Hard Run (Delta Force Brotherhood)

by Sheryl Nantus

  Skye tightened around him and let out a rolling yell, rising in intensity with each second, drawing him up to the edge of the cliff and leaving him dangling.

  He couldn’t hold back any longer.

  Finn pulled her close, shuddering as he emptied himself into her. He pressed his mouth to her throat and roared, unable and unwilling to be silent any longer.

  Spent, he lowered them both to the tiled floor. The water rushed over them, washing away the sweat and tears of the previous hours.

  Finn pressed his forehead to hers, feeling her tremble in his arms.

  “All right.” He swallowed hard, exhaustion begin to pull him down. “Let’s get cleaned up and get to bed. I’ll start the morning shift at the store while you go visit Robby. Take as long as you want.”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  …

  She’d worked odd jobs for years and was used to taking double or even triple shifts. If she had to go back to the store in a few hours, she would grit her teeth, get a big cup of coffee, and make it work. That attitude had worked for her and Robby in the past, and she sure as hell was going to do the same for Finn and the Brotherhood.

  Except she was exhausted, mind and soul. Her thoughts were jumbled fluffy clouds and her muscles had turned to jelly, her bones so pliant she worried about being able to make it out of the shower. She allowed herself a satisfied smile as the little voice in the back of her mind reminded her she’d never been so loved, inside and out.

  As she forced herself to stand on wobbly legs, she wondered if she’d ever get used to this feeling.

  God, I hope not.

  Finn turned off the water. He stepped out and grabbed a towel off the rack.

  He turned to face her, raising an eyebrow. “You okay?”

  “More than,” she whispered, afraid if she spoke too loudly she’d break the spell.

  His knowing smirk both delighted and infuriated her. She reached out and playfully smacked him on the arm. “Don’t look so smug.”

  “I can’t help it,” he protested. “I take pride in my work.”

  “I’ll give you a little gold star later.” She nodded. “Stick it on your bare ass.”

  “That’s my tough woman. No keeping you down.” He took her hand and helped her out onto the furry blue rug then proceeded to dry her off, head to toe, dropping soft kisses wherever and whenever the thought struck him.

  He finished and turned the towel on himself, accomplishing in a few seconds what he’d taken minutes to do on her.

  Skye watched him, taking in the dark circles under his eyes and the drooping eyelids.

  Finn led her to the bedroom and curled up around her, his silent strength nourishing her and she knew there were no nightmares in her immediate future.

  “I’m right here,” he whispered as she hurtled toward sleep, exhausted both in body and soul. “I’m right here.”

  …

  Skye woke to the alarm with a start, slightly disoriented. The events of the past few hours rushed back on her, and she ran a hand through her hair as she processed it.

  The truck stop.

  Wolf’s visit.

  Finn’s rescue.

  The shower.

  Her cheeks burned with the memory of the hard and fast loving Finn had given her in the shower, the wildness of it all.

  She dimly remembered the alarm going off and Finn resetting it, telling her he’d mind the shop until she visited Robby and came in. A too-short kiss had sent her back to a much-needed sleep.

  She grabbed her car keys and headed for the hospital, determined to get Finn back to the apartment and to bed by noon at the latest.

  When she arrived in Robby’s room, she scanned the monitors as she always did, checking to see if anything had changed.

  It hadn’t.

  Ace smiled as he got up from the chair. “Good to see you.” He slid a phone out of his pocket. “I’ll be outside.”

  As he left, Skye let out a sigh and slumped in the chair, the well-worn cushions pulling her in. She was sore and achy, not in a good way. The schedule was beginning to take its toll on her whether she wanted to believe it or not.

  But she’d keep it up until the Wolf went down.

  “Miss Harris?”

  She looked up to see one of Robby’s doctors coming through the door. Ace glanced over the man’s shoulder and nodded his approval. Mentally, she flipped through her files until she came up with his name.

