by Erin Osborne
Wrath comes in about halfway through and I go over the sheets with him and then watch on as he works on the inventory for a little bit. By the time we’re done with the inventory, the girls are just about done with the club. I look around and Wrath follows me as I walk from the front to the back. The only room they’re never allowed in is my office.
We check each of the private rooms and make sure they’re ready for the night before walking into the dressing room. For the first time in a month, it’s almost spotless. Each vanity is marked for each girl and the costumes are all hung up on the racks we have in the room.
Walking back to the main room, the girls are all sitting back at the table in front of the stage. They’re waiting for me to let them know what’s going to happen from now on.
“Wrath will be the main man here in my place. I’ll slowly be comin’ back into the club, but my daughter is my number one priority. Other guys from the club will be here when Wrath can’t make it. You will take care of this place the way it should be taken care of. And you all will be gettin’ tested from now on. We’ve been lax about that but it won’t be the case any longer. If there’s one more mess up, I’ll fire you all and no one in this area will hire you to clean up garbage. Do you all understand me?” I ask.
Yes, I’m being harsh with them. But I have to. As they’ve shown, they’re not going to put in the effort to keep things up if I don’t put fear into them. Wrath is going to have to learn this if he’s going to be taking over for me. At least until I’m able to get this whole balancing act down.
I’m going to have to talk to Rose and Kelly about watching Amber a few nights a week so I can get in here and make sure the girls know I’m serious as fuck about the rules. This includes the random drug testing for the girls. I’m deadly serious and this is going to start happening as soon as I get with Raine.
Raine uses a regular doctor for the house bunnies and I’m going to use the same one. He knows the club rules and knows not to open his mouth. So, why go with someone new when I can use the same guy and not have to go over my expectations with him?
I’ll talk to her tomorrow and find out who she goes through. Then I’ll be here the day he can come in and test the girls. I want to have them tested for everything Raine does. They’re employees of the club and shouldn’t be held to a lessor standard than the house bunnies. If they want to play games and act like they don’t give a fuck, then I’m going to start treating them the same way.
At this point, I’m not past bringing Raine in to put the fear of God into these bitches. This club isn’t going to fail like so many of them do. I’m going to make sure it continues to thrive the way it has been. To do that, I’ll have to ensure the girls take me seriously and make sure they follow the rules.
Before leaving to head back to the clubhouse, I pull my phone out and open my messages.
Me: Holls, I hope you’re okay. I miss you!
Putting my phone back, I slap Wrath on the back and head out of the club. I tell him to let me know if he needs anything and I’ll do what I can to help him or get back down here. He’s going to work on a new rotation for the girls since I just fired three of them. I need to get with Torch to and have him change the codes for the security alarm. I don’t want to take any chances they know it and try to pull some shit.
Riding my bike back toward the clubhouse, I stop at the diner for some take out. I just want to get back to the clubhouse and be with my daughter. The house bunnies may make dinner, but I don’t want to take a chance it’s not going to be tonight. They don’t always cook if they’re busy.
Once I have my burger and fries with a side of gravy, because of Hollie, I head back to the clubhouse. As soon as I pull in the parking lot, I shut my bike off and grab my bag of food from my saddle bags. Heading inside, I can already hear the pounding music in the common room and I know tonight is going to be a party night.
Raine is sitting on my bed with Amber in her arms. Before I can say a word, my phone vibrates in my pocket.
Hollie: I’m okay. Miss you too. How’s Amber?
Me: She’s doin’ good. Tryin’ to find a balance to everythin’.
Hollie: I wish I could help you with that.
Me: How’s work goin’?
Hollie: It’s okay. Keeps me busy through the day so I don’t have time to think.
Me: What are you thinkin’ about?
Hollie: Coming home. I want to be there with you all so bad. I’m getting things in place.
Me: Let me know when you know more. I love you!
Hollie: Love you too!
