Page 41 of Xane

“Okay if I go myself?”he asks.

“Absolutely, thanks brother,” I tell him sincerely, and not just for checking on our club brother.

“Anytime, Prez.Any.Fucking.Time.”He nods and smiles at Z before he adds, “Tough as nails in the heat of the moment, a true president’s old lady.”

Z’s arms tighten around my waist.“I would have shit myself if he’d pressed a gun to my head.It’s safe to say that was some impressive shit you pulled out there yourself, Fawkes.We were all pretty amazing, and like Neo said...we can’t live like any second is our last...tough as nails in the heat of the moment, just like he was.”

Fawkes swallows hard and even my throat clogs at the thought of losing Neo.With what Z just said it’s clear they all shared a moment before things went to shit, and I’m thankful for it.

CHAPTER TWENTY

–ZORA –

The past few hours have been a blur where lots of people were walking in and out of the clubhouse.Grayer spent most of the time in church with Roux and checked on me a few times.I’ve been in the kitchen keeping my hands busy.

Fawkes gave me an update about Stellan.He was out of surgery and told Stellan wouldn’t have made it if I hadn’t been there when he was injured.My training might have saved Stellan, but it was useless for Neo.Another man we lost while we’re in the middle of this chaos.

“There’s nothing I can say or do to change shit.”Lynn’s voice flows through the kitchen as I stir the large pot of chili.“We fight with a heart of gold, but bullets don’t care about good or bad, sweetie.The impact is the same whichever target they hit.The only thing you can do is stay true to yourself and honor the fallen ones the way they would honor you.The brotherhood is strong for a reason and why we have the drive to fight for justice.The hit on your clubhouse shows exactly what happens if we don’t step in and take out as many bad fuckers as we can.”

My heart squeezes painfully.“I know.”

“Yeah, you do.It’s why you became a doctor.Save people, be there when they’re sick, give them an ear, a shoulder, a helping hand.You’re in the same line of duty and it shows how lucky Grayer is.”

“I know how damn lucky I am to have her in my life,” Grayer rumbles as he steps into the kitchen.“Hey, Lynn.Good to hear your voice.”

“Grayer, take care of our girl here.She needs some loving, especially today.Oh, and if you manage to give her an extra special hug, one where you not so accidentally slip your dick into her?Think X, not just X-rated, I’m talking about the X-chromosome.Because I’m already getting a sisterhood together for an all-female Broken Deeds MC chapter, and since my son just gave the right example?I’m also rooting for an all-female NJ chapter.The first female president is born, so get those hips thrusting.We need a female VP.”

Grayer and I stare at one another while Lynn rattles and finishes with, “I’m going to leave you two youngsters to it.Zora, sweetie.Call when you need me.Oh, and keep your pelvis elevated after the deed is done.It might help.”

There’s no time to say anything when she simply ends the call.Grayer barks out a laugh and steps closer.

He places a hand on my hip and kisses my neck as he glances at the stove.“Smells fantastic.Do you have enough for everyone?We have a few extra brothers from Spence’s chapter who fixed the windows and cleaned the main room of the clubhouse.”

I turn to face him.“Yeah, there’s enough.I also made some fresh bread.Can you get it out of the oven for me?”

He glances down at my bandaged arms.“How are you feeling?”