by Harley Wylde
My phone vibrated in my pocket and I yanked it out. Just about everyone who’d call me was already here, but the number flashing across the screen was familiar. I answered the call and pressed the phone to my ear as I made my way outside.
“Who is this?” I asked.
“It’s Preacher. Found out something you might want to know. Or maybe not.”
“What the fuck is it, asshole? If you think I want to know, just tell me.”
I heard a female voice in the background and figured it was his wife. He rumbled something in reply, but I didn’t catch it. When he came back on the line, I could hear the tension in his voice.
“It’s about Hayley.”
My gut tightened. “What about her?”
“She’s in trouble. Didn’t know if you’d care or not, but she’d got some asshole stalking her. The chief of police has his cops turning this town upside down trying to find the fucker, but he’s being elusive. Leaving notes and gifts for her at home and on her car. Creepy ass shit.”
I leaned against the wall of the clubhouse. “And you thought I wanted to know about it?”
“Look, man. I don’t know what was going on between the two of you that night, but it was clear it was more than looking for her damn raccoon, unless that’s suddenly code for something else.”
“Can’t say the word pussy?” I asked.
“Not with my kids a few feet away,” he said. “If you don’t care, fine. Just thought I’d give you a heads-up in case you gave a shit.”
“Nothing happened between us.”
He sighed. “Right. Sorry I wasted your time.”
The line went dead, and I glanced at the phone. Yep, he’d hung up on me. Hayley had a stalker? I didn’t like the idea of her being in danger, but she’d clearly not wanted anything more from me. I’d let her know I’d be around another day or two and she hadn’t come back. The way she’d spoken about her family, I was surprised they hadn’t already found the guy. Or that he’d gotten so close to begin with.
I wasn’t about to force myself on her. Still… I scrolled through my contacts. I had some friends not too far from the Dixie Reapers’ territory. Wouldn’t hurt to ask them to keep an eye on Hayley, or at the very least keep an ear out for any news about the man harassing her. If I lived closer, I’d watch from the shadows and make sure she stayed safe.
I paused in the middle of a text message. I couldn’t be down there without letting Torch and Venom know. It wouldn’t be right, and I’d have to clear it with Beast. Fuck it. I couldn’t just stand by and let someone hurt Hayley. Even if she didn’t want anything from me, I wasn’t the type of guy to ignore an issue like this. Especially since the woman had me tied in knots.
I got on my bike and drove to the Pres’s house. I hadn’t even gotten off the Harley before he’d opened the door and stepped outside.
“Don’t tell me someone started shit at the clubhouse,” he said.
“No, but I did need to ask you about something.”
He motioned for me to come inside. I followed him to his office and took a seat after he’d shut the door. I hadn’t said a damn thing about Hayley to anyone in my club, and I didn’t want to now. At least, not about fucking her.
“When we were at the Dixie Reapers, I ran across a woman chasing after her pet inside the compound. I helped her out and we talked a bit.” There. Seemed reasonable enough. I cleared my throat. “I just got word some asshole is stalking her. I’d like permission to head down there and try to help find the guy.”
Beast leaned back in his chair. “You talked.”
I nodded. “Yep. She was a virgin and you know I don’t do sweet and innocent. Doesn’t meant I like the thought of some guy out there wanting to hurt her.”
Beast watched me and I hoped like hell he couldn’t tell I was lying through my damn teeth. I’d never hear the end of it. Finally, he reached for the phone on his desk and put the call on speaker. It rang three times before Torch answered.
“What the fuck do you want?” Torch asked when the call connected.
“Heard you’ve got a girl down there with a stalker problem,” Beast said.
Torch grumbled something I didn’t catch and sighed. “Chief of police’s kid, so not one of ours. She’s a sweet girl, though, so we’re trying to keep an eye out. How’d you hear about it?”
“Word spreads fast through the clubs, you know that. Listen, if you need some additional help, I’ll send two men down,” Beast said.
