by Amelia Shea
Decision made.
****
Saint scoped the vacant lot across from Bailey’s. It would require a lot of clearing, and he’d have to get the ground tested, but it was level. As far as he knew, no one from the club had claimed the property just yet.
When his phone rang, he glanced down and answered the expected call. “Yeah?”
“Brother, didn’t know you made house calls?”
“A lot you don’t know about me, Kase.” Saint folded his hand under his arm. “What do ya need?”
“I need to get back to the tight slit who was sucking my dick when your little fucking pain in the ass started blowing up my phone.”
Saint smirked. Of course she did. He knew damn well she thought he was Dobbs. What he didn’t know was if she would come out to him and show forgiveness, or freak out and get pissed. He was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
“I take it she’s not happy.”
He snorted. “Yeah, man, she’s not happy considering she thinks it’s fucking Dobbs stalking her ass. Brother, the girl had a fucked-up night, and it seems when our sweet mayor gets pissed, she turns vicious.” Kase sounded exhausted and fed up. “Any chance I can get you to appease our threatening little mayor and leave?”
Saint smirked. “No.”
“Ah, fuck me. Later.” Kase hung up. Saint ended the call and shoved it in his pocket. He knew she was at the window watching. The only thing left was for her to follow through on her threats, which he assumed was calling in the cops or coming down to see him.
He settled into his seat. He was gonna risk it to see what she would do. He didn’t have to wait as long as he thought. Five minutes later, the motion lights lit up her entire front yard. He stilled and heard the padded footsteps from behind him. When he felt her close, he glanced over his shoulder. She stood about five feet away, her head tilted gripping the sleeves of her sweatshirt. Her long red hair was on top of her head with a few stray strands framing her face. Her pale skin glowed in the moonlight without a trace of makeup. He caught her red-rimmed eyes, which heated his blood.
“Hi.”
He lifted his chin. “Bailey.”
Her eyes widened, and he watched the ball of her throat bob. He rarely spoke to anyone, including Bailey. He had tried to maintain distance until he was ready to move forward with her. I’m ready.
She glanced down her empty street then back at him. “What are you doing here?”
He didn’t answer right away. He was struck at how beautiful she was bathed in the light. She was enveloped in a long sweatshirt which came down to her mid-thigh. She was tiny in stature. If he had to guess, he’d put her at just a bit over five feet. It was a huge contrast to his six-three height. He’d have to bend down or lift her up to kiss her. Either one was a viable option for him. Whatever he had to do. He glanced down her body. Her lounge pants fit loosely around her legs. She stepped closer, which he hadn’t expected. She stopped a foot away from his bike. Her hands were clasped in front of her.
“Saint?” she whispered.
“Heard ya had a rough night.” He stared at her watching the corners of her lips pin downward. “You told Dobbs to leave, and I’m just here to ensure he does what he was told.”
She glanced down at her feet. “Guess you heard what happened, huh?”
He could have lied to spare her feelings. If she had been just any other woman, he might have done it. With Bailey, he would earn her trust, which meant he’d never lie to her.
“Yeah.” Even in the dark, he caught her cheeks pinkening. He clenched his jaw and bit back his furious anger. She was embarrassed when she shouldn’t be. The only people who should have regret and shame were the bitch who talked about her and Dobbs for allowing it to happen. “Look at me.”
She peeked up through her lashes. Her dark eyes peered back at him.
“You got no reason to hang your head, sweetheart. You didn’t do anything except overhear bullshit and lies from a jealous woman. You hear me?”
Her lips curled. He could tell whatever was said hit her hard.
“You came here to tell me that?”
He shrugged. “And to make sure you knew Dobbs wouldn’t be coming back.”
“Oh.” Her brows knitted together. “Kase said he’s at the clubhouse.”
“I know, and he’ll stay there.”
She jolted her head in confusion. “If you know he’ll stay, then why are you here?”
“I know he’ll stay there.” He pointed at her. “But you don’t.”
“So, you’re here to make me feel comfortable?” The corner of her lips curled.
