The rumble of approaching motorbikes draws my attention out the window, and I shift closer to see Smitty at the front of the pack as they ride in.
What are they doing here? They’d better not be here to drag Ringo away on club business. That’s all I need right now.
I watch the leather-clad men park their bikes and tug off their helmets as my husband comes into view, walking across the yard to meet them.
God, just the sight of him has my cheeks heating, momentarily pushing past the churning anxiety nearly crippling me this morning.
Last night, he pushed my boundaries again. In the best way. It’s such a thrill to give myself over to him. To trust him with my body and know he’s going to make me feel things I never imagined existed.
Just remembering how I felt when I agreed to let him do that with his finger… it felt freeing. It was my choice, yet at the same time, he had control over how my body responded.
I’m not sure I’ll ever truly understand the whole submissive nature I fall into, but I don’t hate it like I used to, and I have my husband to thank for that.
Watching him from above now has my chest warming as he greets his club brothers and they all start chatting. Even though he’s giving them his attention right now, I’m still the one on his mind, which I know because his eyes drift up to the window of his suite, landing on me like he knew I was watching.
Then he winks.
I don’t know how well he can see me, but I smile for his benefit, just in case, and when his attention turns back to Smitty, my shoulders drop as my anxiety slams back into me.
Shit.
I should feel happy, right? My little girl is alive. Or at least I think she is. Unless Daniel was able to somehow create fake messages and images, which, let’s be honest, in this day and age is highly possible… but something inside me is screaming that this is real.
So why am I filled with nothing but dread?
“Abs?”
I spin at hearing Tahli’s voice to find her at the mouth of the hall that opens up into the small living area in Ringo’s suite.
It hasn’t been long since she’s been here with us, but she’s already putting on more weight and looks healthier.
“Hey, Chook. What’s up?”
My little sister opens her mouth to speak, but then snaps it shut, and I hate that so much. I hate that she’s struggling to speak to me.
“Are you angry with me?” I ask, and her brows shoot up before she shakes her head.
“No, never.”
“You know you can tell me anything, right?” I ask, taking a step closer. “Even if it’s something you think I won’t like.”
Her lower lip starts to wobble then, her eyes flooding with tears, and the moment I open my arms wide, she runs and crashes to my chest.
“Shhhh.” I coo, stroking her hair as she falls apart, all while fighting back my own tears. “It’s okay, Chook. I got you.”
I realise I just said the words Ringo has said to me so often. Is this how he feels when he’s consoling me?
Helpless?
“I’m scared.” Tahli cries into my chest, and I squeeze her tighter, hoping it will make her feel safe somehow.
“You’ve been through a lot. It’s only natural to be scared, but I promise, you’re safe here.” I try to reassure her, running my hand up and down her back. “I know that guy nearly got to you, but the fact is, he didn’t. The men here protected you. Lans and Millie protected you. Everyone here only wants to keep you safe.”
I still can’t believe one of the thugs desperate to kidnap her for Banes dug a bloody underground tunnel onto the property. That is totally wild to me, and I know it scared the hell out of her.
She nods into my chest at my words, hiccupping on a sob as she pulls back, and her big eyes peer up at me.
“I know I’m safe, Abs. I’m not scared for myself. I’m scared for you. I don’t want any more bad things to happen to you… you’re different now.”
