by Harley Wylde
At the compound, he dropped Ivan off at the clubhouse before going to our little house. I walked inside and went straight to the bathroom. Part of me didn’t want to look, but I needed to know, needed to see. I stepped into the small room and shut the door. Pulling off the scrub top, I stared at my reflection, what parts of me I could see. Blood was already seeping through the bandages so I pulled them off.
The cuts on my face were longer than I’d thought. The tops of my breasts hadn’t fared much better. I cried, the salt of my tears burning the wounds. Why would anyone want me while I looked like this? Could Rocky ever look at me again without remembering what happened? Would he see me bloody and tied naked to a chair every time he saw me now? Sobs wracked my body, and I sat on the toilet, wrapping my arms around myself, as if I could squeeze the broken pieces back together.
The door opened, and Rocky came in, kneeling in front of me. His touch was gentle as he nudged my chin up so I would look at him.
“It’s over,” he said.
“I’m so ugly. You’re never going to look at me the same way.”
He closed his eyes and breathed out harshly. When he opened them again, there was tenderness there that I had never seen before. He leaned forward and softly brushed his lips against mine.
“I’m going to tell you something, and I want you to listen carefully. I thought you were beautiful the first moment I saw you, even with your wounds from the wreck. They may have healed without scarring, but do you think a few lines on your body are really going to change how I feel when I look at you?” he asked.
“But…”
He placed a finger over my lips. “When I realized you were gone, that the bastard had taken you, I was more terrified than I’ve ever been before. Thankfully, one of our Prospects was in the parking lot having a cigarette. He saw the man carry you out a side door and put you in a waiting car. If Tyson hadn’t seen you, hadn’t followed, then I never would have found you. He didn’t have reception where you were being held, or I would have come for you sooner.”
“What are you saying, Rocky?”
“I’m saying… I think I love you, Mara. I’ve never been in love before, but when I thought you were gone, that I might never get you back, my heart hurt. If you had died, I would have wanted to die with you. Just as soon as I put an end to whoever was responsible for taking you from me.”
“You love me?” I asked in a near whisper.
“Yeah, sweet girl. I love you.” He lightly touched my cheek under one of the cuts. “If these scar, the only thing it proves is that you were strong enough to survive. We never have to talk about what happened today, unless you want to. If you need to talk, I’ll listen. But I will never push you to share anything as painful as what you went through today.”
“He was going to rape me,” I said. “He said he’d take me until he tired of me, then give me to his friends. When I wasn’t useful anymore, he was going to turn me into a whore.”
Rocky’s eyes darkened, and his jaw tightened. “Then I’m glad Torch killed that fucker.”
“If Sebastian is dead, his father is going to want revenge. All we did was start a war that we likely won’t win. Carl Rossi is going to want everyone punished who had a hand in his son’s death.”
“Torch is going to take care of Rossi. All I want you to do is focus on getting better.” He placed a hand over my belly. “You’re carrying precious cargo.”
“Are you upset? About the baby, I mean?” I asked. “We never talked about kids…”
“I want kids with you, Mara. If you only want one, then we’ll take precautions after this one. If you think you’d be happy having another one, then we’ll have two. I’m just happy having you in my life, and the fact we created a life together is amazing. Maybe we’ll have a little girl as beautiful as her mother.”
Rocky kissed me again, slow and tender. When I stood up, he helped me out of the scrub bottoms. After redressing my wounds, he led me into the bedroom and helped me into my pajamas. We cuddled on the couch and watched TV, and when my stomach rumbled, he ordered Chinese for us. I spent the rest of the night in his arms, feeling loved and safe.
Chapter Ten
Rocky
I spent the next week taking care of Mara. We grew closer during that time, but I knew she was still worried about Carl Rossi. When Torch said he had information for me, I didn’t hesitate to take Mara with me. There was a chance Torch would ask her to leave the room, but I hoped he’d let her stay. She needed peace of mind, and I didn’t know how else to give it to her.
