21. She’s My RideDie

Twenty-One

She's My Ride or Die

Axle

Elena fell asleep in the car, so I carried her to bed and made sure she was asleep before I went to the bathroom to wash the blood off my hands. Adrenaline is still firing through me. I've lost control many times, but never to the point where I wanted to kill someone.

Bomber knocks on the door, his face sterner than normal. "Church, now!"

"Okay," I respond. A weight has lifted with the knowledge that Elena is safe in my bed and that the rapist got what was coming to him. Though I'd be more satisfied if he wasn't breathing. I dry my hands and go downstairs.

I join the men at the table. Demon has a radiant smile on his face. I try to smother a smile at the fact that violence makes him a happy boy.

"Care to explain what the fuck happened?" Reaper asks.

I'm honest. The men need to know. "We got to Elena's just in time before her boss raped her."

There're gasps, then silence around the table. Demon's still smiling, but the rest of the men's faces harden. No one dares to argue the point. Everyone would have done the same if that happened to their girl.

Reaper nods. "That explains it, then. Our contact at the police station called and informed me that a man got stabbed, and two men wearing cuts were seen leaving the scene."

Demon snorts. "They're exaggerating. I only stabbed his hands for touching Elena."

"Nice job," Viper chimes in.

"Thanks," Demon replies, looking pleased with himself. "I would have done more, but there were too many witnesses. I can go back now if you want me to?"

"I'm down for that," I swiftly respond.

"Not now. Will her boss report the two of you to the police?" Bomber asks, glancing at me and then Demon.

"I doubt it," Demon replies. "I warned him if he talks, I'll chop off his fingers one by one and shove them down his throat."

"Jesus Christ," Twitch mutters.

I laugh because I truly believe Demon would do it.

"Is there anything else anyone would like to add?" asks Reaper.

I shake my head. No one says anything, so Reaper bangs the gavel and we all get up to leave.

Cash puts his hand on my arm. "How is she?"

"He would have raped her if we hadn't shown up," I say through gritted teeth, anger flaring. I stretch my neck from side to side, trying to calm myself as the rapid mood change threatens to drown me. "It's shaken her up."

He shakes his head, disgust written all over his face. "Did he get far?"

"I haven't asked. Elena had her clothes on. She was terrified, her hair was a mess around her head, and her shirt was pulled up, showing her bra. She was so drunk"—I swallow thickly—"she wouldn't have been able to put up much of a fight."

He frowns. "I'm glad you got there when you did."

"Me too." But if I hadn't made the bet, I guarantee she wouldn't have been drinking. Elena hardly drinks. This is my fault. "I better get back and check on her," I say.

I rush to Elena, taking the stairs two at a time. I open the bedroom door slowly, not wanting to wake her. The room is dark, but with the light filtering in the window, it's still bright enough to see her.

I take off my cut, then my shirt, and get under the blanket with her. She rolls over toward me and shuffles close. I put my arm around her, pulling her tight against me. I'll do anything to make it right. "I love you, Elena," I whisper. "I promise to make it up to you."

I wake up to sunlight flooding the room and Elena moving in my arms. She stiffens. I lie on my side so that we're facing each other and rub her back, giving her a minute. But then I hear sniffling. I cup her chin and raise her head. Tears streak her face. Her grief pierces my heart. "Do you remember?" I ask.

"Yes," she whispers.

I lean in and kiss her forehead. "You're safe now."

"You came for me..." Her voice cracks. "Thank you."

"I'll always protect you." Hell, I'd kill for her... I wanted to kill for her. I remember the blood pouring from his face as I lay into him with my fists. That will have to do... for now .

"Are you hungry?" I ask. "Do you want some food or water... or maybe a headache pill?" Lately, I've become very familiar with what a hangover feels like.

"No. I just want you here with me."

"Of course I'll stay with you, baby girl."

She grasps my hand and links our fingers together. She's staring at my bruised knuckles and the cuts on my hand. "I'm sorry you got hurt."

I briefly close my eyes. "It was worth it." I feel a sense of regret, like I didn't do enough. Her boss should be dead, but at the same time I didn't want to bring too much heat on the club, and Elena needed me.

"What did Demon do to him?" she asks.

"Uh... you sure you want to know?" I give her an out because she's not used to violence.

"Yes," she replies firmly.

"Demon stabbed him in the hands for laying a hand on you."

She's quiet, making me think I shouldn't have told her.

"I can't go back to work..." she mumbles.

"You certainly won't be." No fucking way!

She stares down before making eye contact. "What happened to Cameron?" She shudders. "I'm going to find it hard if I run into him again."

My jaw clenches. I swear if I see that guy again, I'll strangle him. "He's gone and won't be coming back."

She frowns. "What makes you so sure?"

"Because Demon made it pretty clear that we wanted to kill him and that we will if he ever comes back to this town. Hell, I hope he comes back."

Tears fall from her eyes. It kills me seeing her like this.

"Do you think Lucy and all of them knew... knew of Cameron's past, but still let him walk me to my room drunk?"

"I have no idea, but I'm sure your boss would have denied everything to anyone who ever asked about his past."

She nods slowly. "I don't want to live with my roommates anymore, in the house where it happened, either."

"You don't have to. I told you to move in here." I don't want to sound like I'm pressuring her, so I add, "At least until you get back on your feet so that you don't have to pay rent." But really, I want her to stay with me forever.

"Thank you so much," she whispers. Hurt still lingers in her voice.

All I want to do is take her pain away. "Whatever you need. Just say when, and me and one of the men will go pack up your things and bring them to the clubhouse."

"Soon please. I just... I just want that all behind me. Cameron's friends with my roommates, and I don't want to associate with any of them."

"Me and Cash will go tomorrow."

She squeezes my hand. "Okay, I need you here holding me today, though."

"I'm not going anywhere." If she wants me, I'll never leave her side again.