Chapter Eleven
Carbon
PEYTON’S BEEN LOCKEDin the house on the compound for the last two weeks.Not because none of us are letting her leave but because she refuses to go anywhere.She’s terrified of the asshole leaving all this shit for her.My girl tries to be strong and act as if it doesn’t bother her, but I can see the truth in her actions, eyes, and the way she jumps at every little noise that doesn’t belong in the house.I’ve seen her fill the silence with music when the kids are sleeping or not in the house but at Rooster and Marie’s or her parents.Peyton has pasted more fake smiles on her face to prove to the world around her that she doesn’t give a damn about what’s going on in her situation.Everything is a lie she’s telling the world.If I didn’t know her as well as I do, I wouldn’t be able to tell anything is wrong with her.
Brick is the only other one who has noticed what’s going on with Peyton.He doesn’t know her as well as I do, but he does remember her from school.Kimber has even said something after visiting with her while I’ve been at work or church.They’ve been trying to show up more for her, but with their kids and everything they have going on in their lives, it’s been hard.Thankfully, her dad has been here almost every single day and spent time with her.The two of them have a great relationship and I’ve never seen a father who dotes on his daughter more than him.It’s also given me a chance to get to know the man I haven’t seen since high school.He’s a good guy and one I’m enjoying getting to know better.We have a lot in common.It’s also good to see how good he is with the kids because they adore him and love spending time with their papa.
After talking to everyone in church, we’ve decided to get Peyton and the kids out of the house.She deserves to have fun and get away from the compound.Brick, Kimber, and I are taking her and the kids out to dinner tonight.Their kids will go with us as well.Kimber is excited and it’s taken everything in Brick to keep her away from the house for the last two days so she doesn’t spill the beans to Peyton.We want this to be a surprise for her so she doesn’t back out at the very last second.It’s something she’ll do because she’s scared.My girlwillget the night out she deserves to have even if we have to take men with us to ensure the safety of her and the kids.Prospects and members will be throughout the diner we go to so no one gets close to her.
I didn’t even go to work today so I could stay with Peyton and make sure she has a good day.She’s been working in the office while I take care of the kids.We’ve been spending our time playing with their toys and watching movies when they’ve been awake.Cedric has taken a nap because he didn’t sleep very good the night before.For some reason, he was up every hour.At first we thought he was sick, but he never threw up or had a fever.Personally, I believe it’s because of the fact that he knows something massive is going on and he isn’t sure how to deal with anything since he’s so young.I know he’s been clinging to us more and rarely lets his mom out of his sight when she’s not in the office.Even when she’s working, he tends to stare down the hall toward the room she’s in.He’s going to be super protective of those around him as he gets older and I love seeing him that way already in his young life.
“Matt, are you out here?”Peyton calls out, walking in the living room from her office as I sit with the kids on the couch.
“I’m here, Tutor.You okay?”I question her, turning my head to watch her walk over to us.
“I’m okay.Got all my work done already so I’m done for the day.What do you want for dinner tonight?”she returns, placing her hand on my shoulder as she stands behind me and the couch.
“We’re not eatin’ at home tonight, Tutor.We’re goin’ out with Brick and Kimber.All of us are.There will be plenty of guys watchin’ over you and the kids so no one gets close.You’ve been keepin’ yourself in the house more than what we’ve wanted for you.So, tonight you’re gettin’ out and will be away from the compound,” I answer her, tipping my head back to look for any signs of distress in her eyes.
“Um, are you sure that’s a good idea?”she asks, removing her hand from me and twisting it with her other one.
“It’s a good idea, Sweetheart.I’ll be right at your side and Brick will be right there with me.Omen, Knuckles, Tease, and Grudge will be there along with Prospects.No one will get close to you, Cedric, or Caydence while we’re out.You’ll all be safe and I can guarantee that,” I promise her as I stand from the couch and walk around to pull her into my arms.
Peyton melts into me and rests her head against my chest.Her small arms wrap around my middle as she rubs her hands up and down my back.I can feel the trembling of them as she takes several deep breaths in and out in a desperate attempt to control the panic now filling her.Closing my eyes, I try to control the rage flowing through my veins because my girl shouldn’t ever feel this way for any reason.To know some asshole is terrifying her this badly fills me with such anger I’ve been spending way more time in the gym and ring with anyone willing to step inside with me.Not many guys are willing to spar with me right now.Homicide and Brick are the main two who have been there for me because I don’t hold back and everyone has walked out covered in bruises and cuts on their bodies.