  “Doctor Hargrove.” She didn’t get up as he approached, too tired to make the effort. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m well, thank you.” The white-haired man studied the monitors first then turned his attention to Robby. “I hear you’ve been here every day.”

  She patted Robby’s hand. “He’d do it for me.”

  “I understand.” He went to the foot of the bed and picked up the medical chart, bound in a thick metal clipboard. “We need to talk about Robby.”

  Skye’s weariness vanished in an instant. “Talk about what?”

  Dr. Hargrove placed the chart back in its place. He tucked his hands behind him. “If he doesn’t wake up soon, we’re going to have to move him to a long-term care facility within our network.”

  She sat up, her spine ramrod straight. “He will wake up. I know it.”

  He nodded, a patronizing smile appearing. “I know you have faith in him. And it’s possible he will. But every day he stays like this isn’t a good sign. You need to prepare for the possibility that this may be a permanent situation.”

  She went to answer him with a curse but caught herself, mentally editing her words. “Where would you put him?”

  “The nearest is a special-care facility near Los Angeles. They’ll take good care of him. You can talk to our financial department about making arrangements.”

  Skye closed her eyes, the harsh reality almost bringing her to tears. “Thank you. I’ll think it over.”

  “Thank you.”

  She waited for the door to open and close again before she dared open her eyes.

  A deep sigh escaped as she stared at Robby, all thoughts of revenge fleeing.

  Wake up, little brother.

  Come back to me.

  A knock at the door brought her out of her reverie. April poked her head in, her forehead furrowed.

  “I wanted to…”

  Skye waved her in. “Please.”

  April held a small potted plant as she walked over to Robby’s side. “He looks good. Peaceful-like.”

  “Yes.” Skye smoothed the sheets. “He’ll wake up soon.”

  “Yeah.” The waitress put the plant down. “Been missing you at the diner.”

  “I’ll be back soon.” She smiled. “It’s just while the Watleys are on vacation. Need someone to mind the shop.”

  April nodded. “Julius’s been getting twitchy, a little worried. He spotted Finn’s truck at the Broken Spoke early one morning on his way in to the diner.” She frowned at Skye. “Finn’s not trying to join the gang, is he?”

  Skye held back a laugh. “After what they did to Robby? Hell, no.” She scrambled for an answer. “He told me he found a bar to hang out in when I’m at work—doesn’t want to be home alone. I don’t think he knows it’s a biker bar. I’ll pass it on.”

  “Good,” April said. “Julius is all kinds of protective about you right now. Keeps talking about you coming back from the truck stop and he’ll find more shifts for you.” She touched Robby’s shoulder. “I think he’s upset he couldn’t find a reason to keep Robby at the diner, keep him working and away from the bikers. And he might be a little bit jealous of Finn.”

  “Jealous?” Skye laughed.

  “Well, maybe over-protective in a fatherly type of way.” April grinned. “Told me he didn’t like you dating Finn.”

  “It’s not his decision who I date or don’t date,” Skye replied, feeling a prickly annoyance building under her skin. “Besides, I thought he liked Finn.”

  “He does. He’s just worried about you m
aking bad decisions. Doesn’t want you getting in over your head between taking care of Robby, this thing with the Watleys, and being with Finn.” She winked. “Although, I’ll be glad to take Finn off your hands if you’d like.”

  “I’m somehow managing to juggle them all.” Skye chuckled. “Tell Julius I’m eager to come back to work, and I’ll tell Finn to be careful at the biker bar. Don’t want Julius coming after him with a frying pan to defend my honor.”

  April nodded. “Come on, let me buy you a coffee.” She leaned down and kissed Robby’s cheek. “Wake up, and I’ll give you a real kiss.”

  Skye laughed and tugged at her arm. “A quick coffee, then we’re both off to work.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Finn picked up the cigarette cartons and restacked them in the plastic holders behind the counter. He’d already gone around the store and checked the shelves, finding a few bags of chips on the floor. He went in the back and got the broom, methodically dividing the shop floor into grids for efficient sweeping.