“You messaging my sister?” Raine asks, laying Amber in the bassinet.
“Yeah. Wanted to check in with her,” I tell her, looking down at my daughter.
“She’ll be back before you know it. I haven’t given her a bath yet. Thought you’d want to do that so you can get some sleep,” she tells me, pulling the blanket Hollie got her up more.
“I hope she is.”
Raine leaves my room and I sit down with my dinner. After eating the burger and fries, I change into my sweats and hang my cut on the back of the door. Since I’ll be in here the rest of the night, there’s no need for me to wear a shirt. I just wear pants because I fell some type of way about being around my daughter in nothing. And I don’t wear boxers.
Turning the TV on, I choose a random show and I try to pay attention. It’s not anything that’s going to hold my attention though. I’d rather be lying in bed with Hollie while Amber sleeps next to us. That’s my end game and I’ll get there one day. I just hope we can make this work between the two of us. And Hollie doesn’t feel as if I’m rushing her or anything.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Hollie
CAPONE AND I talk on a daily basis now. Even if it’s just through text messages, we still talk. Sometimes it’s about nothing in particular while other times we talk about our day and Amber. I know he’s still having problems with Amber sleeping because he’s getting almost no sleep. He’s up every hour now with her as she wants to eat.
I want to be there with him. We could take turns getting up with her and making sure she’s fed and taken care of. I’d be there every step of the way with him. I’ve always wanted to be a mother and to me it doesn’t matter if the child is mine or not. Amber especially. She’s a part of Capone and I’ll always love the little girl for that reason alone.
Gloria knows how I feel. So doesn’t Raven. They’ve both been trying to talk me into coming home and I think I need to. Just to help Capone out and be close to my family. I don’t want to feel as if I’m abandoning Gloria at the restaurant though. When I started, I promised her I’d stay until she had steady, reliable help.
Since starting, she’s hired three more girls. They seem to be working out just fine, but I’m also still here and pulling my fair share of the weight in the place. I’ve gotten to know Gloria and I want nothing but the best for her. I know the guys in the club will watch out for her and help her when she needs it. It’s just I want to keep my word to her and make sure the girls will be there when I’m back home.
Raven wants me to go home because he knows how miserable I am. He told me last night the only time I have a smile on my face is if I’m talking to Capone. I know he’s upset because he wanted more to happen between us. But, I can’t very well give him my heart when it already belongs to Capone. I don’t even smile as much when I’m working anymore.
Designing book covers is still my passion, but my heart doesn’t feel as if it’s in it anymore. I feel as if I’m just coasting along and fulfilling the orders I get. Keira has even mentioned it to me in a message. She’s worried and wants to know what’s going on. I haven’t told her because I don’t want to bring up my affiliation with a club. It’s my personal business and I don’t want to mention it to anyone.
Plus, there’s the other part of me that doesn’t know if I’m ready to head home just yet. To me, I need to know I can stand on my own. Gloria and I have talked about it and she’s assu
red me I’m ready. Especially if I’m as heartbroken as I seem to be every day.
I’m torn in half and I’m going crazy because of how I feel. I’ve tried to talk to Capone about it and he gets where I’m coming from. His advice is to come home. Just like I’d know it would be. Raine also wants me to come home. My decision is wavering and I’m ready to pack my shit up and head back to Willow Creek. The only place that’s ever felt like home since losing our only family.
I’m sitting in my office when my phone rings. Looking at my screen, I see it’s Raine.
“Holls, what’s going on?” she asks.
“Not much. Just sitting here and thinking about what to do,” I answer.
“Holls, you need to come home. Now,” Raine tells me. “It’s bad. Capone still isn’t sleeping and he’s trying to go back to work while taking care of Amber. He won’t let any of the house bunnies except for Rose and Kelly near Amber. And I can’t always be there. He needs you and won’t tell you because he knows you’re trying to better yourself.”
“What can I do?” I ask, immediately perking up.