Torch pushed open the door to his house and motioned for us to come in. He gave Mara a slight smile as she entered the house behind me. His place was quiet, and I wondered where Isabella was today. Torch led the way to the back of the house and stepped into an office I hadn’t even realized he had. He left the door open as we took our seats.
“I wanted to let you know that the issue with Carl Rossi is being taken care of. I was going to turn him over to the government for that stunt ten years ago, but he’s managed to evade the law for so long, I didn’t want to chance him walking away.”
“So what’s going to happen to him?” Mara asked.
“My father-in-law is an interesting man,” Torch said.
I snorted. It was a little weird hearing him call a man around his own age his father-in-law, even if that’s what Casper VanHorne was. I hadn’t met the man, even though I’d been here the day Isabella was first brought to Torch. I remembered thinking she was just a kid, and I didn’t understand how Torch could claim her, but she’d only been two years younger than Mara was now. It made me feel a little like a hypocrite. It was obvious Torch loved Isabella. There might be a huge age difference between them, but it seemed to work.
“So, you’ve sent Casper after Carl Rossi?” I asked.
Torch nodded. “He’s been doing some research the last few days and said he’s ready to make his move. If all goes according to plan, by dinner tonight, Sara Rossi will be a widow.”
“What’s going to happen to my mom?” Mara asked.
“I can’t find any direct connection with your mom and what happened to your dad. Yes, she received money from Carl Rossi a few months before she took off with you, and I think she may have known what would happen, but she didn’t instigate it.”
“She didn’t stop it either,” Mara said.
“No, she didn’t.” Torch leaned back in his chair. “Your mother stands to inherit millions when Rossi is taken down. We can leave her alone, keep an eye on her, and see what happens. She may live the rest of her life in peace, or…”
“A heroin addict isn’t going to live for much longer,” I said.
“He’s not wrong,” Torch said. “From what we’ve learned, your mother is in pretty rough shape. She’s so far gone, I don’t think even rehab would do much good. Likely, she’s going to pass before long. If you want her punished for what she did, then I can arrange it. I’m going to leave her fate up to you.”
“I don’t want her to know where I am, or know that I’m pregnant,” Mara said.
Torch looked from Mara to me, his eyebrows raised, and I realized that I’d never told anyone Mara was pregnant. I had a feeling he would say something to me later. I hadn’t meant to keep it a secret, but with everything that had happened, it just hadn’t occurred to me that I should say anything.
“We’ll make sure she stays away from you,” Torch said. “You should know that Sara has a will. Wire was able to get a copy. You’re listed as her sole heir. Now, with Rossi still alive right now, she’s not really worth anything. But once he’s taken care of, you’ll be a very rich woman after your mom passes.”
Mara looked like she’d sucked on a lemon.
“Or not,” Torch said, looking amused at her reaction.
“I don’t want to touch that money,” Mara said. “People have died for it, women have been exploited, and kids were raped.”
“When the time comes, we can figure something out,” Torch said. �
��You might want to tuck it away in case of an emergency.”
“Is it safe for Mara to leave the compound?” I asked. “I’m sure she’s feeling trapped by now. Even though Sebastian is gone, I’ve kept her on lockdown until Carl Rossi was taken care of. I didn’t want him to come after her.”
“Rossi knows his son was killed here, but Sebastian must not have been very forthcoming with his father because my sources say Carl can’t figure out why Sebastian was in Alabama. If he’s noticed Mara is gone, he doesn’t seem to care. There’s nothing out there about her being a missing person. I honestly don’t think Carl is after Mara, but if you want to err on the side of caution, I’ll send you a text once Carl is out of the picture,” Torch said.
“Will anyone retaliate against the club or the man who’s going after Carl?” Mara asked.
“We’ve made sure nothing can be traced to us,” Torch said. “The club is safe, and you will be too.”
“Thank you,” Mara said.
