"I can't complain, sweetheart, though I'd be doing a hell of a lot better if a certain someone would feed me. I'm starvin'," he says rubbing his hand over his flat stomach. Rolling my eyes, I hop off the stool.
"Come on," I motion for him to follow me, "I brought leftover fried chicken and mashed potatoes from home. And if you’re a good boy there might be some chocolate cake in there for you too," I tell him as he follows me into the break room.
"Hell yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about. Bring it on, woman." Chuckling, I make my way to the refrigerator pulling out the containers I brought from home.
Most nights when I cook I find myself purposely making extra for Quinn and Jake and bring it in the next day for lunch. If by any chance I don't bring them something they both sulk around the shop the whole day acting as if I kicked their puppy. I suppose it's my own fault though. I spoil them, and they have become accustomed to it.
"I don't know how you eat so much, Quinn, and never gain any weight," I joke as I scoop potatoes onto the plate before placing it in the microwave.
"I'm a growin' boy, sweetheart," he grins sitting down at the table.
"You're a pain in the ass is what you are. But I love you anyway," I tell him setting his plate in front of him.
With a look of nothing short of brotherly affection Quinn says, "Love ya too, darlin'."
I sit in the chair across from him, with my plate, and we eat together in comfortable silence. Once Quinn has finished every bite of food, he pushes his plate away then leans back in his chair letting out a groan indicating his tummy is now full. After a few beats, he breaks the silence. "You excited for yours and Logan's trip to Seattle?"
"Yeah, I can't wait," I beam.
Leaning forward and bracing his elbows on the table. "You going to be good with going back to Washington?"
Of course. Quinn hasn't forgotten. It's exactly like him to ask and make sure I'd be okay. When Logan brought up the trip, I'll admit I was a little apprehensive about going back to the state where I suffered so much. "It's time to go back there and make some happy memories. I will not let what happened keep me from doing so. I promise. I'm okay. I've always wanted to go to Seattle. I already have a list of things I plan on dragging Logan's ass to go do."
Clearing his throat Quinn gives me a small smile. "Logan told me about what you all have been going through darlin'. I'm real sorry."
I drop my gaze to my lap and choke back the tears threatening their way to the surface. "Please don't be mad at him for talkin' to me. He was having a rough day yesterday, and we were in the break room having a beer after work and everything just sort of came out."
Expelling a deep sigh, I tell him, "I'm not upset he told you. You are family, and we don't have any secrets. Losing our baby was not something we intentionally tried to keep from everyone. It's just with Alba getting married and the announcement of her and Gabriel expecting again, it didn't feel right. You know."
"Yeah, sweetheart, I get it," he says with understanding.
Jake walks into the room, "Somethin' smells good in here."
Laughing, I point to the microwave, "Yours is in there."
When I turn my attention back to Quinn, he gives me a megawatt smile and a wink. I truly have the best family.
Leaving the shop at the end of the day, I climb into my car and head to the hospital. I have been calling Emerson daily to check up on the baby girl she told me about the other day. The one whose mother abandoned her. Today is the day she turns two weeks old. When I told Logan of my plans, he was completely supportive. With my paperwork and background check completed, today is my first day volunteering. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Though I know I may be spending time with other babies, she is the one I'm looking most forward to meeting. Something about her story is calling to me.
Stepping into the elevator, I press the button for the NICU floor. I give them my name once I arrive at the nurses station, they've been expecting me. I follow a nurse who introduced herself as Shelly.
"It's nice to meet you, Bella. Let’s get you suited up and sanitized." I pull on a yellow hospital gown over my clothes and following the strict hand washing instructions given by Shelly, then she leads me into the NICU nursery.
"Have a seat in the rocking chair," Shelly says pointing to a chair beside an incubator. I resist the urge to lean over and look in. Something inside me wants to wait until this sweet baby is in my arms before I look at her face. "Dr. Evan's has mentioned you have taken an interest in our Baby Doe."
