by Erin Osborne
“Any lasting effects?” she asks.
“Mainly my ribs. But, I know it’s going to take time for them to heal completely. I haven’t had any spotting or any abdominal pain since being released, but I’m still worried something happened,” I answer her honestly.
“And you still have the bruising. But, it looks to be fading and healing,” she comments.
As she checks my chest and stomach, I only wince when she gets close to the pain in my ribs. Then she moves to the internal exam. Bounce’s face pales as she does her job and I want to laugh at him. Unfortunately, it’s something I have to go through. Something every woman has to go through.
“You sit tight and I’m going to go get the technician for your ultrasound. I’d like to do another one just to make sure everything still looks good. You can put your panties on, but it would be easier if you left your dress off,” Doctor Bozeman tells me.
“Thank you,” I tell her as she leaves.
Bounce grabs my panties and slides them up my legs. I lift my hips when he gets there and he slides them over my ass. It hurts, but not as bad as it did a few days ago. So, I grimace and let the pain subside. Bounce takes his seat again just as the technician wheels a machine in the room followed by the doctor. Apparently, she wants to be here for the results first-hand. I’m not going to complain one bit.
“This may be slightly cold,” the technician warns as she squirts the gel onto my stomach.
I nod my head and flinch slightly when it hits me. It’s not freezing cold, but it is cold. Bounce takes my hand and I feel him trembling slightly as he looks at the screen. He’s nervous and scared because of his past. I understand where he’s coming from. Turning to look at him, I go to tell him he can wait in the waiting room if he wants to but he just shakes his head and looks at the screen.
The whooshing of a heartbeat fills the room and Bounce’s eyes pop wide open. I smile from ear to ear as I watch him before turning my attention to the screen in front of me. Our baby is a grainy, little peanut on the screen and I can see him or her moving around a little bit.
“That’s it?” Bounce asks.
“Yep,” the technician says.
She begins to point things out on the screen as Bounce and I pay close attention to her. We listen to her and Bounce squeezes my hand when she tells us I’m measuring just under sixteen weeks pregnant. So, I’m out of the first trimester and we have just over five months left to go before our little one is here with us. I’m hoping Bounce will realize he wants this for us. That he wants to be a father to our child.
Once the technician is done, she prints out some pictures for us. I take them from her hands because I’m not sure if Bounce actually wants one just yet. He’s here with me, but that doesn’t mean he wants to be a part of this yet.
“Everything looks good. I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about you losing the baby. But, we’ll keep an eye on things just to be safe,” Doctor Bozeman tells us. “I’ll see you in a month. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call me. And, I want you to start taking prenatal vitamins.”
“I’ll make sure she takes them every day,” Bounce pipes in as Doctor Bozeman smiles at him before leaving the room.
He takes the pictures from me so I can get dressed after helping me off the table. As soon as I’m dressed, we head out and I stop long enough to make my next appointment. I’m really going to like Doctor Bozeman.
Bounce helps me in the car and then leans down to kiss me. I open my mouth to him and he slides his tongue in my mouth. We tangle our tongues together to the point I lose my breath. He breaks the kiss and looks in my face.
“Want to get somethin’ for lunch?” he asks me.
“Like a date?” I ask him.
“Yeah, like a date,” he answers.
“I’d like that.”
“Follow me then and we’ll go get somethin’ to eat before Karson gets outta school,” he says, placing one more kiss on my lips.
I watch as Bounce heads to his bike and realize he still has all of the pictures. I’ll have to get them back from him. Or at least my copies. I’m kind of surprised he didn’t hand them back after I was dressed and we were heading from the exam room.
We pull into one of the small diners in town and I park along the street while Bounce parks behind me and then gets off the bike. I watch him grab something out of his saddle bags and then he walks to my car. I’m out and waiting for him as he places his hand on the small of my back and leads me inside the diner. We’re seated immediately and he waits for the waitress to take our drink order and to leave us before he says anything.
