19. Casey
Casey
“You were really brave tonight.”
“I didn’t feel brave.” We were lying in Toby’s bed, and he was curled up next to me, toying with the sling that protected his broken wrist. “I was really scared.”
“I know, sweetie. I was, too.”
Toby’s eyes filled with tears, and he sniffled, trying to hold it all in. "I thought… I thought he was gonna hurt you… like he did before."
“I’m so sorry.”
Toby was so good and sweet, and it gutted me to see his arm in that sling. It would be a constant reminder that he’d been hurt again, and I hadn’t been able to stop it. My stomach twisted as the memory played in my head – Dylan’s smug grin, his twisted words, and the sound of Toby’s scream as the bone snapped. It was a memory that neither of us would soon forget.
He looked up at me with those big, hazel eyes—now a little glazed from the painkillers—and asked, “Why couldn’t he just leave us alone?”
“He was sick, sweetie. He wasn’t right in the head, and I should’ve seen that from the beginning.”
“I thought he was cool, too.”
“He was a really great actor.” I reached up and brushed a strand of hair from his face as I added, “But we don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
“Yeah, ‘cause Sutton smoked him.”
“Toby.”
“Well, he did.” Toby looked up at me as he said, “He made sure he couldn’t hurt us again.”
I thought back to the moment when Dylan burst through Toby’s bedroom door. I’d seen him angry many times before, and it had always terrified me. But this time felt different. This time that look in his eyes was more determined, like there was only one way this was going to end—it was going to be us or him. And I feared it was going to be us.
That feeling remained until Sutton came.
The second I saw his handsome face, I knew our nightmare would soon be over, and thank God, I wasn’t wrong. Sutton knocked down the front door and stormed into the living room so quickly that he caught Dylan off guard. As he spun around to face Sutton, Dylan’s gun left my temple, and before he could make a move, Sutton shot him.
As Dylan collapsed on the floor, Sutton rushed over to me and grabbed me in a tight embrace. He unlocked my handcuffs, and I rushed to gather Toby in my arms. I could see that his wrist was hurt, but he was alive. He was okay, and I’d never been more relieved.
It was over.
And because of Sutton, we’d survived.
I looked down at Toby and smiled, “Yes, he made sure he’d never hurt us again, but it had to be hard for you to see that.”
“I didn’t see it. I was too scared to watch,” he admitted. “I just heard it, and I was glad he got him.”
“I’m glad he got him, too, but...”
“I’m okay, Momma. I’m not gonna be all messed up in the head ‘cause Sutton shot him,” Toby assured me. “Now, I ain’t gotta worry about Dylan coming for us.”
“No, you don’t, but if you ever want to talk about things...”
“I know.” He eased down on his pillow and closed his eyes. “I love you, Momma.”
“I love you too, sweet boy.”
I continued to play with his hair until he drifted off to sleep. I stayed with him for over an hour, making sure that he was sleeping soundly before I got up and headed to Sutton’s room. When I walked in, he was in bed, looking at his phone. As soon as he saw me, he put it on the bedside table and asked, “How’s he doing?”
“Better than you’d think.”
“Ah, he’s a smart kid. I got a feeling that he’s gonna be just fine.”
“I certainly hope so.”
I crawled up next to him, and as I settled into the crook of his arm, the fear, pain, and helplessness I’d been carrying just melted away. He wrapped his arm around me, solid and strong, and I could feel the steady beat of his heart under my cheek. It was like all those shattered pieces inside me were starting to stitch themselves back together. For the first time, I felt safe, truly safe, and with him here, holding me like I was the most precious thing in the world, I almost believed that everything was going to be okay.
Dylan was dead, but our nightmare wasn’t completely over. So, I asked, “Have you figured out what you’re gonna do about Dylan? I know you said you’d take care of it... but he’s connected to some very powerful people. They’ll be looking for him.”
“ I’m aware of his connection ,” Sutton answered. “The club will handle it.”
“But he was in his patrol car. There could be a tracker inside of it, or his camera could’ve been recording.”
“We’re aware.”
“I know you can’t tell me things about the club, but this is different. I need to know that you aren’t going to get into trouble because of all this... I need to know that I’m not going to lose you.”
“You’re not going to lose me, babe,” he answered confidently.
“But you can’t be sure of that.”
“Yeah, I can.” He pulled me closer. “Those things you’re worried about, like the camera and the tracker, are the very things we will use to make this thing go away.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve already said too much.” A sexy smile slipped across his face as he demanded, “Now, stop talking and give me your mouth.”
He leaned over me and kissed me ever so softly. His fingers tangled into the hair at the nape of my neck, grasping it firmly as he pulled me even closer. He kissed me deeper and more passionately than ever before. I placed my hand on his chest, and as the fog of worry lifted, I realized that the waiting was over. I didn’t have to be scared anymore.
I was free, and I owed it all to Sutton and his brothers.
