“No.”
Her voice echoed over the speaker and I leaned into the camera. “Open the door, baby.”
“No,” she repeated.
“Don’t make me break it down.”
“I’m not going to argue with you through a doorbell.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Then open the door and you can argue with me face-to-face.”
“Knox, we’re toxic. You need to just walk away.”
“I swear to Christ, Quinlan, you need to open this fucking door.”
“Or what, Badger?” she challenged.
She always resorted to calling me by my club name when she was exorbitantly pissed at me, but I still loved the sound of it on her lips.
“Quin, just open the door.”
I heard the locks turn, then the door was cracked open and I pushed it further open and froze. She was pale as shit and she had dark rings around her eyes. Her cheeks were a little more sunken in and she looked like she’d lost ten pounds she didn’t have to lose. “Are you sick?”
She shook her head. “No. I mean, not really.”
I closed the door and crossed my arms. “Start talking.”
She let out a frustrated groan. “Why won’t you just go away?”
“Because I love you, and you fucking love me too, so start talking.”
“I’m pregnant!” she snapped.
“Come again?”
She threw her hands in the air. “We had two nights together this time, and your bionic fucking sperm broke through my pill. Probably because you’re a fucking fetus and in your prime.”
“I’m barely a year younger than you, Quin.”
“Not the time to be funny, Knox!”
I was ecstatic. “Bab—”
I didn’t get the rest of my words out as she turned on her heel and made a mad dash for the bathroom.
“Daddy!” Kinsey squealed when she walked out of her bedroom and caught sight of me.
“Hey, Princess,” I said, hunkering down to catch her as she threw herself into my arms. “Are you supposed to be asleep?”
“Firsty.”
“Okay, baby girl, let’s get you some water, then it’s bedtime.”
I walked her into the kitchen and got her a glass of water, and then it was an exercise in manipulation on the part of my child.
“Stowy, Daddy.”
“Kinsey Eleanor, you’re supposed to be in bed,” Quinlan growled as she padded into the kitchen.
I closed my eyes for a second. The fact that Kinsey’s middle name was that of my mother’s still blew me away. My mother had died when I was twelve and it had rocked my world. I was a sensitive kid who’d been left with an angry and rageful father, which made the loss of my mother overwhelming. Quin had been my saving grace, and when I found out she’d given Kinsey my mother’s name, I knew I’d never let her go. Ever.
“Daddy,” she squeaked, pointing to me.
“I see that, munchkin, but you’re an hour past night-night time,” Quin said.
“Daddy stay?”
I nodded. “Yeah, princess, I’m gonna stay.”
“Knox,” Quinlan warned.
I ignored her tone. “I’m gonna make you chocolate chip pancakes in the morning, okay? But you gotta go to sleep now.”
“Stowy?”
“I will read you one story,” I said. “Then, bedtime.”
“Potty first,” Quin said, her tone resigned.
I nodded, taking Kinsey’s hand and leading her down to her room to pick a book.
* * *
Quinlan
I watched as Knox led our daughter back to bed after I’d helped her potty, then I flopped onto the sofa, relishing the moment of relief from my very busy, very inquisitive child.
I was twelve weeks into my pregnancy and had yet to keep anything down for more than a minute. I just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep for a year.
I heard the squeak of Kinsey’s door and craned my neck as Knox walked toward me.
God, I loved this man.
Chalk it up to hormones, or being exhausted and sick, but I burst into tears and couldn’t seem to stop myself. Strong arms scooped me up and settled me into his lap. “I got you, baby.”
“I can’t believe you knocked me up again,” I complained as I sobbed into his neck. “We haven’t had any time together. It’s so stupid.”
“God damn, I love you, Quinlan, none of this is stupid.”
“I’m so tired,” I whispered. “I can’t stop puking and Kinsey never sleeps. I feel like I’m losing my mind.”
His arms tightened around me. “What does the doctor say?”
“I have an appointment on Monday.”
“You’re almost three months in and you’re just now seeing your doctor?” he asked, his tone one of accusation.
I frowned at him. “No. I saw her when I confirmed the pregnancy, but I was feeling okay at that point.”
Truth be told, I hadn’t wanted to take time off work. I couldn’t really afford to. In my old life without borders, I’d wanted to be a nurse. I’d chosen all of my high school AP classes, and college pre-reqs to follow that path, but when Michael had forced me into marriage, he’d also forced me to quit school, so I was now the single mom with no discernible skills. A tale of woe to be sure, and one I’d wanted to correct. But now I was pregnant again and that would all be on hold.
“What time’s the appointment?”
“Ten. I’m going right after I drop Kinsey at preschool. I had to take the morning off work, so I need to be in the office at noon. Jasmine’s going to pick Kinsey up for me.”
“That stops now.”
“What stops now, bossy pants?”
“I’m your go-to for all things Kinsey related,” he decreed. “I’m her dad, Quin. I’ll drop her off and pick her up from preschool. But first, we’re going to the doctor. Together.”
I nodded into his neck. “Okay.”
“And we’re getting married. I’m moving in. This being apart is bullshit.”
“No.” I sat up. “We can’t, Knox.”
