by Erin Trejo
“What is it, Link?” I step up next to him, but he pulls the contents into his chest.
“You don’t need to see this right now. Wait until Dax gets back.” The tone of his voice should tell me to stop. It should be a warning, but I don’t stop.
“Give it to me!” I move to stand in front of him. His eyes lock on mine. There’s a silent warning in them. I can see it. It’s like a bright, red light, saying, back away.
“Not until Dax gets here,” he says once more before I grab them anyway.
Flipping them over in my hand, I almost throw up.
“Who are these people?” I ask no one in general. Not until I get to the last photo.
“Oh, my God.” The photos fall to the floor as I cover my mouth to stifle the gasp.
Chapter 47
Dax
We ride with the wind blowing around us. I take my place behind Micah. I love the open road and the breeze that comes with it. It settles me in ways I didn’t know I needed. She settles me in a way I didn’t know I needed.
I know what I said to her before we left, but there’s a small part of me that hopes like hell she’s still there. I don’t really want her to leave.
I spot Bomber climbing off his bike as we pull in. We pull into our spots before I climb off.
“What the hell do you think that was?” I ask running my hand through my hair. Bomber tugs at his beard while shaking his head. “Don’t fuckin’ know, but I don’t like it,” he says.
I have to agree there. I don’t like it either.
“We got a problem.” All heads jerk to Link. He walks toward us with a stack of something in his hands.
I nod my head toward it asking, “What’s that?”
Link looks at me before looking at Bomber.
“These came in the mail for Laura.” He holds them out to Bomber but I take them first. I flip through the photos in my hand, cussing the whole time.
I pass them to Bomber as I scrub my hand over my face and say, “He’s sendin’ a message.”
Bomber studies the photos before the others take a look.
“What message?” Stryker grumbles as he looks at them now.
“That he has reach.” I know his kind. I can’t fucking stand them either.
“Could be right. He isn’t a direct threat to us, though,” Bomber says, even as I glance at the picture someone took of me. He’s right though, that means shit.
“We keep our eyes open. I’m gonna make some calls. No one rides alone,” Bomber says, looking around at all of us. We all give our nods or grunts in agreement. I head toward Link, needing to know that she’s still here.
“She didn’t leave, did she?” I ask him. He turns to look at me shaking his head. He looks me in the eye before he says, “Still here… but shaken. She cares Dax. I saw the look in her eyes when she saw that picture of you. She almost lost it.”
Nodding my head, I slap a hand on his shoulder before swiftly moving past him. I need to see her. I need to hold her. I need to feel her.
Shoving through the door, my eyes scan the room. There she is. Standing in the corner with Holly, of all people.
I move toward her with a purpose. I need her to rethink this. I need her on my side now more than ever because I don’t plan on letting her walk away from me now.
Chapter 48
Laura
Holly’s eyes widen but the smile on her face is what tells me the guys are back. I don’t turn to look either... not wanting to see the look in Dax’s eyes that I’m still here. After seeing that picture of him, I know it was Hector. He knows where I am and that scares the hell out of me.
I can feel his overwhelming warmth before I feel his hands slide around my waist. His fingers trail a line of fire, heating me from the inside out. His lips linger closely to my ear.
“Good thing you don’t follow orders,” he whispers before nipping my earlobe. Shudders roll through me as that spark of electricity threatens to consume me.
“I didn’t realize I was a child,” I tell him. The growl that rips from his throat amuses me. I know he likes to tell me what I can, and can’t do.
“I think we need to go into the room.” His lips move down my neck, licking and nipping until I can barely stand it.
“I don’t think I’m in the mood.” Dax hisses between his teeth. Holly giggles and walks away, leaving us in the corner. His hand slips lower until it reaches the top of my waistband.
“If I slide my fingers into these little shorts, I bet that pussy says differently,” he says. I know he’s right. I know if he does… that I’m dripping wet for him just like always.
“We need to talk, Dax.” The words barely form when his fingers skim over my panties. His groan does things to my body that no man should be able to do.
“Talk to me with your body, darlin’.” Nipping my neck harder, I nearly cum in my jeans when his finger finds my clit. He strokes it gently, my body responding to his every touch. “I mean it, Laura. I need to fuckin’ taste you,” he growls once more near my neck.
In a panting mess, he slides his hand free of my jeans, grabbing my hand in his. He practically drags me along behind him to the room before kicking the door closed.
Dax wastes no time stripping us both. Standing before him naked, his eyes are fierce as they travel over my body.
“So many things went through my head when I first saw you. I thought, goddamn, that body is thick and sweet. The more I taste it, the more I can’t deny how much I want it,” he says, his eyes locked with mine. “But more than that… I like the way you challenge me. I like that you don’t always do what I want. I like that you force me to be better for you.” Before I have the chance to say anything in response to that, his lips forcefully claim mine.
The way he kisses me, he makes me feel like I’m the only person in the world.
Chapter 49
Dax
My tongue runs slowly between her wetness. Her body arches off the bed, her hands clenching the sheets next to her.
I love making her feel like this. She’s so goddamn turned on.
