I kissed her skin. “Mm, you had me at ‘oh.’”I hoisted her against my body and threw my leg over the bike. I settled her down against it, feeling her legs lock around me. Her hands clung to my leather jacket, pulling me closely against her. And as we sat in the shade of the trees planted specifically for this little shopping complex, I felt myself give way to her.“Shit, Rae.”My hands slid up her shirt. I cupped her breasts, teasing her nipples through the padding of her bra. She rolled against me, my bike holding us steady as her tongue explored my mouth religiously. I wrapped my arms around her, running my palms along her bare skin, feeling her shake and shiver as goosebumps poured over her skin. I sucked on her lower lip and she kissed across my cheek. I felt her nibbling on my earlobe, causing me to growl out as my cock jumped with need for her.Then she pressed her lips against the shell of my ear. “We really should get out of here.”“You don’t have to tell me twice, beautiful.”

Boyfriend? Is that what Clint was to me?The word made me smile.The operator cleared her throat. “Your boyfriend came where, ma’am?”I shook my head. “Yes. Sorry. My boyfriend came to see me at work. We were standing in the parking lot after I locked up, and four drunk guys in a car pulled into the parking lot. Started harassing us. Calling us names. Throwing beer bottles and things at us. They were trying t—”I heard the operator typing in the background as tears rushed to my eyes again.“They were trying to what, ma’am? Where are you currently?”I sighed. “I’m in Riverbend, in front of the elementary school beside a place called Grady’s Groceries. I don’t have any other address other than that. You guys have to hurry. My boyfriend started fighting with these guys so they wouldn't get to me. They were talking about things. Taking advantage of me and all that. He got on his bikeand rode off, and a car full of drunk teenagers are following him. He’s in a lot of trouble. Please.”“All

But I settled for shaking my head as I leveled him with a DEFCON-5 stare.“Fair enough. I deserve that.”I nodded curtly, trying my hardest not to say anything. Trying my best to save my voice so I could keep calling out for Clint. I had to wake him up. As long as Michael was here, he wouldn’t let me down that bank. Yelling was all I had to get him to wake the fuck up and get back here.Because he couldn't leave me. Not now.Not when I finally had all I wanted.42ClintonI felt my head pounding. I felt disoriented. For some reason, I felt water rushing over my legs. And I had no idea why. I sniffed the air, groaning as my head pounded with frustration. I felt something sharp underneath my side, prompting me to move. So many things bombarded my senses as I slowly came out of it.Came out of what, though?I swallowed hard, tasting the metallic essence of blood. I smelled smoke. And oil. And dirt. Why did I smell oil? What was going on?I thought people smelled toast before they had str

I cupped his cheek. “Holy shit. I—oh, my God. Clint! Don’t close your eyes, okay? Don’t close them again. The paramedics are coming. It’s almost over. Just—Clint!”I tapped his face as his eyes closed, and he groaned out in pain. I’d apologize later, but not right now. Because I sure as hell wasn’t about to let this miracle slip through my fingers.“That hurts.”“Because your nose is broken. Keep your eyes open, okay?”His reddened eyes slowly rolled over to me as the voices and footsteps grew closer. I smiled down at him, my heart filling with joy and relief as he attempted a smile back. He winced, though. I knew his nose was giving him some trouble. And rightfully so.Because it was practically flat against his face.2Clinton“Clint!”“Mom?”I whipped around, looking down as I saw myself clad in white. A white leather jacket, a white pair of jeans, and a white fucking turtleneck. Who the hell put me in a turtleneck? I looked up as I heard the sound of soft feet falling against a ti

“No! I’m done with the breathing. His father doesn’t give a damn about that boy. And his stepmother is just some trophy at his side. And you’re going to update them before you update me?”“It’s protocol. I’m sorry. I’ll tell you what I can, but nothing more.”And with that, the nurse turned on her heels and went back to the intake desk.I hissed to myself. “Bitch.”“All right. Let’s sit you down before you get us thrown out of this place.”Michael guided me to a chair before he left. I watched him turn a corner, disappearing from sight, only to emerge with two bottles of water. He sat down beside me and handed me one, and I tossed him a thankful look. I didn’t feel like talking anymore. I didn’t feel like using my voice. It was going in and out already. Hoarse, before coming back mightier than ever. So the two of us sat in silence and sipped on our water.Until Michael broke the silence.“All we can do is wait. And in the meantime, maybe we can call Allison. Get her to bring us some f