Page 43 of High Velocity

“Fucking hell, baby,” he murmured.

“I’m okay, I’m okay,” she whispered reassuringly.

He pulled back to look at her beautiful face.“You’re more than okay.You’re incredible.But don’t ever scare me like that again.”

“What?Get kidnapped by a crazed fucker then not take his shit and bust him in the balls?”

Roark couldn’t contain his laughter.“Yeah, that.”He captured her mouth and kissed her soundly, leaving no doubt about his feelings for her.

They parted when others appeared, asking if they were okay.

Roark looked at his brother then at Sheriff Lutrell who was cuffing Todd.Griff and Motley were there as well.

“Yeah, we’re good,” he said to Bradley.“Everyone else good?How’s Tech?”

“Getting checked out,” his brother assured him.“He thought he could surprise and disarm Todd when he came out of the security room but took a blow and received a concussion.He’s back at the clubhouse.Also caught two others who were aiding that shithead at the northwest corner.Had a fucking ladder at the wall.Don’t know how they thought they’d get away with this.Everything’s on video.”He looked over at Todd.“Bastard.”

“Slimy chickenshit bastard fuckwad toad, to be precise,” Roark said, earning a sputtering laugh from Charli.

“That’s right,” she said.

“Come on,” Roark said as he scooped her up into his arms.“Let’s get you looked at.”

“Roark, I can walk.”

“You were limping, so, no, you won’t be walking until you’re checked out.”

Lutrell handed Todd over to one of his deputies as the entire group walked toward the clubhouse.While the deputy took the handcuffed Todd to the vehicle, Lutrell remained with Roark’s group.When they entered the clubhouse, Roark noticed Konstance and her kids sitting on the couch.As soon as she saw Bradley, she was on her feet and running into his arms.Roark smiled at Charli when they heard Bradley assuring Konstance that he was fine before asking about the kids.

Roark’s parents approached him and Charli, asking about her and what they could do to help.

“A bag of ice, a glass of water, and some anti-inflammatories.Please.”

“On it,” they both said, causing Charli to giggle.

“Thank you, handsome savior,” she said.

“You’re welcome, sassy.”

Roark placed Charli down on one of the couches then kneeled to gently palpate her knee.It was slightly swollen, and when he tested the joint, it moved without concern.

“Are you in pain?”

Charli shook her head.“It’s tender but not really painful.I’m sure it’ll be fine in a few days.”

“Probably, but you’ll get it checked tomorrow.”

“Roark, tomorrow is Sunday, and I’m not going to the ER for a sprained knee.”

“No, you won’t be going to the hospital, you’ll be seeing our on-call physician.He’s got a clinic in Twin and won’t mind accommodating us.”

She raised a brow.“Is that so?You don’t have to bother the man on his day off.It can wait until Monday.”

Roark took a hold of her chin and held her gaze.“Did you forget when I said I’d take care of you as long as I can?

“No, but—”

“Nobut.You’re getting checked out.”Roark then looked up at Sheriff Lutrell.“Can you take statements now, or do you want us in tomorrow?”