by Vera Quinn
“Maybe you boys should go ahead and go, so we can make sure Gracie is ok. I don’t think she will be coming out until you’re gone. That boyish smile of yours is going to get you nowhere with her. Maybe she’ll be the one female immune to it. Imagine that.” Gladys is trying to get me to react, and I don’t fail to do it.
“Now Gladys, you know this is my panty-melting smile, and the ladies love it. Even you have to admit the ladies love me.” Gladys smiles, and I know this is going to be good.
“Rebel, I can say that there is nothing wrong with your self-image. You know what some women like, and you know how to use that smile to your advantage, but I also know that some women can be immune to it. I believe you just found one of those.” Good. But sweet Gracie could be the death of me.
“Don’t be so sure but she isn’t my type. I have standards, besides, she hasn’t gotten a full dose of my charm yet. Straight-laced women with a stick up their asses are not my thing. That’s more Brody’s type. Maybe you’ll get you a daughter-in-law made to go with a baby in tow.” That’s right up Brody’s alley. Always protecting the innocent. That’s why we lost our friendship. He was always putting himself in between Jilly and me. He wanted the same girl I did, but we both lost her.
“I am telling you now, Antonio Javier Sanchez, you will leave Gracie alone and show her some respect. If you can’t do that, then you get on that darn bike of yours and ride away. We’ll look out for her and that baby.” Ma is serious.
“I am only here to help, but I won’t put the club at risk without knowing the whole truth first, so tomorrow this woman will answer my questions.” I never waver when telling Ma this. It’s how it must be. I need more answers, I will get them and then keep my distance. It’s what’s best for me and what’s best for the Demented Revengers MC.
“We’ll make sure nothing has been messed with outside. This house has been empty for a long time and no telling if somebody might have been hanging around.” I go over and give Ma a kiss and then give Mrs. Gladys a kiss and we are out the door.
As soon as we are out far enough from the house, I give my brothers their orders. “Make sure Hawk is watching tonight. After tonight he can alternate the prospects. I want one prospect and one patch on this house twenty-four seven for the next two weeks, and then we’ll see what has happened.” Cue Ball is texting Hawk already. We walk around and check on everything but everything looks in place. Nothing suspicious. When I hear the approaching motorcycles, I know our replacements are here. For some reason, I am in no hurry to leave. I see Gracie looking out the window. When she knows I have caught her, she moves back. That woman has fire. Usually not something I like, but for some reason, it works for her. I walk over to Hawk and the prospect. “Keep a close eye out but give her space. She’s not real fond of us.” I think about it, and it makes me smile. “Yet, anyway.” Hawk nods his head.
“Who is she?” For some reason, I don’t want to share that information just yet, but I know my brother deserves some information.
“A friend of Jilly’s.” That one name is all I need to say. All my brothers know my history with Jilly and all the ones that have met her love her. She’s just that type of person. She’s got a heart as big as Texas and is good as gold. Hawk nods his head.
“Is that going to be a problem?” I look at him and consider it.
“No. We still have to make sure she checks out.” Hawk nods his head and then he looks at me again.
“Not really what I was asking. Jilly is a good girl and always has been. Good girls usually only know good girls, and we all know you have a weak spot for good girls.” I am about to take his head off when he breaks out into a big smile. “Just poking at you Prez.” He starts laughing, and then I start laughing with him. I slap him hard on the back. He doesn’t say anything but keeps laughing. I look over at Sin, Cue Ball, and Prospect Tim. Cue Ball and Sin are laughing along, but Prospect Tim doesn’t even crack a grin. Smart kid.
“Well, you be sure and keep your eyes open and keep your distance.” I walk over to my bike, and I mount up and kick it out of there. Yes, I should stay away from Gracie, for my own sanity.