Nodding my head, I answer her, "Yes, I would like to meet her if that's okay?" I say sitting in the chair.
"Wonderful," Shelly beams clasping her hands together. "The poor thing has had a rough start, but she has proven to be a fighter. She definitely has a will to live. Let me get her for you."
I watch as the nurse carefully, yet expertly, reaches inside the incubator and picks up the little girl known as Baby Doe. My heart aches at the thought of an innocent life lying inside this hospital without as much as a name. Without anyone to claim her, to love her. Pushing those thoughts away, I hold out my arms as Shelly steps in front of me, placing the baby in my arms.
As soon as I cradle her to my chest and her eyes open, I swear with everything I am, time stops. I can't explain it. All I know for sure is that at this moment my life is forever changed. I have this overwhelming need to take care of this baby. To protect her. I don't know how much time passes and how long I sit here rocking this precious bundle in my arms, all I know is I never want to put her down.
"Mrs. Kane," the nurse, interrupts me sometime later. "I'm sorry, but visitation hours ended thirty minutes ago," she informs me.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize it had gotten so late."
"It's alright. You two looked so content, I didn't have the heart to tell you earlier. I figured a few extra minutes wouldn't hurt," the nurse says with a wink.
"Well, I appreciate it," I smile. Looking down at a now sleeping Baby Doe, I kiss her forehead with a promise to return soon before Shelly takes her from me and places her back in the incubator.
With every step I take in the opposite direction of the NICU; I feel nothing but longing. Leaving her feels so wrong. By the time I make it to the parking lot and into my car, I can no longer hold back my tears. Every part of me is screaming to go back inside and hold her a little longer. I know that's not possible though. I knew this journey would be difficult when I signed up for it.
Emerson did all she could to explain to me, to try and make me understand how hard seeing sick babies can be, and how some babies will never make it out of the hospital. But nothing she said could have prepared me for the life changing connection I feel, and how leaving Baby Doe behind would be heart-shattering. How can a mother or any person abandon a baby? I don't know the answer to that, nor will I ever be able to understand how a person can do such a horrible thing. What I do know is I want to show that baby she is wanted, and most importantly I want to show her she is loved.
A few more days have passed with me spending every evening at the hospital. It is now Thursday, and Emerson is sitting on the edge of my bed as I pack for mine and Logan's trip.
"So, Shelly says you have become quite fond of Baby Doe," Emerson speaks up. When I look at her, she has a look of concern.
"Yes, I have become attached to her," I say over my shoulder as I walk into my closet to retrieve my suitcase. Plopping it down on the bed, I sit down beside Emerson and let out a deep sigh. "I don't know how to explain it, Em. I feel a connection to her. Do you think I'm crazy?"
"Of course not, you're not crazy, you're human. What you are giving that baby is wonderful. With so many emotions involved, I worry about you. Eventually, the baby will get better, and she will be released from the hospital and into the care of the state."
My stomach clenches. I don't want to think about her becoming a ward of the state. The possibility she could be shuffled around from one foster home to the next. I've heard enough horror stories abou
t the system to know of the things that can happen to that sweet baby. "Has the hospital heard from her mother or any family?"
"No, nothing. I don't think we will either," Em confesses. When I think about it, her biological mother wouldn't be any better of choice than the state. "Look, let's not think about the what ifs right now. Baby Doe still has a little longer before she will be released from the hospital. Don't worry yourself to death right now. Focus on you and Logan and this trip you are about to go on, okay?" Emerson is right, but not worrying is easier said than done. "Will it be okay if I call every day while I'm gone, to check up on the baby?"
Reaching over Emerson squeezes my hand, "Of course. I'll make it a point to stop by the NICU everyday to check up on her."
"Thanks, Em," I say letting out a relieved breath. Patting my hand, "You're welcome. Now come on. You have some packing to do. I love Seattle, you and Logan will have a great time. Don't worry about anything here while you are gone. I promise everything will work out, you'll see." As I continue to pack all I can do is pray she is right.
