I ignore him, rolling my eyes as I pick up my cup and head for the door. I don’t need his compliments.
“Hell?” I pause and turn to look at him. “We need to talk.”
I shake my head. “No, we don’t. The only reason I’m still here is because I know it’s the safest place for me right now.” My free hand instinctively goes to my stomach, and his eyes follow my movement.
“We need to talk about us?—”
“There is no us,” I snap.
“But you’re carrying my child,” he says, running his hand through his hair in frustration.
I swallow hard, tears almost choking me. One day, I know the conversation will have to take place. He’ll want to be in our child’s life, but right now, I can’t even stomach the thought of him playing dad.
The kitchen door swings open, and Red pops her head in. “The car’s waiting,” she mutters, eyeing Drifter suspiciously.
“I’ll be out in a minute.”
Drifter’s brows furrow. “Where are you going?” It comes out harsh, almost like he’s worried.
“I have a midwife appointment.”
He steps closer, his eyes full of concern. “Is everything okay?” I step back, keeping distance between us. He sighs. “At least let me take you. I’ll grab my keys.”
I press my hand to his chest, and he pauses, his eyes dropping to the contact. I shake my head. “I don’t want you there, Drifter.”
“But—”
My hand drops back to my side. “No,” I snap clearly, and he recoils slightly. “I don’t want you around me at all.”
His head lowers, and for a brief second, guilt eats away at me.
“I understand,” he eventually murmurs. “Please don’t go out alone. Take one of the guys.”
“Rock is taking us,” I mutter.
He nods, the heaviness showing in his pained expression.
It feels strange being in the backseat of Rock’s car instead of on the back of a Harley. Once Meli came along, he had to get one as the bikes were no longer practical. And I’m grateful as we head back to the club because the bike would be uncomfortable right now.
Red reaches across and places her hand over mine, stilling my nervous tapping.
“It’ll all work out,” she says softly.
I force a tight smile, but we both know it’s a lie. Nothing is ever going to be the same again. I’m pregnant with Drifter’s baby, and this should be the happiest time of my life. We tried for this. Prayed for this. And now, it feels tainted.
I’m a single mum before my child has even taken its first breath.
“It’s just us now,” I whisper, my voice cracking with emotion as I rest my hand over my stomach.
Red squeezes my fingers tighter, offering silent support.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, the vibration sharp in the quiet of the car.
Manor Medical: Appointment confirmed – 16 July 2025, 11:15am. Sexual Health Clinic.
I followed the advice of my midwife and requested the tests to check I’m clean. It’s another reminder of everything he’s done to me.
I stuff my phone back in my pocket as Rock pulls up to the clubhouse. I stare out at the building, the men lingering outside smoking, and the bikes lined up neatly, glinting in the sun. It’s a place that has always been my home, and yet it suddenly feels cold and empty.
