Moving On (Dominant Devils Mc Book 1)

by H. M. Stewart

  Taking the time to right myself I spoke to Carrin in what sounded much like a lust filled plea. "You finish up breakfast, I'll tend to the little diva. Then after breakfast, I would like to take you with me while I go pick out the perfect birthday present for the prettiest little girl in South Carolina," I finished looking straight ahead at the little girl sitting in her high chair.

  "I'm not sure I can. I don't have anyone to sit with Tivie," she answered.

  "Tivie is more than welcome to hang out with me today. You two should go. That way you can pick up any last minute things we forgot for the diva's birthday party," Athena chimed in as she walked into the kitchen to join us. She stopped at the cupboard and pulled out two cups to pour coffee into. She then brought a cup over and placed in front of me with a wicked smile dancing across her lips. My sister knew me better than anyone. Even though I never spoke the words, I was certain she knew my thoughts when it came to Carrin. Apparently she approved or she wouldn't be offering to take the baby so I could get her mother alone.

  "Are you sure Athena. I know you mentioned having paperwork to get caught up on at the shooting range," Carrin pressed.

  "Nope. I'm good. I could use a little relaxation with my favorite little girl. I'm sure the Commander can tend to anyone coming into the shooting range today. He's trying to get a feel for things for when he's here permanently. At least, he'll have something to keep him busy. Besides, Rosalie will probably thank me when she gets a few minutes alone with the contractors. You know their almost finished with their house. They hope to be moved in by Thanksgiving. Even though Martin will still have to commute back and forth each week until the first of the year," Athena answered leaving Carrin no room to argue.

  Carrin turned to me to say, "well I guess that settles it". "You’re stuck with me today bud."

  "Sounds good to me. We’ll have to take your Tahoe though. What I have in mind for the diva won't be fitting on the back of my bike."

  "Okay," she said looking a little defeated at the thought of not taking the bike.

  "When we get back I'd be more than happy to get you out on the bike for a bit if you’re up to it Care Bear."

  "As good as that sounds, we'll have to see where the day leads us," she said with a little more excitement in her eyes.

  "What smells so fucking good up here," Happy said as he made his way up the basement steps.

  "Language Hap. You know she’s picking that stuff up quickly," Athena scolded Happy.

  "Yeah our little diva looked at the president yesterday and called him and asshole," Happy choked out between laughs.

  "Oh my god, Braxton's going to kill me," Carrin shouted.

  "Nah babe I was there. Axel couldn't do anything but laugh. He's cool with it. Besides that, the little girl has him wrapped around that little pinkie of hers just like the rest of us," I threw in as I reached across the table stacking my plate high with scrambled eggs and French toast.

  As I began pouring on the syrup I thought to myself, today was going to be a good day. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a read on where I stand with this woman. I began to stuff my face eating as quickly as I could. I still needed to check in with my sponsor and get a shower before I could get this sexy little thing out the door all to myself for the day. Even if that meant dropping a fortune in the Toys ‘R’ Us the next town over.

  "Hey sponsor, you okay with me falling off the grid today. I'm going to take Carrin over to help me pick out Tivie's gift for tomorrow," I directed towards Happy.

  "Shouldn't be an issue man just keep your phone on," he paused to swallow a mouthful of scrambled eggs, "you’re gonna be another asshole who tries to show me up tomorrow at the kid's party aren't you?"

  "I'm going to win that bet if it's the last thing I do man."

  "We'll see fool. Just make sure you've got the coin to cover losing when it comes time for the little diva to open her presents," Happy said with a wide grin on his face.

  Oh, it's game on, fucker. I'll show him up if it's the last thing I do!

  I quickly stood and made my way to the sink. After scraping the leftovers in the garbage disposal I stopped and looked over to Carrin. “I’ll be ready to roll out in thirty."

  "Alright but all you’re getting out of me is a change of clothes. If I can't go like the bum, I am then I'm staying home."

  "Babe you look perfect just the way you are, although I don't feel like cracking skulls today so a change of clothes would be nice." I turned leaving her speechless as I made my way up to the third-floor bathroom. I just had four more days before I could confess my feelings to her. Once we got past the one-year anniversary of Brookes all bets were off. She'd had her time to mourn, now it was time for me to help her get back to the land of the living.

  Carrin

  "Thank you for getting me out of the house, Hart. It's weird to be able to get out as an adult and not just as a mommy, even though we are standing in the middle of a toy store," I said laughing a little at my choice of words.

  "I should be thanking you, babe. You’re my saving grace in the midst of all this pink shit," Hart managed to get out while his eyes were surveying the walls of little girl toys.

  "I'm going to show you something, not because I expect you to waste your money on it but because I think it's a cool idea for Santa. I need some input dude. Follow me."

  I grabbed his arm and lead him to the back of the store where the power wheels were held. I stopped just in front of a pink and purple battery-operated Harley. "You think she'd like it?"

  "With the family, she's got how could she not. She's not waiting for Santa for this, though. It's coming home with us today," Hart belted with a victorious gleam in his eye.

