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“York wants to marry me. We’re going ring shopping soon. I’ll need to move at least part-time to Baton Rouge. So, suck on that, ya bully.”
Rock narrowed his hazy green eyes and snarled, “No.”
“No?”
“I’m putting my foot down. People need to stop falling in love and moving,” Rock said and crossed his powerful arms again. “I would also like you people to stop having kids.”
Clint chuckled. “He’s afraid to be the last man standing. Can you imagine the poor son of a bitch alone and unloved?”
“Aww, you’re a pretty man,” I told Rock, who rolled his eyes. “I bet if you stopped frowning so much and maybe smiled more, you’d find a nice lady to give you a cute baby.”
“You’re right, which is why I choose to frown so much. I’m warding off devious, fertile women.”
“Sure, pal. Have fun with that. But I’m already sloppy in love with a man from out of town. You’ll need to accept the situation and quit your bitching.”
“Fine,” Rock muttered as if he had any say in the matter. “But only because Elle’s already in Baton Rouge. You can watch each other’s back.”
“Zodiac and York can help,” I said as my mind flashed with the memory of York appearing in the darkness.
Rock shook his head. “I don’t trust them, but I trust you and Elle.”
Reaching for him, I cooed, “Aww, come closer so I can pinch your cheeks.”
Rock very casually stepped out of my reach. “No.”
Clint wrapped an arm around my shoulders and gave me a hug. “I’m glad your parents are going with you. I know you hate being babied by most people, but you’ll let them coddle you. Just remember to heal right, so you can ride again.”
I smiled at my president and thought about the many times the club rode together down the highway. We were a marvelous sight. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to join them for a long time.
Yet, I found myself okay with stepping back from the Crimson Guard. I no longer felt like I had anything to prove. I only wanted to survive, find comfort, enjoy the company of my favorite people, and consider the many possibilities of my future with York.
YORK
Goldie tried to hide her fear of leaving the Sorority House. For two weeks, we had remained at the secure location. Everyone who entered our space was trusted. During the day, a peaceful vibe filled the house with half of the residents at work and the other half sleeping.
Each night, the women took turns cooking, making wildly diverse dinners. I especially enjoyed Sabrina’s Mediterranean dinner and Stevie’s take on curry.
I doubted I would feel as comfortable in the Sorority House if I were the only one visiting. Hazard and Anise often didn’t know what to do with themselves. If their daughters were out of the house, they tended to ride around.
Meanwhile, Blackjack and Yarrow never left Goldie. If people wanted to see the Rawlins couple, they had to drive to the Sorority House. Boone was over every morning with Nova and the girls. Skylar and Lyric never failed to get upset at the sight of Goldie’s injuries. Each time, I watched Goldie get mopey and insecure over their agitated reactions.
“I don’t look as bad, do I?” she asked everyone after the girls left yesterday. “My bruises and swelling are nearly gone. It’s just my foot.”
“They’re scared,” Blackjack explained, and Yarrow nodded. “They don’t want to be reminded that someone hurt you. Lyric was at the store when you were first attacked. They’re too young to rationalize the situation like most of us can.”
“I’m not young, but I don’t rationalize anything,” Yarrow muttered and hugged Goldie. “I hate those men and want them to die again.”
“I poked one of them in the eye,” Goldie said, making Yarrow grin. “Eye violence is gnarly.”
“Aaron died with a terrified look on his face,” I said, sounding too loud after going so long without speaking. “He pissed himself, too.”
My words left Goldie and Yarrow staring at me with such affection. Blackjack noticed their expressions and chuckled. I thought about what kind of family I’d found myself joining.
The next thing I knew, I was laughing, too. The Chester family was the opposite of my family growing up, and I was excited to see what they did next.
On the day of her doctor appointment, Goldie was surprised when Vanessa showed off her repaired motorcycle. I’d gotten to know Vanessa over the last two weeks, and the blonde mechanic was an ace with motorcycles.
“I know you can’t ride yet,” Vanessa explained to her overjoyed friend in the Sorority House’s carport. “But now, you’ll know your baby is as good as new and safe for when you’re ready.”