He took my face in his hands and kissed me gently. “First, I appreciate you brushing your teeth,” he said.
I rolled my eyes.
“Second, shit happens, honey. I get that you feel like it’s only when you’re happy, but you haven’t given yourself enough time to prove that superstition wrong.”
“It’s fact, not superstition.”
“It’s superstition and I’m gonna prove it to you, but you gotta give me more than a few nights together to make you see it.”
“Alamo got stabbed.”
“Alamo knew what he was signing up for when he became a Dog. It had nothing to do with you.” He slid his hand to my belly. “Not to mention the fact you’ve got my baby growing in you again. We’ve made two little miracles, honey. In my book, that trumps all the bad that’s happened so far.”
“So far.”
He dropped his head back with a curse. “Of course you’d ping on that.”
“This conversation is pointless.” I pushed off his lap and made my way to the kitchen.
“I don’t disagree,” he said, following me.
I pulled saltines out of the cabinet, and bit into one as I grabbed a ginger ale from the fridge.
“You feeling sick again?”
“I never don’t feel sick,” I admitted.
“Quit your job.”
“I can’t quit my job. I need the benefits.”
“I will take care of all of that.”
“Knox.”
He shook his head and frowned. “Bed.”
“What?”
“You’re going to bed. You need to rest.”
I rolled my eyes. “I need to make sure Kins—”
“I’ve got Kinsey.”
“You’re staying?”
“Jesus, woman, have you not heard anything I’ve been saying?” he challenged.
“I didn’t think you meant now.”
“Baby, I’m
not leaving.” He wrapped an arm around my waist and guided me toward the bedroom. “You’re gonna climb into bed and rest.”
“I really want to soak in a hot bath.”
“You can soak in a warm bath, but then you’re going to sleep.”
I faced him, grabbing his cut. “Something bad’s going to happen, Knox.”
“Then we’ll face it together.”
“But we’ll be the cause of it.”
“Baby, do you really think we have that kind of power?” he challenged. “Are we the reason 9/11 happened as well?”
I bit my lip. He had a point. “What if Michael causes trouble?”
“Then we’ll deal with it.”
“What if he hurts you again?”
“Then we’ll deal with it.”
“I couldn’t bear it,” I whispered, dropping my head to his chest.
“I know, honey.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. Kissing my temple, he loosened his hold on me and lifted my chin. “Take your bath. I’ve got Kinsey covered.”
I nodded and walked into the bathroom.
* * *
Badger
I fired off a text to Stump, one of our newer recruits, requesting he grab my go bag from the compound and bring it to me. It had a couple changes of clothes and some cash, which would mean I could hang out for a few days.
I checked my watch and shook my head. It was barely eight, and I figured I was in for a long night, so I walked the house and made sure everything was locked up tight. I headed to the bedroom to find out what the new code was for the alarm, but I arrived to find Quin asleep on the bed. She hadn’t even made it under the covers and was bone dry, so I was pretty sure she hadn’t made it to the bath either.
I tiptoed to the bed and pulled the covers down, then lifted her and set her under them. She stirred slightly, and I leaned down to kiss her. “Sleep, baby.”
Her hand slid to my neck. “Okay.”
“What’s the alarm code?”
“First kiss,” she whispered and rolled over, sighing as she burrowed under the covers.
Of course it was. I smiled and left her to sleep, setting the alarm. Our first kiss hadn’t been romantic, but I would never forget it as long as I lived. It had been weird and awkward, and perfect. It was my junior year and she’d been playing hard to get pretty much since the second I met her, but we’d barely seen each over the summer before her final year of high school. She’d said it was because I was younger than her, but I called bullshit and decided to make my move. When she walked into the quad, I pulled her into the hallway and planted one on her. I’d been so fucking nervous, I’d dropped my heavy as shit backpack on her foot and made her cry.
“Shit, Welly, I’m sorry.”
“Oh, it’s okay. I didn’t really need that foot anyway,” she’d joked as tears streamed down her face. Her cheeks were red from trying not to completely lose it, and she couldn’t have been more beautiful.
“Let’s get you to the nurse. She’ll have ice.”
“I’m not going to the nurse, Knox. I don’t even know why you’re pulling me into dark places and kissing me. How would I explain that to her?”
The second she said that, a couple of pigs walked down the hall, one of them bellowing, “Knox McKellar. You’re coming with us.”
“Why?”
My hands were cuffed behind my back. “You have the right to remain silent—”
“What the fuck is goin’ on?” I growled. “I haven’t done anything.”
“Knox?” Quin whispered, her face pale with fear.
“They’ve got nothin’, Welly,” I promised.
“Grand theft auto.”
“What the fuck?” I snapped. “I haven’t stole anything, let alone a car.”
“You’d do well to stay away from a nothing like this,” one of the cops said to Quin.
“Fuck you!” I snapped.
I was dragged from the hallway, but as I looked back, I saw Quin frozen, tears streaming down her face and my heart broke.
It was the beginning of the end for me, but I knew I’d do anything to keep Quin.
“Daddy,” Kinsey whisper-shouted pulling me from my memories.
