by Carol Dawn
“I see,” says the agent. “Why have none of you come forward with this information?”
“What makes you think we haven’t?” Trigger says from my right. “You don’t need to worry about little Bella. We take care of our own.”
The tears that I’ve been holding back fall at Trigger’s statement.
No matter what happens from here forward, I know that I’ll be just fine. Because I have a man who will allow nothing else.
And a family who will protect me and my daughter against the evil that has infected us.
Chapter Sixteen
Chains
I didn’t want to tell Bella about what we were doing regarding Jack until I had some more information. I didn’t want her to freak out thinking that I’m doing things without her permission.
She’s been going through so much that we didn’t want to burden her with this in case it resulted in nothing.
Sure, I had a little fun with my chains when I saw Jack, but no way in hell were we going to sit on our asses and do nothing knowing he could come back any day now to finish what he started.
So, Bear took all the information we had and sent it to our lawyers. Including the envelope that Jack’s sister, Becky, gave us. Inside was an agreement between Jack Thompson and Henry Michaels, who I’m assuming is Arabella’s father.
The agreement stated that Jack and Arabella were to be married as soon as they got DNA proof that Sophia was his daughter.
When my woman told me about Jack raping her, I was shocked. I thought they were in a relationship that just turned violent. Not that he raped her, and her father was forcing her to marry him.
I haven’t had a chance to talk to my brothers about what she told me. So, the moment Arabella said those words, I instantly knew what their reactions would be.
The very second they got over their shock, Trigger, Ink and Hawk came toward us and hid Arabella and Sophia from view. I know without a doubt if I’m not around, my woman and child will be protected.
The DEA agent left shortly after confirming that Arabella wasn’t here against her will.
“What did Trigger mean?” she asks me.
“Just what I said, little darling,” Trigger says, with a softness to his voice I didn’t know he possessed. “We’re taking care of everything. That fucker will go down if it’s the last thing we do.”
“We’ll make sure of it, Bella,” Bear says. “Our lawyers have everything they need. All the medical proof the doctor gave us about your attack. Even the agreement between Jack and Henry Michaels.”
“I can probably guess what the agreement was,” she says, as her face reddens in embarrassment. “As soon as they get proof that Sophia is Jack’s daughter, I have to marry Jack. Right?”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore,” Hawk says. “You and Sophia are our family, now. You marry whoever the fuck you want.”
Her face heats up even more and I can’t help but chuckle as I pull her into my arms.
“There’s only one man you will marry, baby,” I say against her temple.
“John Stamos?” she teases.
I growl and she giggles.
Best sound ever.
“Did you bring her bottle?” Ink asks over a still screaming Sophia. “This angry Viking is hungry.”
I give Arabella one last squeeze before letting her go and searching for the diaper bag.
“We should really keep supplies here in case we forget something at home,” Arabella says.
I love that she’s feeling comfortable around my brothers and Rose. I love that she’s thinking of this place, as well as our place, like home.
“I agree,” I say, trying to hide my smile. “Well go get some extra stuff from the store before we head home later.”
“What did we miss?” Slim says as he bursts through the door.
“Hey there Slim,” Ink says, cheerfully. “What makes you think you missed anything?”
“Because I have this place under tight security,” Slim says. “The moment that DEA agent pulled into the driveway I was notified.”
“Everything okay with Mac?” Bear asks.
“As far as I know,” Brick answers. “As soon as Slim did his thing and got them the information they needed, we headed back home.”
I informed Bear this morning about everything Slim told me last night. To say the least, he’s concerned.
“I just hope they don’t need me back,” Slim says, shaking his head.
“Why?” Hawk says, a little too loudly. “Did something happen?”
“No, nothing like that,” Slim replies.
“He’s afraid of Mac’s ol’ lady,” Brick says with a chuckle.
“I am not,” Slim says, defensively. “Her creepy owls disturb me, is all. Anyway, we heard the whole conversation between you all and the agent. I’m afraid I have news that isn’t going to make this any better.”
“What?” Bear asks.
“The tracker that Hawk placed on the dealer pinged in Miamisburg last night,” Slim tells us. “Then on our way home, I did a quick check and it looks like he’s been on the road for about 10 hours now.”
“Damn,” I say. “Where’s he heading?”
“Based on the route he’s taking my guess is somewhere in Florida. The signal goes much further than I thought.”
The room is silent.
“Surely not?” Trigger says.
“What?” Arabella asks.
I give Ink Sophia’s bottle, walk over to Arabella and wrap her in my arms.
“Do you remember me telling you in the hospital that we went to Jack’s to get Sophia back?”
“Of course.”
“Well, he was in Palm Beach, Florida.”
“He has another house out there,” she says. “He told me that once we were married, we would be moving there.”
I look to Bear to get approval. With a nod of his head, I continue.
“Well, a few days ago someone started selling drugs with the club’s logo on the packages. Someone is trying to frame us.”
“Or start a war with another club,” Ink interrupts.