Chapter Five
LOGAN
It's been raining since we made it to Seattle. Thankfully, knowing this is how the weather can be most of the time, we drove here in Bella's car. After making our way through downtown Seattle, we pull up to my dad's building, and Bella peers up at it through her passenger window.
"Wow, and his place is at the very top? Can you imagine the view it's going to have?" She smiles as she continues to take in her surroundings. Unlike myself, Bella hasn't had much opportunity to travel. I've seen many places from the back of my bike, mostly due to all the runs the club has had over the years.
Knowing I get to give Bella many first experiences make me a damn happy man. Using my dad's access key, I pull into the basement garage and park. Eager, Bella quickly exits the car and waits for me. With a smile tugging at my lips, I climb out and walk to the trunk of the vehicle retrieving our bags. Yes, bags. We are only going to be out of town for two nights, and this woman has packed two suitcases with my clothes just taking up half of one.
Grabbing her hand in mine, I lead us towards the elevator. Once inside, I punch the penthouse button with my fingertip.
"I talked to Leyna last night," she tells me, breaking the silence. "You mind if we meet up with her later tonight for drinks?" she turns and looks up at me.
"We can do whatever you want, Angel. It's been a over a year since she left town, right?"
"Something like that. I'm excited," she bounces on her toes before pressing her body against mine as she reaches up for a kiss. Meeting her the rest of the way, I press my lips to hers. Before the kiss has a chance to go any further, the elevator dings and the door slides open revealing a massive foyer.
"Wow," Bella whispers.
It's drastically different than what we are used to. Hell, it screams money and power. I usually don't give much thought to the fact my dad has money. I usually don't even give thought to the fact he runs a massive empire either. Sitting the bags down, we walk into the main open room. Even with the gloomy, grey skies outside, the natural light fills the room. Floor to ceiling windows damn near covers the entire space. The furnishings are very modern. Much different than his estate in Montana which is more of a rustic, down to earth feel much like mine and Bella's home.
"Look at the view," Bella gasps in awe as she continues moving forward. "I can't believe we get to stay here for the weekend."
Standing back, I take her in.
"What do you feel like doing before meeting up with Gabriel's sister?" I walk up behind her and ask. Brushing her hair off her shoulder, I graze my lips across her neck causing her to shiver. I can think of many things to occupy our time, and each one involves us not leaving the building until it's time to go home.
"I'm a little hungry. Maybe some lunch…" tilting her head to the side, she pauses and closes her eyes while I continue to kiss her, "and shopping?" she breathes.
Chuckling, I wrap my arms around her and rest my chin on top of her head, "I love you."
"I love you too," she returns.
A few hours later -just as the sun starts to set- we make it back to the penthouse. I placed all the shopping bags in my hands onto the bed in the master bedroom. While Bella announces she is going to get ready, I take the time to explore the place a little further by walking over to the patio doors leading from the bedroom out to the balcony. The sliding doors alone are massive. Remembering the instructions my dad gave me, I find the remote for them sitting on a shelf close by. After pressing the button, the glass doors slide open without a sound. I step out into the crisp night air. Shit, this place has everything. An outdoor living room complete with a fire pit. I continue to explore when I happen upon an alcove. Tucked away in this secluded space is a high-end hot tub. A deviant smile tugs at my lip as dirty delicious thoughts run through my mind.
"Baby? Where did you go?" I hear Bella call out.
Turning on my heels, I head back to the room. "I was checking out the…" my words fall short when Bella comes into full view. I'm speechless looking at the outfit she has on. Bella doesn't show a whole lot of skin, not like this. I feel my heart rate pick up and my cock strain against the zipper of my jeans. Holy fuck she is hot. My woman is standing in front of me wearing a black dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. From her ribcage down to the hem of the dress, which by the way stops a hairline beneath her little round ass, are cutouts exposing her tanned skin on one side and her unfinished tattoo on the other.
