by Harley Wylde
Chapter Six
Fox
Every time I looked at Raven and saw her kiss-swollen lips, I smiled. She’d surprised me by asking for a kiss the first time. The second time she’d about knocked me on my ass. I hadn’t lied when I said kissing her had been unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. If she remained in my home for much longer, I knew I’d end up falling for her. I loved her strength, her softness, her smile… just… everything.
Her hands twisted in her lap as we waited to see the doctor. She’d balked at putting on a hospital gown and the nurse hadn’t pushed the issue. I stood beside the padded table, close enough to offer protection yet keeping enough distance Raven didn’t feel crowded. I knew she didn’t want to be here, but it would be another step toward healing. She needed to see not all doctors were like the ones at Balmoral.
A brisk knock at the door had Raven tensing. Dr. Briar came in, giving her a reassuring smile.
“Hello, Raven. I’m Dr. James Briar.” He held out his hand, but she refused to take it. He shoved his hands into his pockets and leaned against the cabinet opposite Raven. “I understand you’ve been through a lot and don’t trust doctors. And that’s all right. I’ll just have to prove you can trust me.”
“She’s only been out of Balmoral one night,” I said.
“I’m aware. Surge managed to get her records and sent them over to me this morning. If Raven is all right with it, I’d like to run some blood work, listen to her heart, and do a general checkup for today. We need to make sure she’s healthy and get a decent baseline so we’ll know if something out of the ordinary pops up in the future.”
He made it sound like Raven would be here forever. Little did he know her dad would be coming for her, and Hatchet didn’t live anywhere near the Hades Abyss. My heart constricted at the thought of losing her. Not that she was really mine. I’d offered her a safe place until her father arrived and nothing more. It was on me if I ended up wanting her to stay. I’d never force her to remain with me.
“Raven, will you let him take some blood to run a few tests?” I asked.
She reached out and I took her hand. It trembled in mine, and I moved closer. She leaned toward me a bit and held out her other arm.
Dr. Briar gathered what he needed from the cabinet behind him, then slowly approached Raven. He prepped her arm and stuck the needle into her arm. He filled several vials of blood, and I wondered if he was searching for something in particular.
“All done,” Dr. Briar said, sliding the needle out and putting a bandage over the puncture site. “If I give you a cup and show you where the bathroom is located, could you give us a urine sample?”
Raven looked up at me, her lips pinched together. The crease above her nose had me pressing a kiss to her forehead. “It’s all right. I’ll stand outside the door the entire time you’re in there. I’ll even open the bathroom first to make sure it’s empty.”
I helped Raven off the table while Dr. Briar got the specimen cup. I carried it down the hall and peered into the bathroom. Raven went inside, took the cup from me, and shut the door. I heard the lock click. While I waited on her to give the doc a sample, I scrolled through the notifications on my phone, making sure I hadn’t missed anything important.
The door behind me opened and Raven came out. She held the cup in her hand, and I pointed to the little window cut into the wall. “Place it inside that tiny door, sweetheart. The nurses will get it and the lab will run whatever tests Dr. Briar requests.”
She deposited the cup, washed her hands, and joined me in the hallway. It seemed she was back to not speaking. Since I knew she could talk, even if she spoke at a softer level than most, I had a feeling the anxiety she felt over being at the doctor’s office kept her silent.
I led her back to the room and helped her onto the table. Dr. Briar had stepped out. While we waited, I held Raven’s hand. She leaned against me, and I put my arm around her shoulders. The slight tremor running through her body made me wish I could carry her out of here. I knew the doctor wouldn’t hurt her, and he needed to run the tests to make sure everything was all right. It didn’t stop me from wanting to shield her from any pain, even the anxiety from being at the doctor’s office.
“Not much longer,” I murmured, hoping I wasn’t lying.
Dr. Briar came back, a slight scowl on his face. He blanked his expression when he saw me watching and I knew whatever he’d discovered while he’d been gone wouldn’t be welcome news. If those fuckers had given Raven an STD, I’d track them down and rip off their dicks. She’d suffered enough at their hands already.
