by Mallory Funk
I barely register her coming out of the bathroom until she taps me on the shoulder.
“Hey Damien, are you okay?” she asks me softly with worry in her eyes.
I clear my throat. “Yeah, I’m fine. I guess it’s just sinking in that I’m going to be a father. It didn’t really click until I saw the baby growing inside you on the screen.”
“Well, we are half way there, so we got twenty more weeks to go. I’m going to become big as a house, and will probably start to waddle. With my luck, I will probably get stretch marks too,” she says grabbing her purse and putting her shoes back on.
“You will still be beautiful,” I tell her, and I fucking love the blush that comes over her face.
“Well, in any case, that was easily the best piss I have ever had,” she tells me bluntly, and I can’t help but throw my head back and laugh.
This woman is something else. When she turns her head and winks at me, I know why she said what she did- to pull us away from the emotional event that just occurred.
“Come on, Cook is making you steak and mashed potatoes,” I tell her, and she looks at me hopefully. Uh oh.
“Do you think that he’s cooking chicken too?”
“He probably is, baby,” I tell her putting a hand on her back, and walking out of the doctor’s office. Before I get into Ella’s SUV, I grab my phone and text Cook again.
Me: I really fucking hope you have chicken too.
Cook: Already done. Princess never has one type of food on her plate. Knew she would change her mind.
Me: Thank fuck.
I can’t help but shake my head. Ella already has all the brothers wrapped around her finger. Any one of them will get up in the middle of the night to grab her a fucking milkshake if she asked. They have no problems feeding her. It helps that she’s the sweetest woman to come to the club in a long fucking time. I have never seen judgement in her eyes at anyone, and Prez has told everyone to keep the sex out of the common areas while she’s around. They all agreed pretty fucking fast because no one wants to make her uncomfortable. I think that everyone is afraid that she will run like her mother did, but I can’t see that happening. She doesn’t seem like the type to walk away from her family.
I drive us to the club house, and Ella is humming the whole way. When we get out, there are only prospects in the front. I know that’s because everyone is waiting to hear what we are having.
Walking into the clubhouse, I spot Prez right away. He grins wide at Ella and she walks up to him for a hug.
“Hey, baby girl. How was the appointment?” he asks when he pulls away from the hug to put an arm around Lily.
“Oh great! The baby is healthy and growing big,” she tells him with a smile that I have never seen on her face.
“That’s great. So, don’t keep me waiting. What are you having?” he asks impatiently.
“Having? Dad… I’m having a baby. I thought it was obvious,” she says with a sly smile pointing at her stomach like we don’t know that there is a baby in there. I shake my head at her with a smile on my face.
“I know you’re having a baby, but what kind?” he asks with an annoyed tone. I see his lips twitch in amusement.
“Oh, well it’s going to be small at first, and it should look like a mix between Damien and I,” she says trying to hold back laughter. She’s probably the only one who can get away with fucking with Prez like this.
“Girl, you better tell me the sex of your baby right now,” Prez says calmly.
“Oh, the sex! Right, it’s a boy,” she says smiling widely. Prez pulls her in for another hug, and all of the Old Ladies hug her while also patting me on the back, congratulating us.
“Thanks everyone, but can I get my chicken now?” she asks seriously making everyone laugh.
“Sure, baby girl,” Prez says kissing her on the head while throwing an arm over her shoulder.
“Wouldn’t want her to cry because she’s hungry again,” Torch says, and that has everyone laughing.
We all eat, and the old ladies talk Ella’s ear off about the baby and pregnancy. They all decide that they wanted to go shopping. Ella had told them that she was going to look into getting someone to paint the house since she can’t now. Most of the brothers jump on the opportunity to help.
We decide that she should stay at the clubhouse while they paint her house. When they ask her about her husband’s stuff, I stiffen since this was a sore spot for us this afternoon. She looks at me when she speaks.