“You’re family, Mara. As Rocky’s woman, you’re part of us,” Torch said. “And seeing as you’re pregnant, that baby you’re carrying will be part of this family too. Since I doubt you’ve seen a doctor other than the one at the ER, I’ll arrange for you to see Isabella’s OB-GYN. She had an appointment scheduled for today, and I’m sure she won’t mind you taking her slot.”
Mara looked at me and then Torch. “Today?”
He nodded. “You need to leave pretty much right now.”
Torch slid a business card across the desk. I picked it up and saw it was for the OB-GYN, with an address and phone number. I knew where it was located. Mara stood up, as did I. Torch remained seated and opened a file on his desk. I knew we were dismissed. Escorting Mara out to the truck, I got us to the doctor’s office as quickly as I could, since Torch hadn’t given an exact appointment time.
There were a lot of papers to fill out, and Mara kept shaking out her hand. Partway through, I took the clipboard from her and started answering the questions as she gave me verbal response to each prompt on the form. When it was done, I turned it in along with her insurance card and paid her co-pay. If Rossi wasn’t going to be around much longer, I had a feeling Mara was going to need new insurance. I’d have to look into it later.
We waited for a half hour before Mara’s name was called. They checked her blood pressure and her weight before escorting us to a room.
“The doctor will be in shortly,” the nurse said, smiling as she shut the door.
“Nervous?” I asked.
Mara nodded.
“I don’t think they’ll do much today. Maybe confirm the pregnancy. I may not know much about babies or being pregnant, but I don’t think you’re far enough along for them to do much else,” I told her.
There was a knock on the door then a man in a white lab coat stepped inside. He smiled warmly and offered his hand to both of us. He looked a little young to be a doctor, but if Torch thought he was good enough for Isabella, then the man must be a good doctor.
“I’m Dr. Myron,” the doctor said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’m getting more and more Dixie Reapers’ ladies these days. You guys must have some powerful swimmers.”
Mara bit her lip, and her shoulders shook with silent laughter.
“So, what makes you think you’re pregnant?” Dr. Myron asked.
“I had a blood test at the ER. They said it was positive,” Mara said. “I don’t really know that I needed to come in this early. I had sex for the first time about a week and a half before the pregnancy test was done.”
“And when was that?” Dr. Myron asked.
“Three weeks in a few days,” I said.
“We won’t be able to see or hear the baby at this early stage. Did you complete the form allowing us to receive medical files on you?” Dr. Myron asked.
“Yes,” Mara answered.
“I’ll want your file from your primary doctor and any OB-GYNs you may have seen in the past. I want to make sure all our bases are covered, and you get the best care. For now, I know that you already had a blood test. I’ll need those documents from the ER. They can fax them but may need written permission from you first. Are you on prenatal vitamins?” Dr. Myron asked.
“The ER doctor gave her a thirty-day supply when he wrote the prescription for her painkillers,” I said.
“When you received the wounds on your face and arms, did the person responsible hit your stomach or cut you there?” Dr. Myron asked.
Mara shook her head. “I don’t think so. I was knocked out part of the time, but my stomach didn’t hurt at any point.”
“Once I receive the files from the ER confirming your pregnancy, I’ll call in a prescription for prenatal vitamins. We’ll go ahead and use the ones the ER doctor requested, and if I think those aren’t sufficient after future tests we can go from there. Some are stronger than others. For now, you don’t really need to change your activities, but I wouldn’t do anything dangerous,” Dr. Myron said.
“So, no riding on the back of my bike?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t advise it,” Dr. Myron said.
Mara’s head whipped around to face me. “You have a motorcycle?”
Dr. Myron chuckled, and I pointed to my cut. “Did you miss this part of my life?”
“But I haven’t seen it,” Mara said.
“Torch was storing it for me. Since I’ve had you with me pretty much everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve just been using the truck. Now that the doctor has just vetoed you on riding on the back of the bike, you can ride with Isabella, Ridley, and the kids.” I smiled at her. “I promise to take you on ride as soon as you’re able to go.”
