Unwilling Protector (Steel Vipers MC)
“You’ll get that back, G. It’s why they want you to have rehab and therapy,” I tell him, refusing to believe anything else. The bullet did some damage that wasn’t helped by him being in a coma for a while. Jack assured me that he’d get the best of help for him when we got back in Florida, and I trust what he says completely.
“Maybe, but a maybe is not something that Millie should hang her hat on,” he mutters as I help him from the chair to the bed. Just that small movement wears him out, and I try to hide the guilt I feel.
“Have you considered the fact that she’s smart and knows that any woman would be lucky to have you in their life, G?”
“I don’t want to talk about it anymore. I have a better question for you,” he responds, and I let it drop—again.
“What’s that?”
“Are you happy?”
“Deliriously,” I respond, beaming. I sit down in the chair by his bed. “I’m happier than I ever dreamed possible, G. I love him.”
He nods and squeezes my hand. “He loves you, too.”
“I know. You two have talked about me?” I ask, surprised.
“Yeah, meanness. I’m your big brother. It’s my job. I’m still going to beat the shit out of him when I’m able.” He lets out a big breath and flops back on his pillow. “If I’m ever able.”
“You will not hurt my fiancé,” I gripe.
He smirks, so I know he’s ignoring me.
“Will you at least go gentle on him, big brother? I’m hoping to make you an uncle, and I can’t do that if you hurt him.”
“Train know you want babies with him?”
I smile. “Yeah, he knows. He told me I could have anything. He only wants me to be happy.” I hold up my hand which holds the engagement ring he gave me as an early Christmas present. “You ready to give me away? Jack promised me a big-ass wedding on Christmas, and I’m holding him to that. I already ordered this gorgeous wedding dress and—”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I can’t actually walk that great, let alone down an aisle,” he grouses, refusing to look at me.
“I have that taken care of, G.”
“How do you figure?”
“We’re going to ride down the aisle in a souped-up Harley scooter.”
“Jesus.”
“Train had them paint it white, so you’ll be nice and virginal, G.”
“Motherfucker,” he hisses, and I laugh and laugh until I almost pee. I wish like hell I had a picture of the look on his face….
Chapter 20
Train
“You’re quiet tonight, baby,” I murmur, kissing the top of Drew’s head. We’re lying in bed recovering from our latest round in the sheets. My fingers move back and forth on her shoulder as I hold her close. She’s been staring at the sparkling lights on her Christmas tree for the last ten minutes—not saying a word.
“I’m just thinking. It’s hard for me to believe that it’s over. I feel like I’ve been running forever—even if I haven’t—and now, I’m moving to Florida and starting all over.”
“Are you having second thoughts?” I ask, knowing I’ve asked a lot of her lately. She turns into me, tilting her head back so I can see her face. “Be honest with me, Drew.”
“I can’t wait to start our life together, Jack. I just can’t really believe how fast everything is moving.”
“Well, baby, it’s just three weeks till Christmas. If you want that Christmas wedding, it’s a good thing we’re moving fast,” I reason.
“We could do it next Christmas,” she responds, studying my face.
“You could be pregnant with our baby now, Drew. I’m not waiting a year to have my ring on your finger.”
“What if you think it’s a mistake and we’re already married? There will be no going back, Jack.”
“Baby, there’s no going back now. This is forever. You get that, right?”
“I get it,” she says her voice tender. “Do you think G will handle the trip to Florida okay?”
“He’ll be good, honey. He won’t be happy that he’s in a cage and not on the back of his bike, but he will be fine. Florida isn’t that far from North Carolina.”
“He’s not that happy you and I are together. It could be a tense trip,” she says, but she lets out a soft giggle, so I know she’s not truly worried.
“He’ll come around.”
“Are you ever going to tell me what you guys did with Lenny?” she asks, her fingers making shapes on my stomach.
“Not really planning on it, babe.”
“Jack,” she sighs.
“Club business.”
“What?”
I sigh. “It’s club business. I don’t talk about it, and you don’t ask, Drew. That’s the only way this works—the only way it can. I want you safe and part of that is shielding you from the club.”
“How is my stalker designated as club business?” she complains, turning so she’s hovering over me. The lower half of her body is pressed against my hip. She places a hand on either side of me to support her weight. I reach up and touch the side of her neck, relieved when she curls into my touch instead of pushing me away.