Forgiving Nancy (Last Hangman MC, #5)(25)

“I’ll drive you there.” Is all he says.

“Thank you,” I voice before attacking the bacon on my plate.

“Looks like you got your ass handed to you by a teenie weenie one,” Aleck whispers dramatically, making Viv and I laugh.

“Sorry about that. I just feel very strongly where Bennett is concerned, always have and always will. I let my parents get in the way once, I’m not about to let you do the same.” I shrug as I pop the last piece of bacon in my mouth.

“I see that.” Gabe smirks.

“Ready when you are.” I smile and drink my coffee. “This is heaven. Thank you so much Viv.” I moan and take another delightful sip.

“Come here whenever you want and I’ll hook you up. Tomorrow is Pancake Day so be here early or these pigs will eat them all.” She winks at me whilst pointing at Gabe and Aleck before leaning over and hugging me. I return the hug and feel a sense of calm wash over me. It feels so good to have a friend, I’m not used to this.

“Don’t tempt me.” I smile and slip out of the booth. Gabe follows suit and walks over to Viv before kissing her the way any man should kiss a woman, with passion and desire. Just watching them leaves me all hot and bothered and desperate for someone to kiss me like that.

“All good?” Gabe asks me with a grin on his face.

“Don’t be an ass.” I grumble and march over to the door with him.

“He’s always an ass, but a loveable one,” Viv shouts behind us, making the both of us laugh.

“Don’t pay too much attention to her, I’m a nice guy, really.” Gabe chuckles and opens the bar door for me.

“So far I have to say that Viv’s assessment seems spot on.” I taunt as I walk past him.

“Do you want me to take you to Bennett or not?” He raises an eyebrow at me and crosses his arms over his chest after following me outside.

“Do you want me to be a pain in the ass and annoy you until we get to Bennett? I’m not scared of your idle threats.” I mimic his posture and facial expression.

“Touché.” He shakes his head and walks me back to the compound and towards a shiny black pickup truck.

“Nice ride.” I smile and round the car to the passenger’s side.

“Thanks, if I bring you on my bike then Bennett is going to go bat shit crazy so I’m playing it safe.” He chuckles and unlocks the door.

“What happened to bikers being brave?” I ask, trying to keep a serious face.

“If you don’t want to walk all the way to Bennett then I’d suggest you shut that smart ass mouth of yours.” He glares at me but there’s humor in his voice and eyes.

“I’m not scared of you, Gabe. You might act all tough but you’re a sweetheart deep down, just like Bennett.” I smile at him.

“Damn women.” He grumbles and starts the truck.

“You love us really.” I put my seatbelt on and relax, well try to, my ass is still very sore.

“Depends on the time of the day. You gonna open up to me about what happened to you?”

“I don’t know if I can open up, I’m not a birthday present.” I joke.

“Oh God help me.” He shakes his head but laughs to himself. “What did I get myself into when I offered to take you to him?”

“A nice long drive of puns and dirty jokes, it’ll be a fun.” I grin.

“Well that’s debatable.”

“Oi! Be nice!”

“I’m always nice.” He grins innocently but he’s not fooling me.

“Yeah, right.” I scoff.

“So?”

I sigh. “I’d rather tell Bennett first.”

“Why?” He quickly glances at me before returning his focus to the road.

“We’re talking about Bennett here, I know I haven’t seen him for five years but I highly doubt he’s changed that much. He won’t like it if I open up to someone else before him.” I shrug.

“That’s true. I just hope you’ll tell him everything and that it helps you.”

“I’m alright, really. My plan worked.”

“What plan?” He asks, sounding confused.

“I was forced to live in hell for the past five years. I had to get out one way or another, dead or alive, I had to. I couldn’t face another day. My plan was to make a run for it tonight the first chance I got and I did. I’m sure it’ll backfire on me at some point, but I’d rather go down with a fight.”

“Brave woman,” he whispers but sounds far away as if he is deep in his thoughts.

“Not really, just a pissed off woman who was robbed of five years of her life, five years she could and should’ve spent with her boyfriend,” I say sadly, looking out the window.

“That’s what I said, brave woman. Not a lot of women could endure what I can only guess you’ve been through and still come out with a positive attitude.”

“I quickly learnt that if I didn’t go through the motions and did as I was told then I’d be as good as dead. I’m not saying I enjoyed my time there because I didn’t, it was hell but a part of me knew I was going to make it out of there. And I did. It brought me back to Bennett. That’s how I managed to keep my sanity and stay positive.” There’s a silence between us and I glance over to Gabe to see that he has a serene smile on his face. I don’t know what he’s thinking about, but I’m guessing my words have reassured him that I willingly won’t hurt Bennett.