Mara sighed and looked at the doctor again. “When do I have to come back?”
“Why don’t we schedule something for six weeks from now? We can listen to the baby’s heartbeat then,” Dr. Myron said. He looked at me, and there was indecision on his face.
“Spit it out, Doc,” I said.
“Were you told why your President and VP chose me to look after their wives?” he asked.
“Figured you were the best,” I answered.
“Well, I am pretty good at my job,” he said with a smile. “But I think it has more to do with the fact they felt they could trust me to look at their women and not do anything inappropriate.”
My brow furrowed.
Dr. Myron smiled a little. “I’m gay. So looking at Mara’s more intimate parts isn’t going to do a damn thing for me. Not that a doctor should be affected by that anyway, but I thought I’d share that with you, in case it makes a difference.”
I scratched my beard. “Well, I appreciate you sharing that, but I didn’t think it was an issue with you being a professional and all.”
“Good to know,” Dr. Myron said. “I’ll see the two of you in six weeks. If you have any questions before then, call the office and either a nurse will help you or we can schedule an appointment.”
He shook our hands again and stepped out of the room. I helped Mara off the table and went toward the front, stopping at a window near the exit sign to schedule her next appointment. When we were finished, I took her by the ER so she could have her file faxed over. I contemplated taking her home, but she’d been cooped up so much since we came here, except for outings with four or more others with us, I felt bad. Yes, it was for her protection, but I knew it had to be tiresome.
My phone vibrated, and I pulled it out, swiping the screen. There was an encrypted message from Torch’s number. We used them often when doing jobs so I entered my code and waited for the message to load.
Torch: Rossi isn’t a problem anymore. Kill confirmed.
There was a picture attached of Carl Rossi with a bullet wound through the center of his forehead. I’d thought Casper was going to do it later tonight, but I guess the opportunity presented itself, and he took it. Within thirty seconds of viewing the image, the picture began to pixelate and slowly became unrecognizable, before vanishing completely.
“Everything
okay?” Mara asked.
I turned my phone and showed her Torch’s text. She smiled, and it looked like the stress just melted off of her. Her shoulders relaxed, her face wasn’t as tense. I knew the message would disappear the same as the picture had, so I shoved my phone back into my pocket. I’d known Mara was worried, but I don’t think I realized how much until right now. I stopped her next to the truck and put my arms around her. Mara leaned her body into mine and tipped her head back to look up at me.
“You’re safe. Sebastian and Carl Rossi are both dead, and no one else wants to harm you. No more hiding at the compound or going out in large groups. You can go places with Isabella and Ridley, or even venture out on your own. I would prefer that you keep a Prospect with you, just in case trouble should come up, but I won’t force you to. I know the last few weeks have been a little like being in jail.”
“I love you, Rocky, and I know you wouldn’t ask me to do something unless you thought it was for my own good. If you want me to take a Prospect with me whenever I leave the compound, I’m okay with that.”
“We can do anything you want, just the two of us,” I said.
She smiled a little, then pulled me down to whisper in my ear. “You could take me home and fuck me.”
I stood up and my gaze skimmed over her wounds. They were mostly healed. “I’ll be gentle with you.”
She snorted. “I don’t want gentle. I want you to fuck me the way you always do. Hard. Deep. Fast. Remind me that I’m yours.”
I kissed her, my tongue sliding into her mouth. She melted against me as my hands cupped her ass, and I ground my erection against her belly. If that’s what Mara wanted, that’s what she would get. And since my cock hadn’t been inside her in a fucking week, I was going to make up for lost time.
“I hope you don’t plan on walking tomorrow,” I said against her lips. “Because I’m fucking you all night long.”
She smiled, her eyes lighting up with pleasure. I swatted her ass and helped her into the truck, then drove back the compound like hellhounds were chasing after us. It was time to remind my woman that she was mine, every fucking inch of her, and I was going to taste every part of her. By morning she’d be hoarse from screaming my name.