“Come home,” she says, regret filling her voice. “Look, I know you’re still torn and I want to find a new way to make this better for him. I just can’t. I’ve tried.”
“It’s fine. Don’t tell him I’m coming home. I’m going to call Raven and see if they can pack up my place here and I’ll go talk to Gloria about leaving. Hopefully they can get my stuff to me. Or I’ll just buy brand new,” I tell her.
“Thank you, Holls. You have no idea how much this will mean to Capone. That man loves you with his whole heart,” Raine says hanging up.
I sit and call Raven. He’s going to be the main one to help me, I already know this.
“What’s goin’ on, little one?” Raven asks, answering his phone.
“Can you help me out with something?” I ask him.
“You’re goin’ home?” he asks.
“Yeah. Capone needs me. He’s having a hard time with his daughter and Raine called me for help,” I tell him.
“What do you need me to do?” he asks.
“Can you pack up my house so I can get my stuff later?” I ask.
“Yeah. I’ll have the guys help me and we’ll get with Satan and bring it up to you when we’re done. What do you need to do to leave?” he questions.
“I’m going to take my clothes, computers, and work things with me now. I’ll need all that when I get home so I can keep working,” I tell him.
“Be there in five,” he says before hanging up.
I hang up with him and grab my duffle bags and two suitcases. I’m filling it with clothes when Raven walks into the room. Without saying a word, he begins helping me fill my bag and cases before I move on to the bathroom and pack all that stuff up. As I finish with each room, he loads it in the truck making sure to leave the backseat for my computers and other electronics.
Once we’re done working in my office and the truck is loaded to the max, Raven takes my keys and assures me he’ll handle everything else. Including getting me out of the lease. After giving the man who’s a great friend a hug and kiss on his cheek, I climb in my truck.
“Raven, you know you’ll find what you’re looking for, right? Your person is out there and it’s going to be an epic love story when you do. She’ll just have to pass my test before I give you the approval,” I tell him.
“Yeah. I’ll keep that in mind little one,” he responds, a smile on his face.
I pull away from the small house I’ve lived in while in Steel Mills, and head toward the restaurant. Gloria needs to know I’m needed back home and I hate to leave her high and dry, but my family has to come first. Capone and Amber are my family. I’ve been fighting this shit for too long and ran away. We’ve lost countless hours and time away from one another because I wanted to prove something to myself.
Pulling into the restaurant parking lot, I feel as if I’m being followed again. No, I still haven’t told anyone about this, but I will be when I get home. I’m not going to take any chances with Amber or anyone else in the club. I’m sure I know who it is, but without proof I can’t be completely sure.
I walk into the restaurant and find Gloria in her office. She’s going over paperwork and looks up as I knock on the doorframe.
“What are you doing here, Hollie?” she asks, sitting back in her chair.
“Gloria, I need to leave. My sister called and it’s time I head home. For good,” I tell her, just putting it right out there.
“I figured as much. I want to thank you for helping me out as much as you have since coming here. Hollie, I’ll never be able to replace you here,” she says, standing up and giving me a big hug.
“I’m sorry it’s such short notice. I wanted to make sure these girls were gonna make the cut,” I tell her.
“You hush now. Your man needs you and I knew it was just a matter of time before you left us. Everyone did. Including Raven. You better come back and visit me,” she tells me. “Here’s your pay for the week.”
“Gloria, you don’t have to do that,” I say, trying to hand the money back to her.
“Nonsense. You get out of here now. I want to know when you make it back home since it’ll be after dark,” she says, walking me to the door.
I hug Gloria one more time and head out to my truck. After getting in, I wave goodbye one more time and back out of my space. It takes me no time at all to get on the highway. I may be driving more than the speed limit, but I want to get home. If I can manage it, I’m not going to stop at all. It will kill my body, but Capone and Amber are the only things on my mind as I turn up my music and make the journey home.