“I’ll take any help I can get. I’m hoping if the club can find this guy before the cops, maybe it will earn us some goodwill with the girl’s dad. Things are mostly legit around here these days, but I still don’t want cops sniffing around here.”
“I get it,” Beast said. “I’ll send Hawk and Snake down there tomorrow morning. They can stay as long as you need them.”
“Appreciated,” Torch said. He paused a moment. “How’s Lyssa?”
Beast smiled and gave me a nod, dismissing me from his office. He regaled Torch with Lyssa’s latest disaster as I made my way out of the house. I went straight home and packed my saddlebags with enough clothes to last several days. I figured I’d find a laundromat somewhere if I needed it, or maybe one of the Reaper ladies would take pity on me.
“I’m coming, Hayley. Just hold on,” I muttered as I ran my hand through my hair.
I didn’t know why someone had fixated on her, but I’d make sure he left her the fuck alone. As much as I wanted to bury the asshole, I knew I couldn’t. Not with the chief of police looking for the guy. But I could hand deliver him to the cops, make sure he spent a lot of time behind bars. I’d keep my distance from Hayley, not let her know I was there. If I thought for one moment she’d be happy to see me, it would be different.
Christ, I’d seriously fucked shit up. I should have made it clearer to her that I was interested in more than one night. If I’d flat out asked her to come back, would she have? Too late now. As my grandmother had always said, I’d made my bed and had to lie in it. Alone.
I stripped off my clothes and started the shower. Better to take one now than in the morning. I wanted to get on the road as soon as possible. If Snake was too fucking hungover, he could follow me later. The second the sun was up I was hitting the road.
Stepping under the spray, I let the hot water beat down on me. Hayley was my only regret. Despite all the shit I’d seen and done in my life, she was the only thing I wished I’d handled differently.
She’d been… amazing. So tight. Sweet. Fuck, I’d never felt anything like I had the night we’d been together. I fisted my cock and stroked, remembering how it had felt to be inside her. The moment I’d sunk into her virgin pussy had been incredible.
I groaned as I tugged harder and faster. The way she’d moaned and clung to me, the feel of her pussy squeezing me tight right before the gush of her release. Fuck! My cum sprayed over the shower wall and I sucked in ragged breaths. Not near as good as the real thing, but my memories of her would have to do. No other woman compared. Looked like my hand would continue to get a workout. I’d already jerked off more than I had in years. It was damn embarrassing.
I quickly washed and got out. After I dried off and pulled on some boxer briefs, I crawled into bed and forced myself to get some sleep. My heart pounded at the thought of seeing Hayley again, even if she wouldn’t see me. Maybe being close to her again would be all I needed to get my head on straight. There was a chance my memories of her were more amazing than the actual woman.
At least, I could hope that was the case. If not, I was in for a very lonely life.
Even if I couldn’t have Hayley, I could at least make sure she was safe.
* * *
Hayley -- One Week Later
Nausea welled up, the back of my throat burning. Do not throw up! Do not throw up! I tried to fight it back, knowing my brother wasn’t too far away, which meant he was watching. If I puked in the street, I’d have a lot of explaining to do. As it was, I knew I couldn’t hid
e my secret for too much longer. I placed a hand over my stomach. It figured the one time I decided to go wild and do something crazy like lose my virginity with a stranger, I ended up pregnant.
I hadn’t told anyone, which meant I hadn’t been to the doctor yet either. But I’d missed my period, couldn’t keep much down, and I’d taken three home pregnancy tests. All came back positive. It seemed Hawk had left a little something behind after all. A kid. My hands shook when I thought about him. I’d wanted to call and tell him. One, I didn’t have his number, and two… I didn’t think he’d want me or a baby.
The hair on my nape prickled and I knew I was being followed again. I just didn’t know if it was some of my dad’s men, the Dixie Reapers, or if my stalker was nearby. For a brief moment two days ago, I’d have sworn I saw Hawk across the street. I’d stopped and looked again, but he’d been gone. It seemed this pregnancy was doing weird things to me, like making me hallucinate seeing the baby’s daddy.
