Stripes, p.11
Stripes, page 11
“Thank you, Samurai. And… Phantom?” I asked, looking up at the other man.
“Phantom is my cousin by blood, but he’s part of the Devil’s Boneyard, so in that sense we’re brothers. He’s also the club Treasurer, which makes him an officer.”
“I’ll bring a doctor,” Phantom said. “I think Samurai should stay here in case you need anything.”
Phantom grabbed the arm of the man who’d brought Stripes home and led him from the house. I realized I hadn’t even learned the man’s name. I hoped I’d get a chance to thank him some other time. I didn’t want to contemplate what might have happened if he hadn’t found Stripes and brought him home.
“I’ll send someone to get his bike and bring it home,” Samurai said. He pulled out his phone and tapped on the screen. I figured he was sending someone a text message, and I turned to focus on Stripes again. The wounds still bled, and I worried about him. Hurrying into the bathroom, I got two clean hand towels and rushed back to Stripes’ side.
I pressed them to his wounds, hoping to slow the bleeding. My heart hammered against my ribs. What would happen if he didn’t make it through this? No, I didn’t want to think about it. He had to live! Things were just starting to become good in my life, and the entire reason was lying here bleeding all over the bed. Without Stripes, I’d be dead by now.
“The VP already knew Stripes had been shot. He put some things into motion, so everything should work out fine. But the club wants to come check on Stripes.” Samurai held my gaze. “I can hold them off if you want. It’s your call, Melina. You’re his wife, and this is your home.”
“They all want to come?” I asked, panic welling inside me again.
“What if we just let Charming come see him? He’s the club President.”
“All right.” I swallowed hard. I hadn’t met Charming yet. Stripes spoke of him from time to time. He sounded like a nice man. What if he blamed me for what happened to Stripes? That man from the strip club hadn’t said any of this was related to the motorcycle club, or to the Bratva, but what if it was? Stripes had sounded certain the Bratva wouldn’t come for me. Had he only been trying to soothe my fears? Or did this really not have anything to do with them?
“It’s going to be okay, Melina. We’ll help in whatever way we can. That’s what it means to be part of this club. We’re a family.”
Family. I knew he meant for the word to bring me comfort, but it didn’t. I’d had one of those. Two daughters. A ruthless husband who’d hurt me every chance he had. And my girls… I wasn’t ready to see them. To speak to them. I couldn’t handle the thought they might see me as tainted. Broken. I also worried they blamed me for everything they’d suffered at the hands of their father. I should have taken them and run a long time ago. I’d been too scared.
I continued pressing the towels to Stripes’ wounds and waited for help to arrive. The club President showed up first, and I heard him speaking in a low voice to Samurai. I didn’t know what they were discussing. None of it mattered, unless they’d found a way to heal Stripes and keep him alive.
Stripes took a shuddering breath. When he exhaled, he stopped breathing. I cried out, tears streaking my cheeks. “No. No, no, no. Please, Mikhail. Breathe! I need you to breathe!”
I sobbed as Samurai moved me out of the way. I watched as he did CPR, and I pressed a hand to my mouth. My vision blurred, and I sank to my knees, crying so hard it felt like I would break apart at any moment.
“Fuck! Come on, you stubborn bastard,” Samurai said.
I closed my eyes and did something I hadn’t done in forever. I prayed.
Please. Don’t take Stripes away. The world still needs him. If you have to take someone, let it be me. Please. Please. I beg you!
“Where the hell is the damn doctor?” Charming asked.
“Damnit, Stripes! Don’t do this shit.” Samurai kept up with the chest compressions, and after a moment, he gave a triumphant cry. “Got him!”
I ran to the bed and pressed my forehead to Stripes’. “Don’t leave me, Mikhail. I need you to keep breathing. Fight!”
A man rushed into the room with a medical bag in his hand. “I need some space.”
Samurai pulled me away from Stripes. The blood on his hands smeared down my arms, but I didn’t care. I watched from across the room as the doctor worked on him. The bullet in his shoulder had passed through. The one in his chest had remained inside his body. The doctor dug it out before stitching him up.
