Lenny sighs as he releases my hand, walking back around to his side of the desk and taking a seat. “I know that CPS showed you guys a visit because of an “anonymous” report. You guys know that the call was made from Everly’s mother, thanks to Seargent Rojas. I did some digging before you guys got here, and you’re not going to like what I found.”
He turns his laptop to face us and pushes it closer so we can see. On it is a file that reads, “petition for custody.” My heart sinks and my eyes snap to Lenny’s. His expression is grim.
“She filed for custody of my child?” Everly growls.
I gesture for her to take one of the seats and scoot the other closer to hers so I can comfort her.
“She did,” Lenny confirms. “I just want you guys to know that she truly has no basis for this. She must have thought that her complaint to CPS would be trusted without an investigation. Luckily for us, CPS found no signs of neglect and closed the claim. I don’t know who she thinks is going to give her custody of your child for no reason, but no judge would do that,” he assures us. “There is one other thing I want you to realize, though. Gibson Legal filed the case.”
The name doesn’t ring a bell right off the bat, but at Everly’s intake of breath, it comes back to me. Gibson Legal, as in, Travis Gibson.
“Travis’ dad is her legal counsel?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“What the fuck?” I mutter.
“This shit is all twisted together,” Everly says. “Why would he agree to be her council when neither him or his wife has answered a text or call from me since Travis died?”
“I think you’re right,” Lenny says. “There’s something going on there and knowing the issues you guys already have with Russel Gibson, this just makes things worse.”
“Can you dig into this?” I ask.
“I can have my private investigators look into everything,” Lenny says. “I just needed your permission.”
“Well, you have it,” Everly says, thrusting her shoulders back. “I want you to ruin her.”
The mama bear has officially come out. She’s going to do everything she can to protect her baby.It’s fucking sexy.
“I’ll get them on it,” Lenny says. “For now, just keep going about your business. You guys are doing everything right, and the court will see that. If it even gets to that point. Just be prepared, because it seems like Laura will do anything to get Hazel.”
“She can fucking try,” Everly growls.
23
EVERLY
I walk out of my six-week post-partum appointment with a huge smile on my face. Rowan wasn’t able to go with me to the appointment, so Axel drove me.
He sees my smile and smirks at me. “Someone got the all clear.”
“Shut it,” I say with a laugh.
Axel has become a good friend to me. He’s funny and kind and he would do anything for his club. He’s a beautiful man, too. I swear he looks like a taller, buffer version of Charlie Hunnam. Just don’t let Rowan hear me say that.
He drives me home and sticks around after Sophie and Asher leave. Sophie has been a godsend for me. She’s been so helpful with Hazel and my post-partum recovery. She’s close to delivering too and I can’t wait to meet her little girl. I’m excited that our girls will get to grow up together.
The prospects are still stationed around the house, but Axel insisted on staying here until Rowan comes home. He settles on the couch to watch television while I clean up the house a bit.
I’m anxious for Rowan to get home. He knew that I had my appointment today, but he didn’t know that if I got cleared, I’d be able to have sex.
I have been desperate for this man. I thought that my hormones were causing most of it before I had Hazel, but my attraction to him has only grown since I delivered her. He’s sweet and kind. He loves my daughter like she’s his. He’s protective and sexy. I can’t wait to jump his bones.
An hour later, I hear his motorcycle pull down the road. Yes, I can tell that it’s his from the sound of his engine. Axel hears it too and says his goodbyes before heading out to the garage to talk to Rowan. It’s almost dark and I don’t know how I’m supposed to keep my cool until we put Hazel down for the night.
Rowan walks into the house through the garage looking so fine. His dark hair is tousled from his helmet, the scruff on his face highlighting his sharp jawline, his whiskey-colored eyes are bright. His leather cut clings to his body, his defined muscles straining against the fabric of his clothes. He’s a delicious specimen.
“Hey darlin’,” he murmurs as he strides over to me, pulling me into his arms and kissing me.
