“Alicia, I need you to take Rory for me,” Lettie interrupts us. “Work just called me, one of the girls hasn’t shown up, and I can’t turn down the chance of an extra shift.” I can see she feels bad for asking but the beam Alicia makes at the thought of the idea should assure her that she doesn’t mind.
“Of course, I can; I’d love to. Just pick him up from my place when you finish.” Alicia takes the boy out of Lettie’s arms and swings his little backpack over her shoulder.
“Here, let me carry him, he’s too heav–”
“I got it.” Greaser quickly slides between us and takes the boy off her. “Come on, darlin’, I need to get you home. You had areallong night.” He winks at me as he wraps his free arm around her shoulder and leads her toward the door.
“We’ll talk later, right?” She glances back at me, still looking like something's got her worried.
“Yeah.” I nod and put on a smile, watching him steal her away from me again. I’m about to get up and head to the gym; I need to rid myself of all this frustration and choose my words carefully before this conversation finally happens, when Greaser steps back through the door, still carrying the boy, and makes a beeline toward me.
“I almost forgot, you got my share from that Antonio job?” he asks.
“Sure thing.” Reaching into my pocket, I count out what he's owed and hand it over.
“Thanks, Vike, I’m spending every last dime of this on a ring for my girl.” He grins. “Last night sealed the deal, and when a man gets a woman like your aunt agreeing to be his wife, you put a ring on that finger quick sharp.” He may be speaking to little Rory, but he’s watching for my reaction. I’m too hurt and fuckin’ shocked to give him one; this can't be happening. But when I recall that face she gave me before she just left, I realize it wasn’tworry at all...it was guilt. I wait for him to leave before heading straight for Vex. The old man's got a rare smile on his face as he bounces the kid Raze and Peyton are taking care of on his knee. Teaching him songs no kid should be learning.
“Vex, your cabin free?” I ask, needing to get the fuck away from here before I end up killing someone.
“Sure is, why ya ask?” He takes his eyes away from the boy to look at me.
“You mind if I give it a visit? I need to take some time out.” I don’t wanna close my eyes because I know as soon as I do, I’ll see the pair of them together.
‘This about the girl?” he asks, already taking his keys out of his pocket, and detaching the one I assume is for his cabin from the rest. “You were too slow there, son.” He shakes his head and holds it out for me.
“Tell Raze I’m sorry.” I march out the door and straight to my bike, revving the engine and getting myself outta this town before I do something I can’t take back.
Two Months Later
“Abridal shower and a baby shower at the same time, whose genius plan was this?” Anita asks, lifting another macaroon to her mouth, while I sit among my friends in a veiled tiaraanda mom-to-be sash.
“I’m taking all the credit.” Freya holds up her hands and grins proudly.
“And who convinced the boys to let us have this place to ourselves?” Eden glances around the clubhouse, which the girls have made such an effort to decorate. It looks nothing like a biker club hangout anymore; they really have done a great job.
“I’mtaking all the credit for that one.” Peyton winks as she leans forward and helps herself to another glass of Prosecco. I’m assuming from the amount she’s been drinking, that she and Raze have had another unsuccessful month trying.
“Surprised you're finding the time with that little one always around. Have you thought about moving somewhere bigger? I’m assuming the boy is sticking around?” Anita asks.
“His name is Leo,” Peyton reminds her. “And yes, he will be sticking around.”
“So you spoke to child services?” Quinn sounds relieved. She may not get the chance to hang out here as much as we dobecause of her work shifts, and she may not have a direct link to the club, but she’s becoming one of us. I like her. I like even more how hot she is for Sasquatch. I don’t know if he likes her or is intimidated by her, but there’s something there.
“Not exactly.” Peyton sighs, looking guilty, and I notice the concerned look Eden makes to Quinn as I make my own to Freya. “He’s just started coming out of his shell. The fact that he’s spending the day with the boys, decorating the baby's room at Eden’s new place, is a huge deal. He’s talking more, he’s laughing. I don’t want him to lose trust in us.”
“You could get in real trouble for what you're doing,” Quinn warns her. “And I get that you and Raze only have the boy's best interest at heart, but he’s someone’s son; there could be people worried about him.”
“He’s where he wants to be. Anytime we start talking about his past, he clams up and starts shaking. What if we do speak to child services and they take him away from us?” I hear the worry in her voice and feel so sorry for her.
“Alicia, can I have a word?” Millie pulls me away from the conversation, leading me to the other side of the room and looking like she’s got something important to say. “Are you okay? You seem different.” Her eyes are narrow and suspicious.
“I’m eight months pregnant and getting married next week,” I remind her, trying so hard to be cheery, the way a bride-to-be should be. I should be grateful for the situation I’m in. I have a man who adores me, friends who throw parties for me, and a healthy baby girl growing inside me.
“Have you heard from Vike?” she asks, and just hearing his name instantly makes me want to cry. I can’t allow myself to think about him; it hurts too much. And the worst thing about it is that despite what he’s done... I miss him.
“Not a word in two months.” I shake my head, trying to hold back those tears. Today is supposed to be a happy day; we’recelebrating our future. The secure, hopeful one Greaser is going to give us.
“Maybe the two of you should talk befor–”
