Read Online Shattered & Scarred: The Sacred Hearts MC by A. J. Downey - Free Book Online Page B

chest, I fell into a much more fitful sleep. I woke again midmorning but Ethan was gone. A note was tucked into the corner of the television screen that read ‘Ashton’ on the front in flowing script. I blinked and plucked it down, opening it to read it.
    Hey Sunshine,
    Glad you’re up. You smell like orange blossoms and I fucking love it. I smiled and continued to read.
    Reaver , Doc and Dragon filled me in when I got back last night. You don’t have anything to worry about. I’m here, he’s not. I’m out looking for a place and then I’m heading to work. Maybe you’ll be awake when I get back tonight, maybe you won’t, either way I’m glad you’re in my bed.
    Relax.
    You’re safe.
    -Ethan.
    The bottom of the note had an intricately drawn rose and stem that was so lifelike it took my breath away. I felt a stab of guilt for not having any breakfast ready for him before he went out. I got up and got ready for the day.
    Showered and dressed I headed into the common area. Dragon sat at the bar smoking a cigarette and I ghosted up beside him.
    “Can I fix you some breakfast sir?” I asked and he jerked back as if I’d slapped him.
    “You scared the shit out of me!” he said.
    “I’m sorry.” I dropped my eyes to the floor and blushed.
    “Don’t be, just make some fucking noise next time.” He put a hand over his heart and I bit my lip.
    “What’s your story?” he asked.
    “I’d better make some coffee.” I huffed and went into the kitchen. He leaned over so he could watch me.
    “You ain’t gotta tell me. Best you tell Trigger first, he’s the one that found you.” He settled himself again.
    “ I did, the night of the party… Breakfast?” I asked.
    “Got any eggs?” he asked.
    “Of course.” I murmured, “How would you like them prepared?”
    “Over easy.” He grunted. I moved about the kitchen, I was growing comfortable in it. If anything, with Ethan gone, it was becoming my safe place. I knew what I was about in the kitchen. I could make my own decisions for the most part. Chadwick had only once gotten me about something I’d done wrong in the kitchen and I really hadn’t… he had been in a bad mood.
    I had slaved preparing a beautiful , no, flawless braised pork roast and had served it to him with pride. He’d demanded to know what it was that I had thought I was doing. Said he’d specifically requested the dish Chicken and Forty Cloves for that night and when I had disagreed, when I had tried to stand up for myself… Well I had to be corrected.
    Hands gripped mine gently and I looked up into sorrowful dark eyes. I blinked, and the imposing mountain of a man thumbed a tear from my cheek.
    “I can’t eat six eggs Chica.” He said gently. I looked down into the pan and burst into sobs, tears falling like rain.
    “You got a lot going on in that head of yours yeah?” he asked when I’d calmed down. I nodded.
    “Want me to call Trigger?” I shook my head violently. I didn’t want him to have to come running back every time I had a little melt down.
    “That’s the second time you’ve said no to that, wanna tell me why?” I sniffed and turned back to the stove.
    “Scrambled is fine, not answering my question isn’t.” my shoulders slumped.
    “He can’t save me all the time…” I murmured, “I have to learn to save myself too.” I was startled by a boom of laughter.
    “Sorry, just you and Trig are gonna make a pair.” He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
    “Why do you say that?” I asked.
    “Girl, you’re three days out of Hell and you’re acting like you should be just fine. Shit like that takes time. Trig was the same way when he came back from Afghanistan took him a few years to get back to any kind of normal. Helped me turn this club around.” He crossed his arms and it didn’t look completely right with how massive his arms were. I plated half the eggs and set about making some toast.
    “I don’t know much about him.” I confessed.
    “Give