Page 56 of Hell on Wheels

She shrugged. “You’ve got plenty of time to decide.”

True enough.

“Have you met everyone yet?”

I shook my head.

“We’re going to fix that. Come on.”

I spent the next hour visiting with each of the ol’ ladies. Grim’s woman Trish and his son Creed. Shadow’s woman Stefanie sat most of the time rubbing her round and very pregnant belly. Patriot’s ol’ lady Mimi and their adopted son Yeva. Too many to name each one. How amazing that each of those hardcore bikers found love. Not just love, a family.

With humor, I noticed the absence of all the men except for the prospects, including Spook. The Royal Bastards who didn’t ride out with Grim and Maddog made themselves scarce. Hilarious.

A bit shocked, I realized I found my smile again.

“It’s okay, you know.”

I was startled, blinking as I noticed Mimi. “What’s okay?”

“To let the happiness in and feel joy. It’s good for the soul after all we’ve been through.”

How did she know what Fred and Angel did to me? “Is it that obvious?”

“Not to most. I just happen to have better insight and experience than everyone around here. Not that these aren’t all beautiful, intelligent, and amazing women.”

Nodding, I remembered what Patriot said about Mimi.

“Did Patriot tell you?”

Shit. Was it a secret? “Yes, but he didn’t go into detail.”

“You don’t have to worry about my feelings. I encourage Patriot to share my story when he thinks it will help.”

Oh. Okay. “That’s nice of you.”

She laughed. “No, it’s not. I got my license to help women who have been through traumatic experiences like me. Like you. It’s a rough road, and it sucks, but therapy can bring healing.”

I supposed she was right. “You have a point.”

“I want you to know that I’m here for you. Come talk to me. When it gets to be too much, and you feel like you’re going to explode, that’s when you’re ready. That’s when the healing process begins.” She patted my arm. “Until then, try not to stab anyone.”

I laughed. Wait. I already stabbed Angel.

For some reason, I laughed harder, delighted that no one stopped me in the basement. Not a soul. None of those bikers ordered me to stop until Flint pulled me away.

Did they understand how badly I needed Angel to bleed?

It wasn’t just Angel. He was one of my abusers but not the primary one. Fred still needed to pay for what he did to me, preferably while I stabbed him. Repeatedly.

Shit. I bit my lip, smirking. This was almost funny.

Mimi snickered. “Yeah, you’re feeling a little stabby, huh?”

“I won’t deny it.”

She winked. “Only those who deserve it. Okay?”

“You got it.”