“It’s really real now,” he says, looking at the items in his hand. “There’s no denyin’ you’re carryin’ my baby now.”
“I’m sorry, Bounce. I wish you would’ve waited out in the waiting room for me. Then you wouldn’t have had to see or hear the baby,” I tell him, reaching out to place my hand on his.
“Don’t be. I think this is what I needed. I needed to see our child because you’re not really showin’ or anything yet. For me, it’s not real. Well, it wasn’t until today,” he says.
I nod my head and he hands over half the pictures to me. With the other half, he tucks them protectively on the inside of his cut. Looks like he’s going to be keeping the pictures for himself.
“Syd, I’m goin’ crazy here. I want to take things slow with you, but at the same time, I can’t. The only thing I want right now is for you and Karson to be under the same roof as me. I know you’re concerned about money, but I just want you to heal and not have the stress you’ve been feelin’. Will you come back?” he asks me, looking completely unsure of himself and ready to bolt if I tell him no.
“Bounce, yeah, I’d love to come there and stay with you. But, I have to know this is really what you want and it’s not just because of the baby or something like that,” I tell him.
“It’s not. I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you walking in town and it’s only gotten worse the more I get to know you,” he tells me.
“Then yes, we’ll move back in with you. Things have to be different this time and we’re going to have to learn to live together. Including Karson who can be a handful at times,” I say.
“And I need to get used to that kind of thing. We’ll navigate the waters together and help one another accomplish everythin’ we want to,” Bounce says, holding my hand as the waitress brings us our drinks and takes our food order.
After an enjoyable lunch together, Bounce follows me back to Santana’s house. We pack up the few belongings Karson and I have here and I spend some time with Santana. She’s sad to see us leaving, but understands this is what I need to do right now. This is the best decision for Karson and me. Besides, it’s not like I’m never going to see Santana again; she’s my best damn friend.
When Karson comes running in the front door of the house, he stops when he sees Bounce here again. It’s like he doesn’t believe he’s going to spend time with us again. Bending down, Bounce looks at my brother seriously for a minute.
“Karson, I got a question for you,” he says.
“Okay,” Karson answers.
“How would you like it if you and sissy move back into my house?” he asks him, still remaining down on his level.
“Really?” Karson asks, looking between the two of us.
“Yeah,” Bounce answers him.
“Can we go now?” Karson asks as we laugh.
“Yes, we can,” I tell him.
Santana is going to let us borrow her car for the next few days. She bought the SUV so she’s got a vehicle to use. I can’t thank her enough for what she’s done for us. She’s been there for me so much and I’ll never be able to repay her for the friendship she has given me over the years.
“Tana, I love you,” I tell her, pulling her in for a careful hug.
“Love you too, hooker,” she says back.
This is her way of not crying in front of Karson and Bounce. She walks us out to the c
ar and helps Karson get in his seat before we leave her in peace. I cleaned the room as best as I could while we were packing our things. She’ll still go through it because she tends to have OCD about things.
Finally, we’re on our way to our new home and life. I’m filled with nerves, happiness, and excitement. This is going to be an entirely new experience for the three of us. Yeah, we stayed with Bounce once before, but this time it’s different. Bounce and I are actually together this time and we’re having a baby. I hope we continue on this path and things work out for everyone in our world.
Bounce and I put Karson to bed together. We read him a story and make sure he’s almost asleep before we head out of the room. Just as Bounce goes to turn the overhead light off, we hear Karson’s little voice.
“Love you, sissy. Love you Bounce,” he says, his voice fading as sleep claims him.
Those three little words shatter my big, strong, biker. He loses his shit and a few tears escape his eyes. I hold him close to me as we walk to our room and slide into bed after undressing. My heart is bursting with love and I instantly fall asleep wrapped in Bounce’s arms.