“Well, I think that it would be best if we gave away the clothes, but other personal stuff I’m not ready to go through, so maybe we can put them in boxes until I’m ready to go through everything. We can put them in the basement for now,” she says. I nod my head in agreement with her. She gives me a relieved smile.
“Sounds good, baby girl. If you’re not ready then that’s fine, but we do need to get your house ready for the baby. Also, if you want the walls in the living room and kitchen painted then we will do that, and then we can work on the nursery. You can stay there tonight, and then tomorrow we will pack a bag for you to stay here until it’s done,” Prez tells her.
Ella nods her head in agreement. I decide to put her in my room, and Prez agrees. It’s only down the hall, and I know that he plans on staying in his room instead of at his house as long as Ella is there. He watches her like a hawk when she’s at the club house. I know that it’s because of the club whores. The brothers wouldn’t dare to mess with her. We have all heard the hushed conversations from the club whores regarding Ella.
After we spend some time with the brothers, I decide to take us back to Ella’s. She already seems tired, so I know I just want her to relax.
When we get back, Stacey is home watching a movie.
“Hey, girl. So, did you find out?” she asks with excitement in her voice.
“Yes, we are having a boy,” Ella replies. Stacey squeals and runs to hug Ella. I have to back away before any more squealing starts happening.
I decide to grab a shower while Ella catches up with Stacey about our day. I know that she didn’t think much of us until Torch had beat the shit out of some asshole trying to force himself on Stacey. She had been more accepting of the idea that us bikers are a part of Ella’s life after that.
I grab my bag, and bring it to Ella’s room. I don’t spend a long time in the shower since it feels like a long fucking day already. I know that if I’m tired, Ella is too. Prez has me going on a run tomorrow morning so, when I bring Ella to the club, at least he will be watching over her. I know that if she was at her house with a brother watching her from outside, I wouldn’t be able to relax.
When I get out of the shower, Ella is in the room grabbing some clothes to sleep in. She looks at me with questioning eyes.
“I’m staying in here tonight. I can’t stand the thought of you having nightmares. If you still have one while I am in the bed then you can kick me back to the couch tomorrow, but let’s just try it tonight, okay? I’m tired, and I know that you are tired, so go wash up and get some rest.”
She nods her head, and heads into the bathroom with her clothes. I am only wearing my boxers. I know that she has already seen me with only boxers on already, so I’m not really willing to put on more clothes. I climb into the bed, and get under the covers. When I finally lay down, I can’t help but smile. Fuck, this bed is the most comfortable thing that I have ever slept in. Way better than that fucking couch I have been laying on.
I must have fallen asleep because all I feel is the bed dip and Ella getting under the covers while shutting off the lamp. I’m half asleep, so I am using that as an excuse for pulling her into my arms. I have my front against her back with my hand over her belly. I can feel the hard, little bump that already has my child growing in there. Ella is only stiff for a moment, and then she relaxes. I know it doesn’t take long for either of us to fall asleep.
Chapter Nine
Ella
I spend the next few days at the clubhouse. The nig
ht that I had spent with Damien was the most peaceful sleep I have had since Jeff died. Damien knew it too, but he didn’t gloat or become smug. He probably knew that if he made a big deal about it then I would have freaked out. I was nervous at first to actually go to sleep with him, but when I came out of the bathroom and he was asleep, I knew that I could just climb into bed without any awkwardness.
Then he had pulled me into his arms. I was shocked at first, but I knew that he was still half asleep. I had also missed the feeling of someone holding me in their arms. I did feel a little guilty but, years ago, Jeff and I had a talk about what would happen if something happened to one of us. It was always hypothetical. I told him that I would want him to find love again, and not spend his days alone. He agreed, and told me the same thing, and to never feel guilty if someone makes me feel something, even if I’m not ready for it. He had told me that he couldn’t bear the thought of me being alone.
