“I’m going to destroy him.”
“He said that he sent that bitch here.”
“Jose’s daughter?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry she ever led you to believe you weren’t special to me. I swear I never touched her.”
“I know. She tried to play on my insecurity and my feelings for you, but I didn’t buy it.”
She goes on to explain what happened when he found her. I’m going to tear him to pieces without a doubt. Not an ounce of his body will be found.
I run my hand over her belly, rubbing the little one. “I’m sorry. I should ask.”
“You should touch your daughter.”
“I’m going to have a little girl?”
“Yes.” Tears fall from my eyes and this time I don’t give a damn if I’m a little bitch because I have everything I’ve ever wanted in my arms.
“I love you, Phoenix. This time I’m not letting you go. Don’t even consider running because I’ll tie your ass to the bed. I don’t give a fuck what laws I break. I can’t take it.”
“Oh, Cowboy. Kiss me, please.”
“I’ve missed these lips.” Our mouths slam together and our tongues glide as I gently slide her down onto her back. “Hell, I’ve missed everything about you, my devil’s angel.”
“Do you have time?” she pants between kisses.
“I don’t think it’s safe. We need to get out of here.”
“Okay.” I have my gun out as I lead her to the truck. The short ride to the clubhouse feels tense. This is the first time I’m introducing her to everyone, but it’s not time to linger.
“We need to get in there now, guys. Shit’s going to hit the fan hard and fast,” I snarl.
“Ladies,” Boomer says.
“We’re prepared.” Morgan leads the women to a secured area.
Chapter Fifteen
Phoenix
“So when are you due?” Crystal asks me. She’s been one of the women that I’ve met more than once.
“November.”
“Ooh, a Valentine’s Day baby,” Grace says, turning her head away from the fridge for a moment.
“It was sort of like that. It’s what it should have been.” I choke back the tears because I’m such an idiot.
Morgan grips my hand. “Don’t cry. Girl, whatever happened between you and Cowboy, you can get through it.”
“I’m just worried he’s going to be hurt.” That’s truly my biggest fear. It’s not like we don’t have a lot of issues to get through, but the second he saw me, the look in his eyes told me everything. He loves me and that I can work with.
Crystal grabs my other hand and says, “You’ve been around town and not around us at the same time. We should have insisted that we meet you sooner. If we had, you’d have known that there’s no way in hell that these men wouldn’t have handled your problem without a second thought.”
“Crystal’s right,” Penny says. “Our men will move Heaven and Earth for our safety and protection no matter the cost.”
“I’m so used to going at it on my own that I didn’t look for help. Then seeing pictures of Raymond so vulnerable that he could have easily been killed. Well…” I start panicking, my breathing quickens. Maybe I freaked out and ran, but I’d been right about being unable to trust my own department.
“Calm down.” Penny rubs my back.
“Get her some water,” Morgan tells Crystal.
She comes back with a bottle of water and then says, “Relax. We’ll get it all straightened out.”
A minute later the door opens and Cowboy’s there, scooping me up in his big strong arms like I’m a feather, holding me close. “What are you doing in here?”
“Crystal sent me a message that you needed me. I’m sorry, baby. Maybe you shouldn’t be out of bed so soon. Unfortunately, tonight, I have some things to take care of, but you’re going to be staying with Ghost and Grace.” He points behind him. I look over his broad shoulders to see a Hispanic-looking guy with his Steele Riders vest on. Followed by two other men coming into the room.
Ghost raises his hand so I know who he is. Cowboy looks right at him and growls, “Don’t let anything happen to her.”
“I got you, bro.” He looks at me and then at the woman behind me. “Baby, you ready?”
“Yes.” Grace comes to his side and then he gently takes her hand. It’s clear they’re having a baby too. It’s baby central around here.
Grace smiles at me and adds, “Come along with us and we’ll get you settled. I have tons of goodies, ice cream, and snacks we probably shouldn’t have too much of, but tonight’s a good night for them.”
“Sounds nice.” I look at Cowboy and I want him to continue to hold me. I don’t want him to go off and fight my battles. Losing someone you love is the most painful thing to experience. It’s one thing when you are forced apart. It’s much worse when you know they’re not among us anymore. That’s a pain I can’t deal with.