“The same dealer was found selling cocaine in two different towns. And, now he’s heading in the same direction as Jack. Strange coincidence.”
“Oh God,” she whimpers. “And now that agent shows up with the allegation that I’m being held against my will?”
“Yeah, baby.” I hate having to tell her everything, but I know she needs to know. We’re stronger as a team and keeping her in the dark will only make me weaker.
“It can’t be a coincidence, Blake. It has to be him. This is all my fault. How can I fix it?” Tears are running down her face and it takes everything I have to fight the urge to punch a fucking wall.
“You don’t have to do a damn thing, little Bella,” Trigger says. “It’s not your fault. That fucking idiot was pissed when he lost the last battle against us, he thinks he can win by being dirty. He has no idea who he’s fucking with.”
Arabella lets out a small giggle. “That’s the most I’ve ever heard you say at once, Trigger.
Everyone laughs because it’s true.
And the strangest thing happens when Arabella starts to laugh even harder.
Trigger smirks.
He fucking smirks.
My woman got Trigger to smile.
Chapter Seventeen
Bella
It’s been a week since finding out that Jack is behind everything going on with the club. I can tell that Blake has been stressing out over some things. When I ask if he wants to talk about it, he tells me it’s just club business.
But I know better. I know that they’re under investigation with the DEA about the drugs tagged with their logo.
I know deep down in my bones that Jack will do everything in his power to stop them. No matter the cost.
Which makes my decision that much easier.
I had a visit with my doctor yesterday and she said that my head is healed but I should stil
l be careful a while longer. She also said that the vision I have now will probably be the best it’s going to get.
As upset as that thought is, I’m also grateful for what I have. Over the past week, my vision has gotten better. Clearer. I can now do everything on my own. But, will never be able to drive.
It doesn’t matter anyway.
Last night Blake held me in his arms tighter than usual. It’s almost as if he knows.
I asked Rose if she could watch Sophia today because I wasn’t feeling well and wanted to rest. After arguing with Blake for twenty minutes, he finally gave in and stopped asking if I needed to go to the doctor.
He packed Sophia up and dropped her off with Rose on his way to the clubhouse.
Now, here I sit waiting for my ride. I called a taxi service to pick me up and take me to the closest airport. Using money I stole from Blake, I bought a ticket to Palm Beach, Florida, using his computer.
Then I called my father and asked him to give me Jack’s number.
It broke my heart when he didn’t ask if I was okay, or even where I was. He just simply gave me the number and hung up.
I grab my cell phone and make the call.
“Hello.”
Yep, that’s Jack’s voice.
“Jack,” I say.
“Well, well. I knew I would hear from you eventually. You ready to come home?”
Taking a deep breath, I answer. “Yeah.”
Silence.
He wasn’t expecting that.
“Under a few conditions,” I finish.
“Okay,” he says, suspiciously.
“My child does not come with me.”
“Fine with me,” he says, quickly. “The little brat was always a means to get what I wanted, anyway.
I grit my teeth to keep from saying something stupid.
“You also have to stop trying to ruin the Infernal Sons. I know it’s you trying to frame them with the drugs.”
He laughs. Loudly.
“I’ll agree, kitten. But damn, that was fun. Anything else?”
“Once I come with you, just forget Sophia and the Infernal Sons exist.”
I want, more than anything, to protect my new family. This is the only way to do it.
“You got it. Now, where are you?”
“I’ll come to you,” I tell him, as the tears fall freely down my face. “My plane leaves in two hours. Meet me at the airport around noon.”
“You better fucking be there,” he threatens, before hanging up.
I hear a car pull up outside. I know it’s not Blake. He won’t be home until later this afternoon.
My rides here.
I stand up and walk over to the kitchen table. I unfold the paper in my hand and write a few more sentences at the bottom before kissing it and laying it down in Chains` spot, next to my phone. With one last look around, I leave my home, and my broken heart behind.
Chapter Eighteen
Chains
“Baby, I’m home.”
Silence greets me.
Arabella wasn’t feeling well when I left this morning. I wanted to take her to the hospital to make sure it wasn’t because of an infection. Her doctor told us to keep an eye out for fever spikes or head pain that won’t go away.
I grilled my woman this morning until I was confident that it was just stress and she needed some rest. She hasn’t been herself for a few days now. She’s been distant.
I would give anything to get her back to herself. I put us to bed last night and tried my best to mold her into my skin. If I could hold her tight every moment of the day, I would.
I check the guest room and she’s not there. I go check my room and get the same results. My heart starts racing when I can’t find her anywhere in the house.
Maybe she just got a ride to the store. I grab my cell and call her only to find her cell on the kitchen table. Right next to a piece of folded paper. Unfolding the paper, I read what’s inside.
Blake,
I don’t have enough time, or paper, to put into words how much you mean to me. You saved my life so many times. And not only in the physical way. You saved my heart and soul as well.
I have no choice but to do what I’m about to do. He won’t stop, Blake. He will fight until you and your whole family are behind bars for crimes you didn’t commit.
