by Amelia Shea
“I hate that you waited a year,” she whispered, tears pooling in her eyes.
He furrowed his brows and stepped forward, but halted when she shook her head.
“Last year? I was a better version of myself. I had it all together. I could have given you the best of me.” She rested her hand over her chest. “No baggage, just me.”
“Not true, sweetheart.”
It was. Before Adam’s impending release, she was different. Without his dark cloud looming over her, she was just Bailey.
“It’s how I feel. A year ago, I could have shared on my terms. I was stronger, Saint.”
Saint drew in a breath and slowly made his way to her bed. He reached out, wiping her tears. She curled her face into the palm of his hand.
“I don’t want a version of you, sweetheart. I just want you.”
She lowered her head, curling into a ball on her bed. The mattress shifted, and she glanced up to see Saint sitting down staring at her.
“First time I saw you I was done. Remember?”
She nodded, remembering their first date and his admission.
“The woman stumbling into the town hall? There is no better version.”
No, he was wrong. She covered her face with her hands, not wanting him to see her. Not the real her, with all the baggage and flaws and regrets.
His hand rested on head, weaving his finger through her hair.
“I don’t want a version of you. Or you from five years ago? That’s not the woman I fell in love with.” His voice hovered over her ear. “This girl, the one who talks sweet to me, curls in next to me and sleeps in my arms, loves my daughter as if she were her own, the one who embraces my club, the one whose mark is permanently on my body, that’s her, Bailey. You.” His lips grazed her head. “I just want you, Bailey.”
****
He rested against her headboard. It had taken an hour before she finally drifted and succumbed to her exhaustion. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot. It would take time; he knew it. There would be questions, and he wasn’t sure how he would go about answering them. All he knew was his future was with her, and he’d do whatever it took to keep her.
She curled into his chest as he rubbed her back. There was no going back from tonight. He may not have handed Adam his final blow, but he’d played a part. A major part. He tried to rouse an ounce of guilt, but he was left empty. He’d given Adam fair warning to stay away. He chose not to. Saint glanced down. Even through the dim light, he could see the raised bruise on her cheek and, as his gaze lowered, to her bottom split lip. A man like Adam would continue to abuse women. If not Bailey, some other poor woman.
His phone pinged, and he reached over to the nightstand, grabbing his phone.
“Yeah.”
“It’s done,” Hades said.
It was the only way to guarantee her safety.
“You do it clean?”
It was imperative it couldn’t be traced back to them, especially Bailey. It ended for her tonight.
“Yeah. Made sure nothing will ever touch Bailey. Won’t touch any of us.”
“Thanks.”
Hades snorted. “Don’t, man. She’s family. You don’t ever fucking thank me for family shit.” He sighed. “How is she?”
Saint peered down at Bailey. She was fast asleep, and for the time being, she was good.
“She’s good.”
“Keep her that way. Talk to ya soon, brother.” The phone clicked, and Saint ended the call.
Bailey stirred in his arms, and he caressed her back. She pried her eyes open.
“Who was that?”
“Hades.”
She scrunched her nose, curling closer into his chest. “I am good, Saint,” she whispered. “But I don’t wanna know now.”
“Okay.”
“Not now. Someday I might want to.”
“And if you do, I’ll tell you.”
She glanced up. “You will?”
His hand grazed her chin. “No secrets between us. You want to know, I’ll tell you. If you don’t? I won’t bring it up.” He cupped her jaw. “Need you to know, whatever did happen? All the men involved did it to keep you safe. They’d do it again.”
The corner of her mouth curled as she stared up at him
“Can I change the subject?”
He nodded.
She heaved her body closer, leaving her lips inches away from his and her eyes staring back at him with a small smile playing on her lips.
“When we have children together? I hope they get your eyes.”
Saint smiled.
“And your smile.”
He shook his head. “As much as I’d like to give you everything you want? I want them to have your smile and your eyes, all your beauty and strength.”