Chapter Thirty
Sydney a.k.a Delight
THERE WAS A problem at Legacies and I’m going in to cover a shift for Heaven. I’ll be waitressing and not dancing. Still, Bounce is pissed I have to go to work because I’m not completely healed yet. I’ve been cleared by both of my doctors but he doesn’t care about that. As far as he’s concerned, it’s too soon and he doesn’t want anything to happen.
Honestly, I’m nervous because this is the first time I’ll be back in the club since I was attacked and I still don’t remember what happened to me. As the doctors told me, it may come back and it may not come back to me. But, Bounce, Blood, Vanish, and Breaker will be there tonight. Tonya would but she’s going to watch Karson for us. He’s looking forward to going to spend time with her at the big house. The clubhouse is what he calls the big house. They’ll be protected by the guys that will be there tonight.
Bounce takes us to work in Santana’s car. He refuses to ride the bike if I’m with him because it’s not safe enough for the baby and me. He’s already talking about getting an SUV like Santana’s new one. With the baby and Karson, that’s what he wants me driving. I’m trying to convince him I don’t need anything as expensive as that one. Bounce won’t listen though. According to him, it’s only going to be the best for us from now on.
He doesn’t understand Karson and I are used to the simple things in life. We don’t need a ton of money spent on us or anything else. We’re good as long as we have a roof over our head and food in our stomach. Bounce is trying to make sure we understand money isn’t an issue for him. The club makes good money and he’s an officer so he makes a good portion of that money. Plus, he earns wages for working at Legacies.
We’ve been in the house for a week now and Karson already has a room decorated for him. Bounce bought him a new bed, bedding, painted the walls a light blue because that’s Karson’s favorite color, and he’s got toys and games now. More than he’s ever had in his life. There’re motorcycles painted on the walls because he’s been showing an interest in Bounce’s bike and any of the guys if they stop over or we go to the clubhouse.
Bounce and I get to the club early enough for me to help restock the bar, make sure the tables are set up, and to have the meeting for the club. I’m welcomed back by Blood and everyone else.
“Now, we all know Syd’s been through a ton of shit. One of those incidents happened right here and it’s up to all of us to be vigilant and look out for one another. Things happen and it’s not anyone’s fault. The entire club was here that night and we all fucked up. So, when you’re here to work, there is absolutely no drinkin’. Breaker and Bounce are goin’ to start bein’ here on the same days to cover both ends of the club. When one of them has time off, we’ll fill the slot with another member of the club. Anyone got anythin’ else?” Blood asks.
We all shake our heads and he dismisses the meeting. This isn’t how we usually have them, but with Tonya not being here, this is how it’s going to be this time. I don’t care, I just want to get changed and ready for the night to begin. The sooner it begins, the sooner it will be over and we can go home. I want a piece of Bounce in the worst way.
One thing I’m learning as I heal and get better; my sex drive is off the charts. He’s having a hard time touching me right now because he doesn’t want to hurt me. I’m not made of glass and tonight he’s going to change his mind. I’m going to do everything in my power to help him change his mind.
I head into the dressing room and get ready for my shift. I slide the black dress up over my body because it’s going to hurt if I slide it over my head. It’s hard, but I manage to slide it up over my hips and slip my arms into it. Then, I place the wig on my head and make sure it’s in place before I slip in the contacts. I sit down to do my make-up. Gabby comes in while I’m finishing up and she gasps at the bruises the make-up doesn’t quite cover all the way. Thankfully it will be dark on the floor and I won’t have to worry too much.
“You okay, hun?” she asks, getting ready for her first dance.
“Yeah. I’ve been better, but it is what it is. I’ll heal and be better in the long run,” I answer her.
“So, you and Bounce huh?” she asks, wanting to get the inside scoop.
“Not talking about that,” I say with a laugh as she pouts at me.
“You’re no fun,” she says, not angry in the least. “I get it though. I’ll be here if you need me.”
“Thank you,” I tell her.
