“She is something, isn’t she?” Ant laughs.
“That she really is…” I chuckle and watch her be happy with the people she loves. She’s been on her own for so long that it’s good to see her interact with people I know and love. I’m still on the fence about her making friends with people outside of the club. I just want to protect her. She’s been talking to Charlotte a lot too, which I don’t mind, but it still makes me nervous. You can’t be too careful after all the shit we’ve been through.
CHAPTER 27
Viv
Two Weeks Later
To say life is unpredictable is an understatement.
I’ve quite literally had to deal with ghosts from my past head on. My twin sister whom I thought died twelve years ago was actually alive and a complete crazy bitch. I didn’t expect having to kill her to save my man. I’ve been stuck in this turmoil of emotions from the events of that day. I feel responsible for everything that happened. Sanders losing his wife, Bennett being shot, Gabe stabbed and Nic’s emotional state. I can handle being hurt, but I can’t handle seeing the ones I love suffering all because of my selfish decision twelve years ago.
I struggled a lot the first few days after waking up from the long ass surgery. I’m alright now but it’ll take a while to heal and I’m finally able to go back home. About fucking time. It’s doing my head in staying in here for so long, but it’s been even harder for Gabe. He has absolutely no patience and hates hospitals, doctors and nurses, even more so when they take their sweet time with test results. He never once complained though and stayed by my side keeping me entertained while I was awake, watching over me whilst I slept. He refused to go home to rest, shower or even for food. Thank fuck I had a shower in my room when they moved me out of the ICU, and our friends bring him food or he would have starved himself to death.
“For fuck’s sake, can’t they hurry up with your release papers?” Gabe exclaims pacing around the room as he has for the past hour.
“Relax Love. They probably had an emergency with another patient or something.” I can’t help but chuckle.
“Don’t tell me you’re not just a little bit impatient to leave?” He looks at me looking exhausted and desperate.
“Of course I am, just relax and come here.” I hold my hand out to him.
“I can’t relax. We’ve been stuck in here for two weeks. It’s about time we go home.” He takes my hand and sits on the bed.
“I know, it’s only a matter of minutes now.” I kiss his shoulder and rest my head on it.
“You’ve been saying that for the past hour.” He whines, looking at me whilst squinting his eyes.
“Sorry.” I grin innocently.
“My ass.” He rolls his eyes.
“It’s a very nice ass.” I giggle.
“Bite me.” He shakes his head and I bite his right shoulder.
He yelps. “What was that for?”
“You told me to.” I grin sheepishly.
“You.” He shakes his head, looking at me with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
“I love you.” I smile up at him.
“I love you too.” He sighs happily and kisses me softly. We get lost in the kiss and are quickly brought back to reality when we hear someone clear their throat.
“Sorry to disturb you, I have your release papers,” Charlotte says shyly.
“About time! What took you so long?” Gabe glares at her, clearly making her uneasy.
“I…uh…”
“Don’t mind him, he’s a grumpy sod. Thank you for bringing them.” I smile at her. Charlotte has been really sweet and kind to me during my recovery and we spent a lot of time talking when Gabe was asleep. She told me about her massive crush on Ryan and I have made it my mission to get them two to talk to each other, Ryan better be nice otherwise I’m kicking his ass.
“I’m not grumpy! I’m tired of being here. It’s not the same.” He glares at me making me laugh and wince.
“As I said, grumpy.” I peck his lips and get up slowly. “Thank you for being so lovely over the past couple of weeks, you made this more bearable.” I smile and hug her carefully.
“You’re welcome, glad I could help.” She hugs me back.
“If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call me, especially if you need someone to kick Ryan’s ass. Call me please.” I grin innocently, making her and Gabe laugh.
“Now that I’d pay to see.” He smiles and gets my bag. “Are we allowed to leave now?”
“Yes, you can go.” Charlotte laughs softly and walks us back to the entrance.
“See you soon.” I smile waving at her as we walk out.