“He should have gone to the damn hospital,” the doctor muttered. “Stubborn fool.”
“Will he be all right?” I asked. “He’s going to make it, isn’t he?”
“As long as he rests and doesn’t tear open his wounds, he should be okay. You need to watch for signs of a fever or infection. He doesn’t like prescription painkillers, so the best you can do is get him to take some Motrin.” The doctor came closer, and I shrank back against Samurai. “Taking care of him won’t be easy. You’ll need to help him to the bathroom. If he wants to shower, he needs to cover the sutures with waterproof bandages. Or he can sit in the tub and wash everywhere but that shoulder and his chest.”
“I’ll take good care of him,” I promised.
“I’ll help her,” Samurai offered. “We all will.”
“Fine. I’ll stop by in a few days and check on him. If anything happens between now and then, you know where to find me.”
The doctor left, and I hurried over to Stripes’ side once more. I carefully crawled onto the bed beside him. Placing my hand on his cheek, I leaned down and pressed my lips to his. “You were supposed to come home safe. You broke your promise.”
“Sorry.” I gasped and stared at him. Stripes slowly opened his eyes. “Lapochka.”
I bit my lip so I wouldn’t start crying again. “I’ll take the best care of you.”
“I know.” He smiled a little before falling asleep.
Samurai walked over to the door and paused. “I’m going to let Grey know what’s going on, then I’ll come back. I know you don’t feel like eating, but you’ll need to keep up your strength. I’ll fix something for you. Focus on Stripes for now.”
“Thank you. For everything.”
Samurai winked and walked away, leaving me with Stripes. I lay beside him, being careful not to bump him. The last thing I wanted to do was to cause him any pain.
* * *
Stripes
I didn’t know how long I’d been out of it. Judging by the smell of my body, it had been a few days. Melina slept beside me, but with some space between us. I didn’t like her being so far away, even if I understood it. She probably worried she’d hurt me. Silly woman!
Booted steps came toward the bedroom, and I eyed the doorway. Samurai smiled when he saw I was awake.
“I started to think she’d have to wake you with a kiss.”
“Fucker. This isn’t a fairy tale. You’ve watched one too many cartoons with your children.”
“In all seriousness, we’ve been worried. You woke for a brief moment the night you got shot, and then nothing. I’ve had to force-feed Melina. She didn’t want to eat. Hasn’t slept much. Hell, she barely leaves your side.”
“How long?” I asked, my throat feeling dry and scratchy.
“Five days. You had a fever. Doc had to come back and give you antibiotics because one of the wounds became infected.”
“And the guy who shot me?” I asked.
Samurai shook his head. “In the wind. We found several Dark Scorpions, but we couldn’t make any of them talk. The one who waited for you outside the strip club was their leader. We’ve been watching and waiting. No sign of him. Charming has Shade working on it, and I think he’s asked for help from Wire and Wizard. We’ll find that asshole sooner or later, unless someone else gets to him first. I’d imagine you’re not the first person he’s pissed off.”
It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I couldn’t do a damn thing about it right now. And if the fucker really had left town, I might never get a chance to settle the score. I’d damn sure watch the Dark Scorpions, though, and they wouldn’t be allowed in the strip club. Not now, not ever.
“I need a shower,” I mumbled.
“Not sure you can stand to take one. Give me a bit. I’ll find one of those shower stools. A Prospect can pick one up and bring it here.” He pulled his phone out. “We have to cover your wounds with waterproof bandages too. You can’t get the stitches wet.”
“How’s Melina?”
“Honestly? Not good. It about destroyed her when she thought you might die. I know the two of you were already married when you met for the first time, but it’s clear she cares for you. I’d even go so far as to say she probably loves you.”
I turned my face toward her. As much as I wanted to reach out and touch her, I didn’t dare move my arm. I knew it would hurt like a bitch. When it came time to clean myself up, I’d have no choice but to move it. Until then, I’d rest it a bit more.
“I’ll bring you some water and get someone to find that shower stool. You need to use the bathroom?” Samurai asked.
“Yeah.”
