Released (Devil's Blaze MC #3)(21)

We will never be helpless again. That’s one promise we made ourselves and made to Gabby.

So after all that, what I really want to do is go see my daughter who is spending the night with Annie and tell her goodnight. The last thing I wanted was to deal with a doctor. No matter how good-looking he is. And he is. He stands even taller than Skull. I’d say he’s six foot five, maybe more. He’s built in ways that makes you feel small and womanly in comparison. Broad shoulders with a defined body that are definitely pleasing to the eye. He’s not quite as built as Skull, but still dang good. He’s got on jeans and a sweater and looks so refined with his blonde hair, which is cut short around the head. The top is a little longer, but perfectly fixed. He’s got sparkling blue eyes and a nice smile. He should be everything that makes my heart speed up, plus he’s the complete opposite of Skull.

Over the years, I’ve had men flirt with me, but I’ve ignored them. Skull was occupying my heart and there was no reason to look elsewhere. Plus, there are things about my body now that I never want to show another person. I’ve realized that I will forever be alone, and for the most part, I am okay with that. Still, I know a good-looking man when I see one, and Dr. Patton is all that and more.

It surprises me. I didn’t figure this would be the kind of doctor he would pick to examine me. I thought they were getting some older man. Still, this is probably one more sign that Skull really is done with me. That shouldn’t bother me; I’ve known that and accepted it.

Still, it does bother me somehow.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry they wasted your time,” I tell him with a smile as I open the door to my room. I was hoping to get a shower before I go see Gabby.

“Maybe I should just do a quick exam to be sure? This is my first call for the Devil’s. They usually get my dad to do everything. I don’t want to take a chance on making anyone unhappy.”

I stop and look up at him. “I’ll tell them I made you leave.”

“From what I know of the club, I don’t think that would be enough to save my job,” he returns.

I sigh. He’s probably right.

“This is ridiculous,” I grumble. “Come on in, but can we try and make it quick? I need to go check on my daughter.”

“Sure thing. You have a child?” he asks, following me in.

“A little girl. She just turned two. Gabby. She’s my reason for living.” He probably thinks those are just pretty words, but for me, it’s the total truth.

“I have a son myself. He just turned three. They sure make life better.”

“That, they do,” I agree, looking around and finally sitting at the foot of the bed. “I’m not sure what you’re supposed to examine. I had a headache earlier, but I’m fine now.”

He puts his bag on the nightstand and pulls out a stethoscope and a few other items from it, arranging them.

“Do you get a lot of headaches?” he asks while using an instrument to check my temperature by clicking it in my ear.

“Occasionally I get migraines. I don’t sleep well. Old ghosts…”

“I understand. I had the same problem when I first got divorced. Hard to get used to an empty bed and a quiet house.”

“You don’t have custody of your son?”

“Joint. I get him every second week of the month. It works for now, but we will have to work something out when Chase starts school. Helen and I have talked about it. I’m sure we will sort it out eventually.”

“You get along well with your ex? That’s good. Skull and I barely talk to each other,” I admit with a sigh, feeling tired.

“Your ex’s name is Skull? A lady who lives on the wild side.” He laughs. “Tell me where your headaches start.”

He’s standing over me. If I reach a certain way, my hand will hit him. So I reach up over my shoulder to show him the place at the back of my neck where the pain usually starts. I jump when his cold hand touches the back of my neck, partly because it’s cold and partly because it’s been so long since any man has touched me, no matter how innocently. Single mothers rarely have time to go to the doctor; we usually work through being sick.

“That’s me. Wild Beth.” I laugh, trying to get comfortable, but he does something with his hand around my neck and it pops. There’s a moment of pain, but then he pushes down with his hand and I swear I think my toes actually curl. “Oh my God, whatever you’re doing, don’t stop.” I laugh again and he joins in this time.

Then, the door slams.

“Who the f*ck are you and why do you have your hands on my wife?”

I tense up when I see Skull, who looks like he’d like to tear the doctor’s head from his body. When his eyes move down to meet mine, I wonder if he wouldn’t like to do the same to me.

Then I recall his words.

His wife?





I’m f*cked up after everything Pistol told me—and didn’t tell me. I got Beast and Torch to help drag the body into a truck and we buried him where no one but the crows will find him. We threw in some lime and a few other things to help make sure the dead stay dead, so to speak. Out of all of my men, I figure the safest two to lean on are Beast and Torch, but who the hell knows anymore. It’s clear that I have lost my edge when it comes to judging a man.