She chuckled, curling her face into his neck. “No, your eyes, Saint. I want those eyes looking back at me from everyone I love. You, Cia, and our babies.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
“Hey sweets, get me a beer?”
Bailey jerked her head and glanced up at the extremely tall, gruff man peering down at her. He must have been a member of the visiting club since she didn’t recognize him. After spending the last few months with the Ghosttown Riders, she knew them all. She eyed his tatted arms, his belly poking out hanging over his belt, and his long silver-lined beard. He was standing with another man who she didn’t know and was watching her with an amused grin.
“Hey.”
Bailey shifted her gaze.
“Beer, anything on tap.”
She flinched and widened her eyes. Who the hell was this man?
Hey sweets, get me a beer, was not going to cut it.
“I’m not a waitress. If you want a beer, you’ll have to get it yourself.” She pointed behind him. “The bar is over there.”
His friend laughed, but he didn’t see the humor in her statement. His brows arched.
“Get me a fucking beer. Now.”
Bailey snorted. “No.” She turned away and crashed into a hard wall of flesh. She flattened her hands on his chest. The force was too hard, and her nose smashed into his leather. Large hands gripped her arms to steady her.
Her first instinct was to push him away.
“Hey, Grain, problem?”
Bailey glanced up at Dobbs, who was smiling, though it appeared forced. His jaw was tight, and his hooded eyes were aimed directly over her head. She slowly turned in his arms. He released her, and he remained close enough for their arms to touch.
“Won’t be one if she gets me a beer like I fucking told her.”
Dobbs snorted. “You told her to get you a beer?”
“Yeah.” His tone was growing increasingly angry.
Dobbs laughed, which seemed out of place with the tense exchange. He pointed at Bailey. “Her. You told her to get you a beer?”
Grain stepped closer, and Bailey immediately retreated. The man seemed to be on the edge of losing his patience, and she didn’t want to be in the crosshairs when it happened. She gripped Dobbs’ arm, tugging him lightly. She was hoping to get his attention and have them both walk away. He didn’t budge.
“I fucking told the cunt to get me a beer.” He was only a foot away from Dobbs.
She peered up at Dobbs, who was smirking. What the hell was he doing? She saw nothing funny about this situation.
Dobbs lifted his hand. “Okay, I just wanna make sure I’m getting it a hundred percent. You,” he pointed to Grain. “Are ordering her,” his thumb hooked over his shoulder, gesturing to Bailey, then paused. “Saint’s old lady, to get you a beer. Is that what’s happening?”
“Oh, fuck.” The hushed curse caught her attention, and she looked at the man who was standing with Grain. His face paled, and he was staring at the ceiling. She shifted her gaze to Grain, who was staring down at her. He’d lost his scowl, which was replaced by what she assumed was fear.
Dobbs laughed and slapped the man on his chest. “Yeah, fucker.”
“I didn’t fucking know.” He eyed her
. “Why didn’t you say something?”
She shrugged. “You didn’t ask me. Besides, it shouldn’t matter who I’m with. You shouldn’t order any of the women around.”
Dobbs snickered. “She’s got a point, man.”
“Fuck.” Grain drove his hand through his long greasy hair.
Dobbs stepped closer to him. “Turn around, walk your fat ass over to the bar, and get a beer, man.”
Grain drew in a deep breath, not even fazed by the dig on his weight. His only concern seemed to be with her. He looked over at Bailey and nodded his chin before turning and disappearing into the crowd. Dobbs angled his arm around her shoulder and walked her through the door to the yard, where she was originally headed before the confrontation.
Once they got outside, Bailey stepped out of his hold and turned. “Thanks.”
Dobbs shrugged. “Believe it or not, he’s not a bad guy. You gonna mention this to Saint?”
“Should I?”
“Not unless ya wanna see Grain get his ass beat all over the parking lot.”
The last thing she wanted to see was a physical altercation.
She shook her head. “No.”
Dobbs laughed. “Didn’t think so. Doesn’t mean I’m gonna share that with Grain, though. Let the asshole sweat all day, watching his back for Saint.”