That’s probably why it has been easier for me to accept my new life. I know where I came from now, and all these men make sure that I am well taken care of. The old ladies have also been accepting of me. The only people who haven’t been so welcoming are the club whores. No one thinks that I don’t hear what they say about me, but I do. I’m not bothered by it because I didn’t purposely come in and try to take any of the men. Damien had told me to let him or any of the brothers know if one of them steps out of line. They aren’t allowed to speak to me at all since they are club whores, and I’m a club princess. I never thought I would be one, or a part of a club for that matter, but here I am.
It’s almost six in the morning, and I’m already awake. I know that everyone sleeps in late already, but since Damien isn’t in the bed, I have nightmares. Once the nightmares come and wake me up, I can’t go back to sleep.
I decide to make my way downstairs, and grab some breakfast.
There are a couple of club whores in the kitchen drinking coffee. They look like they haven’t even been to bed yet. I decide not to talk to them, and grab my apple juice since it’s usually stocked. When I open the fridge, there isn’t any in there. Weird, I could have sworn there was some in there last night.
I just shrug and grab some water. I will get someone to bring me to the store later. When I walk to the sink, I see a couple of empty cartons sitting in it. They are upside down like someone purposely dumped them.
I look back at the women, and they are both smirking at me.
“You think because you’re the princess you are better than us,” the one on the left says, I think her name is Nikki.
I sigh and face them. “No, I don’t think I’m better than you. I just came down here to get a drink.”
“Damien is never going to want you. You are just the bitch carrying his child. He only puts up with you because of Prez,” Nikki says.
I glare at her harsh words. I know that she isn’t right- it’s not just from being Prez’s daughter. I am more to him than that.
“Say what you want, but what goes on between Damien and me isn’t really any of your business,” I tell her crossing my arms over my chest.
“Of course, it’s my fucking business. Damien is mine. You better back the fuck off, and get your greedy fucking hands off my man. He was so close to making me his old lady until you came along and started messing with his head,” Nikki snaps at me while standing up.
“You are nothing but the stupid bitch carrying his baby. Don’t think that you can come in here and steal our fucking family,” the other one snaps at me. I don’t even know her name.
A voice in the doorway startles us. “Nikki, Sam, you girls are nothing but fucking whores. Who the fuck do you think you are, talking to the club princess like that?” I turn to look at who is speaking, and it’s Steal, my brother.
I breathe in a sigh of relief. I look at the girls. They put their heads down, and avoid eye contact with my brother.
“Fucking look at me when I’m talking to you,” he growls at them.
They both snap their heads up, and I see their eyes widen.
“What the fuck is going on here?” my dad grumbles as he walks into the room. Lily is right behind them.
“These fucking whores were standing here calling Ella a stupid bitch and telling her to stay away from Damien,” Steal replies.
Lily walks over at me, and her eyes land on the sink. She turns her head to narrow her eyes on the girls.
“And you fucking dumped her apple juice. That’s just fucking pathetic. We’re adults here. We don’t have room for high school bullies,” she says as she puts an arm around my shoulders.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Steal growls louder.
“Girls, pack your shit and get the fuck out of my club,” my dad growls at them.
Their jaws open in shock. “Because we dumped some apple juice?” Nikki questions. I don’t miss the way my dad’s eyes turn angry.
“No. For fucking disrespecting a member of this club. You girls know the rules. My daughter is the fucking princess of this club, and she is also carrying the VP’s baby. That makes her fucking precious to every fucking member of this club. You don’t get to say shit to her. You have no fucking right to tell her to stay away from Damien. She’s carrying his fucking baby, and he sleeps in her fucking bed. She has more say over him than you fucking do. You dumping her apple juice is just plain fucking stupid and childish. I don’t have room for your childlike behaviour. Now get the fuck out of my sight before I remove you.” Once he is done, they both run to the doorway and grab their stuff.
“PROSPECT!” he yells over his shoulder. A guy who I have seen often comes running in. I didn’t think that anyone was awake.
