Dark Fall (Back Down Devil MC #3)(15)

“I don’t know what I’m supposed to say.”

Erik found himself trying to press his body to Kaity’s.

Fuck.

He forced himself to take a step back. “Listen to me carefully. I don’t do this kind of shit, okay? You took a bullet for me, which means you took a bullet for the MC. It might not mean shit to you, babe, but it means something to us. You’re coming with me back to the clubhouse to get checked out. You can crash there instead of some motel in town, okay?”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yeah? I don’t?” Erik backed up three steps and nodded. “Come on, babe, walk to me.”

Kaity frowned and took a step forward. When it came time to use her left leg, she winced. He balance was wobbly and Erik folded his arms. Kaity took another step and then fell to the ground in pain. She was at his feet and when she looked up, there were tears in her eyes.

“The leg?” Erik asked as he stared down.

Don’t care about her, man. Don’t f*cking care…

“My life,” Kaity whispered.

Erik bent his knees and scooped Kaity up. He stood, holding her. She looked shocked as Erik walked to his motorcycle. Blaine was on a cell phone. He snapped it shut and gave a thumbs up.

“We’re in the clear on this,” Blaine said. “Let’s get out of here.”

Erik helped Kaity to the motorcycle and then ran to get her the helmet. He put it on her head, snapped it shut, and moved hair out of her face, again.

When Erik started the motorcycle, he waited for Kaity’s hands to reach around his body. All he wanted to do was rough up Jack and Willy at the auto garage. But if there was anyone who knew how f*cked up life could get and how fast it could change, it was Erik.





seven.



At the clubhouse, Gaige, Nate, Shay, and Jace were standing outside, laughing, smoking cigarettes, and when they saw Blaine and Erik, they all broke out in applause.

“They’re back!” Shay cried out.

Erik kicked the kickstand and got off his motorcycle. He looked at Kaity. “Stay put for a second.”

Blaine took off his helmet and opened his arms. He spun around once and walked to the group.

“Well, that was intense,” Blaine said.

Shay grabbed Blaine and hugged him. “Fuck, brother. You can’t go out there and get killed on us.”

Erik approached the group then with caution. “It's not all what it seems.”

“What happened?” Gaige asked.

“They came out of nowhere and started shooting at us. Could have killed us, but they wanted us to surrender. They wanted us on our knees, blindfolded, and I’m pretty sure they were going to take pictures to show Eight Under that they were worthy.”

“Fucking *s,” Gaige said. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Who’s that?” Nate asked.

“Who?” Gaige asked.

“There’s a woman on the back of Erik’s ride.”

Gaige looked and raised an eyebrow. Erik put a finger to Gaige's chest and shook his head.

“Don’t,” Erik said. “Don’t say a f*cking word.”

“I’m going to,” Gaige said.

“He picked her up like it was nothing,” Blaine said. “I offered to show her a good time and she didn’t want it.”

“That’s a surprise,” Jace said and the small group laughed.

Well, everyone but Erik.

Erik didn’t want to f*cking laugh. Being back at the clubhouse suddenly made him regret helping Kaity. Being back at the clubhouse made him want to run back upstairs, get his gun, and finish what he started a while ago.

Just one f*cking bullet… and it’s all gone.

“She took a bullet for me,” Erik said. “For us.”

Everyone shut up instantly. Shay slipped his hands into his pockets and looked at Kaity.

“She’s hurt?” Jace asked.

“Yeah,” Erik said. “Took one to the leg.”

“Damn,” Gaige said. “We need to get her upstairs. Fast.”

“Where’s Miller?” Erik asked.

“Upstairs,” Nate said. “We’re meeting soon.”

“Nate,” Gaige said. “Run up and tell Miller what’s going on and that we’ll meet soon. Jace and Shay, get the door open.”

“I’ll carry her,” Blaine said. He cupped his hands like he was holding a set of breasts.

“Fuck off,” Erik said.

“He’s grumpy,” Blaine mumbled as Erik walked back to Kaity.

He offered his hand to Kaity and nodded. “Hurry up. Don’t make me regret this.”

“Sorry I can’t move fast. I’ve been shot.”

“Just come on,” Erik said.

Kaity moved from the motorcycle. Erik watched her apply pressure to her left leg. She didn’t really wince yet Erik felt compelled to carry her. He grabbed Kaity by the arm, pulled her close, and then lifted her. She let out a whimper and her arms were then tight around his neck.

“I don’t have time to waste,” Erik said. “You saw what happened back there. I have to get moving.”

As he carried her, Erik felt Kaity looking at him. He knew if he looked at her something bad was going to happen. And bad meant good… and good meant kissing her. He had no idea what came over him to think that, but it was true. And if he started kissing Kaity…