Falling For The Biker: The Vice President's Girl Chapter 61

Ezra

AJ: Word on the street, Mitch got to Wren. Not sure of the deets. Delete this msg.

That is the text that sends a chill up my spine, and when my eyes find Wren, they harden.

My hands ball into fists, nearly crushing my phone.

Not taking my eyes off her, I lean toward Beth. "I need a word with Wren, keep an eye on the kids and...cover for us."

"Is everything okay?"

"Mitch."

That one word is enough explanation. The name that causes terror to push through my veins, the name that ruined me, and still haunts me.

She inhales sharply. "Ezra..."

"I'll handle it. I promise, he won't get to me or her, or any of you." I look into her eyes. "I'll be right back."

When I turn, Wren is rushing down the hall. I'm on her immediately, grateful that everyone else is occupied with the cakes, music, pinks and blues.

Including Ray.

It doesn't take long to find Wren, and I pull her into my office, shutting the door.

"Start talking," I hiss, jaw clamped so tight.

Her chest heaves rapidly, eyes shimmering with tears. "I c-can't."

"You can, and you will, Wren." I step closer, lowering my voice as I speak. "Start. Talking...from the beginning."

Anger surges through my veins, my heart pounding hard in my throat. Everything inside me feels like it's boiling, bubbling.

I want to fucking punch something, but I control myself. I don't want to scare her, but fuck!

Fuck!

As if she notices, she moves away from me, pacing the room, hands trembling. "I can't tell you, Ezra. He th-threatened—"

"Wren," I warn. "Where did you meet Mitch? Is he the one that's been calling? Give me something, Wren. Fuck!"

She flinches, a tear slipping from her eyes. The fear in her eyes is evident, and god, it breaks me.

Her head slowly nods. "Th-that day I was held up at the diner," she chokes out. "Calvin approached me again, he-he..."

Patience has never been my strong suit, every nerve ending itches for her to just spill it at once.

"He tried to gr-grab me, and things got pretty heated," she sniffles. "Until Mitch stepped in. He sort of saved m-me from Calvin, and said I..I owe him."

I squeeze my eyes shut, breathing slowly through my nose. "What...what does he want?"

Her glassy blue eyes search mine, lips wobbling as she cries.

"Y-you."

I try, god, I try to be calm but... My fist slams down on my desk. "Fuck!"

Wren stiffens, and I hate that I'm terrifying her but fuck, this is bad. This is so bad.

For years I've hid from Mitch, I fucking left town for him. And now he's here? What the fuck is he even doing here?

I whirl on Wren, eyes blaring. "Give me specifics."

"What is going on, Ezra?"

"Give me the fucking specifics, Wren."

She swipes a harsh hand across her face, wiping her tears. "He asked me about your day-to-day activities."

My breath stills, spine straightening. "What did you tell him?"

"That I don't know, Ezra!"

"Good."

"Good? That man sounds like he wants to hurt you, and you're just saying 'good?' Why is he after you, Ezra?"

I swipe my tongue over my teeth. "Don't worry about that. Thanks for not snitching."

"Thanks for not sni—are you kidding me right now? For the past month I've been looking over my shoulder, protecting you, and all I get is a thanks? No explanation?"

"What you don't know won't kill you."

She flinches, eyes shining with fresh tears. "W-what is going on?"

A month. That's how long she's kept this information from me, and now she needs an explanation?

I scoff, my gaze cuts to her. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"What?"

"I asked you over and over what was bothering you. I asked you, I tried to guess...and you never said anything. Why?"

She sighs shakily. "How can I, Ezra? How do you tell the person you love that his life is in probable danger."

I freeze.

The person you love.

Christ, she's in love with me.

Me. With all my attitude, unnecessary outbursts, secrets and defensiveness...she's in love with me.

God.

My throat tightens, the rage slowly subsiding. "What did you just say?"

She frowns, and then I see the exact moment her words click in her head.

Her eyes pinch shut, and she walks toward the door, breathing deep. "That was a slip."

And that's a fucking lie.

"Until you're ready to tell me why your life is in danger, Ezra...stay away from me."

Her hands grip the handle, and my heart squeezes painfully in my chest.

"Wren..." I choke out, voice low. "Baby..."

She raises a brow. "Are you ready to talk?"

I don't respond, lips pressed into a thin line.

She nods once. "If you'll excuse me, I have a baby shower to attend."

And she leaves me, taking my heart with her. My knuckles whiten against my office desk as I grip the edge, eyes shut.

My whole body is tense, muscles corded tight.

And at that moment... Pain shoots up my leg, and I hiss, gasping for breath.

"Fuck, not now," I grunt, riding the first wave.

As it slowly subsides, I drop to the floor, and brace myself for the next round. Nausea rolls in my tummy, cold sweat breaking out of my skin despite the air conditioner in the room.

I grip my good knee to my chest, hugging it tight as another sharp pain coils round my leg, squeezing my thigh muscles even down to my toes.

"F-fu—" I manage—and fail—through gritted teeth. My eyes nearly rolling to the back of my head as I pant, leg stiff.

Memories play behind my eyelids, and they only serve to add to the pain in my legs.

Mitch!

God.

He's not getting to me again, because if he does...he'd kill me. Hell, if he's asking about me, I'm already a dead man walking.

My phone lights up with a text from Ray, and Beth.

Beth: Where are you? Wren's here, and she's not talking to anyone except the kids.

Ray: Where are you, man?

A shaky hand picks up the phone, and when the pain passes, I shoot out a quick half-hazard text to both of them, lying that I needed to take a dump and I'll be out soon.

I'd hate to be that person who'd ruin a good day because of my issues. It's their day, and I'd hate to make it about me.

Deep down, I'm glad Wren left when she did. I can't bear for her to see me like this. Once was enough.

Slowly the pain totally subsides, my muscles loosening and I'm finally able to breathe. Without thinking, I collapse to the ground, chest heaving as the cool air does its job.

Willing my wandering mind to rest, I close my eyes with a sigh.

I have no idea how long I lay on the floor but my solitude is broken when the door opens.

Her scent hits me first, and I don't need to look to know it's Wren.

"Oh my god, Ezra!" She drops to her knees beside me, tapping my face.

"Daddy!"

"Uncle EJ!"

My eyes pop open, and I'm quickly surrounded by Wren and the kids—my favorite people in the whole world.

Wren's blue eyes are the only thing I see though, I'm ensnared by their depth, enchanted... bewitched.

"You scared me," she sighs.

My lips twitch. "You came back."

"Did you have another episode?"

I manage a shrug, and we just stare at each other.

"Daddy, do you want to kiss Aunt Wren?"

Wren's jaw drops.

"Hannah!" She scolds, cheeks heating up while Noah giggles, pressing a hand to his mouth.

My lips twitch.

Before I can respond to Hannah's very observant question, the door pops open again.

Wren flies away from me, literally. I wince when she lands on her bum.

"EJ!"

Ray!

I stiffen.