“Not here I hope.” She grins.
“I bloody hope not.” I chuckle and walk to Gabe’s car.
“Ready to go home?” He grins mischievously. He’s up to something.
“What have you done, Gabe Lyle?” I raise my eyebrow looking at him as he helps me into the car.
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out.” He grins like a tit and I want to slap the back of his head.
“You’re annoying, you know that?” I glare at him when he gets in the car.
“And why might that be?” He has the audacity to chuckle.
“Because you won’t tell me what you have planned and it’s doing my fucking head in!” I pout, and cross my arms over my chest.
“You’re cute when you’re annoyed.” He chuckles and starts the car.
“I’m not cute, Charlotte is cute. I’m feisty.” I frown.
“You’re the most beautiful woman to ever grace the face of planet earth and I’m pretty sure any other planet where there’s life.” He takes my hand and kisses each knuckle.
“You’re a dork.” I giggle.
“You love it.” He smiles at me as he stops at a red light.
“Yes, I do, a lot.” I kiss him softly. “Where are you going? This is not the way to my house?” I look at him confused.
“I never said we were going to your house. I said we were going home.” He smirks at me as the light turns green.
“What?” I look around confused before it dawns on me. “No, you didn’t.” I can feel tears threatening to fall.
“Yes, I did.” He smiles.
“Oh. My. God.” I squeal, loudly, probably fucking up his hearing forever.
“Fuck me, my ears.” He chuckles and parks in front of a house. The house.
“My childhood house.” I burst into tears as he carefully wraps his arms around me.
“Aww, come on Viv, you’re killing me, I don’t want to see you cry.” He kisses my head.
“Happy fucking tears,” I say flailing my arms in front of my face trying to calm down. “Why?” I look over at him.
“Because the night I found you here, you were different, you were at peace. Despite facing the tough memories this place brings, you were the most relaxed I’ve seen you since you’ve been back. That meant I had to get you back here because this is where you’d be most happy. I debated about this a lot after what happened, but the memories you have of this place are the good ones, I know you.” He’s rendered me speechless. All I’m able to do is kiss the shit out of him. I fucking love my man. I know we’ve had our ups and downs and will most certainly have a bunch more, but after all that we’ve all been through, we’re finally going to be able to settle down and enjoy each other.
This house is the place where I have all of my good memories. I wasn’t here when we were told our parents died. We were in school, I’m glad we were, at least this house has been unaffected by the negative that’s been plaguing us. Some of my best memories, outside of the compound ones, are from here. Baking with my mom was one of my favorite things to do. She used to make one mean chocolate lava cake. I smile to myself thinking back to when Ayden, Annie and I would have sleep overs and steal Mom’s make up. We’d make a right mess every single time, but it always made her laugh.
“Thank you.” I whisper brushing my lips over his.
�
�You’re welcome.” He smiles at me and rests his forehead on mine. I brush my fingers over his scarred cheek.
“As fucked up at this is going to sound, I’m glad all this shit has happened, if it hadn’t then we wouldn’t be together. It’s fucking heart breaking what has happened to us, but in the end, we’ve come out stronger and have proven that nothing can tear us apart.”
He takes a deep breath. “I agree, I hate that we had to go through it. It affected so many of us.” He sighs.
“Especially Sanders.” I sigh. “Have you heard from him? I wish we could have gone to Jenny’s funeral.”
“Ant gave him a note I wrote for the both of us and I called him yesterday while you were sleeping. He’s still messed up, but seems to have turned a corner and is trying to find the positives. She was suffering, not only from his job as a detective and his affiliation with us but she couldn’t have kids. It constantly haunted her but she couldn’t bring herself to talk to anyone about it. Nicole has told him everything that went on in that warehouse which has seemed to help.” I nod.
“I can understand why. Knowing what really happened can bring closure, even if it means reliving a horrible nightmare. I’m glad Nicole made it out relatively unscathed, I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself.” I sigh.