“I’ll go,” Peyton finally mumbles into my chest as she slides her hands under my cut and twists her fingers in my shirt.“Please don’t make me stay out for long though.”
“We won’t be out for very long.Just long enough to get dinner and then we’ll come right back home.This is a huge thing for you and I do realize that, Peyton.This is for your good and I know it will help more than you realize.Thank you for doin’ this for me.For yourself,” I assure her, my voice steady as I pull back and tip her head back with my finger.
I watch as Peyton closes her eyes and holds onto me for a while longer.She finally lets go and steps back a step before pasting on one of her fake smiles again.
“Don’t do that, Peyton.The entire world can get your fake shit, but not me.I know you’re scared as hell and this is completely out of your comfort zone.No matter what’s goin’ on with us, I always want you to be real, Peyton.I can handle whatever you feel as long as you open up and let me in.This situation will be resolved.I promise you that.Until then, leave it to me to protect you when you’re away from the compound and out of our home.I won’t ever let anythin’ happen to you,” I promise her, my voice low and steady as I lean down and kiss her deeply.
“I know you will, Matt.It’s just scary as hell knowing someone was able to get on the compound and to the porch of the house without anyone seeing them.Now, you want me to leave the safety of the compound and I’m not sure I can do that,” she says, being completely open and honest with me.
“You can, Tutor.You’re so much stronger than you know and it’s a strength I’ve always seen in you.Go get cleaned up and we’ll head out.It will give everyone a minute to get ready so we can head out,” I tell her, kissing her once more before turning her toward our bedroom.
I watch Peyton slowly walk away.Her steps are careful and measured, almost unsteady as she walks to our room.It takes everything in me not to rush over to help her.Peyton needs to realize how strong she truly is and I can’t coddle her.That’s one of the many conversations I’ve had with her dad.He used to coddle her when she was younger but has since stopped so she can learn how strong she is.Peyton has always been a fighter until it comes to herself.That’s where she lacks confidence and doesn’t believe she’s worth being protected or protecting herself.She’s about to get lessons on how strong she truly is because we’re gonna make her leave the house more than once every few weeks.At least once a week, my girl will go out and do something.Even if it’s just going for a walk.
I get Cedric and Caydence ready to go out while Peyton is washing up after working all day long.By the time I finish packing the diaper bag, Peyton is back out with us.She’s wearing a black dress that stretches across her stomach and emphasizes the swell of her stomach.Her hair is up in a slick ponytail and there’s no makeup on her face.
“You’re so fuckin’ beautiful,” I tell her honestly as I look her up and down once again.“Not sure you should be wearin’ those shoes though.Maybe some flip flops or somethin’ flat?”
“I’ll be okay.It’s not for long, Matt.If we were going anywhere other than dinner, I would wear flip flops or something else.I promise,” she says, a small smile on her face.
Yes, she’s forcing it for me, but it’s not fake.This is a true smile and I give her one in return because it’s the first time in weeks I’ve seen it.My girl is sexy as fuck when she smiles like this.Even if it’s a small one.
“Let’s go.Brick and Kimber are outside waitin’ on us,” I tell her, adjusting Caydence in my arms and taking Peyton’s hand at the same time.
Cedric walks out the door right before us and I allow it since Omen is waiting on the porch for us.If he were already on his bike, Cedric wouldn’t be in front of us.He’d be right between the two of us where I can protect him better.Omen keeps a close eye on our son as he moves a few feet in front.His eyes are already on the bikes sitting in front of the house and I can’t help but smile because if there’s one thing my boy likes, it’s motorcycles.He’s spent hours with me in the garage and outside as I work on my bike and loves hearing all of them pull up to the clubhouse.Especially when there’s more than one at a time.Even though he covers his ears, Cedric doesn’t ever take his eyes from the machines we love to ride.
I take my girls to the truck and get them inside before walking around to make sure Cedric’s got his seatbelt on right.Once I’m behind the wheel, I start the engine and we all pull out.Brick is in front of everyone with Omen and Tease in front of me.Knuckles and Grudge are directly behind us with the Prospects followin’ them.Our group makes our way through town and don’t stop until we pull into the parking lot of the local diner.I don’t move to get out until everyone is surrounding my truck in a protective manner.When I finally get out, the guys move to remain as close as possible to us until we’re inside.
Once seated at our table, Kimber shines by leading our conversation.
