by Nicola Jane
“Ochs, there’s too many of them now, we’re on baby number seven.” His Scottish accent strong.
“That poor wife of yours,” smiled Sassy, shaking her head.
“Let me take you to the kitchen. The guys will be so pleased to see you.” Sensing that Ryder had done the wrong thing he decided to follow Bear and Sassy instead, he’d face the music later.
Neve watched Sassy from her spot at the bar. Harlee was loving the one on one approach to learning and was concentrating hard on writing something, her little pink tongue poking out as she moved her pencil. Ryder had spent the last ten minutes sitting at the same table chatting to Sassy quietly. Neve knew it wasn’t anything important because they wouldn’t do it in front of Harlee but still, she felt jealous and pissed off.
“You look like a sad puppy dog waiting to be rehomed.” Griff sat down beside her munching happily on an apple.
“I do not,” she snapped sulkily.
“You do so. She’s the mother of his child, he just wants to win her over so he can see Alfie.”
“How far would he go to do that?”
“How far would you go to see Harlee if she was taken from you? He wants Sass to see that he’s changed, he’s grown up and he’s sticking around.”
“And he thought he’d use my daughter to do that?”
“No, he promised you he’d get Harlee sorted so that she didn’t miss out on school.”
Harlee ran towards them waving a piece of paper. “Look what I did,” she bellowed.
Griff picked her up and took the paper from her so that they could look at it together. Neve noticed Ryder heading for his office with Sassy hot on his heels. Griff caught her watching and smiled, “It’s not what you think. He likes you.”
It was twenty minutes before they reappeared. Neve watched for signs of dishevelled clothes or flushed faces, but all seemed in order. She left Ryder to say his goodbyes to Sassy and took Harlee up to bath her and get her to bed.
***
Later that evening, Ryder took a seat on one of the worn couches in the main room. He smiled to himself. Watching Neve teach Whiskey to sign was one of his new favourite things to do. Whiskey concentrated hard and occasionally Neve would move Whiskey’s hands into the right position. Ryder knew she was being off with him; he could feel it whenever she passed him or looked his way. Neve was mad about Sassy being here, but he wasn’t going to apologise for trying to keep Harlee learning. This morning she was concerned that her daughter would miss school and now she was mad that he’d sorted that out. When he’d called Sassy this morning to explain things she’d offered to help. Griff had pointed out that maybe it was a way to get back into Sassy’s good books, so that he could eventually see Alfie.
“Neve,” he called, and she glanced over her shoulder to him. “Come,” he added. She turned back to Whiskey, ignoring Ryder’s command. He smiled to himself, there was something about her defiance that turned him on. “Siren don’t ignore me.”
“I’m busy,” she muttered, keeping her back to him. Whiskey raised his eyebrows in surprise. It wasn’t often someone showed disrespect to his president.
“Two seconds to make it right or I’m doing it my way,” he warned her.
A few guys came in followed by a few of the sweet butts. The sweet butts hung around the clubhouse, in return for food and a roof over their heads they’d offer themselves to the guys. It was an arrangement that suited everyone. Deciding to push Neve to the limit, Ryder caught Viv’s eye and crooked his finger. She smirked and headed his way, making sure her ass swayed perfectly in the tight red dress she wore. Lowering next to him she flicked her long red hair over her shoulder, giving him a sexy smile. “What can I do for you Pres?”
“Just sit here looking pretty,” he muttered, taking her hand and placing it on his knee. He rested back into the couch, his head leaning back so that he was staring up at the roof. Her finger nails raked gently against his skin and he closed his eyes.
A scream had him sitting up in surprise. He felt a cold liquid hit his face, burning his eyes. “What the fuck?” he roared, jumping up. Neve stood before him, an empty glass in her hand and anger all over her face.
“Do not play games with me Ryder,” she warned, her tone threatening. She turned and stomped away, slamming the door behind her. Griff clapped his hands, doubled over with laughter at Ryders face, dripping with a sticky drink.
“Man, she had more fire than I thought,” he laughed, banging his hand on the bar.