“Come on. I’ll help you with that first.”
I bit back the curses that sprang to my lips as he helped me from the bed. I staggered my way into the bathroom, and he thankfully left while I pissed. After I flushed the toilet, Samurai came back and assisted me back into bed. Melina didn’t wake up, and I worried about her. I could see the dark circles under her eyes, and it looked like she’d lost some weight. Her face appeared gaunt.
I reached for her hand, ignoring the pain in my shoulder. I couldn’t wait another moment to touch her. It had to have scared her when I came home unconscious. Not to mention Samurai being here. While she knew him, I hadn’t thought she was ready to interact with the club yet. Men made her nervous, and I understood why.
“You died,” Samurai said. “Only for a minute or two, but your heart stopped. Melina fell apart.”
“What?” I turned my face his way. “I fucking died?”
He nodded. “I did CPR and brought you back. Doc arrived right after and patched you up.”
I didn’t know what the hell to say to that. I’d died? I’d often heard people talk about what happened when they had an experience like that. Except I didn’t remember anything. “Thank you.”
“We’re family, Stripes. It wasn’t like I was going to sit back and do nothing.” He looked over at Melina. “That one right there… I think if you hadn’t pulled through, she’d have died right alongside you.”
“You cannot let that happen. If something ever happens to me…”
Samurai snorted. “Brother, something did happen. You. Fucking. Died. You stopped breathing. Your heart wasn’t beating. I don’t know how those men got the drop on you. Whatever is going on inside your head, figure your shit out. You have a woman counting on you.”
“I know.”
“She’s tough, I’ll give her that. Once she pulled herself together, she did everything she could for you. You’ve got a good one.”
I smiled. “I do. She’s stronger than she thinks.”
“Your water is on the bedside table. Can you reach it?”
“Da.” Even if it I couldn’t, I’d figure it out. I refused to have Samurai baby me.
“Then I’m going to make a few calls in the other room, and I’ll let everyone know you’re awake. We’ve all been worried about you, Stripes.”
“It’s good to be awake.” If only the club had managed to catch the man who shot me. Then things would be close to perfect. I’d love to make him pay.
“Charming will stop by soon. I’m sure he’ll give you the official update on the man who shot you, and the Dark Scorpions. It wasn’t really my place to say anything.”
I wrinkled my nose, thinking about how I smelled. “Ask him to wait a few hours. I want to get cleaned up, and I want time with Melina.”
“You got it.” Samurai walked out. I appreciated everything he’d done for me while I’d been healing, but I was thankful he’d given me some space.
I tightened my hold on Melina’s hand and she opened her eyes, moaning and rubbing at her face. She froze and glanced down at our joined hands before lifting her gaze to mine.
“Mikhail…” Her eyes grew glassy with unshed tears, and I motioned for her to come closer. She shook her head. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t, lapochka. Come. I need to hold you.” She carefully pressed against my side, and I put my arm around her. My wounds pulled, but I’d deal with the pain and discomfort. “I’m sorry for scaring you, Melina. Samurai said I died for a short time.”
“You did. Please don’t ever do that again!”
“I’ll be more careful in the future. After all, I have something precious here at home. My sweet little wife.” I kissed her temple. “I will not leave you alone, lapochka. It’s why I tried so hard to come home.”
“Not that I want there to be a next time. However, if there is, please go to the hospital and have someone call me instead. I think my heart nearly stopped along with yours.”
I murmured I’m sorry again and again. Whatever it took, I’d make it up to her. I was proud of the fact she’d handled men being in our home. She hadn’t fallen apart. Or if she had, it hadn’t been bad enough for anyone to mention it. Samurai said my short death devastated her. There had been no word about her reaction to people coming into the house.
Samurai came in a little while later with a shower stool. I felt like a decrepit old man, but I’d been in bed for so long I worried my legs wouldn’t hold me long enough to get clean. He carried it into the bathroom, and I sat up. Melina helped cover my wounds with waterproof bandages. With Samurai’s assistance, I made it into the bathroom. Melina followed and closed the door after Samurai left, then I began the slow process of removing my jeans and underwear. I couldn’t believe they’d left me in the same clothes all this time.
