Steel (Devil's Fury MC 5)

by Harley Wylde

  “Well, darlin’, you knew that before you agreed to be his. Little late to change your mind,” I said. “What did he do this time?”

  “He bought me a new dress.” I waited because there was no damn way she was pissed he’d purchased new clothes for her. Had to be more to it. “Two sizes too big! He thinks I’m fat!”

  Oh fucking hell. I shook my head and pinched the bridge of my nose. I loved Lilian, we all did, but her hormones were all over the fucking place. I’d thought she’d calm down after her twins were born, but it didn’t seem to be the case. Speaking of… I scanned the area and saw little Mila in Wolf’s arms and Blades had Ronan. The babies seemed oblivious to their mother’s meltdown, for which I was thankful.

  “Lilian, you know damn well this boy doesn’t think you’re fat. Hell, he about lost his damn mind when you disappeared up to Tennessee, then got yourself kidnapped. Did he not come after you? Claim you? Stay by your side this entire time?” I asked.

  “Well, yeah,” she said softly.

  “I told her it was an honest mistake,” Dragon said. “I don’t know shit about woman’s clothes. I saw something pretty and grabbed one.”

  “He’s not too smart, Lilian, but he’s yours. Now stop throwing shit at your man, get your kids, and take your ass home,” I said. “What would your daddy say if he saw you throwing a fit in front of the clubhouse?”

  She winced and glanced around, almost as if she feared Grizzly would appear at any moment. I reached out and grabbed her arm, giving her a tug. I put her right in front of Dragon, and he wrapped his arms around her, held her close, and whispered in her ear. Her shoulders drooped and she relaxed against him. Good. One issue resolved for the day.

  Before I got back on my bike, I went to get a look at little Mila and Ronan. They were too damn cute. I knew Mila had an operation for her cataracts not too long ago, but she seemed to be doing well. Her little fist waved in the air as she babbled at Wolf. As much as I wanted to hold those babies, I knew if I stuck around, someone would decide they needed something. I went back to my bike, started it back up, and pulled out of the gates before anyone could stop me.

  I didn’t want to take the time to drive all the way over to the twenty-four-hour store, so I pulled into the pharmacy parking lot. I knew they had a toy aisle and carried things like gift bags. Parking my bike near the door, I surveyed the area before I shut off the engine and locked the Harley. I didn’t think anyone in Blackwood Falls would dare mess with any of our bikes, but I didn’t want to take a chance. I went inside and grabbed a gift bag with a princess on it, then located the toy section.

  Not having ever had kids, I felt a little lost as I looked over the selection. I didn’t see a drawing tablet, but there was a box of crayons and a handful of coloring books. The crayons went into the sack, as well as two coloring books. Coral had said she liked puzzles, but they didn’t have many of those either. I picked out one I thought she could put together with kittens in a basket, and added it to the bag. As I was heading to the register, something pink caught my attention. A display of small stuffed animals was nearly overflowing. The splash of pink had been a swan on the top rack. I grabbed it and added it to the bag before going to check out. If I lingered much more, I’d surely find something else.

  The woman smiled as I handed her the sack. “Your little girl is going to love all this.”

  I knew I should correct her, but I liked the thought of Coral being mine, and especially of her mom belonging to me. “I hope so. I know she likes drawing and puzzles, but the stuffed animal was an afterthought.”

  The woman laughed. “It’s hard to come in here and only get what you planned to buy. People check out all the time with several items they had no intention of getting.”

  I paid for the purchases while she put them all back into the gift sack. When I got outside to my bike, I carefully put it in my saddlebags and drove to the diner. Even though I didn’t know when I’d see Coral or her mother again, I hoped the manager might at least hang onto the sack until the redhead was scheduled to work. Imagine my surprise when I walked through the door and saw Coral at a table in the back corner. Alone. And looking entirely too bored, since she was currently spinning the saltshaker on the table.

  “You’re back.” I jerked my gaze to the woman addressing me and realized it was Coral’s mother. The nametag on her uniform said Rachel. At least I had a name now, instead of referring to her as “Coral’s mom” or “the redhead.”