  The simple task of cleaning up the mess had helped keep him busy, kept him from thinking about being with Skye. It’d been hard to leave her this morning, worse than it ever had up to now, with him acutely aware of how close he’d come to losing her to the Wolf.

  He gritted his teeth, working to banish thoughts of what could have happened if she hadn’t kept her head about her. The best scenario would have been if she had called 911, scaring off the drug dealers.

  The worst…

  He bit the inside of his cheek, the flash of pain pulling him out of that dark spiral.

  The shower—now that had been interesting. It wasn’t a new experience to either of them but the emotional rush…

  Finn smiled as he finished sweeping the floor in the back by the extra candles and display of bungee cords. It’d been just what they both needed, a reminder of what lay outside of the gang’s brutality and darkness.

  The tiny bell over the front door rang.

  “Be right up.” Finn propped the broom up against the wall.

  He walked to the front of the store, wiping his hands on his jeans.

  The hairs on the back of his head rose as he identified the man standing at the counter.

  Jake.

  The biker stood there in jeans and an oil-stained white T-shirt, his gang colors in plain sight. He spun around at Finn’s approach, eyes widening as he recognized his bar buddy.

  “Hey.” Finn forced himself to sound as calm as possible as he moved around the barrier to stand by the cash register. “What can I get you?”

  Jake stared at him as if Finn had grown horns and a tail. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Working.” Finn spread his hands. “I told you I was looking for some extra cash. Lady here needed a few hours off to visit a sick relative, and I got the offer through a mutual friend.” He cocked his head. “Straight cash in hand. Money under the table, and no one’s telling the government anything. Just the type of work I like.”

  Jake scratched his beard, flakes of dandruff floating down onto the varnished wood counter. “Really?”

  Finn fought the urge to hold his breath. This could work to his advantage, show that he was seriously on the rocks financially. “Yep. What, you think I’m a rich millionaire slumming it for kicks?” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the town. “Would I be buying that damned swill at the bar if I could afford better?”

  Jake chuckled. “It is pretty vile stuff.” He pointed at the wall display behind Finn. “Get me some of that chewing tobacco.” He picked up two packages of beef jerky and placed them on the counter.

  “Sure.” Finn turned his back on the biker and plucked two tins from the holder. He knew Jake’s brand, seen him use it enough at the bar. “Two going to carry you?”

  “For now.” Jake paused. “You still looking for extra work or you happy here?”

  Finn spread his hands. “Always looking for another job. This won’t last forever, and I don’t mind moving on before I get pushed out.”

  Jake tugged at his beard before answering. “I might have some work for you.” He held up a thick finger, stained brown. “No promises. A friend who might need a driver. I’ll put a word in for you today, but he’d have to meet you in person, check you out.”

  Finn rang up the purchases. “Cash in hand? I don’t do checks, and I sure as hell don’t need to do the paperwork to get them paid out at one of those stores.”

  Jake grinned. “Cash only. Ain’t no way Belle is going to get her hands on it if you hide it right.”

  Finn strung his response out for a few seconds before nodding. “I can do that. Long as it doesn’t land me in jail.” He gave Jake a wistful look as he bagged the tobacco and jerky. “Got me no urge to find new roommates.”

  Jake smiled as he took the plastic bag. “Let me see what I can do. You going to be at the Spoke tonight?”

  “I’ll be there with whatever I take from here,” Finn said. He rubbed his index finger and thumb together. “Maybe even move up to the good stuff.”

  “Great. Give me your phone number. See you then.” Jake gave him a nod as he exited the store.

  Finn leaned on the counter and watched Jake go over to his bike. The gang member tucked the plastic bag into one of the leather saddlebags before getting on the Harley and starting it up.

  It rolled out of the Rest ‘n’ Relax with a loud roar, lessening in volume as Jake sped out of sight.

  Finn pressed his lips into a tight line.