  "Is this going to be something nice for her or just because your ego can't take losing a bet with the guys," I said giggling out loud.

  Hart turned to look at me taking my face in his hands. "I told you months ago, you and that little girl will never want for anything, not if I have anything to say about it."

  I stood there for a moment searching his chocolate eyes looking for any flaw to prove what he said was bull shit. I couldn't find any. I knew what he spoke was the truth. Somewhere deep in my heart, I knew that if I would allow it this man would easily be my everything. He might not have vocalized his wants or needs with me but I knew. I know he wants me just as much as I want him. The problem is when would I be ready for that and if I took too long would he still be here waiting.

  I pulled back before speaking changing the subject back to the battery powered vehicle in front of us. “I’m sure you'll definitely be a little girl’s hero with that."

  "Then it's settled. Let’s get this thing paid for and loaded up. If we finish shopping early enough maybe we'll even have enough time to slip away on that little bike ride I promised this afternoon," he said grabbing the slip to carry to the front so we could pay for our purchase.

  Once Hart had paid for the little Harley and the few decorations I had picked out we pulled my Tahoe around the back of the store. As we both went to climbed out of the SUV, the Bluetooth in my truck began to go off. Looking at the radio display I saw it was Madison calling. I pointed to the screen letting Hart know I needed to take the call. With a nod, he got out of the truck to meet with the store personnel to load up Tivie's present.

  "What's up Hooker? Haven't heard from or seen your ass in over a week," I said into the truck waiting for a response from Madison but not getting one. "Madison answer me. I was just joking. What's up with you woman?"

  Madison sounded like she was crying which sent me on full alert, she was not a crier. My senses peaked knowing something was wrong with my friend. "You're scaring me CB. I need you to tell me what's wrong".

  "Oh my god Care Bear I'm losing my shit. I need you to come get me please."

  "Where are you love? I'll head that way right now."

  "I'm sitting at the table in my apartment with the forty-five in my hand. Please don't say anything to the guys just yet. I need you Care Bear," she sa
id sniffling into the phone.

  "Okay I'll be there in less than thirty, but I have Hart with me. I won't tell him your upset but he's gonna question shit when we get there."

  "Okay, I'll see you guys in a bit," Madison said sobbing into the other end of the phone before disconnecting.

  Sitting waiting for the store personnel to load the big box in the back of my SUV was making me anxious. As soon as it was loaded and Hart made his way into the passenger side I tore out of the parking lot.

  "Whoa babe where's the fire," Hart asked still trying to right his self in his seat?

  "Madison called. She said she need some help with something."

  "Okay, but does that mean we have to run like a bat out of hell to get there"?

  "She said it was urgent and I know if I don't get there she'll try and do it by herself," I lied.

  "Okay would it be easier for me just to call Axle and get one of the guys over there," Hart asked trying to figure out what the rush was.

  "NO! I told her I would be there in less than thirty," I said a little too quickly.

  Hart’s voice deepened, "I'm not sure what it is you’re not telling me but I don't like it, woman. I need to know what I'm walking into."

  "I don't know what's going on at the moment. She knows you’re with me but made me promise not to call anyone until I get there. She was crying Hart. Madison doesn't cry easily."

  "Oh hell! Don’t rush and roll the damn truck trying to get there then. Maybe she just had an argument with her boyfriend or one of her brother's" Hart responded.

  "You’re not very perceptive if you hadn't noticed that Madison doesn't date. She won't admit it but Wall is it for her. She may play around and possibly a one night stand every six months or so but I doubt she'll ever settle down. Plus, she fights with her brother's all the time. Besides their normally more scared of her, not the other way around. She didn't get the nickname “Crazy Bitch” for nothing. She's not one to take lightly. Trust me."

  "Okay then I'm trusting you to know your friend, but know that when we get there and I get a handle on what's going on I will be reaching out Axle. He'll kill me if I don't," Hart stated while looking out the window at the passing scenery.

  "I'm sorry this afternoon isn't going to go as we planned. Rain check on that bike ride handsome?"

  That brought a little smile back to his brooding face, "sure thing beautiful. I'm going to hold you to that".

  I smiled to myself at the word beautiful. How this god of a man would want someone like me is beyond me? I know I'm far from ugly but I've had a kid for Christ sake. My body isn't as tight as it once was although it's still better than most. Looks like I might need to start hitting the gym again to help rid myself of insecurities.

  Chapter 12

  Madison

  After disconnecting the phone, I leaned back in my kitchen chair to look at the mess of apartment before me. While I was at the shop today someone had let themselves in my apartment to wreak havoc. It was almost like they were looking for something. At a quick glance, I would say they didn't find exactly what they were looking for. Nothing seemed to be missing everything was just thrown and scattered around the room.

