Taken by a Monster (In the Arms of Monsters 2)

“Wait, you haven’t forgotten the last year as well now, have you?” Joanne asked.

“No, that’s still there.” She pushed some hair off her face. “We need to get to Bishop. There’s a lot he knows and it’s time for him to know that I remember what he did.”

“So, he did have something to do with you and Reaper?” Preacher asked.

“Oh, he made sure I was taken, and I know for a fact he gave Reaper clues when you were close.” She looked at Preacher and was torn. “We … we need to talk.”

“Sure, yes. Now?”

“Why not? It’s my birthday. We really need to figure things out. Too much time has been wasted already.”

****

Preacher saw the nerves filling up Robin. He couldn’t believe she remembered everything and yet, was still standing. Still being able to function.

They entered his office and she looked around.

“Do you want to tell me what’s going on and why you haven’t collapsed into a heap, scared and upset?”

“It’s because I’m not. There’s a lot you don’t know.”

“And you’re going to fill in all the blanks for me?”

“First, I want to tell you that I do love you. I also know you shared a lot with me when I didn’t remember who I was and for that, I’m grateful.”

“Cut to the chase here, Robin. You’re not exactly behaving how I imagined you would. If you’ve remembered everything, where are the tears?”

“I’m not broken, Preacher. I haven’t lost myself. For two years, I was able to deal with the pain. I can focus and get past whatever I’ve been through to move on.” She pressed her lips together.

“It’s exactly my point. You were a mess when you were in the hospital. Broken bones, beaten up. You were gone for two years from my side, and you’re acting like nothing was wrong.”

Tears filled her eyes and something twisted in his gut. He didn’t know what to do.

“Because, Preacher, I didn’t have the worst two years of my life.” The tears fell but she didn’t make a move to wipe them away. “I … I fell in love.”

Chapter Sixteen

Her time with Reaper

“We’re going to a nightclub?” Robin asked, looking at the long line. Only a couple of men from Reaper’s club were with them, and Reaper had also removed his leather cut. He only ever did that if they were moving through towns that were known to Preacher or with potential contacts.

“We sure are.”

“Why?”

“Because I want you to experience as much fun as possible,” Reaper said, placing his hand on her stomach.

She couldn’t help but smile. “And a nightclub will do that? I can’t even drink.”

“No, but we can have some fun.”

Reaper took her hand, leading the way to the front of the line. She was nervous as she heard grumbles from the men and women as they passed. She didn’t want Reaper to get into a fight.

He paid the man at the front and they were in the club without a single fist thrown. She felt a little more relaxed as they made their way inside. The music was heavy, thick. The bar was crowded. There were so many people all around, but Reaper didn’t just lurk, he took her straight to the VIP section, paying the guard once again, gaining them access. His men were already off searching for women, so it was just her and Reaper looking down over the dance floor.

“I figured you’d prefer to watch for a little bit before we went and joined in on the crazy.”

Reaper held her chair out for her and she sat down, laughing as she caught sight of Reaper’s men dancing, but it wasn’t a sexy dance either.

“I love to hear you laugh,” Reaper said. “Since we’ve found out about the baby, you’ve been … quiet.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“Are you thinking about Preacher?” he asked.

“Yes, no, not in the way you think. The last baby, I didn’t … I’m worried is all.”

“You know I won’t let anyone hurt you, right?”

“I know. Preacher promised the same thing, so forgive me for still being a little on the worried side.” She put her hand to her stomach, not even a little surprised she was expecting. The warning signs came with the morning sickness and tender breasts. There was no other indication, but it wasn’t like she and Reaper had been using condoms.

“O’Klaren has been taken care of,” Reaper said. “I’ll never leave your side.”

“You’ll be a permanent fixture.”

“I’ll be whatever you need me to be.”

“What about a dad?” she asked.

“I’m going to be here.”

“Yeah, but we move all the time. I … unless I’m sick, we’re constantly moving around. One hotel, empty abandoned building, or something else. There’s never any stability and I don’t think this is very good for the baby.” She put a hand on her stomach.

“You’re wanting to settle down?”

“I don’t want my baby to be screaming for a feed if we’re having to keep on riding.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “I’m sorry. I guess the excitement has worn off, and now I’m at the stage where fear and worry have settled in.”