Chapter Three
Gracie
I have finally captured the quietness I have craved for the last few days. Audie and Gladys finally left around ten after Gladys explained that security pad. I’ve never used one before, so I hope I don’t forget. I know they are just trying to be helpful but being alone so I can think is what I need right now. I need a plan for my next move or next five moves, to be honest. I need a game plan. This flying by the seat of my pants thing is just not what I was made for, and I need to think of Shelby.
I know keeping my distance from Audie’s son Rebel is high on my list of things to remember. He and his friends are a little too judgmental for me. I am grateful for the help, but they have a way of asking questions that unhinge me. Rebel is sexy, and he knows it. He’s too arrogant for my liking even if I do have an attraction to him. No, I need distance there.
I go to check on Shelby for the twentieth time. I know Kendall can’t know where I am. I’ve checked the windows and all the doors. I know the two men on the motorcycles out there are for my protection and I should be able to let it go and go to sleep. Yet, here I am at midnight and still walking the floors.
I know this is an older house and it has its creaks and noises, but it’s making me jumpy. I need to calm down and drink some warm milk and then try to sleep. Shelby will be up early in the morning. I’ll put Shelby in my bed and maybe I can get some sleep.
I walk myself into the kitchen and pour a cup of milk and put it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. I jump when the damn thing goes off. I have never been a jumpy person but it’s like I am unhinged. I take the milk out and blow on it without even testing to see if it is hot. I think that is a mom thing.
One taste of the milk and I know this is not going to work. I sit at the kitchen table and sip the rest and I hear a light tapping. I realize someone is knocking on the door. I make my way to the door and turn the outside light on. I try to look out the peephole, but I am too short. I do the only thing I know to do. “Who is it?” I wait for an answer.
“It’s Brody Samms. I’m your neighbor. I saw the light on and thought I would come over and see if you needed anything.” I know Gladys said her son’s name is Brody but how do I know that’s who this is? I look around for anything to protect myself with.
I run back in the kitchen and take a knife out of the butcher block, and then I go back and unarm the alarm and open the door. I can’t believe my eyes. This man is gorgeous. He’s way taller than me, and he has muscles on top of his muscles. My mouth is dry, and nothing will come out.
“Didn’t anyone tell you not to open the door without knowing who’s there? I could be a damn killer!” Ok, I don’t care how hot this man is, he can’t stand here and yell at me. I have had my quota of assholes for one day. He steps in the door and next to me. I take the knife in my hand and put it right about where his ball sac should be. I jab him enough to get his attention but not hard enough to hurt him. He looks down and smiles. Then he very carefully backs up. I don’t take my hand away. Instead I follow him with the knife. “I got the point darlin’. Do you think you could put that knife somewhere else?”
“Depends.” I wait a minute and look him straight in the eye to make sure he knows I am serious and I don’t like his smart-ass mouth. “Do you have an ID?” He carefully moves his hand to his back pocket and takes his wallet out and shows me his ID with his name. I take the knife away from him but keep it in my hand. “I have already put up with being questioned by one man today. I don’t appreciate it. I am thankful for the help but my daughter is asleep, and it is late.” Brody has the sexiest smirk on his face.
“So you met Rebel. How did that go? Doesn’t sound like you’re too big of a fan. He thinks he has a way with the ladies, so I’m surprised you don’t like him.” This man cannot want to chit-chat at this time of night.
“Yea
h I noticed his flirty tone. He’s full of himself. Like I said, I appreciate the help. I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but right now I don’t need him judging me.” I take a deep breath, and I know my attitude has more to do with the way these two men affect me than anything else. “It’s just late, and this is a new place, and I’m tired right now, so if you don’t mind, I would just like to get some sleep or try to at least.” I glance at his face, and he doesn't look irritated.
“That’s all good darlin’, I just thought I would let you know if you need anything I’ll be home until I get my next call out. I intend to stay close.” He says as he is already turning to leave. I remember my manners before he has left my doorway.
“Thank you for looking out for us and goodnight.” I shut and lock the door and then reset the alarm. I take my cup over to the sink and pour the rest of the milk out and rinse it out. I quietly make my way up to Shelby’s room and look in on her to see her sleeping peacefully. No way am I going to put my anxiety on her. I kiss the top of her head and put the covers up around her and I just watch her sleep.
