Just then I can hear the clacking of the dogs, and Bailey emerges from the stairs. She tentatively walks into the kitchen. “Perfect timing; the pizza just got here. Why don’t we take this into the living room so we can relax?” The guys grab everything while Bailey walks to me and takes my hand, making my heart soar. This little girl has already stolen my heart.
“Do you feel better after the shower?”
“I do thank you.” She smiles shyly at me.
We take a seat on the couch, and Joker hands her a plate loaded with pizza. “Eat up.”
She sits there, looking at the pizza without moving. “Is something wrong, Bailey?”
She looks at me with a sad look in her eyes. “Am I allowed?”
My brows furrow. “Allowed to what, honey?”
“Eat.”
What kind of monsters were her parents? Starving your child and now she fears eating for fear of punishment. I look at Joker, and he’s beyond mad right now.
“Listen to me, Bailey. If you're hungry, you eat. No one is going to stop you, and if they do, then you send them my way, and I will deal with them. You want something, and it’s not here, I will go get it for you.” Joker says gently, but I know under the surface he’s downright pissed off.
We watch as Bailey nods her head and picks up the pizza, taking a bite. We eat in silence with the TV on for background noise. Each of uslost in our own thoughts. Once Bailey has had enough, she leans back against the couch, and I place a blanket over her. Needing a moment, I get up and gather the plates, and head to the kitchen. I can hear footsteps behind me, and I know exactly who it is.
“It’s not fair.” I whisper, not wanting her to hear us. A tear slips down.
Joker comes up behind me and turns me around, and wraps his arms around me. “I know, angel. But we will make sure that she has everything she needs, and she will come out stronger than ever. We can talk about that more tomorrow. I know you're dead on your feet, and Bailey needs to rest. So why don’t we call it a night and get some sleep?”
I go to argue that I’m not tired when I let out an enormous yawn, making him laugh. “You’re right.” I pull out of his arms, and we walk towards the living room to see Bailey fast asleep. Right now, she looks so peaceful, just like a child should.
“I’ll carry her to bed.” Joker walks over and picks her up gently, and heads up the stairs.
I turn towards Hawk. “There are extra blankets in the closet between the bedrooms. Help yourself.”
“Thanks Madison. I’m gonna make sure everything is locked up and check in with the prospect outside.” Hawk sends me a wink and walks out the front door.
I yawn for what seems like the millionth time and walk upstairs and check in on Bailey to see Joker tucking her in. He sees me standing there and walks over to me. With each step he takes, my heart beats faster. I back up as he closes the door and, without saying anything, grabs my hand and walks towards my room.
“Try and get some sleep, angel, and I will see you in the morning.” He leans down and kisses my forehead, making me close my eyes. Idon’t even remember the last time I felt this cherished. It’s honestly taking everything in me not to have him hold me tonight.
“Good night, Joker.” I whisper, my throat clogged with all the emotions I’m feeling right now.
He walks towards the door and walks out. But just before he closes it, he looks back at me with a tender look on his face. “Good night, Madison.” He closes my door and walks away.
Today didn’t go how I expected it to go, and I have a feeling it’s only going to get harder.
Four
Madison
The morning light shines through my curtains, making me groan. I swear it feels like I didn’t get any sleep. Every time I would doze off, I would wake with a start, thinking that maybe Bailey might need me. I knew she was safe here with Joker and Hawk watching over us, but I couldn’t get my brain to shut off. Well, there’s no sense in lying around. I throw the covers off me and stretch my arms and head for the closet. I grab a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt and go to the bathroom to do my morning routine. Last night, I texted my manager, telling her I'd be off for a few days and to call if sheneeded me. Other than doing payroll, which I can do from my laptop, they should be set and I shouldn’t have to go in. All my employees are amazing, so I never have to worry.
I really hope the guys can find Bailey’s stepfather soon so she can have peace in her life. I don’t understand how someone can treat their child like that. It honestly just breaks my heart to think of what she went through, and I know we haven’t gotten the entire story yet. All I know is that I want a piece of both of them. I’m not one who goes around hurting people, but I will protect those who can’t.
I finish getting ready and open the bathroom door, throwing my clothes in the basket and quickly make my bed. I head to my closest knowing I have to pack some of my clothes since we are heading to Joker’s place. My life feels like it’s been turned upside down. One minute I was a single bakery owner, the next I’m taking care of a child and going to live at Joker’s. What has my life become? I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, knowing that what I’m doing is the right thing; everything else will fall into place, so there’s no sense in stressing over it.
First things first, Bailey needs essentials; she literally has nothing. I pack a week's worth of clothing and other things I might need into my bag, including my laptop, and grab my phone and head downstairs. I can hear laughter coming from the kitchen, which makes me smile.
I walk in and see Joker, Hawk, and Bailey sitting around the island with a big spread of food. Joker sees me and comes my way. Each step he takes makes my heart beating out of my chest. He looks damn good in the morning. Hell, who am I kidding? He always looks good.
He steps in front of me, smiling. “Good morning. Did you manage to get any sleep?” He narrows his eyes at me, and I know I look a mess right now. My eye bags have bags.