I approached my car and froze when I saw something under the windshield wiper. How the hell had he gotten near my car with so many people watching me? The trembling in my hands increased as I reached for the note.
They can’t protect you. You’re MINE.
I covered my mouth to stifle the sob I couldn’t contain. My knees felt like they’d buckle and a strong arm wrapped around my waist. I felt the cool leather of a cut against my cheek, but my vision had blurred, and everything was spinning.
“I’ve got you, Hayley.”
“P-Preacher?” I asked.
“Yeah, it’s me. Hang on, pretty girl. I’ll get you to your brother’s cruiser. He’ll take you somewhere safe while we hunt this asshole down. You’ve dealt with this long enough.”
I cried against his chest and finally released him when he eased me onto the seat of my brother’s patrol car. Grant buckled me, then pulled away from the curb, speeding down the street. I cried until I didn’t think I had another tear to shed. It wasn’t just me I needed to worry about now. I had someone else to consider. The life growing inside me. And I knew I couldn’t keep my secret.
“Grant, I need to tell you something.” I wiped the moisture from my cheeks and sniffled. “I’m pregnant.”
He stomped on the brakes in the middle of the road and stared at me. “Excuse me?”
“I said I’m pregnant. No one else knows, but… if this guy comes after me…” I chewed on my lower lip. “It’s not just me now, Grant.”
“Fuck!” He slammed his fists into the steering wheel. “Are you fucking serious right now, Hayley? Who the hell knocked you up? I’m going to rip off his balls and shove them down his throat!”
I flinched at the visual and swallowed hard. “It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t want a family and I’m not going to force myself, or a baby, on him.”
“You need to tell Dad,” he said.
“I know. Soon.”
He shook his head and made a U-turn, heading for the police station. “No, now. You’re telling him right the fuck now, Hayley.”
I nodded and folded my hands in my lap, wishing I didn’t have to do this. I knew I couldn’t hide it forever, but… my dad wasn’t going to handle this well. Not even a little bit. I had no doubt he’d go through the roof. I only hoped I could reason with him when it was all said and done. I needed my family now more than ever.
Grant pulled to a stop in front of the police station and I got out, following him inside and down the back hall to our dad’s office. He was on the phone when I stepped inside, but motioned for me to take a seat. After his call ended, he glanced at Grant before focusing on me. The look in his eyes said he clearly expected bad news. I rubbed my hands up and down my thighs, knowing it was a tell, and yet I couldn’t stop myself.
“What’s going on?” Dad asked.
“Hayley has something she needs to say.” Grant folded his arms over his chest, his jaw tight.
I licked my lips and looked around the office before holding my dad’s gaze. “We need to find the man following me sooner rather than later.”
Grant snorted and gave my shoulder a shove. Yeah, I knew that wasn’t that I’d needed to say, but I was admittedly stalling. I wasn’t ready to tell my dad I was pregnant. Especially since he’d demand to know who had gotten me this way. Never mind it took two people to make a baby. My dad wouldn’t care. He’d just think some guy had taken advantage of me.
“I’m pregnant,” I said.
The room was so silent I wasn’t sure either of them were breathing. I knew I was holding my breath, waiting to see what he’d do or say. I didn’t have to wait long. My dad stood, roaring as he knocked everything off his desk onto the floor. I flinched. I’d seen him pissed before, and I’d known he wouldn’t be happy. Still, some part of me had hoped he would be calm and rational about it.
“Who the fuck touched you?” Dad demanded, his chest heaving as his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. I knew he was seconds from coming completely unglued.
“Dad, it doesn’t matter. I made the decision to be with him. It’s not his fault.”
He slammed his fist onto the desk, making me jump. The fierce expression on his face dropped at my reaction and he heaved a sigh. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. You know I’d never hurt you, baby girl.”
“I know.” No matter how much my dad might yell, or punch things, I’d always known he’d never hurt me. It just wasn’t the type of man he was. My dad was a protector through and through. Always had been, always would be.