“Shut the fuck up Griff,” muttered Ryder grabbing the towel that Whiskey offered him. He wiped his face and then stormed after Neve, blood coursing through him at speed.
Neve was almost at the top step when he ran up behind her wrapping his arm around her waist and lifting her off her feet. “Siren you’re gonna pay for that,” he growled, marching into the bedroom. He lowered her to her feet, and she spun to face him.
“You look ready to fight Siren, I’m not him, I won’t hurt you.” Neve sucked in a breath but before she could respond, Ryder had her pressed against the wall, his hands pulling at her clothes while his mouth explored her own. She soon forgot her anger as it turned to lust. “I want to hear you screaming my name,” he growled, pushing her jeans down her legs. She stepped out of them and let out a surprised yelp when Ryder gripped her lace panties and pulled, ripping them from her. “Firstly, I want to make it clear,” he began, rubbing his fingers over her wet entrance. Neve closed her eyes in pleasure, struggling to focus on what he was saying. “That I might talk to other women, some might be ex’s or people I’ve had sex with, it doesn’t mean I’m fucking them now.”
Ryder fisted his erection and then crouched slightly so that he could line himself up with her. “Hold on to me,” he muttered, his hands going to her waist so that he could lift her slightly. “I’m yours. No matter what people say, what you think you see, I am yours.” He thrust up into her and she shouted out in surprise. He gave her a satisfied smile before starting to move back and forth.
“Seeing her here today threw me. She belongs here, I don’t.” Neve hadn’t meant to blurt that out, she felt vulnerable and stupid.
“Baby you belong, wherever I am that’s where you should be. Sassy is my past you are my future.” The friction was becoming unbearable and she dug her fingers into his broad shoulders. “I want to see Alfie, to do that I have to break down her walls but that doesn’t mean I’m cheating on you.”
“What if that’s what she wants, what if she says she wants you all to be a family?” Ryder pressed his head against her shoulder trying to keep control of himself. He wasn’t ready to release her yet and this was the most she’d opened up to him.
“Then I’ll tell her that I already have a family and I want Alfie to be a part of that too, not her, just my kid.”
Neve wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his shoulder as the orgasm ripped through her. She gripped her legs around his waist tight and moaned against him as her body shook. “We’re moving quick, but you need to know that I like you a lot, I haven’t felt like this in a long time and I plan to tell the club that you’re mine. In my world that’s huge, just as good as putting a ring on your finger.”
Neve swallowed down the lump in her throat, she hadn’t ever felt this wanted and she felt silly for her irrational thoughts earlier. Kissing him slow she moved against him until he was panting and groaning and ramming hard into her. He released on a long groan and then stilled the sound of his heavy breathing filling the room.
“Thank you,” she whispered, “For reassuring me. Sorry I was a cow.”
Ryder pulled from her, fully aware that he hadn’t bothered to use protection. In his mind he was ready for anything as long as it was with Neve so having his baby in her belly was a dream come true, but he wasn’t sure how she’d feel about it. He passed her a pair of his boxer shorts and she pulled them on without commenting on the lack of protection. Climbing in to bed she looked back to him, “You coming?”
; CHAPTER EIGHT
It had been a week and Neve was beginning to relax. She hadn’t heard anything from Finn. Ryder said he wasn’t sure if that was a blessing or a curse. The threat of him planning something loomed over them but Ryder was also coming up with his own plan. They’d decided that trying to do things illegally wouldn’t get them anywhere. They needed to prove without doubt that Harlee was safer with Neve and not Finn. The trouble was that Neve had never reported Finn to the police for any of the violence he’d shown towards her. With no records it would be hard to explain to a judge there reasoning. The only one thing they had was the report from the school and even then, Ryder seemed to think that it wasn’t enough. In Neve’s eyes hitting her daughter once was one time too many.
Sassy was sat with Harlee and Neve decided to try and make the effort even though she felt hate vibes from Sassy towards her. “Do you want a drink?” she asked politely.
“No, where’s Ryder”? Sassy’s tone was blunt, and Neve struggled to remain friendly.
