Redemption Road (Vicious Cycle #2)(44)

“It’s okay.”

“No. It’s not. I can tell how freaked out you are.”

She sighed as she eased her legs down. “You’re right that seeing all those men—all those bikers—did a number on me. But you can’t blame yourself, and you can’t blame them. It’s something I have to deal with. They were just happy to see you.”

“While I know Kim has chewed them out by now, I’ll make sure to tell them to give you some breathing room.”

“That’s sweet. Thank you. I really appreciate you letting me come here.”

“You’re welcome.” Motioning to the house through the windshield, I said, “Come on. Let’s get you settled inside.” I opened my door and started to haul ass around the front of the car to Annabel’s side so I could help her, but then my leg reminded me that I’d been shot ten days ago.

Annabel was already out of the car when I reached her. “Rev, you don’t have to be a gentleman every time. I can manage my own door, you know.”

“But I want to.” At her frustrated huff of breath, I added, “Even though I know you’re capable and you’re a strong, independent woman.”

She laughed. “Fine. I guess I’ll be better about you helping me.” She gazed up at the house. “So this is your place?”

Kicking a few gravel pieces with my boot, I replied, “Yeah. It’s not much. I’m sure you’re used to places that are a lot finer.”

“Rev,” Annabel chided softly. When I looked at her, she shook her head at me. With her eyes, she conveyed the message that I shouldn’t be ashamed of what I had. “I like it. It looks very cozy.”

“You may change your mind when you see inside.”

“Are you saying I might be shocked at what a bachelor’s house looks like?”

“A bachelor biker’s is probably even worse.”

“Hmm,” she mused.

“Nathaniel,” Mama Beth called from behind us.

Annabel whirled around and widened her eyes at the sight of my mother. “Hey, Mama,” I said, hurrying down the driveway to her side.

I hugged her tight before pulling away to kiss her cheek. Her bottom lip trembled slightly, and I could tell she was fighting back her tears. “I’ve been so worried.”

“I’m fine.”

She gave a slight shake of her head. “Don’t do that to me again. And don’t ever leave in the middle of the night to do something so very dangerous.” She brought her hand to her chest. “My heart just can’t take it.”

With just a few words, she had the ability to cut me down and make me feel three feet tall. I rubbed her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Mama. I truly am. But you don’t have to worry anymore. I’m home safe and sound.”

“I’m a mother—my worry never ends. Especially when I have three such headstrong sons.”

“If it makes you feel better, I did miss you.”

She chuckled. “You missed me? Or my cooking?”

I appreciated her effort to lighten the heavy mood. With a smile, I replied, “A little of both.”

Mama Beth then turned her attention away from me. Glancing over my shoulder, she said, “Hello there.”

It was then I realized that Annabel had come across the driveway to stand quietly behind me. Taking her arm, I drew her up beside me. “We have company,” I said.

“Hello,” Annabel said softly.

Extending her hand, Mama Beth said, “I’m Elizabeth, Nathaniel’s mother.” Mama Beth gave Annabel a kind smile, but she didn’t make a move to hug her. In her infinite wisdom, she could sense Annabel’s apprehension and was giving her the space she felt she needed.

“I’m Annabel.”

“Won’t you both come to my house? Supper should be ready soon. I decided to cook a little later when you told me you were coming home today.” Before I could say yes or no, Mama Beth frowned. “Or maybe you’d rather rest. I’m sure that was a tiring drive.” Mama Beth was rambling a bit. I had slightly unnerved her by showing up with Annabel. I was sure she would have a million questions for me the moment we were alone.

Before Annabel could answer, Willow came bounding off Mama Beth’s porch with her almost-grown puppy, Walter, yipping after her. “Uncle Rev!” she shrieked.

She dove into my arms the moment she reached me. “Hey, rug rat, you miss me?”

“Mmm-hmm.” She gave me a smacking kiss on the cheek. “You and Uncle B were so mean to leave at the same time Mommy and Daddy did. I’ve only had Grandma Beth and Walter to play with.”

Mama Beth wagged an accusatory finger at Willow. “Now you know that isn’t true. You’ve had Jenny over to play almost every day.”

Jenny was the youngest of Case’s children. With the loss of her father, I was sure she needed the playtime just as much as Willow did.

“But she doesn’t do everything I say like Uncle Rev and Uncle B do.”

I grinned. “So you’ve met your bossy little match in Jenny, huh?”

“I guess so.” Her dark eyes, which were her father’s, peered into mine. “Did you bring me anything?”

I laughed. “Was I supposed to?”

Willow’s lips turned down in a pout. “Mommy and Daddy brought me back some presents from their trip.”