“Raven, I need you to think really hard for me,” Dr. Briar said. “When was the last time you had a menstrual cycle?”
Raven blinked at him before lifting her gaze to mine. My heart slammed against my ribs, his words ricocheting around my brain. Shit. He’d only be asking that question for one reason.
“Sweetheart, do you remember the last time you had your period?” Her face turned scarlet, and she glared at me. I leaned down closer, realizing she didn’t understand why he needed to know. I dropped my voice to a whisper. “Raven, is it possible you could be pregnant?”
The color drained from her cheeks, and she swayed, panic flaring in her eyes. I hated to be the one to cause such a reaction in her. The last thing she needed was a baby in her belly, especially since it would be a constant reminder of what she’d suffered. Since I hadn’t noticed a baby bump, it was safe to assume she’d gotten knocked up by one of the asshole guards at Balmoral.
“Raven, look at me.”
She shook her head, refusing to lift her gaze from the floor, or wherever she’d decided to stare. Could have been my boots for all I knew. I tipped her chin up and didn’t relent until she looked me in the eye.
“Sweetheart, do you think you might be pregnant?” I asked, trying to keep my tone soft and even.
Tears pooled in her eyes, and I had my answer. I gathered her against my chest and stroked my hand down her hair. Christ. Just when I thought things couldn’t get more fucked up, the universe had to go and prove me wrong.
“She’ll need to see an OB/GYN, and she’ll need prenatal vitamins. Her blood work seems fine, so over the counter ones should work for now. But her doctor may prescribe some if they feel she needs a stronger dose. I can make a few recommendations if you’d like.”
“If you already ran the tests, you knew she was pregnant,” I said.
He nodded. “I’d hoped the test was wrong or maybe the sample got mixed up in the lab. I know this is the last thing she needed. If Raven decides she doesn’t want to keep the baby, there are alternatives her OB/GYN can discuss with her.”
My stomach knotted just thinking about his implication. If she didn’t want the baby, she’d be facing either an abortion or giving birth, then letting the baby be adopted by someone. No matter what she chose, she wouldn’t have an easy road to travel. People wouldn’t understand her decision for either option, but I didn’t know if she could mentally and emotionally handle keeping a reminder of the guards who’d abused her daily.
“Thanks, Dr. Briar. Can you call with the information later? I think I need to get her back home.”
He nodded. “Absolutely. If you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to call.”
I gathered Raven in my arms and carried her out of the office, not even bothering to sign anything at the front desk or pay for the visit. Dr. Briar knew where to find us. He could send a bill. I knew the club would handle any expenses, and if they didn’t, I damn sure would.
Hell. Someone needed to tell Hatchet. I had a feeling it would fall to me, since I’d had the most contact with him. With his daughter staying at my house, the news should come from me.
I placed Raven on the seat of the truck I’d borrowed, then buckled her in. She seemed shaken, and I worried what the news would do to her. It had only been twenty-four hours since I’d met her, but I’d seen an improvement already. Would finding out she was pregnant end
up setting her back?
I cupped her cheek, drawing her attention to me. My sweet girl looked so damn lost. I wished I could take away all her pain. If anyone deserved a shot at happiness, it was Raven. The world had knocked her down again and again, until I worried the next time she might not get back up.
“You hungry?” I asked. “The diner isn’t far. They have the best pie in town. I don’t know about you, but I could use a slice about now.”
Raven stared but didn’t answer. I sighed, wishing I knew what thoughts were whirling through her mind. I caressed her cheek and pressed a kiss to her forehead. I nearly missed it, but there was a hitch in her breathing and then a soft sob.
Drawing back, I saw the tears spilling down her cheeks. I unbuckled her and pulled her into my arms, twisting us so I could sit on the seat and hold her on my lap. Raven curled into me, gripping my cut like she might never let me go. I ran my hand up and down her back, and murmured nonsense to her, knowing she needed to get it all out.
