bastard.
He turned, stumbling toward the Jeep, knowing he needed to cool down and think.
He had to figure out a way to make this right. He jumped in the driver’s seat but his hand hesitated. He didn’t want to leave her. He couldn’t. He let his hand drop but then reached for the key again. Anger and pain gripped him. He couldn’t seem to do anything right when it came to Trisha. Perhaps he didn’t deserve her but he wanted her so badly it made him feel bitter at the concept of losing her forever.
He started the engine and slowly drove away but he’d return. He’d shower, change his clothes and calm down. He’d think clearer and find a way to fix the mess his temper and jealousy had created.
* * * * *
“He left.” Moon studied her. “Are you well?”
“I totally lost it.”
He nodded. “I saw and heard.”
“How is Brass?”
“Harley is outside, hosing him off with water but he’ll be fine. His pride suffered the most at being beaten but Slade really is one of our finest fighters. I told Brass there is no shame in getting his ass kicked by the best. There should only be a sense of shame when you lose to someone weaker.”
“I’m so sorry this happened.” Trisha wiped at tears.
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Moon stood and slowly approached Trisha. “It is not your fault. Slade deserved your harsh words. He had sex with you and disappeared afterward. It is his shame to carry, not yours. You are a gift, Trisha. Any man would be lucky if you cared about him and allowed him to touch you the way he did but he threw it away. He was stupid to do that. Lie down and rest. The supplies arrived a few minutes ago and we will bring you dinner soon. Think of your baby and don’t worry about Slade or anything else. We will take care of you. I’m sure once Slade cools down he will return to talk calmly with you. We made him see the good reasoning in leaving you alone until he calms. He didn’t want to but his brain started functioning again. I think he was such a dick because he was insanely jealous, believing you had allowed someone else to touch you.
He wouldn’t have been such an asshole if he didn’t care about you and he must care a lot since he was such a big one.”
Trisha didn’t protest when Moon tucked covers around her after she lay down and he pressed a kiss to her forehead. Trisha smiled at him.
“Thank you. I’m impressed, by the way.”
“About what?”
“I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard you say at one time.”
Moon grinned before he returned downstairs. Trisha tried to relax. It wasn’t easy.
She was still upset by what had happened.
Was Moon correct? Slade had been an extreme asshole. If he didn’t care he wouldn’t have reacted so violently to the news of her being pregnant. It had really hurt when he’d instantly assumed she’d slept with Justice. Maybe he thought she slept around with men regularly. He didn’t know her at all if that was the case.
The whole “mine” thing remained stuck inside her head. He’d said she was his when he’d attacked Bill at the camp where she’d almost been raped. Then when they were outside he’d screamed at her that she knew she was his but if he considered her that, why had he abandoned her? He’d said something about protecting her and it was just confusing when she tried to make sense of his words. He wanted to give her time?
He’d said only time could have given them a chance or something close to that.
She heard the stairs creak a short time later and wiped away her tears. Harley walked upstairs carrying a glass of milk and some food with him. A spoon peeked out of the bowl.
“I brought you milk for the baby and soup for your upset stomach. Moon told me you were sick enough to lose your last meal. I’ll bring you chocolate-chip cookies if you hold all this down. They sent a large bag of them. I told the guys to at least save you one.”
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Trisha smiled as she sat up. “Just one?”
“Maybe two. You are eating for two people now.” Harley grinned at her. “You be careful with this. It’s hot. I don’t want you to get burned.”
Trisha stared at him with gratitude. “Thank you for being my friend.”