“She’s a tough cookie.” He smiles softly. “You like my overprotective baby sister.” He chuckles.
“She grew on me. She’s really similar to you but she has a softer side.”
He scoffs. “Never with me, she’s always busting my balls.”
“Ah, yeah, those balls.” I chuckle squeezing his cock through his leathers.
“Don’t fucking start.” he says, pained. The doctor suggested refraining from any sexual activity for a couple more days.
“Sorry.”
“You’re anything but sorry.”
“Ah yeah, you’d be right.” I grin. “Can we go in now?”
“Yes, of course.” He smiles and gets out of the car. He hurries to my side and opens my door, helping me out. I love this car but when you’re recovering from a gunshot wound, it’s hard to get out of it, it’s so fucking low!
“Such a gentleman.” I grin and kiss over his heart.
“I try.” He chuckles and walks me to the door, unlocking it.
Everything inside is dark. I turn on the light and scream, jumping into Gabe’s wall of muscle at hearing all of my friends scream “Welcome home!” from the living room.
“What are you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?” I hold my chest, trying to catch my breath.
“Sorry, we couldn’t resist,” Ayd says hugging me carefully.
“Thank you.”
“It’s good to see you alive and in one piece. You had us worried! This one wouldn’t let us come to the hospital.” She pouts, pointing accusingly at Gabe.
“What? I knew you would be exhausting her with all your chatting!” He shrugs.
“How dare you!” Ayd, Line and Nicole all yell pointing at him, making the rest of us laugh.
“I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes Brother.” Ant chuckles.
“Piss off Ant.” He glares at him and looks over at the mad women. “What I meant is that she had to rest a lot. Having you around would have defeated the purpose of being in the hospital getting said rest because let’s face it, you guys talk a lot and she wouldn’t have wanted you to go. So, I didn’t mean it in a bad way, just taking care of my Viv.” He shrugs.
“You’re digging yourself into a deeper hole Love.” I try not to laugh.
“You’re lucky we love you.” Line glares at him and grins, hugging me carefully.
My new extended family greets me along with a couple of guys I didn’t know and their old ladies. It’s amazing to have a long ass extended family again. I’ve missed this. There are a couple of guys from the Bastards from Hell and the Fallen Angels here as well. I can’t believe they are keeping their alliance. It’s amazing but unheard of. I guess the war with the Hades Kings isn’t over yet or maybe they just enjoy working together.
The party is in full swing and I’m so grateful for all the people who came here to greet me, but I’m exhausted and need to rest. I walk up to Gabe and wrap my arms around his waist. “I’m going to head upstairs, I’m getting tired.”
“Alright, give me ten and I’ll join you.” He kisses my head.
“Don’t, enjoy it, you haven’t seen anyone for two weeks.” I smile and kiss him softly before walking up the stairs and curling up in my old bed, the same bed that changed everything between me and Gabe. I smile to myself, looking around, seeing he hasn’t changed a thing, except for adding the picture of us at the carnival. I had no idea he still had it. That picture is torn and tattered as I’ve had it in my wallet for all those years. I sigh happily, knowing we are finally where we’re meant to be; together. I close my eyes and let sleep take me, falling into a dreamless sleep.
I don’t know how long it’s been, but I feel the bed move behind me. I mumble incoherently and try to move on my back but a wall is blocking me. I wake up fully with a start and stare at Gabe who was making himself comfortable.
“Sorry Doll. I didn’t mean to wake you up.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me to him.
“What time is it?” I yawn.
“It’s only been thirty minutes since you came up.” He chuckles.
“I told you to enjoy the party.” I face plant his chest.
“I didn’t want you to be on your own and I needed you all to myself.” He brushes a strand of hair away from my face.
“You can’t leave our company alone downstairs though.” I frown.
He chuckles. “They went home already.”
“What?”