He must’ve been thinking about the same thing because he pulled his lips from mine just long enough to say, “I don’t know what I would’ve done if something happened to you.”
“I’m fine, Sutton.”
The words had barely left my mouth before he was kissing me again, and this was no gentle kiss. There was nothing soft or sweet about it. It was demanding and intense, and I loved every minute of it. His body ground against mine, and it didn’t take long before we were both lost in the heat of the moment.
Sutton sat up, and in a blink, he had me pinned to the bed with my back against the mattress and his knees at my sides. As he hovered over me, an intense look crossed his face. He stared at me in silence for just a moment before he said, “I love you, Casey.”
There’s nothing better than having the one person you love most in the world look at you the way he was looking at me and saying those words out loud. Sutton wasn’t a man who gave away his love freely, and I was overwhelmed by the thought that he had given it to me. It made my world stand still. I wanted to stay there, tangled in his arms forever. I never thought I’d find a love like this, and now that I had, I would never let it go.
“And I love you. More than you’ll ever know,” I whispered.
He lowered his mouth to mine and kissed me, slow and gentle, showing me just how much he really meant the words he’d said to me.
He released my hands just long enough to ease my t-shirt over my head, then slowly began nipping and sucking along the length of my neck. He hovered over me, the warmth of his body fueling my need for him, and I could see that he wanted this just as much as I did.
We made love for hours, and once we were both completely sated, we fell asleep in each other’s arms. I woke the next morning feeling like I’d barely slept, and even though I just wanted to drift back off, we needed to get to Toby’s doctor’s appointment. So, I forced myself out of bed and headed to the bathroom.
I was about to close the door when Sutton rolled over and mumbled, “Come back to bed.”
“I can’t. We have Toby’s appointment.”
“Oh, yeah.” He stretched with a long yawn. “Give me a sec, and I’ll make us some coffee.”
“Coffee would be great.”
After a quick shower, I got dressed and went to wake up Toby. When I got to his room, he was still in bed, sleeping soundly. I wasn’t exactly surprised. I’d stayed with him for a good bit of the night, talking to him, and I just couldn’t leave him until I knew he was okay.
I was pleased he understood that Sutton had done what he had to and that our nightmare was finally over. And like me, he was relieved to know that we’d never get hurt again.
It was a thought that stuck with me as I watched him finally fall asleep.
I walked over to his bed and gave him a slight nudge, “Hey, buddy. It’s time to get up.”
“Mmmm,” he groaned.
“I know it’s early, but you’ve gotta get ready for your appointment.”
He stirred, and his eyes fluttered open. For a second, he looked confused, and then he remembered. He glanced down at his wrist and frowned in a way that made my chest ache. But he didn’t complain. He never did. He just nodded and started to sit up.
“How’s it feeling?”
“It’s okay. Just throbs a little.”
He shrugged like it was no big deal, but I could see the pain in his eyes, and it killed me inside. “We’ll see the doctor today, and they’ll take good care of you, okay?”
“And I can get a blue cast?”
“Absolutely.”
“Cool.”
He finished getting ready, and Sutton drove us to the appointment. After a round of questions about what had happened to his wrist, the doctor took a few more X-rays. He determined that it was a clean break that didn’t interfere with his growth plate, so no surgery was needed. Toby got his blue cast, and for the first couple of hours, he thought it was the coolest thing ever. Then, reality set in, and he realized it was just the opposite.
We were on our way back to the house when I asked, “Has there been any word on Zeke?”
“Blade said he had a rough night, but he’s holding his own.”
“Do you think we could go by and see him?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“I’d really like to.”
“You got it.”
Sutton turned around, and a few minutes later, we were pulling up to the clubhouse. As soon as we were parked, Toby hopped out and made a beeline for Dagger and Garrison, showing off his cast. After what he’d been through, it was good to see him smiling. We both needed that.
When we reached the infirmary, I turned to Sutton and asked, “Mind if I have a minute alone with him?”
“Sure. Go ahead.”
I hesitated for a moment, then eased the door open and stepped inside. Zeke was lying on the bed with his head propped up with pillows, and there were bandages covering the wounds on his shoulder and thigh. He looked pale but alert.
His lips curved into a small grin, but I could see the pain in his eyes as I made my way over to him. "Hey.”
“Hey.”
My throat tightened as I looked at him, thinking about how easily it could’ve been so much worse. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m hanging in.”
“I’m so sorry about all this. I wish...”
“You got nothing to be sorry for,” Zeke interrupted. “I was there ‘cause I wanted to be. I just hate I didn’t take him out when I had the chance.”
“Well, we’re clear of him now, and I want you to do whatever it takes to get better.”
“Oh, I’m planning on it.” He gave me a wink. “I’ve got a patch to earn.”
“I think you earned some brownie points last night.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“I do.” Sutton stepped into the room as he said, “She’s right. You did good last night.”
“We both know that ain’t true.”
“You took two bullets for us. That counts for something. Besides, you got the message to me, and that’s what matters.”
