The doctor said I could get out of here tomorrow. They wanted to keep me overnight again for observation. The thought of being home filled me with warmth. For a while, I never thought I’d get to be back home again.
A knock on the door grabbed my attention. I swiveled and saw Storm’s nervous smile.
“Come in.” I sat up in the bed. “How are you feeling?” Her smile disappeared and her lips trembled. The answer wasn’t going to be good. “Come here.” I patted the bed next to me.
She contemplated it for a minute before hobbling over and climbing on the bed next to me, dragging her metal pole with all those bags on it. She curled into me and I gently ran my hand down her long hair and held her. No words were needed. Finally, she fell asleep. I hoped maybe having someone who cared with her would keep the nightmares away.
I must have drifted off. I woke to Dom rubbing my arm. I looked over at Storm sleeping.
Dom eyed her with a sad smile. “Hey, baby. How’s she doing?”
I brushed Storm’s bangs out of her face. “I think this is the best she’s slept in a long time,” I whispered. I hadn’t wanted to wake her, but she jerked upright, her eyes wide. I rushed to reassure her. “Storm, it’s okay, sweetie.” Her gaze went to Dom and she stiffened, shaking.
He stepped back, his face understanding. “I won’t hurt you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
With a slight nod, she relaxed somewhat. But tension still tightened her muscles.
I tried to reinforce what Dom had said. “Storm, Dom only wants to help. I promise.”
“Why don’t you ladies rest some more, okay? I’ll be back.” Dom leaned down and kissed my forehead. “One of the brothers is at the door in case you need him. Love you, babe.”
I held Storm tighter as she cuddled into my side. “Love you too.”
Dom
I left the room determined to do something to help that poor girl. I hunted down the doctor caring for the girls. Doc had been with the club for five years, ever since we’d needed a doctor after a particularly rough fight. Tech had brought him in. He’d been a part of us ever since.
I nodded to him and he followed me into an alcove. “Doc, what’s the update on Storm?”
Running his hand down the back of his head, he gripped his neck. “She has a long road ahead. They worked her over good. But with time and therapy, I think she’ll recover. The biggest problem right now is getting people near her without spooking her. I have only female nurses working with her. She finally let me examine her, as long as they were present. That’s normal, though, for someone who has endured that much trauma.”
My fists clenched as I thought about what they’d done. “How long are you keeping her?”
“I’d like to do inpatient therapy for a couple of weeks. Then she can be released. But that concerns me. She doesn’t have family who can bring her to sessions or give her support. Being alone is out of the question in her state of mind.”
“What if she stayed with me and Jules? It might be good for her to have Jules nearby.”
His eyes narrowed. “That might work. It will be difficult, Dom. Can you handle it?”
“Absolutely. You just tell me what she needs and we’ll do it.”
We talked for a few more minutes, and he said he’d get us all the information we needed. My mind settled. Storm would have a chance to heal in a safe place. I headed back to Jules’ room and my phone rang. Duke. He wanted me to come by and he sounded serious. I popped my head in and told Jules I’d be back in an hour, then ran downstairs and jumped on my bike. Duke had never asked me for anything, and with me already being on edge, I couldn’t help but worry.
Pulling down the alley, I called out to Duke.
Stepping out from behind the dumpster, he smiled. “Dom, I’m glad you came. I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something.”
I pointed to the makeshift bench next to his stuff and we both sat down. “Why didn’t you reach out sooner, brother?”
“I know you just found your girl, and I didn’t want to intrude.” He cleared his throat.
“Man, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have found her. Whatever you need, you got it.”
Duke looked down at his fingers. Whatever it was, it must’ve been hard for him to ask.
Finally he looked up at me. “I’ve been thinking since your lady was taken, that someday I want that, ya know? Not the kidnapping thing, but the love you guys have.” He smiled, a faraway look on his weathered, yet handsome face. He was actually so much younger than he looked. “I want to be whole again, and finally be free. I want to maybe help others one day.” He took a deep, ragged breath. Shame and sadness clouded his eyes. “I mean, I need help, brother. I want off the streets. I just don’t know how.”
I could swear I stopped breathing. I’d been waiting for this moment since I’d met Duke. I grinned and hopped up. “Then grab your stuff and let’s go!”
Duke’s head jerked back in surprise. “Where are we going?”
I put a hand on Duke’s shoulder. “I’ve been waiting for you to say those words, man. I can’t tell you for how long. I have some friends that have pulled a few strings. I have a space for you in a clinic. You can stay as long as necessary and get all the help you need.”
“How?” he asked. I could tell he was excited but still hesitant.
“Don’t worry about that. Just come with me.” I pulled him up and looked into his eyes.
“Um, I don’t know, Dom. I didn’t exactly mean I wanted to go this second. What if
