early, four a.m. to be exact, but I knew I needed to call Ray in Texas, because it would be three there and he’d just be getting in from work. I have Nic’s car. She gave it to me to use. Still, I use my old clunker for the most part. Nic’s car reminds me too much of my old life. I left it in the parking lot at the Club. I need to go back and collect it and check on Nicole and get ready for that damn fitting we have this evening.

*

It’s almost eight by the time I pull into the parking lot. I stopped and had breakfast. I looked around some shops for a few items to pack in case I had to make a fast getaway. I picked up an extra burner phone to give to Nicole. I couldn’t give her my number if I left. If I did that Zander would find me easily. Also, Michael would be able to use her against me. Actually he still might, but I’m doing everything I can in my power to prevent it. The rest I will have to trust Dragon to handle. If I leave, Nicole will tell him and he can protect her. He’ll have to protect her.

I park Nic’s car and grab my oversized purse and the bags I collected shopping today and hop out. I store them in the trunk of my car. I need to have Nailer go through my vehicle and make sure it’s ready to travel. Again, Nic’s car is the more logical choice, but my old junky car is the last thing Michael would expect to find me in. Maybe it’s time to dye my hair again. Not blonde or red…never those again. Pink? Blue? Those ideas hold merit. There’s a club hanger-on Tami that comes by with those colors. Frog and Hawk joke they pick her to tag-team all the time because they want to taste the rainbow.

There’s a white envelope on my windshield when I reach my car. My first thought is that Zander left it. It even makes me kind of smile. I need to talk with him about boundaries and promises, but I don’t want to give up what we have. I hope I never have to. He is all I want.

I throw my stuff in the car, relock the doors and then grab the note. I frown. My name is written on the outside, but it’s not Zander’s writing. I open it and there’s a feeling of unease slowly filtering through my system. I am just not one for surprises. As I pull it out, my heart immediately begins to pound. My hands begin shaking.

A clipping from a period in my life that I’ve spent a lifetime trying to forget.

‘Society darling, Melinda Marinetti to marry Michael Kavanagh.’

I read the headline and my stomach churns in fear. Times up. Somehow I convinced myself I was overreacting, that Michael wouldn’t notice the inquiries Zander and Freak made. I won’t be able to stay now. The tears gather in my eyes and I do my best to hold them back. Not here—not out in the open for anyone to see. For all I know, Michael is watching even now. So, I dig deep and find the Dani that I invented, the one who captured Zander’s attention. I wad the paper up in my hands. It takes all I have not to run inside, to the safety of the club. I hold my pace slow and steady. I’m thankful I took the time to wear my pointed stilettos and designer jeans. My make-up is even done perfectly—including my bright red lipstick, and my hair sleek and pulled up high on my head in a ponytail. The click of my shoes on the worn concrete help me to count with each step and I concentrate on my breathing, until I’m out of sight.