The only difference for me tonight is I get to wear flats instead of the heels the club usually makes the waitresses wear. My ankle won’t be supported in them and Tonya is making an exception for me. Not only because of my ankle, but because of the baby too. Everyone is worried I’m going to topple over. I’m not, but I’d rather wear flats now than have to squeeze my feet in those heels.
“You ready?” Bounce asks, coming in the dressing room.
“Yeah. Just finished up,” I answer.
He places a kiss on my lips before we head out to the floor. We’re supposed to appear available to the customers so they spend more money. With the way Bounce is feeling I’m not sure that’s going to work tonight because his caveman side has a tendency to come out when other men are around me. It’s funny and insane at the same time.
Legacies is packed tonight and I’ve been running my ass off. For some reason it’s only Gabby, Dreama, and myself here tonight. Fawna called off and the other two are the only ones dancing since Heaven isn’t here either. We definitely need to get some more bodies in here or something.
I’m walking toward a table in the back when I see someone I recognize for some reason. I’ve had to have seen him in here before, but I can’t remember because the guys all seem to blend into one another as the days and shifts go by.
As I walk back by, he grabs my ass and suddenly it hits me. This is the man that attacked me out back. He wanted a lap dance and I refused as I always do. Only he didn’t want to accept that. I remember being pulled down on his lap and only let me go when I made him believe I was going to give him a dance.
“What can I get you guys tonight?” I ask, shaking my memories from me and plastering a fake smile on my face.
“You,” he says, reaching up to grab me.
“I don’t do lap dances, but I’ll get you a drink from the bar. It’s busy in here tonight so I’m going to have to come back if you don’t know what you want,” I tell him politely.
“Well, we’ll take two pitchers of beer with glasses. Then, I’ll take you,” he tries again.
I write down the order and table number and turn my back on the table. There’s a feeling of being watched as I make my way back to the bar. I’m shaking from head to toe as I relive the beating out by the dumpster. Bounce notices and is by my side in an instant.
“What’s wrong, baby?” he asks.
“The b
eating, I remember. The guy is here. Right now,” I tell him, my heart racing and panic filling me. “He’s acting the same way he was that night. He wants a lap dance and isn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer.”
“Colt, take the floor,” Bounce says, leading me from the bar.
Bounce leads me back to the office. He never once takes his arm from around me as he leads me into the office where Blood is sitting behind the desk.
“What’s goin’ on?” Blood asks.
“The man who attacked Syd is out there right now. She says he’s actin’ the same way he was that night. I’m gonna take care of the trash. Can you keep an eye on her?” Bounce asks.
“Yeah. I’ll get her calmed down,” Blood answers and walks around the desk to sit with me on the small couch.
He tells me to breathe in slow and then release it. I concentrate on doing the slow breathing technique until my heart rate is back under control. We sit in silence, while Bounce takes care of the asshole who hurt me the first time.
As soon as Bounce comes back in, covered in blood, I rush to him and wrap my arms around him. I don’t care if he’s covered in blood, I just need to know he’s okay. That he’s still here with me and not in the back of a cop car or something else.
“You take care of it?” Blood asks.
“Yeah. They’re all banned from the club and they’re not happy about it. But, after the beatin’ I put on him and the threat of Sydney goin’ to the cops about her memory comin’ back, they won’t cause any more shit. Here’s his name and address so we can keep an eye on things,” Bounce responds.
“Thank you, babe,” I tell him. “I’m going to get back to work. Clean up and I’ll be careful until you get out there. I love you.”
“I love you too,” Bounce says before I turn from him.
Bounce nods at me and I leave the office. This way the two men can talk in private without me overhearing their conversation. I’m not dumb; they’re not going to discuss details in front of me. I don’t want to know them either.
I get back to work and the rest of the night goes smoothly. We’re done closing down for the night and Bounce and I are heading home. Tonya messaged me earlier to say she was taking Karson home so he could sleep in his own bed. Logan is there with them. Now, the only thing I can think of is getting Bounce in bed.