I’m sad to be leaving my friends behind in Steel Mills. But, I know I’ll be seeing them again. Now, I’m looking to the future and the life I’m going to build with Capone and Amber.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Capone
THE LAST FEW days it seems like Amber is reverting back to having her days and nights mixed up. I’m so exhausted I’m not quite sure what end is up right now. But, I struggle through because of my daughter. She needs me. Raine has been here a few times to try to help me, but it’s still hard as fuck.
I’m lying in bed, thinking of Hollie as usual with the TV playing softly in the background. Amber is sleeping right now and I know it’s not going to be long before she’ll be up wanting more food. I can feel my eye lids getting heavy as I reach for my phone to message Hollie. I haven’t heard from her all day and I’m getting worried.
I’ve had a feeling in my gut for the last few days. I don’t usually get gut feelings, but this one won’t seem to go away. If I’ve learned anything in life, it’s to follow my gut instincts. The only thing keeping me in Willow Creek right now is Amber and knowing she’s not ready to ride in the SUV to make the trip to Steel Mills so I can lay eyes on Hollie myself.
Before I can send a message, I fall asleep. I dream of Hollie and her being here in my arms and in my bed where she belongs.
Jumping up, my room is pitch black, telling me it’s the middle of the night, and I don’t hear Amber. There’s no way in hell she’s still sleeping. I look in the bassinet and she’s not there. Where the fuck is my daughter?
Running out of my room, I make my way directly to the common room. I’m about to yell at the top of my lungs when I look at the couch. Hollie is lying on the couch, fast asleep, with my daughter in her arms. Amber is also sleeping and my heart about stops in my chest.
I take a few deep breaths and then walk over to the couch where my girls are sleeping. As I watch them for a few minutes, Gunner comes into the room butt ass naked. I don’t want to see his fucking cock, but it’s not the first time. Gunner has no problem walking around the clubhouse naked.
He walks over to me and looks down at Hollie and Amber sleeping. For a minute, neither one of us says a word.
“Come in the kitchen,” he finally says, turning and walking that way.
Following Gunner into the room, I wait
for him to speak. He’s got something he wants to say and I need to listen to him.
“She rushed all the way back here for you. Left all her shit in Steel Mills and asked Raven to pack her house up for her. Raine called while you were in your room earlier. That girl dropped everythin’ for you,” Gunner finally tells me. “Don’t fuck it up with her this time. This is your last chance with her and we all know it.”
“I don’t plan on it,” I tell him honestly. “That girl owns my heart and soul.”
“Good to hear it. Hand me Amber so you can take Holls to your room,” he says, walking back out of the kitchen.
“You want to hold my daughter naked as fuck?” I ask him.
Gunner looks down as if he just realizes he’s naked.
“Fuck. Give me a minute,” he says, running upstairs.
As soon as he’s back wearing a pair of shorts, I carefully pick Amber up from Hollie’s arms. She tightens her arms around my daughter as if to protect her. I’ve never seen anything like it. Hollie will always protect my girl and any other babies we have in the future. Because I will be having kids with her. I attempt to take her from Hollie again and she lets her go when I whisper to her that it’s me.
I hand Amber to Gunner and he cradles her against his chest and rocks back and forth as she starts to stir in her sleep. Bending down, I pick Hollie up from the couch and hold her against my chest. Taking a deep breath, I inhale her floral scent and walk to my room. Celia is in the hallway, naked, as I brush past her. I feel her hand on my ass and I turn to glare at her.
“Not tellin’ you again. Keep your fuckin’ hands to yourself or you’re outta here. I’m done,” I growl, keeping my voice low so I don’t wake Amber or Hollie.
“Celia, I’m sayin’ you’re done now. Get in the room and get your shit. Shane will make sure you don’t take anythin’ that ain’t yours,” Gunner tells the bitch. “You’ve been warned more than once about shit and don’t want to listen.”
“You can’t do that to me,” she says, raising her voice.