“He’s been at the gym, but he should be back any time. Can I help you with anything?”
“No. He’s supposed to be coming over tonight for some dinner.” Neve kept her shock hidden behind a cool calm mask. “He wants to discuss our son.”
“Well I’m sure he hasn’t forgotten.”
Sassy crossed her legs and Neve couldn’t help but notice the skirt she wore riding up to reveal suspender belts holding up her stockings. What kind of teacher wears that’s to school, she wondered to herself bitterly. “He’d better not have, I’ve brought his favourite dinner in.” Neve took herself away, she didn’t want to bite, and it was clear that Sassy was baiting her. As she passed the door Ryder came through it looking stressed and flustered. He smiled at the sight of Neve and kissed her on the head. “Hey Siren. Good day?” he asked. She nodded. “I’ve had the afternoon from hell.”
“Sassy is waiting for you,” muttered Neve, taking a seat at the bar and staring at the small television.
“Oh crap, I forgot. Babe, I’m going over to hers to talk about Alfie,” he explained.
Neve nodded, not looking at him, “Okay.”
“Sorry, I forgot to tell you. It slipped my mind.” When she didn’t respond he rolled his eyes and headed towards Sassy. He wasn’t going to grovel, he’d had a manic week and it slipped his mind.
He smiled warmly at Sassy and then Harlee saw him and reached up to be picked up for a hug. It had become custom whenever she saw him which was sweet, and he loved it, but he couldn’t help but want that with his own child.
“You ready?” he asked. Sassy nodded, gathering up her things.
“Is steak still your favourite”? she asked.
“Man, you know it,” he smiled, “But seriously you don’t have to cook.”
“You’ve been at work. A home cooked meal is just what you need.” She was right, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a home cooked meal.
Neve took Harlee from Ryder and he kissed her on the head. “I’ll be back in an hour or so.” She nodded and turned back to the television, dismissing him. Ryder sighed and left; he didn’t have the energy to keep reassuring her.
***
Ryder underestimated the time it would take to discuss his child as well as catch up with not only an ex but what was once his best friend. He stumbled against the door and winced. Why did everything sound so loud when you tried to be extra quiet. He laughed to himself and then pushed the bedroom door. Neve sat up, her face sleepy. “Ryder?” she whispered. It was three in the morning and she’d fallen to sleep waiting for him. When it got to eleven, she’d begun to think all kinds of things, mainly of Ryder naked between Sassy’s stocking clad legs. “I was worried.”
“Yeah I’m sorry, I didn’t realise the time.” He was slurring and then he stumbled again, catching himself against the wall.
“You’re drunk?”
“Well I may have had a few too many but it wasn’t intentional. We got talking and then she opened a bottle of my favourite whiskey. You know what it’s like.”
Neve muttered something and then laid back down, her back to Ryder and the covers pulled high to her neck. “Baby are you mad?” he whispered.
“Nope,” she snapped. He flopped onto the bed and trailed a finger down her back, trying to pull the blanket down. She pulled the blanket tighter, clearly, she was pissed. He shook his head in dismay and closed his eyes. He’d make it right in the morning.
***
The light streamed in through a gap in the drapes. Ryder groaned and turned away from the window, pulling the blankets over his sore head. He was pretty sure he might vomit if he was to move, so he closed his eyes again.
***
Neve kissed Harlee on the head and watched her run towards her friends. “Have a great day Popple,” she shouted after her. Routine was what they needed, and she’d made the decision this morning to get back to their normal life. Sitting around that club all day was driving her insane and although she’d quit her job at the hotel, she knew that Mollie would always welcome a helping hand at her florist shop.
“Hey Moll,” she smiled as the door chimed to announce her entrance. Mollie looked up from where she was cutting the stems on some roses.
“Neve, how are you?”
“I’m good. I needed to get out the house. Do you need a hand?”
“Oh my god if you’re serious I could kiss you right now. I have tonnes of orders.” She nodded towards the pile of note paper on the worktop.