  “Thought I’d grab a bite to eat, and I was going to leave this for your daughter,” I said, lifting the bag. “I hope it’s okay. She mentioned liking puzzles so I picked up a few things for her.”

  Rachel’s face softened as she looked at the bag and a slight smile curved her lips. “That was so sweet of you. She must have really talked your ear off earlier.”

  “I enjoyed it. Kids are precious. They always tell you exactly what they think, whether you want to hear it or not.”

  Rachel threw her head back and laughed. “You’re so right.”

  “Look, I know I’m a stranger and all, but if you’re okay with Coral having this stuff, I’d really like to give the bag to her.” And if she said no, then I’d find some other way to make sure the sweet girl got her present. At first, I thought she’d balk, but then she gave a nod.

  I made my way to Coral’s table and set the bag down. Her eyes lit up and she started to reach for it, then stopped. Her gaze held mine. “Is that for me?”

  “Yep. Thought you might like a little welcome present since you’re new to Blackwood Falls.”

  Coral picked up the bag and pulled out the items inside, her smile growing with each one. The way she reverently handled everything, it made me wonder how often she’d received gifts, if ever. I saw a coloring book and crayons on the table, but the crayons were down to nubs and the book was so thin I doubted there were many pages she hadn’t yet colored. Maybe my little treat would at least give her something to do while her mother worked.

  “Thank you, Mr. Steel,” Coral said, hugging the little swan to her chest.

  “You’re welcome, Coral.”

  I walked off and Rachel seated me at a table nearby. It allowed me to keep an eye on the little girl, and on her mom as well. The crime rate in Blackwood Falls wasn’t as great as in larger cities, but we still had our issues. If any troublemakers came in, I wanted a clear view of the door, and the girls I felt the need to protect.

  Rachel handed me a menu, then pulled a pen and pad from her apron. “Do you know what you’d like to drink?”

  “Glass of water and some coffee,” I said.

  She scribbled it down and walked off, giving me time to decide what I wanted to eat. I don’t know why I bothered looking. Every damn time I came in here for dinner, I ordered the same thing. Hell, I got it for lunch most days too. Couldn’t go wrong with a burger and onion rings. Most days, I tried to eat somewhat healthy, but sometimes I simply needed something greasy.

  When Rachel came back, I placed my order and sipped my coffee. I noticed Coral was using her new crayons and coloring book, and I realized if she had to sit here every time her mom worked, she would quickly go through all those pages. If she liked puzzles, maybe she’d like some of those word search books. I knew they had some easy ones even a little kid could do. Coral had informed me, rather proudly, she was six and would be starting first grade in the fall. I didn’t know shit about six-year-old little girls, but she seemed rather bright and inquisitive. Maybe it was only unique to Coral, or it was possible all six-year-olds were like her.

  Rachel stopped by my table to refill my coffee and swayed on her feet. I reached out to grip her waist and hold her steady. A quick glance at her face was enough to tell me she was beyond exhausted. I didn’t know how long her shift would be tonight, but I worried about her safely getting home. Hell, I wasn’t sure she wouldn’t pass out in the middle of the diner.

  “How long you been up today?” I asked.

  “Since before five,” she murmure
d.

  “You’re not going to last much longer, Rachel. I can tell you’re worn out and need some rest.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t have a choice. I need this job. I’ll be fine once I get some sleep. Now that I’m employed, I won’t be quite so stressed.”

  I looked at the clock on the wall and wondered if she’d already had her break. As much as I wanted to force her down into a chair, I didn’t want her to lose her new job either. It wasn’t my place to tell her what she could or couldn’t do, but if I’d ever seen someone who needed a person looking after them, it was Rachel. I had a feeling she used up all her energy making sure Coral was taken care of and didn’t worry about her own health and well-being.

  “If you get a break before I leave, come sit with me. And don’t worry about Coral. I’ll keep an eye on her while I’m here.”

  She gave me a tired smile. “Thanks, Steel.”

  Rachel started to walk off, then turned around to face me again. I could tell she wanted to say something, but couldn’t seem to find the words. Whatever it was, she must have thought better of it because she heaved a sigh and walked off. I stayed true to my word and kept close watch over Coral, but I also made sure Rachel was doing okay. The moment I saw her grip the counter to stay upright, I knew I had to do something.

