“Elena, you look tired. You doing okay?” He looked into her eyes as she sat down beside him.
“Thrash, I’m doing as well as can be expected. I’m due soon and I had some riding lessons today so I’m hot and sweaty. Standing all day and telling children how to ride is a pain in the ass. In fact, I was going to take a shower before you pulled up. What do you need? I heard you’ve become the new man whore since Jersey got with Joy. Did you knock a slut up or get a disease?” Elena’s voice wasn’t accusing or mean, but she was curious.
“None of the above, but thanks for caring. So Charming over there is gossiping?” Thrash was a bit annoyed Elena knew he was balling all the chicks he could.
Elena saw his expression and giggled. “Nope, but the girls call or stop by. You’ve gotten quite a reputation now with the dancers. Took up your brother’s mantra of never rubbing belly buttons twice, I hear. I’m sorry China did such a number on you.”
Thrash took another sip of ice tea and frowned. He hated hearing that name. All he wanted to do was forget about that bitch. He was doing a damn good job of it, too. If fucking all the dancers made him feel better than so be it. He wasn’t fucking sluts...yet. But that wasn’t any of Elena’s concern.
“I stopped by because I need a favor and it’s a big one. My sister showed up at my apartment and she needs a place to live. You shouldn’t be alone here anyway so if I paid you to take her in, would you?”
Elena looked taken back. “Your little sister? Did she fight with your mother?”
Thrash grinned. “My mother is the world’s biggest pain in the ass. She tried to run Kat’s life as she did Veiko’s and mine so yeah, they fought and Kat can’t go back there. I don’t think Kima is able to deal with any issues at the moment or I would’ve asked her. V says she’s miserable and he can’t wait for the baby to come. She asked him to take her for a ride on his bike over a bumpy road last night.”
“I heard she was trying to find any way she could to start labor, but I didn’t hear the latest one, he didn’t do it did he?” Elena was concerned and a bit shocked.
“Hell, no! He took her over to her mother and rode up to talk to me about Kat. We don’t think living in Ocean Cove is for Kat. She can’t be around my lifestyle and like I said, I’ll pay you rent for her. V’s getting her a car and she’d be a help to you. I hate the idea of you being alone here even if Jerz and Joy are close by.”
Elena closed her eyes for a few seconds while she thought. Money was always on her mind and Thrash was correct, she didn’t want to be alone.
“Yeah, I’ll take her in—but I want two hundred a month and you have to get her a bed and anything she needs. I don’t know how happy she’ll be down here. It’s kinda boring.”
Thrash smiled his thanks. “Veiko is seeing if his father-in-law has a part time job for her. She loves animals so I think she’ll be happy here and helpful.” He stood up and reached for his wallet. He pulled two one hundred dollar bills out and handed them to Elena. “Show me the room and tell me what you think she needs. I’d like to move her down as soon as I can.”
Elena looked up at Thrash, “I think you’re going to have to help me get up. I’m kinda stuck here.” She started to laugh as he pulled and tugged her upright.
“Damn, Elena. You don’t look as big as Kima, but you’re heavy. I’m glad Kat will be here for you. Any word yet from Hunter?”
“No and there won’t be. It is what it is. Like you hate to hear China’s name, I hate to hear Hunter’s. I saw your expression when I said her name. We both got a shitty deal didn’t we?” She leaned into Thrash and he felt heat flood his body. Elena grabbed his hand and placed it on her stomach. He felt the baby kicking and looked at her in shock. Thrash closed his eyes and thought to himself he shouldn’t be feeling the way he was about Elena. He hoped she didn’t notice any difference in him.
“Hey, I need to stop by and talk to Jerz before he comes over. The size of the room doesn’t matter. I’ll buy a double bed and we’ll come over tomorrow. Does that work for you?”