She is the only thing good that Kendall and I ever did. She is the best of both of us and I can’t let her down. It’s my job to protect her even if it is from her own dad. I will protect her and love her enough for the both of us. I need to get my shit together so I can do that. I know I need to let her sleep right where she is. She needs to feel safe and she can only do that if she is confident in our surroundings. I turn and leave my baby. It is so hard but I know it’s for the best. I want nothing more than to hold her close but for now I can’t.
I make sure there is a night light left on and I leave the door partially open. I go back through the door to my room and leave it open. I see the big old bed and I know I am only going to toss and turn, but I might as well try to sleep a little. I climb into the middle of the bed and put my pillow where I usually snuggle Shelby at. I put another pillow under my head and I wiggle down under the covers. This is a very comfortable bed.
I think back to the face Brody made when he figured out I was pointing the knife at a very sensitive spot on him and it makes me smile. It was almost like he was amused. Not what I need to be figuring out right now but it does make me smile. That is the last thought I have. With a smile on my face, even if it is temporary.
“Mama, mama!” I hear Shelby but it seems so far away. I think I am dreaming, but I hear it again and peek my eye open. “Mama.” I realize I must have fallen asleep, but Shelby is awake now, so I jump up and run to her. When I enter her room, she is sitting in her bed looking around.
“Good morning pretty girl. Mama is right here.” She gets the biggest smile on her face. I go to her crib and take her in my arms and give her the biggest hug. I grab a diaper and take her back to my room and sit her on my bed.
“Mama is right here. Did you forget we moved?” I lay Shelby on the bed and grab the wipes from the bag. I finish getting her changed and then I snuggle her. Just the smell of her calms me. I tickle her tummy but I lean down a little too far and she grabs the pieces of my hair closest to her and pulls. Her sweet laugh fills the room. I take my hair from her hands and kiss it. “Are you hungry, baby girl? You want a bite, bite?” Shelby’s vocabulary isn’t very wide so bite, up mama, and ball are the only things that I can understand but the smile on her face lets me know everything I need to know.
I look at the clock to see it is almost seven-thirty so we did sleep late. Usually six o’clock and Shelby is up and going unless her daddy was there. Then I would feed her and we spent time together quietly until he was up and gone. I just don’t want to think about Kendall anymore. It’s time to feed my girl.
We make it to the kitchen and I look in the cabinets to look for some oatmeal. That’s what Shelby is used to. I don’t find the regular kind of oatmeal but there are some packets of some instant oatmeal so those will do.
I get the high chair out of the corner and get Shelby situated. I read the directions on the back of the box and follow the directions and it’s not too long before the dinger is going off. I’m not too sure about instant oatmeal but I see a basket with some fresh fruit in it, so I get an apple and find a shredder in the drawer.
I wash the apple and then cut and peel it. I shred part of the apple into the oatmeal and taste it. Tastes good for instant. I set the bowl on the table, give Shelby her first bite, and she seems to like it. I get her sippy cup out of the refrigerator, where I put it last night and finish filling it with milk and set it on the table.
I hear a knock on the door. I give Shelby another bite and I don’t forget what happened last night so I look out the window and there stands Rebel and Brody. I turn the alarm off and look down at myself.
I have sleeper shorts and a tank on and all my bruises are easily seen. You can even tell my ribs are wrapped. It could be worse, at least I have a bra on. Then I realize Brody already saw me this way last night. Oh, well.
The knocking begins again so I open the door. Rebel and Brody both look at me. I turn and go back to the kitchen to feed Shelby. It’s too early for cantankerous men. Shelby is getting impatient so I give her another bite. I look over my shoulder and both men are just watching. I have nothing to say to either of them so I just keep feeding my daughter.
“No good morning?” Rebel is the first to talk, and he has that smirk on his face. He comes over to the table where I am sitting.