  Tonight might have been her first shift, but if she passed out, it could very well be her last for a while. I stood and hurried over to her, reaching out just in time to keep her from falling to the floor. She sagged against me, and I could tell she didn’t have a drop of energy left. Whatever had kept her going this long had completely dried up. The new manager, Rick, came from the back at the perfect time to see me lift Rachel into my arms. I had no fucking clue where I’d put her. It wasn’t like I could carry her and Coral on the back of my bike, especially while she was so far gone.

  “What the hell happened?” Rick demanded as he rushed over.

  “Think she’s too worn down. Probably needs a day or two of rest.”

  “I got the impression that wasn’t a luxury she could afford,” he said.

  Maybe not, and she’d probably be pissed at me when she was able to think clearly again, but I wasn’t about to drop her by the motel. And I sure the hell wasn’t leaving her here. I carried her over to Coral’s table and set her down on the seat. The little girl eyed her mom with concern, and I couldn’t blame her. I pulled out my phone and shot off a quick text to one of the Prospects at the club, asking for a truck to be brought over to the diner. I knew there would be questions, but I was going to take these two over to my house for the time being.

  Rick had followed and stood off to the side, his arms crossed as he studied Rachel. He didn’t look pissed that she wouldn’t be able to finish her shift, but I could tell he was worried about her. So was I. I didn’t know how long she’d been pushing herself, but it needed to stop now. It wasn’t long before one of the club trucks pulled into a parking space out front and Matt climbed out. When he came in and saw me at a table with a woman and little girl, he nearly couldn’t hide his smirk. I knew I’d be hearing about this from my brothers later, unless the Prospect kept his mouth shut.

  “Rescue mission?” Matt asked as he came closer.

  “Not quite. Rachel is overtired and needs to rest. I’ll carry her to the truck, then I need you to take her and Coral over to my place. I’ll be right behind you.” I turned to look at Coral. “Sweet girl, I need you to ride with Matt here. He’ll take care of you, and when we get to our destination, you’ll get to play with Victoria.”

  Her eyes lit up. “The puppy?”

  I smiled. “Well, she’s not quite a puppy, but yes. She even has a ball she’ll occasionally chase if she’s motivated enough. But her favorite thing is scratches behind her ears.”

  Coral started to shove all her things back into the gift bag, as well as the items she’d already had on the table when I’d arrived. I dropped some cash on my table to cover my meal, but withheld the tip until Rachel was more awake. I’d either hand it to her personally, or slip it into her purse.

  “She have personal items in the back she might need?” I asked.

  “I’ll go grab her purse from her cubby,” Rick said. “If you want to carry her out, I’ll bring it to you.”

  I lifted Rachel again and Coral scampered out of the booth, reaching for Matt’s hand. He seemed surprised when her little fingers closed around his, but he took it in stride. When we reached the truck, I eased Rachel down onto the front seat and buckled her in. Smoothing her hair back from her face, I saw she’d completely passed out. I only hoped she didn’t wake up before we reached my house or she might freak out over being in a vehicle with a strange man. Couldn’t really blame her.

  Once both girls were buckled up, I went over to my bike and followed them back to the compound. Matt pulled through the gates and turned in the direction of my house as I’d requested. He stopped in the driveway and I parked my bike in the one-car garage. Most of the homes either just had a driveway and parking pad, or had a carport, but I’d enclosed mine and added a door. Best way to keep my bike out of the elements because even a cover wasn’t one-hundred percent foolproof. If a hurricane came up the coast, it would still send bad weather our way, rough enough that I knew a few of my brothers had dealt with fallen trees and other things during those storms. One had nearly wiped out Cobra’s bike once.

  Coral clung to Matt as I carried Rachel inside. I started to put her on the couch, but I didn’t know how long she’d be asleep, so instead I eased her down onto the bed in the guest room. I didn’t really get company, but it was nice to have the room on the off chance I ever needed it. Like now. I removed Rachel’s shoes and covered her with a blanket before stepping out of the room.