“Why?” she asked in a near whisper.
My heart broke. I didn’t have the words to magically make it all better. I couldn’t wish away her past, or even the last half hour. Reality was a bitch that way. All I could do was hold her and give her whatever comfort I could. I’d help her in any way possible.
“I don’t know, sweetheart. I don’t have any answers for you. But this isn’t something we can wish away. You don’t have to make any decisions right now, or even think about it. Let’s get something to eat, find something fun to do, and then we’ll go home. Sound okay?”
She took a deep breath and nodded. “All right.”
I wiped the tears off her face and gave her a soft, brief kiss. A bit of the despair faded from her eyes, and I hoped I could take her mind off things for a bit. Once I had her buckled up again and I’d gotten behind the wheel, I drove straight to the diner. With some luck, we’d miss the lunch crowd. I didn’t know how Raven would react to a bunch of people.
I found a spot to park not too far from the door and led her inside. Cool air greeted us, and the bell over the door jingled. My favorite waitress, Nan, looked like she’d been run off her feet. She cast me a quick glance, then did a doubletake, her lips spreading in a smile.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in. Pick a spot. I’ll be there in a minute.”
I led Raven to a booth in the back corner. I took the side that kept my back to the wall and gave me a clear view of the diner, letting Raven sit across from me. Not only would it give me the best advantage for keeping her safe, but it would also keep her from noticing the stares we’d garnered. I’d come here rather frequently over the years, and not once had I ever walked in with a woman.
Nan looked a little too gleeful about it, and even some of the regulars gave me smiles. Shit. I hoped no one said anything that would spook Raven. Maybe the diner hadn’t been my best idea yet. It hadn’t occurred to me everyone would be so damn nosy, but it should have. They loved to gossip.
Nan approached with two menus and some silverware. She placed them on the table and folded her hands over her belly. “So. Fox, you want your usual coffee and water?”
I nodded. “Sounds good. Raven, what would you like to drink?”
Her gaze held mine and her lips trembled. She still hadn’t spoken to anyone other than me. I reached over to place my hand on hers. It seemed to help settle her a bit. She skimmed the menu and pointed to the tea.
“Sweet tea?” I asked, not knowing a single southern person who’d dare order unsweetened. Not unless they wanted to be run out of town. Raven gave a quick nod.
I could see the speculative gleam in Nan’s eyes and narrowed mine in response. She seemed to take the hint and rocked back on her heels.
“All right. Coffee, water, and a sweet tea coming right up.” Nan rushed off and Raven relaxed almost instantly. I didn’t miss the furtive glances she gave the woman.
“That’s Nan,” I said. “She’s worked here a while. Always makes sure the orders are right. She’s a good sort.”
Raven stared at me, and I realized what she wanted to know, even if she hadn’t said anything. It seemed my sweet girl worried I had something going with Nan. I didn’t. Except great service at my favorite place to eat.
“I’ve never dated Nan,” I said. “Or slept with her. She’s a… friend. I come here a lot, so I’ve gotten to know her and the other staff, as well as the regulars. The two men to your right who are trying to look like they aren’t watching us? That’s Bert and Oscar. Nosy bastards, but they’re good men. Both served in the military and are widowers. They go fishing twice a week when the weather permits and take any extra to the church in case any families need some food.”
Raven gave me a smile. “That’s nice of them.”
Ah. There she was. I bit the inside of my lip so I wouldn’t grin like an idiot. I’d hoped she wouldn’t remain silent forever.
“It is. Nan has a bin she keeps in the back. People bring her a few pieces of clothing here and there, things they don’t want anymore, and she makes sure they go to people who need them. The woman at the counter with the poofy red hair is Sandra. She owns a salon in town. Once a month, she sets up a workspace in the church parking lot, and those who are down on their luck can sign up for a spot to have their hair trimmed.”