Bailey laughed and started down toward the table where the women were seated. The club had a family barbeques once a month. For the past two, Cia had joined them. If she wasn’t with Bailey, she was glued to Saint’s side. As she moved closer, she noticed her other little sidekick sitting in her seat.
Allie wiggled off the seat when Bailey got closer.
“The big kids are on the trampoline in the back. You want to go play?” she asked Allie. She knew the answer before she asked. Allie was like an extra limb when Bailey was around.
“No, I’m tired.”
Bailey sat, and before she was fully settled, Allie was climbing on her lap.
Hades had taken Bailey up on her offer to watch Allie occasionally, and as his work took him out of town, Saint and Bailey became his go-to sitters, which neither of them minded, especially Bailey. She curled her arms around Allie.
“You need to get one of those of your own.” Meg chuckled, gesturing to Allie.
Bailey smirked. “I’m working on it.” Liar.
Macy slapped the table. “I knew it.” She winked. “You owe us details.”
Bailey snorted. “Are you gonna give up details on Rourke?” It was a counter.
Cheyenne moaned and held up her hand. “She will, so don’t ask.”
The women laughed and continued their banter. Bailey had a feeling the reason Macy wasn’t currently sharing had something to do with the four-year-old nestled in her lap. Thank God for Allie.
“How’s Riss?”
Bailey curled her arms around Allie and rested her chin on her head. It took less than five minutes for her to fall asleep.
“Ready to pop.”
“We need more babies around here,” Meg said, downing the remainder of her beer. Bailey noticed Macy eye Cheyenne with a small smirk. Though it hadn’t been formally announced, she could read through the exchange between the best friends. Bailey smiled.
Looks like Meg is gonna get her wish.
“God, he’s sexy,” Meg whispered with her gaze over her shoulder. She turned her head to catch Saint and Hades walking toward them.
Bailey giggled. “Yes, he is.”
Meg glanced over at Bailey and laughed. “I was talking about Hades, but yeah, your man is hot, Bails.”
She felt his hands on her shoulders. “Ready to head home.”
She was. As much as she enjoyed the barbeques, she was equally, if not more happy staying at home. Either house, as they had yet to spend a night apart from each other. It had become an issue in the past two months. When Saint brought up the idea of moving in together, she jumped at the chance until where they would live became topic.
The most sensible choice would be his place. His house was updated, and been completely renovated. He had four bedrooms and large enough property to build on. He’d just acquired the two vacant properties next to his, which meant he could build a separate garage. Cia was also working on him to put in a pool. His place made sense.
Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to sell her own house. It was small, and not on the best piece of land. But it held her memories.
Saint squeezed her shoulders, and she moved to the edge of the chair, hoisting Allie closer. She stood, saying goodbye to the women before turning toward Hades and Saint.
“Thanks for watching her,” Hades said, reaching out and taking Allie. Bailey rested her hand on Allie’s back, and she grumbled but settled in against Hades wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.
“She give you any trouble?”
Bailey rolled her eyes. “Never.”
Hades snickered.
Saint curled his arm around her waist. “How are you feeling?” he whispered in her ear.
Like Cheyenne, it was too early to share their news with everyone. She was only a month along. They had only shared with one person and swore her to secrecy.
“Tired.” She reached up, taking his lips for a quick kiss. “Where’s Cia?”
“Kase.” Saint smirked. “I came to get you while she finished kicking his ass in darts in front of the brothers.”
Bailey laughed.
They made their way through the clubhouse barroom and down the hall. She grasped Saint’s hand as they entered the back room. There were quite a few brothers scattered around the room. At one of the pub tables, Cia sat with Kase, Trax, Rourke, Gage, and Dobbs while a few others were gathered.
When they walked in, the room was drowned in silence, and each of the men turned toward them. Bailey furrowed her brows. She was accustomed to a friendly greeting from the men, including Kase, but this was off. They were all smiling, pure joy shining on each one of these rough and dangerous men’s faces.