I lick and suck at her clit a few more times before I can’t stand it any longer. I need inside of her. I need that connection, that safety she provides.
I move my mouth, chuckling as she whines.
“Can’t get enough of me, huh?” I ask as I climb up her body. I stop at her stomach, and marvel at the fact that there is a child, a person, growing in there. I lean down, and press a kiss to it before making my way to her nipples. I suck her left one into my mouth, tugging and flicking it with my tongue. Laura cries out the harder I pull.
“Dax! God, why do you have to be so perfect?” she whines. I chuckle before releasing her nipple with a pop. I suck a hickey between those beautiful full breasts of hers before moving up her body.
“You think I’m perfect, Laura?” Licking her bottom lip, she moans.
“You know you are.”
“I know you are,” I tell her before claiming her mouth with mine.
Tasting her is beyond anything I’ve ever tasted. One person shouldn’t hold as much power in them. Laura does though. She holds more of me than she even knows.
“I’m gonna fuck you so good,” I whisper against her lips. Laura grins before shoving me. I roll onto my back, letting her take charge.
Laura climbs up and scoots down the bed. Her eyes flicker with fire as she looks at my dick, hard and yearning for her. I love that look, so I ask, “You want that?” Nodding toward my dick, she licks her lips. “Goddamn, woman!” I can’t handle her gaze. It’s fucking sexy and heated.
Laura licks her lips once more before leaning down, and taking my dick into her lovely lips. Her head bobs, she sucks like her life depends on it. The harder she sucks… the higher I feel.
“Goddamn, Eureka! You’re like a human vacuum. You gonna suck it all up.” I raise my hips, hitting her in the back of her throat. The further she pulls me in, the more I know I need her.
It isn’t just this either. Not ju
st sex. I need her. I don’t know that I could handle the way I feel when she isn’t with me. It was hell knowing that when I got back, she might not be here.
A part of my heart felt as though the world was ending when I didn’t have her in my arms. Now it’s whole.
Chapter 50
Laura
My stomach gets bigger but my heart doesn’t feel right. I feel lost. I’m scared and I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to react to any of this.
“You look good like that,” Cory says as he smiles at my protruding stomach.
“Thanks. Have you been listening to the day nurses?” I ask as I adjust his IV stand. I look down at him and my heart breaks a little more. He looks worse, he is worse.
“Sometimes. That Veronica woman is a bitch.” I jerk my eyes to his before he smiles and says, “I meant that overly charming woman.” I can’t help but laugh at him. He has a good heart but was dealt a shitty hand in the health department.
“She can be a bitch,” I say with a giggle.
“What are you naming the baby?” Cory asks, throwing me off a little.
“I haven’t thought about it,” I tell him in honesty. I really don’t know what to name it. I don’t even know if I’m having a boy or a girl yet.
“Cory’s a good name,” he says drawing out the words. I laugh when I lean against the side of his bed, crossing my arms over my chest.
“I suppose that could go either way. I don’t know how well I like it though,” I say teasingly. Cory laughs before he grabs my hand.
“Thanks, Nurse Laura. You really mean a lot to me. I just wanted you to know that. Out of all the nurses here, you’re the one that cares.” Tears spring to my eyes before I lean down and hug him. “I need a favor though,” he says.
I pull back to look at him, ready to give him anything he’d ask for.
“If you ask for a stripper, I’ll cut off your pain meds,” I warn him as I wipe at my eyes. Cory smiles before shaking his head.
“I know you don’t like talking about this, but when I die, promise you’ll be at my funeral.” His words rip me apart. I’m not usually as attached to my patients as I am to Cory. He’s been here for a long time.
“You didn’t even have to ask me that, mijo. I will be there. We can’t think like that, though. You are doing really well.” I know it’s a lie, he knows it’s a lie.
“Don’t take this wrong, Nurse Laura, but I love you.” Oh, God. This kid is going to ruin me.
“I know. I love you too, Cory.” His eyes fluttered closed as my heart thumps harder. I know what this is. I’ve seen it too many times to count. This is the calm before the storm. The one last ounce of energy that he had.
This is killing me.
I don’t want to lose a patient, but Cory is more than that. He’s managed to find a spot in my heart and make it his home.
Chapter 51
Dax
I heard the whole conversation. I heard every goddamn word.
Laura walks out of his room, wiping her eyes and not paying attention.
“That was sweet,” I say watching her visibly jump. Laura squeals a little before grabbing the front of her scrub pants. I erupt into laughter when she turns to run down the hallway.
“I hate you, Dax!” she laughs and cries at the same time. I never knew that was possible.
“Look, I made you wet,” I laugh and point as I follow her down the hallway and into the nurse’s lounge.
Laura slams the bathroom door in my face while I laugh hysterically.
“Let me in.” I knock softly. I can hear her cussing me out in there.
“Fuck you! You made me piss myself, Dax!” she whines, making me laugh harder. I stand there with my arms crossed over my chest when she finally opens the door. I grin at the look on her face.
“You are the biggest asshole,” she mumbles as she rolls her pants up into a ball.
“I didn’t make you piss yourself,” I say as I watch her ass. Damn, that ass is looking better and better every day.