I saw the way she looked at everyone in a new light. Maybe knowing the good things these people did had set her at ease, made them a little less scary. In recent years, the club had started becoming more active in the community. We ran a toy drive in October and November for families who couldn’t afford to give their kids a Christmas. In the summer, we gathered school supplies and dropped a few boxes at each of the local schools. It had gone a long way in making the community more accepting of us. A few still gave us a side-eye, convinced we would murder them in their sleep, but for the most part, we’d showed the town we were just average guys.
They didn’t need to know exactly how dirty our hands were. And neither did Raven. At least, not at the moment. I’d kill to protect her, or the other women at the Hades Abyss. I’d done a lot of things that weren’t exactly legal, and a hell of lot that would push the boundaries of even what other clubs would accept. At the end of the day, I didn’t lose sleep over any of it. In my own way, I’d made the world a better place.
“You want a meal or just dessert?” I asked. “Order whatever you want, as long as you don’t give me shit if I order two pieces of pie.”
She rolled her lips into her mouth, and I saw the laughter in her eyes. Good. It was a start. Sooner or later, I’d get her to actually laugh, and I’d consider it a huge win. I didn’t know what Raven liked to do, or if she even knew. We’d try a few things today, as long as she didn’t get overwhelmed, and see if I could take her mind off her troubles for a bit.
Chapter Seven
Raven
I’d thought he was joking when he said he planned to order two slices of pie. The way he scraped up every last bit, I half expected him to pick the plate up and lick it clean. It seemed he had a sweet tooth. I didn’t know how he could eat like that and not gain weight. It had been so long since I cared how I looked. I hadn’t even looked in a mirror in a long while. The ones at the hospital had been metal and blurred my image anyway. Caring how I looked felt odd, but not unwelcome. I wanted Fox to find me attractive, to be proud to be seen with me. As long as no one knew about my past, they wouldn’t have a reason to look down their noses at me.
My burger lay half-eaten on my plate, and I’d only managed to eat a handful of fries. It had been entirely too much food, no matter how delicious it had been. Between being on the streets and nearly starving, then landing in Balmoral where the food didn’t have much taste, the grease on the burger and fries had almost been too much for my stomach to handle. I’d also gotten used to much smaller portions.
“What?” Fox asked, catching me in the act of staring.
“I didn’t think you were serious about two slices of pie.” I looked at his plate. “Thi
nk you missed a smear of cherry.”
He scowled at me, reached down and swiped his finger through the cherry filling he’d missed, then stuck it in his mouth. It started as a snort, but soon I couldn’t stop the laughter that bubbled up inside me. I held my stomach, the muscles aching, as I laughed so hard, I cried.
“You actually did it. I’d wondered if you would but…” I said trying to catch my breath. He seemed a little poleaxed and I smoothed my hair, fighting the urge to see if I had food on my face or something. “Um, something wrong?”
“You should laugh more often,” he said, his voice low and rough. “Your face lights up, and you go from being beautiful to stunning.”
My cheeks burned. After the cowboys had their fun with me, hearing anyone call me beautiful had been a nightmare. With Fox, it made me feel special. Laughing had felt wonderful. Freeing. For the first time in so long, I’d been happy. Now other thoughts crept back in, about the baby I hadn’t asked for, how I’d become pregnant, and everything else… the darkness wanted to reclaim me.
“You ready to go find something to do?” Fox asked. “We can go home if you prefer, or we can… go bowling? Walk through the park? I could take you to the ice-skating rink, and you could laugh every time I fall on my ass.”
“You’d go ice-skating even knowing you’ll fall?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yep. If that’s what you want to do, and if it makes you smile, I’ll gladly fall a million times. Just don’t take any video of me landing on my ass. My brothers would have a field day with it.”
Brothers? I hadn’t thought about him having a family. It had just been us in the house, and I hadn’t noticed pictures of him with anyone. Were his parents alive? Did he get to see them? Had he ever been married? Have kids? I realized I didn’t know anything about Fox, except that he treated me well.