Chapter 3 Rachel
THREE YEARS EARLIER—
“You don’t have to be scared. No one can hurt you inside.”
I already knew that, but it didn’t make me feel any better. Not when I had to step inside a prison to visit my father. No young woman should have to visit criminals to see her dad. I hated having to come here. If it wasn’t for my promise, I probably wouldn’t have done it. But my father wasn’t a man who could be easily refused.
Everyone called him Hannibal. I didn’t want to learn the reason why his motorcycle club had given him that road name. His reputation as a ruthless, clever businessman was as well known as his life as a Graven Bastards MC member. I bet nearly everyone in the state of Nevada knew my father and his club. And it wasn’t for all bad reasons.
The GBMC also helped the people in Tonopah, Goldfield, Indian Springs, and Vegas. They raised money for charity, organized toy drives for Christmas, and kept the residents safe. Still, I knew what Hannibal was capable of, and I kept my distance once I had my daughter.
But I had a promise to keep today. I wouldn’t go back on my word. Hannibal raised me to live by a code of honor, and he never betrayed that oath even when it hurt. Not once did he ever back out of a promise, and I couldn’t either. Not when we shared something so special.
I squared my shoulders back. “I’m fine. It’s his birthday. Can I take this cake to him or not?”
I baked Hannibal a small chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting. My dad didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but this wasmy favorite, and since today was my birthday too, I wanted to share it with him.
“Is there a nail file in there? Or something dangerous?”
I rolled my eyes. This guard flirted with me the last time I came to visit, which was exactly one year earlier, right after my father got pinched for forgery, breaking and entering, and grand larceny. Somehow, he only got eighteen months total for the crimes. Still, that meant two birthdays inside prison and two required visits.
“No.”
“Maybe I should dig my fingers in there and check. Looks delicious.” His gaze roamed over me from head to toe instead of the covered container in my hand.
What a pervert.
“You’ll ruin it. I’d really like to take this in and have my birthday cake with my dad. Please,” I added, disgusted by the guard.
His nametag read Phil.
“I tell ya what, if you save me a slice, you can go in.” He winked like he had the right to insist on it.
Asshole.
“Uh, okay,” I finally agreed because I didn’t want to stay here any longer and debate it with him.
Phil finally let me sign in and then ushered me through the check-in process, deliberating patting me down to ensure I wasn’t hiding anything in my dress or shoes.Ridiculous.I knew the rules. I didn’t risk bringing my purse, phone, or even jewelry. When his hands started to lift the hem of my dress, I stepped away from him, giving Phil a glare.
“That’s not necessary.”
He shrugged. “Follow me.”
I sighed as I obeyed, shooting imaginary daggers at his back as he led me into the visiting room, which resembled aschool cafeteria, including the stainless steel tables and chairs. It looked clean, but it was hard to trust that this area was cleaned properly every day. Considering it was a high-traffic area, I’d be sanitizing my hands as soon as I left and going home to throw everything I wore into the laundry.
I’d worn a dress today to look nice, but now I was debating whether it was a good idea since Phil couldn’t seem to stop staring. It wasn’t tight or revealing in my opinion, just a cute summer dress that reached below the knee and a light sweater over it. Still, pervs like him believed I wanted attention simply because I chose to wear it.
I’d chosen boots to go with it, so I wasn’t opposed to kicking the shit out of anyone who tried to hurt me in here. So yeah, the promise tumbling from Phil’s mouth didn’t mean shit. My daddy didn’t raise a fool. He raised a little firecracker who could take care of herself, and she had to learn young since he wasn’t around much.
Ugh. I really didn’t need a stroll down memory lane today.
Keep it together, Rach.
Hannibal was waiting for me at one of the closest tables. As soon as he saw me, he stood and opened his arms wide. It didn’t matter that I was twenty-six or a grown woman; everything faded in an instant as he enveloped me in a fierce hug.
“Missed you, baby girl.”
“Happy birthday, Daddy.” I popped a kiss on his whiskered cheek. “How are you?”