He lifted his brows and slowly nodded. Her gaze flickered to the ground, and her head bowed slightly. Even in the dark he caught the small smile playing on her lips. Some of the ease in her stance had mellowed. She was relaxing because of him. His chest opened with a deep breath. Bailey didn’t know it yet, but he was going to ensure she always felt safe with him.
She tugged at the hem of her wrists, which had slid up. Shielding her scars was another thing he would address with her when the time was right. There would be no hiding from him. When he claimed her, he would claim all of her, her beauty and her imperfections.
“This is the most you’ve ever spoken to me.” She tilted her head, glancing up through her lashes.
“Planning on changing that.”
“Yeah?” The corners of her eyes crinkled. If not for his incredible self-control, he may have reached out and pulled her in for a kiss. In all the times he’d seen and spoken to her, she’d never looked more beautiful than with the glimmer of excitement in her eyes, standing in front of him now.
“Yeah.”
She bit her lip, and he watched her chest rise. If ever he’d doubted Bailey would want to be with him, this was confirmation.
“Well, um…” She glanced over her shoulder and hooked her thumb toward the house. “Do you—” When she gulped, seemingly struggling with her words, Saint tightened his lips in a line to keep from smiling. “Do you wanna come in?”
Ah, fuck. He hadn’t expected this. He knew their attraction was mutual, but he didn’t expect her to act on it. More than anything, he wanted to go in. Bad timing.
“You need to get some sleep. It’s late.”
“Oh.” Her face slanted, and he cursed himself. “Well, you should go, too. I’m fine, and I don’t want you to have to stay here all night.” She smiled through what he assumed was disappointment. “Like you said, it’s late, and you need sleep too.”
“You trust me when I tell ya Dobbs won’t come by and bother you?”
“Yeah.”
He nodded. “Then I’ll head out when you get inside and lock up.”
“Okay.” She stepped back and turned, angling her head toward him. “Thanks, Saint.”
He wasn’t sure what came over him. His hand shot out, grasping her wrist. Under his calloused palm, her skin was silky and soft and warm. He swallowed a hard breath. “Bailey.”
She turned quickly and glanced down at his hand. For a brief second, time stood still. Then she did the most unexpected thing. She stepped closer, twisting her wrist out from his hold and slid her hand into his. Her fingers folded over his knuckles, and he inhaled a sharp breath. His first real touch. It was better than anything he’d imagined. Another step had her a few inches away with a sweet smile playing on her lips.
“I’m out of town for the next few days and back Friday.” He shrugged. “I’ll bring breakfast over in the morning, sound good?”
Her smile faltered, and her brows knitted together. She slowly turned her head to her house then back to him. “You mean here? To my house?”
He flattened his lips, exercising great effort in not smiling. “Yes. Sound good?”
He watched her lips quirk. Ah, her fucking smile had him undone. She nodded.
He curled his lip. “See ya then, sweetheart.”
Her eyes widened. He couldn’t be exactly sure what provoked it. If he had to guess, it was t
he term of endearment. She needed to get used to it with him.
She smiled again and walked away, slowly releasing his hand. She bowed her head, crossing over the lawn and up her stairs. She glanced over her shoulder then closed the door behind her.
He waited for another fifteen minutes until her lights shut down, and he was sure she was settling in her bed. Her bed. He’d be there soon enough. Right now, he had to get to his own. He’d get only a few hours before getting on the road and heading out. He had scheduled a few days away to tie up any loose ends at his tattoo shops.
He’d spent the last few months training office managers, configuring a system which would allow him to monitor all the business remotely. In a week, he’d be officially back in Ghosttown permanently.
He took one last look at Bailey’s house. He’d be back soon enough.
Chapter Six
Bailey pulled up the long driveway, up the embankment, and slowed down outside the house. She’d been there a few times and parked in her usual spot, right outside the gates, next to the big red truck. She glanced around the grounds. Caden’s office was in the back, and usually there was more activity, especially on a weekday. It seemed almost deserted.