“Yeah, boss?” he asks.
“Go get princess here some apple juice.” The guy nods his head and leaves immediately.
“Don’t let what those girls said get to you. There are some who want to become old ladies, but club whores never become old ladies. No brother has ever wanted to claim one as his own. You get me?” my dad asks, and I nod my head.
“Now, go sit down, and I will make you some breakfast,” Lily says ushering me to the table.
I know that it’s pointless to argue, so I just do as I’m told. I watch Lily make me breakfast, and the rest of the day goes smoothly. Nobody seems to be missing the two club whores that left.
Damien
I’ve been on a run for the last couple days. Prez told me about the club whores, Nikki and Sam, who are now banned from the club. That fucking whore, Nikki, thought that she could claim me to Ella. Fuck, that bitch has no claim on me. If anyone had any sort of claim on me in that room, it was Ella. The night before I left and she fell asleep in my arms, she didn’t have a single nightmare. I was fucking feeling glad about that because that means I have a reason to sleep next to her every night. I hate the fact that she still has nightmares when I’m not there, but a few of the brothers and I are on our way back to the clubhouse.
It’s late at night. Almost two am. I hope that Ella is asleep. I know now that once she wakes up from a nightmare, she can’t go back to sleep. She texts me late in the night now that I know about her nightmares.
We pull up to the clubhouse and, of course, they are partying. I know they are only doing it if Ella is already asleep. They won’t risk her walking in on them fucking a club whore. That’s usually what ends up happening at parties.
Just as I suspected, there are a few brothers taking turns fucking a club whore. I shake my head, and walk towards the hallway where the bedrooms are. I have no interest in partying tonight. All I want to do is put Ella in my arms and fall asleep. I never thought that I would choose holding Ella in my arms over partying and taking advantage of club pussy. Fuck, what has this chick done to me?
Once I get to my room, I see Ella asleep on the bed. Fuck, she’s wearing my shirt, and the blanket falls down to her hips just where the shirt stops. She has a hand on her belly, and she’s sleeping on her left side.
I waste no time stripping down to my boxers and cl
imbing into bed with her. When I have her back to my front, and place my hand on her belly, I swear she fucking sighs. “Damien,” she whispers and she puts her hand over mine. I can’t stop the smile that comes to my face. I kiss her on the shoulder.
“Just go to sleep, baby. I’m here now,” I whisper back. She hums and falls back asleep. It doesn’t take long for me to follow right behind her.
Chapter Ten
Ella
I wake up with arms around me, and I instantly know that they are Damien’s. We are on our sides, and his hand is over my baby bump. I smile to myself, and try to move from under his arm since I really have to go to the washroom, but his arm just tightens around me.
“Damien,” I whisper. All he does is tighten his arm around me in response.
“Damien,” I say louder.
“No, go back to sleep,” he mumbles.
I chuckle silently. “I have to use the washroom.”
He sighs loudly like it almost pains him to let me go. “Come back when you are done.”
I nod my head even though I knew that he couldn’t see it with his eyes closed. I quickly go to the washroom and do my business, and then brush my teeth. When I get back into the bedroom, he is on his back with a hand behind his head and one on his stomach. His eyes were closed, but they open when I came back into the room. He stretches out a hand to me. Okay, I guess he really meant for me to get back into bed with him.
I climb onto the bed, and put my head on his chest. I listen to his heartbeat, and it feels very soothing to me. I don’t know why I always feel so safe in his arms. Damien affects me like no one I have ever met. I don’t remember the last time I felt so safe, that nothing and no one can hurt me as long as Damien is near. I didn’t know if I should be scared of the fact that I found myself attached to him so quickly, but I wasn’t going to start second guessing myself.
“I’m sorry that you had to deal with Nikki,” he says with his voice still full of sleep. Husky, scratchy, and deep. I find that I like his morning voice a lot.