  “Is Mommy okay?” Coral asked, with her eyes wide and her lower lip trembling.

  “Your mom will be fine, Coral. She needs to sleep for a bit. Has she been extra worried lately?” I asked.

  Coral nodded. “My grandparents are mean to Mommy, and to me. We had to leave and come here.”

  Well, there was one piece of the puzzle. Now I needed a few more so I put everything together. If Coral and Rachel were in trouble, I damn well wanted to know, and then I’d handle it. No one was going to scare them, or try to hurt them. I wouldn’t fucking let them.

  “Coral, I’m going to get the motel room key from your mom’s purse, but you can watch if you want so you can tell her I didn’t take anything else,” I said. Rachel would be freaked enough when she woke in a strange place. Didn’t need to add any more stress.

  “I trust you,” she said. “You’re not like my daddy and his family.”

  What the fuck? Not like her daddy? Who the hell had gotten Rachel pregnant? It wouldn’t be the first time I’d dealt with unsavory types, and it sure the hell wouldn’t be the last, but the woman lying in my guest room didn’t seem like the type to belong in a world of darkness. Had she slept with the wrong guy and then tried to run? Or was something else going on?

  I shared a look with Matt, and I knew his curiosity was piqued. It was wrong to pull information from sweet little Coral, but I needed to know if the Boogieman was coming for her. Little kids might be scared of what went bump in the night, but I sure the fuck wasn’t.

  “Coral, what can you tell me about your daddy and his family?” I asked.

  “Daddy didn’t want me. He’s mean and always angry. Mommy doesn’t know I’ve seen him a few times. The lady who watched me while Mommy worked would let Daddy in. They’d go into another room and shut the door, then I’d hear her screaming.”

  I hoped like hell my face remained expressionless. It sounded like dear ol’ dad was fucking the babysitter. How cliché could you get? But it seemed that Coral’s parents weren’t together, and hadn’t been even then. So what was going on?

  “Coral, what did your daddy say when you saw him?” Matt asked.

  “He said I was a mistake. He told me he hates me.” Her lower lip trembled and her eyes filled with tea
rs. “Then he said that someone important wanted me, and he’d see they got me. If I told Mommy, he would kill her.”

  My gut clenched, and I saw the fury in Matt’s eyes as well. I didn’t know what piece of shit had donated sperm for Coral, but he was no father. It took a real man to be a true dad, and the fucker Rachel had slept with didn’t seem to qualify. Only pussies preyed on little kids.

  “I won’t let anything happen to your mommy,” I promised.

  Matt hunkered down next to her. “Coral, you’re safe inside the gates here. We won’t let anyone take you. Steel is right. Your mom is protected here.”

  She sniffled, then nodded. “Where’s the puppy?”

  I laughed softly and went to the kitchen. I’d discovered Victoria was good about going out, unless I was gone for any length of time. When that happened, I’d come home to a puddle or two on the floors, so I’d started putting a baby gate across the kitchen doorway so the mess would be contained. I let her out back, watched as she did her business, then whistled for her to come back inside. The moment she saw Coral, she became a wiggling mass of wrinkles. With every gyration of her body, her skin would gather up near her neck.

  It must have amused Coral because she giggled as she sat on the floor, motioning to Victoria. “Here, puppy. I want to pet you!”

  Victoria danced over to Coral, and sprawled across the little girl’s lap in complete bliss. It seemed the two had made fast friends already. If only Rachel were as easy to win over. I had a feeling I’d have my hands full when she woke up. Matt brought her purse inside, and I dug around for the motel key. He glanced down at Coral before holding out his hand to me. I placed the key in his palm and knew he’d go clear out their stuff.

  I didn’t know how I’d convince Rachel to stay here, but there was no fucking way she would return to the motel. It was too dangerous, and it was a damn miracle she hadn’t been hurt in the days she’d remained there. Since they’d arrived on a bus, I knew they didn’t have transportation. She’d likely be worried about getting to and from work, but we’d figure it out later. Right now, she needed to focus on resting her body. I had no doubt she’d been missing meals too, all so Coral could eat.