She was beyond excited for today. Marissa had asked her to paint a mural in the nursery. It was an honor, and she’d spent weeks perfecting the design. She had done a preliminary drawing to make sure Marissa liked it. It turned out she loved it. Of all the people she’d met since she moved to Ghosttown years ago, Marissa had become one of her closest friends. When she heard she was pregnant, no one was more thrilled than Bailey. Well, maybe Rissa and Cade.
She got out and made her way to her trunk, retrieving all her supplies. She had her head in the trunk when she heard the voices. Her heart plummeted to her stomach. A few days had passed, and she’d gotten over most of her humiliation. However, she didn’t have any desire to see anyone from the club. Except one. Saint would be a welcomed sight. She peered around her bumper. Oh shit! Kase, Caden, Dobbs, and Gage were walking toward the gates. She jerked around giving the men her back. The voices grew louder, and she squeezed her eyes shut. Please don’t talk to me.
“Hey, Bailey.”
Dammit!
She grabbed her box under her arm and slammed the truck with too much force. She glanced over at the men who were about ten feet away. Maybe she was reading into it, but they appeared solemn, and she caught the pity glowering in their eyes. Dobbs started toward her, confirming he was the one who had called out to her.
“Hi,” she shouted, noticing the small tremble in her voice.
“Wait, hold up,” Dobbs said as she turned toward the path.
“Sorry, I can’t, I’m running late. I’ll talk to ya later.” She quickly rushed up to the door.
She knocked harder than she intended. When she got no response, she banged against the door, causing the screen to shake. She wasn’t sure if Dobbs had followed her onto the porch. She slammed her fist against the door.
“For Christ’s sake.” She recognized Jack’s voice, and then the door ripped open.
He eyed her suspiciously, then the corner of his mouth curled. It was the same reaction she always got from Caden and Kase’s father. He swung open the door. “Hey, darlin’.”
Bailey smiled and rushed inside, watching as Jack closed the door. She sighed in relief.
“Hi, Jack.” She leaned close to the window, watching the four men circle in the front of the house. “Shit,” she muttered. The last thing she wanted was to see any of them, especially Dobbs.
“What’s wrong?”
Bailey glanced over at Jack. He was scowling as he leaned forward to look out the window, then back to her.
“What the hell did he do?” Jack stepped closer, bending down and putting them at eye level. His wrinkled face tightened, and he searched her face. “It’s Kase, right? You tell me what he did, and I’ll set his ass straight.”
Bailey shook her head. “He didn’t do anything to me, Jack, I swear.”
He squinted his eyes. “You sure, ’cause if he did, I will kick his sorry ass all over the back lot. I ain’t too old to take on any of those fuckers who think to mess with you. Ya hear me?”
Bailey nodded fighting back her smile. “Really, I just um…” How was she supposed to explain to Jack that she was merely embarrassed and didn’t have the balls to face anyone from the club?
“What?”
She drew in a breath. “I just don’t wanna see anyone from the club is all. Maybe I should just leave.” She was prepared for him to force her into telling him the reason. Surprisingly he didn’t. He straightened his back, rising to full height and towering over Bailey. She watched him through her lashes. Whatever Jack was seeing on her expression was enough for him.
“You ain’t going nowhere.” He nodded and shifted around, walking to the door and turning the lock. He angled around and folded his arms over his chest. “Done. They can’t come in.”
Bailey’s mouth fell open. What? He was locking them out of the house? Jack glanced over her shoulder.
“They ain’t coming in.”
Bailey turned around when she heard the faint female chuckle. Marissa was standing on the staircase, laughing. She held up her hands in surrender. “Fine by me, Jack.” She walked over to Bailey, clasping her hand and guiding her toward the stairs. “We’re going to start on the baby’s room, c’mon up if ya get bored. But please, no fights, okay?”
Bailey shifted her gaze to Jack. He hadn’t moved. “As long as those fuckers don’t try to get in here, we don’t got any problems.”
Marissa smiled and shook her head. Bailey followed her up the stairs and down the hall. Beads of sweat lined her forehead. She’d caused this mess. She waited until they got in the room and closed the door.