“I’ll get stuck in then.” She took her things into the back room and pulled an apron form the back of the door.
“Weren’t there any shifts at work?” asked Mollie.
“I quit. Long story involving bikers, Finn and a not very understanding boss.”
“Wow, what will you do for money?”
“Don’t judge but Ryder’s been helping me out. It’s not long term. I’ll get a job once things have died down with Finn.” Neve filled Mollie in on the last few weeks and the problems she’d been having with Finn.
“Christ Neve, your life is like a soap drama. Are you sure Harlee is safe at school?”
“Yes. I’m going early to collect her, and all of the teachers know that she is not to be released to her Dad.” Neve’s phone rang and she groaned. It was Ryder and she knew he’d be screwing. She was surprised it had taken two hours for him to notice.
“Ryder,” she said breezily.
“Don’t you dare tell me you are out without an escort?”
“I am out without an escort. Harlee is at school and…”
“Why don’t you ever listen to me. Why would you put Harlee back into school without talking to me?” he was angry and yelling.
“Because she’s my daughter and I make those decisions.”
The line went quiet and Neve checked to make sure they were still connected.
“Message received loud and clear.” Ryder sounded hurt.
Neve sighed, maybe she had been harsh. “Look sorry, I just meant…”
“I know what you meant Neve. I’ll perhaps see you later. I’m seeing Alfie tonight, so it depends when you decide to come home.”
“Actually, I was thinking I should probably go home, as in back to my own place.” The line fell silent again. She hadn’t had any intentions of going home just yet, but she was hurt from his behaviour last night and now he was talking of going out again with Sassy.
“Right. Whatever you want. See yah.” This time the line went dead, and Neve stared at the blank screen. Her heart hurt and she knew she’d brought it on herself which made it even worse. Now she’d have to go home to a house where she probably wouldn’t be safe from Finn.
“That sounded like a break up,” said Mollie.
Tears formed in Neves eyes and she shrugged her shoulders. It felt like a break up too. “He’s trying to get to know his kid and deep down I know that he likes me, but I feel threatened by his ex. She’s beautiful and they have history. They didn’t fall out of love
and break-up, he cheated on her. There’s so much unfinished business between them but it never got sorted because he went to prison. Now he’s back…” I trail off, realising that I’m rambling.
“Neve, you’re beautiful, you talk like you aren’t.”
“I don’t feel beautiful at side of her. She hated me when she was just Harlee’s teacher but now she knows about me and Ryder she looks like she wants to kill me.”
“I’m sure she doesn’t. Maybe you’re reading too much into this. I think Ryder just wants to keep you safe and he’s told you that he likes you and that he won’t cheat, try throwing some trust his way until he gives you reason not to anymore.”
“That’s unlikely now, I think he’s had enough of me and who could blame him.” Neve spent the next few hours feeling sorry for herself and trying to come up with ways to make things right with Ryder.
***
Ryder was pissed. He’d spent the entire day yelling at people or snapping at them. Since he woke alone and found that Neve had defied his orders, he just couldn’t get his head straight. He’d sent one of the prospects to shadow Neve by tracking her cell and then he’d posted another at Harlee’s school. He didn’t have enough good men to watch her all the time, why couldn’t she just follow instructions.
He stared at the large house that Sassy now lived in with his son. He felt nervous, seeing Alfie for the first time was overwhelming enough and that was just looking at photographs but actually meeting him was going to be a whole different ball game. The front door opened, and Sassy appeared. Dressed in a long white flowing dress she was a vision of beauty. She gave a wave and smiled. Making his way towards her he held out a bunch of flowers, it was only a small bunch from the supermarket, but it was a last-minute decision to bring her some. He also had a present for Alfie, he had it on good authority, mainly from Harlee, that five-year-old boys loved paw patrol.
“Were you gonna sit out here all night just watching my house?” she asked, opening the door wider for him to step in.
“Just gathering myself,” he muttered. Stepping through to the living room he spotted a dark-haired little boy staring at the television. Relief flooded him when he realised that Alfie was watching the Paw Patrols show.