He only wants one thing. Me.
It’s my turn to protect you. To protect Sophia. To protect our whole family.
In the bedside table in your room, you will find a guardianship form for Sophia. I’ve already talked to a lawyer and all you have to do is sign the paper and file it with your attorney. I’ve already signed it.
I never listed the father on her birth certificate, so you shouldn’t have any trouble.
Sign the paper, Blake, and take care of our little girl. Tell her how much her mommy loves her.
I already talked to Jack. He’s promised not to come after Sophia and to stop having that man sell drugs with your club’s logo on it.
But I must go with him, honey.
I have to protect you so you can protect our daughter.
I love you, Blake. I wanted to tell you for days now, but I was so scared you wouldn’t feel the same. But I do. I love you so much.
Please, don’t come after me. I can’t come back home, honey.
Never forget me, my love.
Your sweet girl,
Arabella.
“FUCK!”
I pick up my cell and call Bear.
“I said I would bring Sophia home in the morning,” he greets.
“She’s gone, man. Arabella is gone.”
“WHAT? What do you mean, she’s gone?”
I am flipping the fuck out. I grab my keys, the letter, Arabella’s phone, and head back to my car.
“Just what I said. I got home and there was a note saying she’s going to Jack’s. Some shit about if she went back to him, he would stop doing the shit he’s doing. She says she’s trying to protect us.”
“Mother fucker. Meet me at the clubhouse. I’ll call everyone in. Don’t worry Chains. We’re going to get your woman back.”
Already in my car, I speed back to the clubhouse.
I’m going to blister her ass when I get her back. Then I’m going to fuck her until she’s so exhausted, she won’t be able to stand, let alone make stupid fucking decisions.
I arrive in record time and rush inside.
“How long has she been gone?” Trigger asks.
“I don’t fucking know. Where’s Slim?”
“Right here,” Slim says from the staircase. “What can I do to help?”
“I know she’s going to Jack’s. What I don’t know is how she’s getting there. She must have called a ride. Her letter also said she talked to Jack. That’s at least two numbers on this phone. Can you do something with that?”
I know I’m sounding desperate, but that’s because I fucking am.
“I can try, Chains. It’s a good start,” Slim says, grabbing the phone.
“Fucking find her,” I growl.
“Watch it, brother,” Hawk says. “I know you’re losing your fucking mind with worry, but I won’t hesitate to knock you the fuck out if you don’t back off him.”
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. And then five more before opening them again.
“He’s right,” I tell Slim, before wrapping him in my arms. “I’m sorry, little brother. It wasn’t right of me to take it out on you.”
Slim relaxes in my arms for a few seconds before pushing away. He needs to feel loved and protected just as much as Rose and Arabella. He just hides it behind this biker disguise.
“It’s alright, Chains,” he says, softly. “I understand. I swear to you, I’ll do everything I possibly can to find her. I wasn’t lying about the numbers. It’s a great place to get started. Plus, we already know where she might be heading. So that means possible plane tickets.”
My emotions are all over the place and I can’t talk because of the knot in m
y throat. I give Slim a grateful nod and he turns to go back upstairs. Knowing I can trust Slim to get it done, I turn to Bear.
“What the fuck was she thinking?” he asks.
I hand him her letter.
While he’s reading, I close my eyes and try to get myself under control.
She loves me. She fucking left me.
I know she thought she was protecting us, and honestly, it would probably work because we’re getting nowhere with the damn DEA.
But I don’t fucking care. I would spend every day, for the rest of my life, behind bars just to keep her away from the person who abused her.
“I want Sophia hidden until we get everything fixed,” I say.
“Already done, brother,” Bear says. “Brick took both girls to Ma’s. He’s going to stay with them until this is all over.”
“I need her back, man.” My voice breaks and the tears fall from my eyes. I don’t give a single fuck. These men are my family. They’ve seen me at my strongest. Now they can help me at my weakest. Because that’s what I am without her. I’m a weak man.
“She wants to protect us, brother,” Bear says, with admiration in his voice. “She’s so fucking strong, Chains. Keep that in mind while she’s away.”
“Because we will get her back,” Ink interrupts.
“We’ll stop at nothing until little Bella is home,” Trigger adds.
“GOT IT,” Slim yells, running down the stairs. He trips over the last one and crashes to the floor.
“Damnit, Phoenix. Stop running down the fucking stairs with your hands full,” Hawk says as he helps him up.
“Oh, hush, you old grump,” Slim says with a smirk before picking up a couple of tablets.
“Chains, do you remember last week when Arabella asked if she could borrow my watch for a while?” Slim asks.
“Yeah,” I say. “She liked it because it spoke the date and time aloud. I planned on getting her one soon.”
“Yeah, well, I forgot that I put my tracking chip inside. You know, because I gave you my old one? So, I made me a new one,” he says with a blush. “Anyway, I boosted the signal and now it’s crazy strong.”