“I’m so sorry, Riss.”
Marissa spun around. “For what?”
For what? How about for getting her old and sick father-in-law riled up and angry. Marissa had shared with her Jack’s condition. The last thing the man need was more stress. Bailey’s head throbbed with guilt.
“I upset Jack.”
She snorted and waved her hand. “You didn’t upset Jack, the club did, mainly Kase.”
“Why?”
Marissa flattened her lips and remained silent.
“Because of me.” She rested her hand on her chest, feeling the strumming of her pounding heart. This was an absolute mess, and she’d caused it.
Marissa furrowed her brows. “No, it’s not, Bailey.” She took a breath and glanced around the room with an uncomfortable silence. “Macy told me what happened Saturday night.”
Bailey dropped her head and moaned. All she wanted to do was forget about it, and now it seemed everyone knew.
“Bails, stop. It’s not your fault. Dobbs was a complete asshole. As president, Kase knows what his guys do falls on his lap. He should have reached out to you. It’s what Cade said.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh my God, Cade knows too?” She groaned. This was mortifying. “I really just wanna forget about it. It’s not a big deal.”
“Bailey,” Marissa whispered.
She glanced up at Marissa. If ever there was a person, she felt most connected to, it was Marissa. “I’m embarrassed.”
Marissa rushed forward, grabbing her hands. “Why? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Bailey closed her eyes, seeking refuge in hiding. Hiding. It’s was what she had done for the last few years. Hiding behind her long sleeve shirts, her soft smile, and her friendly persona. I get to choose how people see me. She’d been a fool to believe it.
“Bailey,” The sympathetic tone was almost too much for her to take.
She blinked her eyes open, staring at her concerned friend. “I let myself forget who I really am.” It was a painful admission. One she wished she hadn’t shared.
“What?”
“No, it’s stupid, just forget it.”
Bailey shook her head, fighting back her tears. She was so over cryin
g and feeling sorry for herself. She needed to let it go. Unfortunately, it had consumed her. Seeing Dobbs and the other members had brought her back to Saturday night, no matter how hard she tried to forget.
“Tell me,” Marissa urged. “What do ya mean, you forgot who you really are?”
Bailey sighed and leaned back against the bare wall in the nursery. She was there to decorate, not unleash her ugly truth.
“Bailey.”
Bailey pulled her hands out of Marissa’s and shoved them in her pockets. She stared down at her shoes. Talking with even her therapist about her scars and how they affected her had been a challenge. Somehow, with Marissa, they shared a connection. She’ll understand.
“I made the decision a long time ago to not let what happened to me ruin me.” She made the promise to herself. “It was just gonna be something that happened, not something I’d let define me. It wouldn’t be who I am.” She scrunched up her shoulders, staring down at her dirty shoes. “Everybody has a past, right? And scars.”
“Yeah, of course,” Marissa whispered, and Bailey smiled, glancing up at her friend.
“When I look in the mirror, I don’t see them, Riss. I really don’t. I don’t give them acknowledgment because they aren’t who I am. I don’t cover them up because I can’t bear the sight of them. I do it because it bothers everyone else. It makes people uncomfortable. They see my scars, and I’m not me anymore, I’m the girl who had something really shitty happen to her. Everyone feels bad for me. I stop being me, and I’m left being a victim. I don’t want their pity.”
“Bailey, nobody pities you. I don’t look at you and see scars. You know that, right?”
Her eyes welled, and she nodded. “I know you don’t but it’s not just that.”
“What else?”
She wiped her cheeks, and her bottom lip trembled. “I forgot, Riss.”
“Forgot what?”
“The truth. I blocked it for so long I forgot, Riss.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her breath shook, and she gasped for air. “The girl, the one with Dobbs, she called me the swamp thing, said I was false advertising because I had a pretty face, but my body was gross.” She sniffled. “Said he probably wouldn’t be able to get hard when I took my clothes off. She said all that, and ya know what?” Bailey’s hands began to shake, and she heaved a breath, losing control. “She’s right. Everything she said, as cruel as it was. She’s right.”