“Let’s back up,” Dad said, taking a seat again. “You not only have a stalker, but you’re pregnant.”
I nodded and he ran his hands down his face. I hadn’t wanted to add to his stress level. It’s part of why I’d kept it to myself. Well, both things. I knew my mom worried about my dad all the time, saying he was one step away from a heart attack with as hard as he worked.
“All right,” he said. “Any chance the stalker and the father of your baby could be the same guy?”
“No. The notes started before then.”
He narrowed his eyes. “The one calling you a whore. He saw the two of you, didn’t he?”
My cheeks burned. “I think so.”
“We’ll talk about the pregnancy more when I get home. For now, I’ll double our efforts to find this guy. Maybe I can call in some favors. My department can’t be one hundred percent focused on this.”
I twisted my hands in my lap. “About that…”
“What the hell did you do now?” Dad asked.
“I might have called Mariah and gone to the compound to talk to her about the stalker thing, and her dad was there. It’s why they’ve been more visible lately, especially when I’m in town.” I tightened my hands until my knuckles turned white, knowing the Dixie Reapers weren’t my dad’s favorite people. “The club has been keeping an eye on me. They want to help.”
My dad tipped his head back and I saw his jaw go tight. Yeah, I’d screwed up. Again. I was getting exceptionally good at it.
“Take her home, Grant. And Hayley, stay the fuck there! Lock the doors and wait until I get home. I think we need to have a family discussion about your predicament.”
I got up, my legs feeling all wobbly as I left his office. Grant wasn’t far behind me as we exited the building and went back to his police cruiser. I got in and buckled up. I hadn’t told Mom about the pregnancy either. There was no telling how she’d react, but I hoped it was better than my dad had. Or Grant for that matter. I needed at least one of them to be supportive.
When we got home, I hurried into the house and went straight to the kitchen for something to settle my stomach. I munched on a handful of crackers as I walked through the house, checking all the windows and doors before sitting at the kitchen table. I hadn’t seen Mom’s car outside, which meant she was likely out shopping or visiting friends.
“Well, Hayley, when you screw up, you do it big,” I muttered to myself. Not that I would ever let my child feel unloved or unwanted. Unplanned
as this pregnancy might be, I knew I’d love my baby with all my heart.
I placed a hand over my belly and wondered where Hawk was right then. What he was doing… I’d thought about asking Preacher if he knew how to contact him, but I always chickened out. He’d made it clear he didn’t want a kid with me. I didn’t imagine that would change just because he’d knocked me up. I’d been a one-night stand and nothing more.
I’d have to content myself with the memory of our one night together.
* * *
Hawk
I’d been in town two weeks and hadn’t found the fucker who was after my woman. And yeah, I considered Hayley mine, even if she didn’t want anything to do with me. Just seeing her again, even from a distance, made my chest ache. I wanted her more than anything, but not enough to force her to see me. She’d made her choice and I’d have to live with it.
Hayley hadn’t left her house much, not since the day I’d watched her brother drive her home in a police car. I didn’t know what was going on, but her dad had looked pissed as hell when he’d come home that night. I’d heard a lot of shouting and had nearly broken into the house to make sure Hayley was safe. I’d held back, but just barely.
The upside to her not leaving the house was that her stalker had to come to her there. He couldn’t find her around town anymore. Which was possibly the only reason I saw him lurking in the wooded area next to the house. In the dark, I’d nearly missed the shadow leaning against a tree. I motioned with my head, making sure Snake, Grimm, and Warden spotted the asshole. Since I knew Chief Daniels and his family were all home, I knew it wasn’t any of them. No, this had to be the fucker scaring my woman.
The four of us fanned out, approaching the man from all sides, but clinging to the darkness so he wouldn’t spot us. It wouldn’t be the first time we’d had to sneak up on someone, and I doubted it would be the last. I knew Snake had at least one weapon ready, Grimm had a 9mm in his hand, and Warden was armed to the teeth. I pulled out the knife I kept sheathed in my boot and crept up behind the man.
