“Yeah, I did.”

Although he appeared angry, I knew Bishop was hurt more than anything. “But I’m your blood, man. I’m your blood and your MC brother.”

I placed my hand on his shoulder. “I know that. Just like being in the Raiders bonds us with our brothers, the same thing can be said for me and Annabel and the abuse we suffered.”

Bishop rubbed his jaw while eyeing me thoughtfully. “I guess I get what you’re saying. But I gotta be honest and say I don’t really like it.”

“I’m not asking you to like it. I just want you to respect it. And I want you to respect her.”

His blue eyes narrowed. “I ain’t never disrespected her.”

“It’s two different things, brother. You need to respect her feelings. There’s nothing for her to go back home to besides two self-absorbed assholes for parents. While it might not make any sense and it won’t be easy, she should come to Georgia with us if she wants to.”

“You talked to Deacon about this?”

I laughed. “Are you suggesting I need to clear my business by him? Last time I checked, I made my own money and owned my row house at the compound.”

“It ain’t just your business. You’re bringing home a former Diablos captive and drug cartel’s favorite piece of ass.”

My fists coiled in rage at my side, and although I would have hated to do it, I could have totally decked Bishop at that moment, but I managed to hold back. “Do not ever refer to Annabel like that again.”

Bishop slowly shook his head back and forth. “Jesus, man, what has come over you with this girl?”

I threw my hands up in exasperation. “I already told you—”

“It’s more than just that.” He eyed me suspiciously. “You’re not ready to let her go, either, are you?”

“No, I’m not, but it’s not for the reason you think.”

“You sure about that?”

“While she’s healing, I’ll do everything within my power to help her. I don’t want Annabel to spend wasted years of her life drowning in useless emotion.” Staring straight into his eyes, I said, “I really would like to have you on my side.”

Bishop crossed his arms over his chest and grunted. “I should be offended that you even have to question whether I’m on your side.” His expression lightened. “You’re my brother—I’m always on your side. I might not like the shit you’re doing, but I’m with you.”

I couldn’t contain the smile that spread across my face. “I’m so glad to hear you say that.”

“Just remember, though. We never let puss—er, women come between us. Got it?”

“It’s a deal.”

The next morning began with a flurry of activity. There was a barrage of paperwork to have Annabel released. More money also exchanged hands to protect both Annabel’s and our identities. There would be no record of any American girl or American bikers ever being in the hospital’s vicinity. It cost a pretty penny to appease the crooked and corrupt police and medical officials, but in the end, it was worth every dime. While Bishop pressed me to ask Annabel’s father for reimbursement, I chose to ignore him. We had plenty of dirty money that had been confiscated at Mendoza’s compound by some of the other guys. What better way to spend it than on Annabel’s freedom?

While Annabel forced down some of the hospital’s breakfast, I got into the shower to get ready. I had almost finished when Annabel’s bloodcurdling scream had me barreling out the bathroom door, buck naked and ready to take someone out.

With her eyes widened in fear, Annabel cowered on the bed. Her horror came from the three strange bikers standing in the room. Of course, from where I stood, I could see that the back of their cuts plainly read “Raiders.” “Wait, it’s okay, Annabel. These guys aren’t going to hurt you,” I said. Quickly, I ducked behind Sidewinder so she didn’t have to see me naked.

“Rev?” she pleaded as if she couldn’t imagine safety among any bikers other than Bishop and me.

“Yeah. Give me one sec. Okay?”

“Um, okay.”

I raced back into the bathroom and threw a towel around my waist. When I came out, Chulo had his hands up as if Annabel was arresting him. I bypassed Snake and Ghost to go to Annabel’s side.

Chulo put his hands down and smiled. “We’re sorry to have scared you, but we just wanted to stop by and see you before you left.”

“You did?” Annabel asked.

He nodded. “I knew you would need something to wear, so I borrowed some things from my girlfriend.” When Snake snickered, Chulo smacked him on the back of the head. “They’re probably going to be a little big on you because I like my women thick.” He then held out the bag to Annabel.

She took it and smiled at him. “Thank you. That was very kind of you. Please thank your girlfriend for me as well.”

Chulo grinned sheepishly. “If it’s all the same with you, I would prefer not to mention that I was giving some strange woman her clothes.”

Ghost nodded. “Lucia would beat his ass if she thought he was cheating.”

While I chuckled, Annabel murmured, “Oh.” Her face tinged pink. “Well, thank you anyway.” When she started off the bed, her face came to eye level with my chest. For a moment, she paused as she stared at my intricate tattoos. She even took the time to read some of the lined verses. The longer she remained pressed against me, the more convoluted my feelings became. I inwardly berated myself for even momentarily enjoying the feel of having her so near to me. What kind of sick asshole would I be if I was remotely thinking of Annabel in an intimate way?

Finally her gaze swept to mine. “I—uh—I’ll go get ready now.”

“Okay,” I replied as I was grateful for her to put some distance between us.

She hurried past me into the bathroom and locked the door behind her.

“Sorry we scared her, Rev,” Ghost said apologetically.

“It’s okay. I should’ve mentioned you guys might be coming by.”

As the shower turned on, Ghost stared past me to the bathroom. “How’s she doin’?”

I shrugged as I reached for a clean shirt. “Good as can be expected, I guess.”

“I guess she knows to get the hell out of Texas, right?”

“Yes. She knows.” When I pulled my cut on over my shirt, Chulo whistled and shook his head. “What?” I asked.

“Don’t be wearing colors at the border. That’ll get your shit flagged.”

“Oh, okay.” I didn’t know why I hadn’t thought of that myself. As I pulled off my cut, I asked, “You think we’re going to have any problems getting out of the country?”

Chulo’s dark eyes narrowed. “You doubting our paperwork ability?”

“Of course not. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say your comment about the cut spooked me a little.”

“Mendoza has no idea who it was who took his girl. Yet. You have that in your favor.”

“Thanks for the pep talk,” I joked as I thumped Chulo on the back.

“Just covering all the bases, man. We’re still waiting for any confirmation on whether Mendoza is alive.”

The bathroom door cracked open, and Annabel stuck just her head out. “Why is there hair dye in the bag?”

Ghost ran his hand over his beard. “Yeah, uh, about that. I forgot to mention you would need to change up how you look. You know, since your red hair would really stand out at the border check.”

Annabel’s green eyes widened. “Am I in that much danger?” she asked, her voice wavering in fear.

“It’s only a precaution,” I assured her while Chulo added, “And we made you a brunette on your passport.”

“Wait, how did you get my picture?”

“The less you know, the better,” Chulo replied.

While she didn’t seem satisfied with his response, smart girl that she was, she didn’t question him any further. Instead, she ducked her head back inside the bathroom and shut the door.

After I stuffed my cut into my bag, I turned back to Chulo. “Anything else I need to know about getting across the border?”

“I think everything should be fine. Once you’re through the checkpoint, I would advise burning daylight and not stopping until you get halfway across Texas.” He grimaced. “’Course you got a senorita with you who’ll probably start bitchin’ to stop and take a leak or something.”