She glanced up at Saint, who was sending a sharp stare to the middle of the group. She followed his gaze to Cia, who was centered between the brothers. She was smiling with a tinge of guilt flashing over her features.
“Cia,” Saint said sternly.
She shrugged her shoulder. “Sorry, I’m just really excited.”
Bailey’s shoulders sagged. She felt the giddy bubble fester in her stomach and the rise of her laughter. This is what ya get when you share a secret with a nine-year-old.
Bailey squeezed his hand, gaining Saint’s attention. He glanced down at her, and his scowl eased, and the corner of his lip curled.
She turned to the group. “Well, who’s gonna make the first toast?”
The room erupted in laughter. Kase was the first to raise his glass.
Saint cleared his throat and glanced down at Cia. Bailey watched the silent warning. Whatever Kase was about to say had to be PG-rated. Kase glanced down at Cia and lifted his chin to her glass of soda. She grabbed it, striking her hand in the air and smiling back at Bailey.
Kase continued. “To the next Ghosttown Rider…”
Cia hopped off her seat and turning to him. “Uncle Kase, no. We want a girl.”
Bailey giggled at the same time Saint snickered as he pulled her into his chest.
“Right.” Kase nodded, then glanced up at Saint, raising his glass. “May you continue to be surrounded by beautiful, sweet girls, my brother.”
The roar from the brothers was more than she could take. She may have wanted to wait on telling everyone, but hearing the excitement was well worth Cia’s sharing their secret.
“What’s going on?”
Bailey turned to find Macy, Cheyenne, Meg, and Nadia standing at the door, glancing around the room in obvious confusion. Keeping their secrets from the ladies wouldn’t be possible now. She knew they’d share in her excitement. Her belly swirled as she opened her mouth. Unfortunately, Cia beat her to the announcement.
“We’
re having a baby!” Cia blurted out, and Bailey laughed. She loved how she said, we are having a baby. It was true. This baby would be just as much Cia’s as it would be Bailey and Saint’s. She felt his arm wrap around her stomach with Saint’s hand resting on her belly. His breath fanned over her ear.
“Next baby, we aren’t telling her until we announce it, I promise.”
She turned her head and leaned up to kiss him. “I don’t care, as long as I get to have more babies with you.”
“As many as you want, sweetheart.” Saint kissed her again, but it was cut short from the squeals in the room. He unhooked his hold over her as the women made a beeline for her.
Macy got to her first, hugging her and kissing her cheek. “Oh my God, I’m gonna make the best aunt, I promise.”
She would. She didn’t get to relay that fact because Meg had wedged herself in between them. She pulled Bailey in for hug and whispered in her ear, “I’m gonna spoil this baby, just a warning.” She released her and walked to Saint. They were only a foot apart when she heard Meg whisper, “Mick is looking down, smiling on you, Saint.” She kissed his cheek then cupped his jaw. “He is toasting a cold one up there for you.”
Saint nodded, and Bailey could see a slight break in his usual solid stoic demeanor. She knew who Mick was and what he meant to the club. What he meant to Saint.
Hands gripped her waist, and she turned to find Cheyenne with tears in her eyes.
“I’m so happy for you, Bailey.” She hugged her closer, and Bailey whispered, “And when you announce it, I’m going to be this happy for you, Chey.” Cheyenne hugged her tighter, and when she pulled away, she grasped her hands and lowered her voice. “They’ll either be best friends, or they’ll date.” Cheyenne winked and released her.
The outpouring of excitement had Bailey regretting they had waited. She turned and watched as the women and men circled around Saint offering their congratulations. She realized how much not only they were loved, but this baby was. She rested her hand on her belly and sighed.
A soft hand grazed her shoulder and she turned to find Nadia with tears in her eyes.
“Congratulations, Bailey.” She sniffled. “I’m so happy for you guys.”
“Aw, Nadia.” Bailey wrapped her arms around her shoulders. “Thank you.”