“What are you doing up, princess?”
She was peeking out from the mouth of the hallway and grinning like a loon. “Firsty.”
I hunkered down and held my arms out to her and she made a running leap for me. “Jesus, you’re quick, baby girl.”
Her arms wrapped tight around my neck and she squeezed. “Daddy,” she whispered.
“Yeah, baby, I’m here.” I stood, keeping her tight against me. “I’m gonna get you some water then you’re gonna go to bed.”
She snuggled into me and I melted like I always did. Before I could get her a drink, Stump texted he was outside, so I set Kinsey down and pulled open the door.
“Hey, brother,” Stump said, handing me my bag.
“Thanks,” I said, as Kinsey wrapped her arms around my leg and peeked up at Stump. “Do you remember Stump?”
“Tump,” she whispered.
I slid her hair behind her shoulder. “That’s right.”
“Doc needs me to do shi—uh… stuff. You good?”
“Yeah, brother, thanks,” I said, and Stump took off. I locked up, reset the alarm and then put Kinsey back to bed.
She didn’t stay there.
I’d taken my boots and cut off just as she decided to peek around the corner again. “Hi, Daddy.”
“You’re not goin’ to bed, are you?”
“Snugs.”
“Jesus, princess, you’re gonna make me lose my religion,” I said more to myself than her. “Come here.”
She rushed to me and I scooped her up.
“Are you having a hard time believing I’m here for good?”
She patted my cheeks. “Daddy.”
I smiled. “Love you, princess.”
She snuggled into me and shoved her thumb in her mouth. I sat on the sofa and pulled a blanket over Kinsey, keeping her close. “You sleep here, baby girl. I’m gonna watch some TV.”
I found an old Eagles documentary and turned the volume on low, while my daughter curled up beside me and fell asleep.
Quinlan
I SAT UP with a start and made a mad rush for the toilet. I seriously didn’t think I could do this for much longer. I had never been this sick with Kinsey, but even then, I didn’t think I’d make it to the end. I hated throwing up.
After brushing my teeth, I went to check on Kinsey and found her bed empty. My heart raced, and admittedly, I panicked. “Kinsey!” I called, running for the living room.
“Shhh,” Badger warned, and I followed the sound of his hiss, and froze.
Kinsey was curled up against him, a blanket wrapped around her and she looked like she was lost in bliss. My heart felt gooey and I laid my hand on my chest and forced back tears.
“You okay?” he asked, standing and making his way to me.
I nodded.
“You sick again?”
“Well, yes, but I’m okay. I just freaked when Kinsey wasn’t in her bed.”
He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. “She’s good, honey.”
“I see that.”
“I’m gonna put her back to bed and then we’ll sleep, okay?”
I nodded, dropping my head to his chest. “That sounds amazing.”
He kissed me gently and we settled Kinsey back into bed, then headed to the bedroom. I climbed under the covers while Badger undressed. I bit my lip at his beauty. He had the Dogs of Fire logo tattooed to his left pec, a honey badger on his right shoulder, and an owl across his six-pack abs. He had started a tribal tattoo on his left forearm and I couldn’t wait to see the finished project.
He grinned, setting his phone and lighter on the nightstand before crawling in beside me and kissing me again. “You look hungry.”
I licked my lips. “I am. My pocket rocket’s gotten a workout over the past few weeks. It’
s a miracle it hasn’t died.”
He frowned. “Don’t like you takin’ care of yourself. That’s my job.”
“Every time you touch me, I get pregnant,” I reiterated.
“You can’t get pregnant right now,” he pointed out.
I grinned. “That’s very true.”
He pushed my T-shirt up, exposing my breasts, and kissed his way up my belly before drawing one nipple into his mouth, then the other as he slid my T-shirt over my head.
As he worked his way back down my body, my stomach roiled and I groaned in agony. “Knox, wait,” I ordered, then made a rush for the bathroom.
As I emptied my stomach… again… I felt my hair gently pulled away from my face and secured behind my neck.
“I’m sorry,” I rasped.
“Baby, don’t be sorry. We got time. The most important thing is you do whatever you need to do to feel better and stay healthy.”
He hunkered beside me and I smiled pathetically at him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Yeah?”
I nodded. “I did everything with Kinsey alone. I thought I was going to have to do it again by myself.”
He stroked my cheek. “I’ve got you. You’ll never be alone again.”
“I like that,” I whispered.
“Are you feeling better?”
I nodded.
“I’ll get you some ginger ale and saltines.”
“I’m getting my tubes tied,” I threatened to his back.
“No you’re not,” he returned, disappearing from my sight.
“I so am,” I whispered, pushing to my feet and cleaning up.
“No you’re not,” Badger repeated, stepping back into the bathroom.
“There’s no way you heard me,” I said, drying my hands.
He grinned. “Doesn’t matter. I know you.”
I rolled my eyes.
Badger pulled me into his arms gently and kissed my temple. “I want to buy a big house and fill it with children, honey.”
“Are you planning on getting pregnant, then?”
Redeeming the Biker's Past (Dogs of Fire: Savannah Chapter Book 3) Page 5