  My first thought was to call Wall. I quickly decided against it when the thought of that skank whore Yasmin answering his phone again came to mind. The last time she was more than forthcoming about the way she had wrung his dick dry. Apparently she did such a good job he was sleeping it off. Even after she told me she would let him know I called, my phone never rang back. He came into work the next day as if it was a normal day. Still weeks later that shit still bothered me. Either he was just as big of a douche as he makes his self out to be or that conniving whore didn’t tell him I called. Either way, my pride wouldn't let me address the issue. Fuck him and the ground he walked on for playing with that piece of trash. Out of all the club girls that had come and gone, she was the one I detested. I was friendly with Diamond and even Jewels. I knew they had their reasons for resorting to the life of club bunny, but, at least, they had a little dignity about the service they supplied those men. Yasmin was just pure trash. I'm surprised her antics hadn't gotten her the boot in the ass out the door.

  Hearing the knock at the door I grabbed my forty-five in my right hand as I made my way to the door. Looking through the peephole I saw Carrin with Hart right behind her. Taking a deep breath, I undid the chain and the deadbolt letting them in my mess of an apartment.

  "What the fuck happened here Madison? Are you hurt," Carrin asked before she made it entirely through the door. Hart taking that as a clue, something wasn't right he pushed past Carrin into the living room. He stood with a stone cold look on his face while he surveyed the mess. Without saying one word to me he stepped out the door with his phone to his ear.

  "I’m fine Carrin, just a little shaken up is all. I was at work this morning. This was waiting for me when I got home. I was going to call Wall but didn't feel like dealing with his shit so I called you. I can't stay here and I don't mean to invite myself to your new house but I don't think I have a choice in the matter."

  "I ought to slap the shit out of you. You know you’re always welcome in my home no matter how new it is. You have spare clothes there already and if they’re not good enough I have a closet full. I don't want you touching anything until the guys are finished looking through this mess. Come with me and we'll go wait in the truck for the guys to get here," Carrin told me taking me by the shoulders to nudge me out the door.

  Hart

  "Speak," Axle said on the receiving end of the phone.

  "Hey man it's Hart. You and a few of the guys might wanna head over here to your sister's apartment. Someone got in while she was at work today and tossed the place."

  "How the fuck do you know that and why the fuck are you with my sister," Axle screamed into the phone?

  "I was with Carrin earlier picking up Tivie's birthday present. While I was loading the shit in the truck Madison called Carrin to come to her. I had no idea what was going on til I got here. As soon as I saw the mess of her apartment I called you without even saying anything to Madison."

  "Stay with the girls prospect. I'll grab Wall and Tank and head over. Should be there in no more than twenty," Axle said forcefully before abruptly disconnecting the call.

  I made my way up the steps to the apartment just as Carrin stepped out leading a distraught Madison down towards the street.

  "Where the fuck do you two think you’re going," I said noticing Madison still held the gun in her hand?

  "Nowhere Hart. I just thought it’ll be easier on her to wait in the truck instead of in the midst of all the shit that use to make up her goddamn apartment. Back the fuck off," Carrin said with anger I had never heard before.

  Damn, my girl had a temper. She was pissed and right for a change. "Sounds like a good idea. You two hop in the back. I'll sit in the driver's seat in case we have to leave in a hurry."

  "I've been here by myself for almost an hour before you two showed up. I would think if someone was still here waiting to make a move they would have done it by now Hart," Madison said as she made her way to the rear passenger’s door of the SUV.

  "Point taken dear but I'd rather be safe than sorry," I told her as I opened the door for them.

  The hair on the back of my neck stuck straight up. It was like I could feel someone's eyes on me. Someone was definitely watching us. At least, in the comfort of the SUV, we wouldn't be as vulnerable.

  We sat in silence for the whole fifteen minutes it took for the guys to get here. Our enforcer was the first one I saw. Wall was out of formation racing forward like a wild banshee. He slammed on the brakes right beside the truck dismounting the bike before the kickstand was even on the pavement. By some saving grace, the bike's kickstand made it out in time to catch the machine and hold it upright without it falling over. Wall had the rear door flung open pulling a sobbing Madison in his arms before Axle and Tank even got to a full stop.

  "Are you hurt anywhe
re? Was anyone in there when you got home? Why the fuck didn't you call me Madison?" Wall was spitting out questions quicker than Madison was able to even answer but something with the last one sent her into bitch mode. By the look in her eye, I knew it wasn't going to be pretty. Backing away from the two to give them some space I stuck my hand up to the two men on the march towards to the truck to indicate they might want to wait a minute.

  "FUCK YOU WALL!!,” Madison yelled while throwing a right hook at Wall’s just missing his face. “You have some fucking nerve. I'm a big girl I can take care of myself dammit!" Madison lashed out at Wall again.

  Wall didn’t let the missed punch affect him one bit. He just wrapped his arms around her pulling her into his chest. "If you can take care of yourself then why are you shaking like a leaf in my arms baby girl? Why did you call Carrin to come get you? You need to let us help you. You need to lean on me when you need someone!" Wall retorted back.

  "Oh like the last fucking time I needed you," Madison threw back at him while pushing away from his chest with a raised eyebrow. Shock is what I saw on Wall’s face. He froze at her words giving her the opportunity to break away from him. She moved back watching him carefully.

  “What the hell are you talking about? Whenever you have needed me I have always been there just like I'll always be. All you have to do is call WOMAN!" Wall said back frustrated. He was pacing back ‘n’ forth now.