Zeke gave him a nod, his smile a little wider. “Nothing I wouldn’t do for the club.”
“We know. Now, all you gotta do is focus on getting better.”
"Oh, I’ll be alright. It’ll take more than that to keep me down."
“Well, if you need anything... anything at all, just let me know.”
"Will do.”
Zeke was one of those strong, silent types who wasn’t the type to ask for help, but that didn’t matter. Sutton and I would make sure he had whatever he needed. He’d risked his life for us, and neither of us was going to forget that. We sat with him for a few more minutes, then headed out to find Toby. We’d just made it outside when Goose and Grim came up to us.
“How you two holding up?”
“Better than you might think.” Sutton gave Grim a look, then asked, “We good?”
Grim gave him a nod, and that was it.
Goose motioned his head over to Rusty and several of the other guys who were gathering around their bikes. “We’re about to ride out to Broadmoor Lake. You two should go with.”
“We’ve got Toby.”
“Ah, Dagger’s got him. Besides, we won’t be long.”
Sutton looked over to me as he asked, “What do you think? You up for a ride?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never ridden before.”
“No time like the present.”
“Okay, but can we check with Toby and make sure he’s good with staying here?”
“Absolutely.”
Sutton called Toby over, and just as I’d expected, he was fine with staying with Dagger and Garrison. Sutton led me over to his bike and offered me a helmet. Once I had it on, he helped me climb on the back, and I rested my hands on his waist. “Anything I need to know?”
“Just hold on and lean into the curves.”
“Okay. Take it easy on me.”
“Now, where’s the fun in that?”
The engine suddenly roared to life as Sutton throttled the ignition and drove out of the parking lot. The seat vibrated wildly beneath me as we picked up speed, quickly jetting into traffic. Surrounded by the others, we sped out onto the open highway toward the lake. I’d always thought I would be too afraid to enjoy riding, but I was wrong.
I absolutely loved it.
A feeling of pure elation washed over me as we glided down the highway. The sound and speed were a bit overwhelming, but I felt safe riding with Sutton. These guys rode with such confidence that it made them seem invincible, and it gave me a chance to let go and just enjoy the moment. I leaned my head back and let the wind whip around me, momentarily forgetting about Dylan and all the mayhem he’d caused.
I could just breathe and be myself, and it was just what I needed.
When we got to the lake, the guys stopped for a quick smoke break, and they talked for a bit. After a few playful jabs at one another, we got back on the bike and headed back to the clubhouse.
When we got home, I thought back to our ride, and I couldn’t help but smile. It might’ve been my first ride, but it wouldn’t be my last. The days that followed were quiet. We got back to our old routines, and I went for my job interview at the coffee shop and was offered the position on the spot. I was thrilled.
Things were going good.
Really good.
I thought a celebratory dinner was in order, so I went to the kitchen to make us all some spaghetti. I grabbed the ground beef from the fridge and was about to get the spaghetti sauce from the pantry when I noticed a newspaper sitting on the counter. I wasn’t one to read the paper, so I continued about my way.
I grabbed a skillet, and when I started over to the stove, something drew my attention back to the newspaper. I leaned in for a closer look, and that was when I saw Dylan’s picture on the center of the page.
He was wearing his police uniform, and the headline read, “Local Officer Missing After Car Accident, Alcohol Suspect.” My heart stopped as I picked up the paper and started reading. It was quick and to the point. He was driving from Arkansas into Tennessee and swerved into the bridge barrier. The car crashed into the Mississippi River, and his body was thrown from the vehicle. There was a vast search, but due to the river’s forceful current, his remains couldn’t be recovered.
During the search, officers found several empty bottles of booze in the vehicle, and after checking his credit card receipts, they determined that he’d purchased the alcohol just hours before the accident. Even though his remains had not been found, they determined the wreck to be an accident and didn’t suspect foul play.
The article mentioned a memorial had been arranged for the end of the month. A flood of emotions hit me all at once. Sutton and the brothers had taken care of things, just like Sutton promised they would. It was official. Dylan was gone. He couldn’t hurt me or Toby anymore. It was over.
It was really over.
I stared at the article a moment longer, and my mind was still spinning when I heard footsteps behind me. Seconds later, I felt Sutton come up behind me and slip his arms around my waist. “You good?”
“Yeah, thanks to you.”
I looked up at him, and he gave me a slight nod—his way of saying it was done.
“So, I’ve been thinking...”
“Yeah?”
“Since Dylan is no longer out there looking for us, do you think I could have my old name back?”
“Yeah, I don’t see why not.”
“And what about Toby? Do you think he could start back to school?”
“I’ll have to check with Preacher, but it should be okay.”
“Great.” I slipped my arms around his neck. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one, babe. Don’t you doubt that for a second.”
Maybe we were both the lucky ones. Maybe that was what love is all about. I couldn’t say for sure. All I knew was that I was happy—really happy, something I never thought I’d be, and I owed it all to him.