“Not like I’m going anywhere. I’ll be here all day. The room is a nice one or Kat can pick the room she wants. I already have a crib set up. Thorn came by and bought me a crib...” She started to cry and Thrash had to hold her. He closed his eyes and again thought to himself, this was all wrong. He still had feelings for this woman who was carrying his bro’s baby. God help him.
Elena pushed herself away from him. “Oh shit, Thrash! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to melt down on you. I still find it hard to believe Hunter thinks I cheated on him. Some days I’m fine, but other times I break down. Thorn has been so good to me. He made a beautiful nursery for the baby. Come look at it. I know Thorn has to be hiding it from Hunter—that he helps me.” Elena pulled Thrash to a small bedroom, painted a soft pale green color. He checked out the crib and the furniture as he noted how calm and serene the room was.
“It’s really nice, Elena. I’m glad Thorn is taking care of you. If you need anything, the club will help. Hunter tried to do a vote to get you barred, but nobody would even second it. You can’t go to his clubhouse, but you’re welcome in Central Jersey’s. No need for you to be calling Darko. We take care of our own. Whatever the hell Hunter has going on in his head, nobody can figure it out. You need anything you call me or tell Jerz. Get a pen and write my number down. You call me and I swear I’ll be right here for you. I never thought Hunter would turn on you. None of the bros like this shit. You were always good to the club and we won’t forget that.”
Elena smiled at Thrash sadly. “I feel better calling Darko to be honest. I know Hunter’s temper and I don’t want to cause issues. Thank you, that means a lot to me. Thorn said almost the same words you said. He thinks there’s something mentally wrong with Hunter. He told me Hunter stays holed up in his office a lot and he has been going to the Veteran’s hospital. He won’t tell Thorn why, either. Hunter has had some issues over the years so it isn’t unusual for him to go talk to somebody at the VA hospital. I’ve given up on him ever coming back and I don’t want him back. I don’t need Hunter. You can love someone yet hate them at the same time. I hate Hunter—I truly do, but I still love a part of him. The part that doesn’t exist anymore, I guess. Maybe it is better the baby won’t know him. I want a girl because I think it will be easier to raise a girl without a daddy. If I have a boy, what will I tell him when he asks who his father is? Thorn will help, but a boy needs a man. I wanted to give Hunter another son for so many years, but it never happened. After Kima lost her baby, I went off birth control. I never told him, either…maybe I should have. We were fucking all the time. So why that bastard even thinks I cheated I’ll never know. Do you think I cheated on Hunter?”
Thrash looked into her teary eyes. “Oh, hell no. Nobody believes you cheated, Elena. We don’t see as much as him, either. Veiko says he’s always angry and if it continues he may ask him to step down as vice president. Kima’s great aunt called John and was complaining Hunter is harassing her to sell him her general store, marina, the cabins and the old diner she owns. Putting pressure on a family member isn’t cool. The old lady refuses to sell to a McQue. Some long standing grudge shit.”
Elena looked upset. “Anya will never sell to Hunter. She has made it clear over the years and it is a long-standing feud between the families. That old woman is the sweetest lady. I know she has the same idea as Hunter does about keeping Sea Woods away from developers, but she promised her husband she wouldn’t ever sell to a McQue. She’s nice to Thorn, but she hates Hunter. I don’t know all the facts, but I do know she lost both her sons. One in an accident, one in the war and Hunter came home. However, all of that started with Hunter’s grandfather. I’m glad Kima and Veiko live nearby because she’s getting old. Damn him for harassing an old lady. None of you have a clue about the real Hunter I’ve had to deal with over the years. When I look back at all of the shit I put up with, I should’ve left him years ago! Hunter can be the biggest son of the bitch around, trust me.
I did so much for him. Who do you think cleaned those cabins? I helped him make the Lodge more of a success—cooked for his parties, supported my horses and never asked for a dime from him. He was too cheap to go on vacations so I paid for them over the years. I always thought we’d be together forever. I was a damn fool for too many years.” Elena had a furious look on her face.