“Bite, bite.” Shelby is not patient this morning so I give her a bite and she takes it all in her mouth and smiles. My Shelby loves her food. Rebel’s eyes never leave me.
“I was just coming by to see if there was anything you found last night that I could help with?” Brody puts in. “Did you find anything in this old house that needs to be fixed yet?”
“Do you two always come over so early in the morning?” I am trying to keep my voice even and not let Rebel’s smirk annoy me too much.
“Sweetheart, I knew you would be eager to see me again and I was in town, so I took the chance to come by. I know most kids get up early and you being the good mom you are I figured you would be up feeding this little angel here. Besides, we need to finish our little talk from last night.” Rebel finally looks at Shelby. He gives her a genuine smile, but Shelby finally realizes we are not alone, so she is quiet. I give her another bite, and she likes that.
“How old is she?” Brody asks.
“She just turned one last week. She’s shy around strangers, especially men.” I give Shelby her last bite and grab a paper towel to wipe her hands and face. I give her the cup of milk and she is happy. “I appreciate both your concern, but I haven’t been here long enough to do anything but sleep and just now feed Shelby.”
I look at both men but they have noticed my ribs are wrapped and both are staring. “I’m fine. Let’s take the elephant out of the room. I have bruises but they’ll fade eventually. My ribs will heal so don’t feel sorry for me. Rebel, you already saw this last night and Brody you did too, sorta. I’m just happy to be away from the monster who did this so it won’t happen again. Don’t feel sorry for me or pity me. I am strong and I will get through this. My first priority is always Shelby. I need to keep her not only safe but happy and healthy. She clings to me because of the things she has heard and witnessed. My biggest obstacle is going to be leaving Shelby so I can work. She’ll have to adjust and so will I, but please don’t think you have to keep checking on me this much. Jilly sent me here so I could start over, but I need to be able to stand on my own two feet. Rebel, we have nothing further to discuss. I gave you answers last night. Again, I really do appreciate your help and keeping an eye out for us and I understand if I spot Kendall or his family to let you know. That is worth more to me than anything but my daughter. I don’t know how I will ever be able to repay all the kindness that is being given to Shelby and myself. I’m not used to having help and last night, even though it took me a while to go to sleep, it was the best sleep I have had in a long time.”
“Well, sweetheart, that is a real
nice speech, but I gave Jilly my word, and she is one of the few women in this world I respect, so you will just have to get used to me.” Rebel says in a sexy way or is that just me thinking it is sexy? “Are you just afraid you won’t be able to resist my sexy personality and you’ll be throwing yourself at me?” Did he really just go there?
“And there is that arrogance that chases all the good ones away.” Brody seems irritated with Rebel, and he moves closer to where Rebel is standing. “Gracie, do you have any pictures of your ex? It’d be easier if we know who we’re looking for? Any pictures of any of his family?” I hadn’t thought of that. I know I have pictures on my phone, but I was told not to turn it back on. I just hate to answer Brody and let him know Kendall couldn’t be bothered with a picture with his daughter.
“Kaden said I could keep my phone but to take the battery out and not to turn it back on. It’s a prepaid but I did what he said. I have all sorts of pictures on there from before I was pregnant with Shelby. They are nearly two years old, but he looks the same except he’s lost weight.” Kendall wouldn’t even take one picture with me after I was pregnant.
“You don’t have any pictures of the three of you or one with him and his daughter?” Rebel asks like it’s my fault.
“Kendall wouldn’t even hold Shelby so I had no chance to snap any pictures. After I became pregnant he said I was too ugly to be in a picture with him. He never had anything to do with Shelby. When he was home he was either sleeping, yelling or hitting me, so I was glad when he was gone. His mom, Carol, came over, but she was always telling me I needed to keep my man happy and what I was doing wrong for a baby she barely had anything to do with. So no, I didn’t feel like having pictures of them together. I think I may have some of Kendall and his parents at our graduation on there.”
