Redemption Road (Vicious Cycle #2)(27)

He contemplated my words for a moment before he finally eased down on the edge. A few minutes went by with just the sounds of rustling wrappers and chewing.

“So what happens when we get to El Paso?” I asked around a mouthful of cheeseburger. It struck me in that moment that my manners would have appalled my mother.

“You get on a plane home to Virginia, and we get our asses back to Georgia,” Bishop replied.

My hand froze as I was bringing the cheeseburger to my mouth for another bite. “Back to Virginia? But what about College Station?”

Rev started to answer me, but he was interrupted by Bishop snorting contemptuously. “Sorry, sweetie, but there is no College Station for you anymore.”

Rolling his eyes, Rev said to Bishop, “Did anyone ever tell you that your tact sucks?”

Bishop shrugged. “Truth is the truth.”

I swallowed. “But I have an apartment in College Station and a life.”

“Well, that life is over. As for your apartment, I’m sure we could get some of the Texas Raiders to pack it up for you.”

Now it was my turn to snort. “You have got to be kidding. A bunch of strange bikers pawing through my things? I don’t think so.”

“Fine. Since you’re too good for bikers’ help, get some of your daddy’s people to do it. The only sure thing is you’re not staying in Texas on our watch.”

“Why not?” I challenged.

He sat up straight in his seat. “You really don’t get it, do you?”

“Bishop,” Rev growled.

My gaze flicked between the two brothers before I narrowed my eyes at Bishop. “No, actually, I don’t get it. I guess you could say my view of things is a little skewed after being in captivity for the past two months.” I added, “So why don’t you enlighten me?”

Bishop stared at me for a moment. Then a grin stretched across his face. “You know, I think I like you.”

“Lucky me,” I snapped before I could stop myself. I wasn’t sure what had come over me. In the past, I never would have given attitude to someone like Bishop.

He laughed. “You remind me of my sister-in-law, Alexandra.”

“Why is that?”

“Because unlike the club wh—women, she doesn’t take any shit from me.”

“I like her already.”

Rev chuckled at my response. “I agree with Bishop that you guys are a lot alike.”

I put down the rest of my second cheeseburger. “Maybe I should come to Georgia with you two and meet her.”

Both Rev and Bishop’s mouths dropped open in shock at the same time. “Huh?” Bishop asked.

“Well, apparently I’m not supposed to stay in Texas, although I don’t know why not. I sure as hell don’t want to go back home, so Georgia sounds good.”

Rev took a long gulp of his Coke. As he wiped his hands on his napkin, he appeared to be contemplating just how to respond to me. “Texas is Diablos headquarters. You aren’t safe anywhere in the state, but especially not in College Station, where their traffickers do their prospecting.”

Just the thought of the Diablos sent a chill prickling over my skin and sent my heart racing with the sudden tension. My bite of cheeseburger felt lodged in my throat, and it took two tries to swallow it. The room dipped and swayed a bit as I heard myself asking, “You think Mendoza is still alive?”

“We haven’t received any intel that has confirmed his death.”

My stomach twisted into knots at the thought of Mendoza being alive. “Do you think he would come after me?”

“It’s a possibility, considering your body won’t have been found in the compound.”

The thought of ever having to see Mendoza again sent me reeling. My hand flew up to cover my mouth since I knew I was going to be sick. I pushed past Rev to race to the toilet. Over and over I heaved as overwhelming fear held me prisoner. Once I finally finished, I felt a hand at the small of my back.

“I’m sorry, Annabel,” Rev said.

I eased past him to go to the sink. After rinsing my mouth, I caught his forlorn expression in the mirror.

“I should have found a better way to tell you that.”

“It’s okay. I needed the truth.”

“You needed some nourishment, and it’s my fault you lost that.”

“Don’t blame yourself.” Turning around to face him, I asked, “So now I live the rest of my life in fear?”

He shook his head. “No. You don’t. First of all, you’re leaving Texas. Second, your father has the resources to protect you.” With a grimace, Rev added, “Although it’s a horrible prospect, Mendoza will most likely lose interest in you when he rebuilds his camp and another girl catches his eye.”

My hand flew to my mouth again as I was sickened anew by the thought of another poor girl having to go through what I did. Leaning back against the sink, I shook my head miserably. “I don’t want to go back home.” When Rev started to protest, I held up a hand. “Just not yet. I don’t think I have the strength to face my parents right now.”

Rev didn’t respond. Instead, he began to pace around the room. Bishop appeared in the doorway. “You okay?” he asked.

I gave him a weak smile. “As good as I can be.”