Thrash didn’t know how to reply to her. He leaned over and kissed Elena’s wet cheek. “I’ll be back tomorrow. Go take a shower and relax. Getting upset isn’t good for the baby. I’ve got to go talk to Jersey…do you want me to send Joy over?” He headed toward the door and Elena followed.
“No, tell Joy I’ll see her tomorrow. I’m so tired; I’ll shower and take a nap. Thanks, Thrash, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Elena watched Thrash from the screen door as he got on his bike and he waved at her as he took off.
Elena put the hook into the eye on the screen door and decided to take her shower.
Chapter Four:
Kima was walking around the yard with two Great Pyrenees puppies trailing her as Veiko washed his bike. He would glance at her and smile slightly. Kima had decided to bring on labor by walking. Her mother had suggested it. She had her lemon ice in one hand and a scowl on her face as she walked. Each time she glanced V’s way the scowl seemed to get worse. Most likely, she was blaming him for being pregnant and uncomfortable. All Veiko wanted was a healthy baby and for Kima to stop moaning all the time. She was still upset he refused to take her on his bike. Pee and Wee (the two puppies) came to him and he rubbed their heads.
“Babe, my sister showed up at Thrash’s house and I need to take a ride up there. I gotta go over to my mother’s house with my brother and Kat to get her stuff. Thrash made arrangements. She’s going to stay with Elena. I talked to your dad about getting her a car and a job, too.” Veiko kept playing with the pups not looking at Kima.
Kima froze in place and looked at him. She hated Mrs. Finn with a passion. No wonder her husband wouldn’t look her in the face, that sneaky bastard. Slowly she walked to a lawn chair and carefully sat down, tossing her lemon ice on the ground. Her back was aching and her mood worsened. Veiko talking to her dad about a car and job for this sister she didn’t know and Elena taking her in? She was not at all happy and it showed in her face.
“You’re a sneaky bastard, Veiko. You ask my family for favors? How dare you! Why wouldn’t you talk to me before going to my dad? We’re married and I’d like to know shit before you go to my dad. I’m going to lay down. My back hurts. Go do whatever you planned to do. As usual, I’m the last to know.” Kima pushed herself up out of the chair and went inside leaving Veiko with Pee and Wee.
V knew he hadn’t handled it well again, but he wanted everything in place before upsetting Kima. He knew she hated his mother and she didn’t seem to want to know his sister although once she had seemed willing to meet Kat. With Kima’s mood swings, V figured he was doing the sensible thing. If Kima would give Kat a chance, they might like each other. He stood up and got the puppies into the kennel before going inside the house. Kima was in the bedroom and V washed up before going in to say goodbye to her. The bedroom had an air conditioner rattling in the window and he was supposed to fix that today, another thing for her to be pissed off over. Thrash needed him and he wasn’t going to let him down. The sooner Kat had her things at Elena’s place, the sooner he could fix his house and deal with his very grumpy wife. She was lying on her side and he had to walk around the bed to kiss her goodbye. A gun sat on the table beside the bed and he was glad she had it there. Kima knew the Filthy Fiends MC were still a danger to the club.
“Kima, do you want me to call your brother to come over or maybe have Tears sit with you? I don’t like leaving you alone.”
She opened her eyes and looked at him. “I don’t want a babysitter. I thought my husband was spending the entire day with me. You were going to fix that air conditioner remember? That noise is driving me crazy and you promised to take care of it today. I guess I should just ask my dad to pay somebody to fix it since you never have time for the things that need to be done here.”
“I know, but I really need to do this, Babe. I’ll be as fast as I can and I‘ll get it fixed as soon as I get back. Don’t bother your dad—it will be fixed, I promise. I’m taking the truck. Do you want the dogs inside?”