  Hope I didn’t push it too far, blow my cover.

  Nothing I can do about it now.

  …

  Skye tried not to flinch as the group of bikers crossed the intersection where she sat waiting for the light to change. It seemed like every time she turned around in Whispering Willows she was running into the Wolf’s Teeth.

  She’d stopped by the diner on the way out and grabbed a club sandwich and fries for Finn, wanting to give him something to eat before sending him back home for a nap.

  If she could go back in time and tell herself about how crazy things were going to get, she doubted she’d believe it.

  Especially about Robby.

  The doctor’s words echoed in her mind.

  An out-of-town facility.

  She shook her head, still trying to wrap her mind around it.

  Wake up, Robby. It’s time to wake up and come home.

  The Rest ‘n’ Relax was nearly empty except for a big rig driver busy hooking up to his trailer. He gave Skye a wave as she got out of her Jeep and locked it. She returned the gesture, recognizing the man. He was a regular, one of many who dropped by on their way cross-country. His usual visit every two days included buying two containers of cookies, three bottles of water, and a packet of instant noodles.

  Skye chuckled to herself, amazed she’d remembered. She scanned the rest of the lot.

  No one else.

  No motorcycles.

  Finn was busy restocking the potato chips when she entered. He smiled as he closed the near-empty box and hoisted it to one shoulder. “Almost out of salt and vinegar chips. Might want to put in an order for resupply.”

  “Duly noted. I brought you lunch.” She held up the plastic bag. “After this, you’re off to bed.”

  His eyes widened. “Quite an offer. Eat now and then eat later when I get back from the bar.” His rakish grin left nothing to her imagination.

  Her cheeks burned as he descended on her with a few long strides, picking her up in his arms and swinging him around, almost launching the sandwich into the air. “All we need is a cot in the back room, and we’ll…” He stopped and frowned, studying her face. “What’s wrong?” He set her back on her feet. “Something happen at the hospital?”

  Skye flinched inside. There was no way she could keep secrets when this man read her as easily as she could read the billboards on the highway. “The doctor…” She sighed. “Let’s sit down.”

  Finn followed her to the counter.
/>
  He pulled two bottles of water from the staff fridge. He handed one to her before snapping the top off his own.

  She took a sip of the cold water, steeling herself for the discussion. “They want to transfer Robby to another facility.” The words tasted sour in her mouth. “They’re giving up on him.”

  Finn shook his head. “No, they’re not. They just want the best care for him, and maybe that’s not what they can provide at the hospital any longer.” He looked at her. “You obviously disagree.”

  She sat on the single stool, leaving him standing. “I’m not a doctor. I don’t know what’s best for him from a medical point of view. But this is his home. This is where he should be.” Skye shook her head. “The facility is near Los Angeles. It’s going to be expensive, and I don’t know how much, if any, the insurance is going to cover.” She held up a finger, seeing his mouth open. “And before you offer to pay for it, let me point out that this could be years of care. Decades, possibly.”

  “Or he could wake up tomorrow,” Finn said.

  “Or he could wake up tomorrow,” she repeated. “I want to believe he will. Except if he doesn’t…” She drew a deep breath, steadying herself. “I’ll have to move, start all over again trying to find work. And if the insurance money runs out, they’ll transfer him to another facility and another, down the ladder until he ends up in some hellhole where no one gives a damn. And if he does wake up and he’s alone…” Skye pressed her palms to her eyes, trying to hold back tears. “I can’t…”

  Finn’s arms went around her, pulling her off the stool and into his embrace. “Don’t go down that road. Have faith in Robby—he’s just waiting for the right time to come back. He won’t leave you behind.”

  “How the hell would you know that?”

  “Because I know stuff.” He tapped his chest, a wide smile spreading across his face. “Lots of stuff. And because I said so.”

  Skye sniffled and buried her face in his shirt, drawing in the musky smell of her man. It wasn’t a perfect answer, but it’d do for now.

  “Jake was here.”