7. Roxie
ROXIE
I just want a place to lick my wounds.
Staring at the place that I used to call home, I take a deep breath and remind myself that being here is temporary. As I open the door and get out of the car, a noise catches my attention. I whip my gaze toward the entrance to the clubhouse and see my brother standing there.
Deep breath… in, out, in, out.
“I was wondering when you were gonna get here,” Shuffle says as he walks toward me. “Glad you made it safely.”
He wraps his arms around me in a hug, and I find myself burning my head against his chest. I may have walked away from this place, this life, but I love my brother. For the first time since I left Jace, I feel… safe.
Sniffling back tears, I pull away and turn to grab one of my bags from the back seat. “Help me with my stuff?”
He moves to stand next to me and glance into the vehicle. “Yo, boys, get your lazy asses out here,” he shouts to the club brothers who are no doubt standing just inside the door waiting for me.
One by one, they file outside. I recognize each man, and my knees threaten to buckle at the happiness I see when they look at me.
“Welcome home, Rox,” Bear says, lifting me off my feet when he reaches me.
“Put me down,” I grumble even as my arms go around his neck.
I need this. I need to feel safe with people I know and trust.
As soon as he releases me, I’m swept into another set of arms. “Damn, girl, you’re a sight for sore eyes,” Chains comments just before he passes me to another brother.
“Glad you finally came to your fuckin’ senses,” Blush teases after kissing my cheek.
“Stop,” I snap before Creep can get his hands on me, and he freezes, a shocked expression on his face. “Sorry. It’s just…” I blow out a breath. “I’m fucking tired, guys. Can’t this little love fest wait until I get inside at least?”
Shuffle narrows his eyes on me for a moment, but then he reminds me why I love him so much. “You heard her. All of you, grab some of her shit and take it to her room. You can welcome her home later.”
Each of them mumbles but do as they’re told. When it’s just me and my brother, I soften my expression and give him a grateful smile.
“Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me,” he gripes. “Just because you’re getting a reprieve now doesn’t mean I’m not going to grill your ass later.”
With that, he turns on his heel and carries two duffels into the clubhouse, leaving me to follow. After grabbing the last box that remains in the car, I lock the doors and stride inside.
Shuffle is waiting for me across the room, and I walk toward him, forcing a smile for anyone who says ‘hello’. When I’m a few feet away, he closes the distance between us and wraps an arm around my shoulder.
“C’mon,” he says, calmer than he was outside.
We move down the hallway, stopping when we reach the door to my room, the same room I had before I left years ago. I open the door, and my breath catches in my throat.
“It’s…” I lift my eyes to his. “You kept it the same?”
He shrugs. “Of course, I did. This is your home, Rox.”
Entering the room, I drop the box I’m carrying on the floor. Shuffle does the same with the bags in his hand, and I jump at the noise. Quickly masking the reaction, I face him.
“I think I’m gonna take a shower,” I say, desperate to be alone.
He jerks a nod. “Yeah, okay.”
My brother turns to walk away, but I stop him. “Hey, um…” He glances over his shoulder at me. “Where’s my bike?”
Shuffle grins, and for the first time since he hugged me, it reaches his eyes. “It’s in the garage behind the clubhouse.”
“Ridable?”
“Yeah.”
Relief floods my system. I wasn’t lying when I told him I was going to shower, but as soon as I’m done, I’m riding. I need to ride.
“Great.” I twist my hands. “Thanks.”
“Want me to ride with you?” he asks, his tone hopeful.
“Nah.” I shake my head. “I think I just want to be alone.”
Pointing a finger at me, his expression instantly hardens. “That shit’s gotta stop,” he snaps. “You’re not alone, Rox. Never have been and never will be.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” I insist.
“Bullshit.”
“Ryan, please.” I rub my temples to stave off the forming migraine. “I don’t want to fight with you. I just… Give me some time to settle in before?—”
“Before what?” he snaps. “Before I demand the truth? Before I call you out on every single lie you’ve told me the last few days? What the fuck do you want from me, Rox?”
Staring at the floor, I let a tear fall from my eye. “I want…” I lift my head and level my gaze at him. “I just want a place to lick my wounds.”
His eyes narrow. “Fine. Lick ‘em. But if you leave after, don’t think you’ll be able to roll up in here again like nothing happened.”
With that, he storms out of my room, yanking the door shut behind him. His retreating footsteps filter through the barrier, but it’s only seconds before I hear them thudding back to my room.
“Rox, your bike is good to ride, but it should be looked over before you go too far,” he says, his voice low. “You’re fine today, but when you’re ready, I’ll take you to the shop in town, and we’ll get it serviced, okay?”
I know he won’t leave until I respond, so I say, “Okay.” Again, his footsteps thud in retreat. “Thanks, Ryan,” I whisper to myself before heading to the shower.