“Nope, I just want to sleep. Just lock the door and windows—wouldn’t want a Fiend coming in. I’ll see you whenever you get back.” Kima was trying hard not to sound bitchy, but her back ached and she wanted to talk to her dad. No way was his sister getting involved with her family. Kima still could picture flashes of that blonde girl lying next to Veiko in his bed from when they were in the hospital. She knew she was being mean, but V should have introduced his sister to Kima long ago. Now she didn’t want to meet her just because of the way he had sprung all of this on her. It was unreasonable of her, but right now she was pissed off at him.
Veiko leaned down and kissed her cheek softly. “All right, I’m sorry, Babe—I really am. I should’ve told you, but I figured you’d want to help my sister out. You know how my mother is…I’ll lock up and you take a nap. Maybe you’ll be in a better mood when I get back.”
The door shut to the bedroom and Kima heard V locking the windows and leaving. That asshole! Here she was ready to have their baby and he was leaving her. She grabbed his pillow, tossed it at the door and pushed his other pillow off the bed. Maybe a nap would help. She was bitchy and she knew it, but it still was the same shit. Veiko always had some reason to explain his actions. She’d give him that. Her definition of sharing things was certainly not his. V promised he’d spend the day with her and her parents were out somewhere. Jo and Nailz were at his parents’ house and here she was alone. Her brother wouldn’t want to come to sit with her—if she could even find him. She wasn’t supposed to be driving or she would have gone to see Elena. A sharp pain in her back had her moaning aloud. How the hell had Jo carried twins she wondered. She tried to move into a more comfortable position, but couldn’t find one. Again, she had to pee and that was driving her crazy. All night long, she was up and down peeing. She swung her feet over the bed and that pain hit her again, only this time a river of wet rain down her leg. Oh fuck, had she just peed? She went into the bathroom and checked her underwear. Hell that wasn’t urine, her water was breaking. She tried to think calmly who would be around. It was a nice day so everyone was busy doing something. She wasn’t calling Elena or Darko. That left the lodge, maybe Thorn was there. Kima wasn’t ready for this today, Veiko was supposed to be here with her. She dialed the lodge and let it ring, praying somebody would answer. Hunter finally answered after about twenty rings.
“Hunter, I need you right now, my water broke and nobody is here. Please, I need you.” Kima was sobbing now.
“What do you mean you’re all alone? Kima, don’t cry, I’m coming.” Hunter sounded like he used to.
“Please hurry, my back is killing me and I don’t know how to have a baby. V never had time to go to the childbirth classes and I didn’t want to go alone.”
“I’m leaving now sweetheart, we got this. No crying, just get your stuff to together and call your doctor, got me?” Hunter’s voice was calm and reassuring.
“Hunter, just hurry up, I’m scared to death here. I’ll be by the door waiting for you.” Kima was calmer now. She called her doctor who told her to come to the hospital. She already had a bag packed so she grabbed that and stood by the door waiting for Hunter to come and get her. Sharp pains were ripping through her back and she wasn’t even going to bother counting the minutes between them. She wanted to be at the hospital and let them tell her what to do. She thought about calling the tattoo shop and decided against it. Veiko had said they were going to his mothers. She wasn’t in the mood to call anyone. She heard Hunter’s truck slide into the driveway and she opened the door, stepped out on the porch and locked the door behind her. Seeing Hunter made her less nervous.
Hunter looked at hi
s girl. He still couldn’t believe she was having a baby. He remembered all the times she got into trouble and he smiled at her. He’d known Kima most of her life and thought of her as his own daughter. Maybe he was wrong to have put a wall up between them lately, but he was here now and he’d take care of his girl. He always had and he wouldn’t stop until he couldn’t do it anymore. In his head, he cursed V. Why did it seem he wasn’t around when Kima needed him the most? He drove to the hospital carefully with Kima squeezing his hand each time a pain went through her. Finally the pulled up to the emergency entrance and he stopped the truck. Walking to the passenger side, Hunter opened the door. Kima looked at him, fear in her face as he helped her out.
Blindsided (Bound For Hell MC Series Book 3) Page 2