"Turn around," I command her.
With a glint in her eyes she slowly spins until her back is facing me. I groan. I can't help myself. The back of the dress dips low, right to the small of her back and with her hair swept to one side shows off her wing tattoo. Fuck. I'm going to be walking around with a raging hard on all night.
Bella looks at me over her shoulder. Catching my heated stare, she smiles.
"You like it? It's my first time in an upscale nightclub. For once dressing up means more than a sundress and a pair of boots." she declares.
"How much time do we have before we have to leave?" I ask her.
Peering at the clock, which is sitting on the nightstand next to the bed, she tells me, "About thirty-five minutes. We don't have far to go, the club is a couple of blocks from here. Why?"
I reach out my hand, and she gracefully walks to me on the three-inch heels she is wearing. "I want to show you the view outside." The sun has just disappeared, and the sky has become painted in deep purple and blue hues. I lead her to the railing and watch her face light up as she takes in the city skyline as it starts to illuminate the night with its lights.
"Logan," she gasps, "It's breathtaking."
"It is," I agree, not taking my eyes off her. Stepping behind her, I trace my finger across the tattoo at the base of her neck. Knowing how adventurous Bella can be when it comes to sex, I decide to push her limits a little more. Slowly, I tug at the tie around her neck and let my warm breath dance across her ear.
Grabbing hold of the railing with both her hands she answers me with a whisper, "Yes."
When her answer leaves her lips, I let the top of her dress fall, exposing her breasts. Her breathing picks up as I cup her breasts and run the pads of my thumbs lightly across her hardened nipples.
"Someone might see us."
I dip my head and kiss her shoulder, "It's dark enough out here they would only see shadows. Grab the rails again, Angel. We don't have much time, so it's got to be hard and fast."
She complies, placing her hands back on the rails in front of her. It's not the first time we've done anything outdoors, but the setting is much different. Reaching down, I hook her hemline with my fingertips and slide her dress up over the curves of her hips and ass only to find her pantyless. "Jesus," I groan and my dick throbs.
Sliding my hand down, I find her clit swollen and waiting for attention. Her pussy is so fucking wet. I run my finger in circles around her nub causing her to moan as her he
ad falls back on my shoulder. I watch the rise and fall of her chest as I work her, bringing her body to the edge of an orgasm. "Spread your legs, Angel," I give her another command.
With my other hand I undo the zipper on my jeans freeing my cock and I press my swollen head against her opening, "You're mine," I growl thrusting my hips forward burying my length inside her, then slowly pull out before surging back in.
"More," she begs, pushing her ass back against me. Growling, I give her what she wants.
Hard and fast. Just like I told her.
My grip on her hip tightens as I continue to work her clit with my other hand. Once I find my rhythm she falls in sync. I don't slow my movements. At this point, I can't. I'm completely lost in her. She feels too good. "This pussy is mine." I don't care who may be watching. Let them look.
"Oh God, Logan," she moans as her back bows, and her pussy clenches around my cock as her orgasm rips through her, causing my release to follow. I give her a few light strokes across her sensitive nub causing her limbs to quiver. "I think you like the idea someone could be watching," I comment. I tuck myself into the confines of my jeans and place the top of her dress back over her breasts and tie the strings securing it in place. Tugging the hem of her dress down over her ass and hips she turns, and I pull her body into mine, dip my head and kiss her. I feel myself grow hard for her once more. I can't ever get enough of her.
Smiling through our kiss, she giggles, "You're going to have to put that away. We're going to be late if we don't get going soon."
I groan.
"It won't take me but a few minutes to freshen up. You want to do the same?" She says as I reluctantly release her and watch her walk away.
"No. I'm wearing what I got on, including the smell of your sweet pussy."
"Good. That way every woman who tries to hit on you will know you're mine," she sasses.
Damn right I am.
DEFY: The Kings Of Retribution MC ( Novella ) Page 3