“Yeah, they understood you needed to rest and left of their own free will, I didn’t kick them out. I had to kick Ayden out because she wanted to take all the Red Velvet donuts with her.”
“She didn’t, did she?” I look at him with a look of horror.
“I think she did because when I went back to the kitchen the box was gone and she was rushing out the door.”
“The witch!” I pout.
“I’ll go get you some more tomorrow, don’t worry.”
“You’re spoiling me.”
“Only the best for you.” He beams at me. Fuck, but he’s beautiful.
“Aww, you’re such a sweetheart.” I kiss him softly. “I can’t believe how far we came.”
“I know.” He brings his lips to mine and kisses me with all the passion he has.
After making out for what seems like forever, yet never long enough, I look up at him and nibble my lip.
“What’s wrong?” He looks at me confused.
“Will you move in with me?” I grin shyly.
“Since when are you turning shy on me?” He raises his eyebrow.
I shrug. “Just answer the damn question, Lyle.” I glare at him because I’m seriously dying from anticipation here.
“My stuff is already here and unpacked, Doll.” He smiles at me, this one reaching his eyes and my man is fucking beautiful.
“I fucking love you, you know that right?” I grin and kiss him fiercely, not giving him time to answer me.
CHAPTER 28
Gabe
A Month Later
I haven’t been to the compound since the accident. I didn’t feel like leaving Viv on her own and it didn’t seem right of me to be going out when she still can’t move too much. She’s getting better, but she’s still struggling to follow the doctor’s orders and rest, no carrying heavy weight or over exerting herself. Being the fucking stubborn woman she is, Viv hasn’t, but I wouldn’t have her any other way.
Things have been fairly quiet on the club front. Ant and Aleck have been keeping me updated on what’s going on. Our alliances with the Fallen Angels and Bastards from Hell are still standing, thank god. It’s kind of ironic, the Bastards and the Fallen wanted to ally themselves to the Kings and now, they’re with us, the number one enemy of t
he Kings.
There are, as of now, only ten members left of the real Hades’ Kings, but their charters are still around. So far, we didn’t suffer from any retaliation from blowing up their compound and killing most of their club. Maybe their affiliation with the Kings was a result of bullying, and now that the Kings are more or less gone, they’re free from the Kings’ clutches.
Today is my first day back at the compound and it feels weird. Not being there, but leaving Viv alone with the other women is making me a bit uneasy. It’s going to be just them, no babysitter, I did install a very good security system so if anything happens, I can be there in less than five minutes. Let’s just hope it won’t come to that. I’ve only been gone for a few minutes and I fucking miss her already. I can’t help but worry if she’ll be okay or if something will happen to her.
I park my Harley next to Ant’s and walk towards the compound. We have a meeting with the Fallen and the Bastards, along with Sanders, I’m not sure what it’s about but it must be big for them to ask me to come in.
I walk into the bar and immediately my brothers greet me, with some patting me on the shoulder a bit too hard. Fuckers. It’s too tempting to punch them, but I stop myself getting into a fight on my first day back, not for myself or the club, but for Viv. She’s never asked me to leave the club or even hinted at it, but I know she worries whenever someone goes on a run and can’t stomach the thought of someone getting hurt. She’s been nagging Bennett to come over at least once a week to make sure he’s okay. He usually ends up coming over three times every week just to reassure her. I haven’t heard him complain yet because each time he comes over, Viv tries a new baking recipe.
“The Mighty Gabe is back.” Ant says making the others laugh.
“Fucker.” I shake my head and tap my brother on the shoulder, then the others. As we walk into the Chapel, I see Aleck looking at me as if he’s seen a ghost. “What’s with the long face, Aleck?”
“Nothing.” He sighs and sits down on Ant’s right as I take my place on his left.
“Okay?” I look at him confused. “Where’s Sanders?”
“He’s la-”
“Right here, sorry, work is fucking chaos.” He sighs and sits down next to Aleck.
Healing Gabe (Last Hangman MC Book 3) Page 21