I lick my lips when she catches me with my hand on my dick.
“You just made me piss my pants and you have the balls to think you’re getting something?” The look on her face is perfect. I can’t get enough of it.
She moves toward me slowly, taking me in.
“The only place you’re taking me is home so I can take a shower.” Her hands land on my chest, setting my body on fire. The way she feels against me is perfection.
“I’ll take you home so we can both shower.” I lean down, caressing her lips with mine. She tastes like strawberry lip gloss. Fuck. That does nothing more than make me harder.
“You keep kissin’ me like that and I will fuck you right here.” Laura takes a step back, knowing I’ll do it. There’s a challenge in her eyes but I won’t risk her job for a quick fuck.
Her hand slides into the front of her clean pants. Her lips part, soft pants escaping her.
“Fuck!” I growl as I watch her get herself off. She strokes herself faster and faster as I watch. My dick complains in my jeans. He wants his turn down there now.
Laura’s fingers move faster when I move in on her. Kissing her roughly, I want to capture all her moans when she cums. I want to be close to her.
“Do it, baby. Make yourself cum,” I whisper against her lips before sliding my tongue inside.
Laura cums, biting down on my lip. All I can do is groan.
That’s the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen in my life.
Chapter 52
Laura
I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was happy to be home. I am... I’m beyond happy. I talked Dax into letting me go back to my home. There have been no signs of Hector in a long time.
I wash the lavender shampoo out of my hair when I hear Dax playing his guitar. As much as I wanted to be home, I’m glad he’s here. He said he wasn’t letting me out of his sight and I can’t complain.
I love having him here. The poor prospect is stuck here, too. I don’t think he minds, though.
I step out of the shower, wrapping the towel around my body. I look in the mirror at my stomach. The baby kicks and moves around inside of me, but I don’t feel a connection to it like I know I should. I don’t know if it’s because I don’t know who the father is or it’s just my nerves.
I grab my brush and run it through my tangled hair.
The guitar keeps resonating through the room. It’s a soft song he’s playing. It’s sweet.
I finish with my hair before opening the bathroom door. Dax sits there, with his eyes closed and head tipped back. The man before my eyes has stolen a part of my heart. A part that I never want back. I want him to hold onto it forever.
He must sense me standing here. His eyes slowly open, locking at mine.
“I was writin’ a song for the baby. You think he’ll like it?” My heart swells for this man. How can he be so perfect?
“How do you know it’s a boy?” I ask him. His eyes sparkle before he sets his guitar down and grabs something from the floor.
“This says if you are carryin’ low, it’s a boy.” He holds up a baby magazine. I raise my eyebrows and look at him.
“You read that?” I ask, pointing to it. He smiles before shaking his head.
“No. I read all of these.... It says we shouldn’t co-sleep and that breast milk is best for at least the first year. It said that the baby will shit this tar stuff for the first few days.” Tears spill down my cheeks as I listen to him talking so animatedly about all of this. I can’t believe that he read all of that either.
“It said if you have a c- section thing, you know, they cut your shit all open that you should have a bassinet. I don’t know what the fuck that is but I guess we should get one, just in case.” He flips through the pages of the book before looking up at me. His eyes fill with something I’ve never seen before.
“Laura.” He says my name so sweetly. I stand there in a pool of tears and snot, not sure what to say or do with all of this.
>
Dax shoves off the chair and heads straight toward me. He wraps his arms around me, holding me tightly.
“You’re so goddamn sexy when you cry.”
Chapter 53
Dax
I talk to him. I know it’s a boy. I don’t know how… but I do. I thought about it. Over and over things just ran around in my head. This is something I can do. I think I can raise a child. Why not?
“You know you’re gonna be spoiled. All your uncles are gonna buy you whatever you want. Bikes, helmets, balls, pussy…. You name it, you’re gettin’ it.” A chuckle comes from behind me. I roll over and look up at Stryker.
“Gettin’ that baby into some pussy early?” he asks. I laugh before shoving off the bed, careful not to wake Laura.
“Church?” I ask. He nods as I follow him out of the room. Laura and I have been staying at her place lately. She feels better there. I don’t leave her alone, though. If I come into the clubhouse, so does she.
“You ready for all this?” Stryker asks as we walk down the hall.
“Yeah, brother. I’ve been thinkin’. I think I can handle it. Bein’ a dad and all. Why not?” I say. Stryker grunts before he looks over at me.
“I know you can do it, Dax. If any of the guys here can handle that shit, it’s you. I just wonder where your head’s gonna be at when you get that test done.” I know he means the DNA test and I’ve thought that over, too. I’m not doing it.
“Yeah, about that. I’m not testin’ the kid,” I say as we step inside the chapel. Everyone heard it. They all turn to look at me like I’ve lost my goddamn mind.
“What?” I ask as I face the eyes of my family, my brothers.
“It takes a real man to raise another man’s baby. It takes an even bigger man to raise one he isn’t sure of. You take that on, Dax, and you can’t throw that shit in her face later,” Bomber says making his point. I get that. I get what he’s saying to me.