Then again, Melina wouldn’t have been able to change me by herself, and the others probably hadn’t wanted to do anything to make her uncomfortable. I appreciated the fact they worried not only about me, but my wife as well. I had no doubt they’d taken her issues into consideration.
I held onto Melina as I got into the shower and sat on the stool. She started the water, angling the shower head so the cold spray wouldn’t hit me. Once it was the right temperature, she removed the shower head and soaked my hair before spraying down my body.
“I can wash myself,” I said.
“I think I need to do this.” She kissed my cheek. “I was so scared, Mikhail. I still can’t believe you’re awake and talking to me. Please, let me help you bathe. I need to feel useful right now.”
“Of course, lapochka. Do whatever you wish.”
Despite the fact I’d just woken after nearly a week, her soft touch against my skin was enough to make my cock hard. She noticed and a blush stained her cheeks. She lathered my hair and beard, washed my skin, then rinsed me off. With a quick glance at the bathroom door, she soaped her hands again before kneeling in front of me.
I couldn’t stop myself from watching as she wrapped her hand around my cock and gave it a stroke. Something told me if I came right now, I’d be asleep again in no time. As much as I wanted to stay awake, I couldn’t bring myself to stop her right now. The heated look in her eyes and the playful smile on her lips made me wish the moment could last forever. It only took a few more tugs on my cock before I was coming. I groaned and gripped the side of the stool so I’d remain upright.
“Melina, you didn’t have to do that, but thank you.” She pressed her lips to mine, and I kissed her soft and slow. When she pulled back, I realized I’d overdone it. I felt dizzy and like I might go to sleep soon.
“I’ll get you some clean clothes,” she said. I hadn’t even realized until this moment that she hadn’t undressed all the way. Her bra and panties remained on, and she yanked a T-shirt over her head before going into the bedroom. She returned with pajamas for herself, as well as underwear and sweatpants for me.
It humbled me to have her dress me, like I was little more than a child. And yet she did it without complaint. By the time I got back into the bed, I was barely awake. I heard Charming’s voice, but the President would have to wait. I gripped Melina’s hand as she lay beside me and let sleep claim me once more.
Chapter Ten
Melina
One Month Later
So many people had been in and out of the house while Stripes healed. When he’d started back to work two weeks ago, I’d been scared to death he wouldn’t make it home. I still felt anxious every time he left the house.
Meg called out my name as she entered the house. “Where are you?”
“Bedroom! I’m folding laundry.”
She stopped in the doorway and leaned against the doorframe. “You should be resting. Tonight is going to be stressful for you. We all know that, but it’s time, Melina.”
“I’ve met almost everyone, haven’t I?”
“This is different. It’s the club’s way of welcoming you. Besides, Stripes said he had a surprise he’d never been able to give you. He wants to make a big production of it, I guess, so he’s doing it during the party.”
“What am I supposed to wear to this thing?” I asked.
“Anything you want. Most of us go in jeans. Some wear casual dresses. It just depends on what makes you comfortable.” Meg came farther into the room and lowered her voice. “I’m not supposed to know this, but I heard Cinder talking on the phone. The Bratva is backing down. Has Stripes said anything to you?”
“What?” I froze in the middle of folding one of Stripes’ shirts. What did that mean? Backing down. He’d already told me they wouldn’t be an issue, but he hadn’t given me details. Had it not been a certain thing until just now?
She nodded. “Yeah. Apparently, they made a deal with the Dixie Reapers. I guess your daughter is there? Anyway, they aren’t going to come after you, Melina. You’re free! You can leave the compound. Get a job. Go shopping. Whatever you want! Isn’t it amazing?”
It was… unsettling, that’s what it was. Why would they do that? What had Oksana given them in exchange? My stomach churned. Those people were supposed to protect her, right? Stripes mentioned she was married to one of them. They wouldn’t have handed her over to the Bratva, would they? No. Stripes would have told me if something like that happened, wouldn’t he? So why had the Bratva backed off?
