Page 38 of Atlas (The Chaos Demons MC #6)

Atlas

As if I couldn’t love her even more, then she goes and says shit like that. I wait for Anita to leave before crawling over Rue, pinning my hands either side of her thighs and landing a kiss on her lips. “Fuck, what did I do to deserve you?”

“Same,” she murmurs, trying to take the kiss deeper. I pull back and she growls in frustration. “Damn it, Atlas, I won’t break.”

I grin, resting my forehead against hers. “It’s not you I’m worried about.”

She laughs, “No?”

“I know how you get when you’re all pent up like this,” I say, my tone teasing. “My ribs are still healing.” I carefully turn onto my back and place my hands behind my head. “I’m delicate.”

She throws her leg over me, placing her hands on my chest and staring down at me. “You just relax,” she says, popping the button on my jeans. “I’ll do all the hard work.”

3 days later . . .

I sit on the cold wooden bench, my shoulders tense as the judge clears her throat.

The room’s quiet, thick with anticipation, but Anita doesn’t flinch.

She sits straight-backed beside her lawyer, eyes fixed ahead, hands clenched in her lap.

There’s something calm in her, like maybe, finally, she believes she deserves to win.

The judge begins to read the evidence aloud, and I glance over at Damien across the aisle. Smug prick hasn’t smirked once since the hearing started.

He damn well knows he’s lost.

“The court acknowledges substantial evidence of neglect on the part of Mr. Carpenter,” the judge says, her voice unwavering. “This includes documented instances of leaving Leo Carpenter, a thirteen-year-old child, under the sole care of a minor, Ms. Kasey Green, on multiple occasions.”

I see Anita’s jaw tighten. She never wanted to drag Kasey into this, but Damien forced her hand. We had to make sure this went her way.

The judge continues, tone harder now. “While the investigation is ongoing, the court cannot ignore Mr. Carpenter’s recent arrest for engaging in a sexual relationship with Ms. Green, who was fifteen at the time.

Regardless of criminal findings, this behaviour demonstrates a gross lapse in judgment and an unsafe environment for Leo.

And we must not ignore that whilst the investigation is ongoing, Mr. Carpenter has been suspended from his job. ”

Damien shifts in his seat. If he thought he could charm or threaten his way out of this, he’s finally learning otherwise.

But it’s the next part that hits me in the chest.

“Given Leo’s age and maturity,” the judge says, glancing down at the papers in front of her, “his wishes have been taken into account. When asked where he felt safest and happiest, Leo expressed a clear preference to live with his mother, Ms. Anita Jenson. He described her home as calm, stable, fun, and loving.”

Anita’s hand flies to her mouth. She just closes her eyes for a beat, like she’s exhaling all the weight she’s been carrying.

It’s over.

The judge looks up. “I believe she will provide Leo with everything he needs. She has proven herself time and time again, and I fail to understand why this has taken so long. I can only surmise that Mr. Carpenter has abused his position in this court, a position he currently does not hold. I also note that Ms. Jenson has reconciled with her parents, building a stronger support network. Sole custody is hereby granted to Ms. Jenson, with supervised visitation for Mr. Carpenter pending further investigation.”

She looks up, fixing Damien with a steely gaze.

“Mr. Carpenter, the court cannot overlook the serious allegations of coercive control and what can only be described as sustained emotional intimidation. Should the ongoing investigations result in findings against you, the court will strongly consider revoking any future contact rights.”

The moment we step out the courtroom, Anita hurries towards us, her eyes already glistening.

“Thank you so much for coming today,” she says as Rue wraps her in a tight hug. “Having you both here made all the difference.”

“Have they said when Leo can come home?” Rue asks, pulling back.

Anita nods, joy breaking across her face. “Today. I can collect him from school this afternoon.”

“That’s incredible, Nita,” I say, meaning every word. “You did it.”

She nods, voice thick. “My boy is coming home.”

Tom appears beside her, sliding an arm around her shoulders. “Told you not to worry,” he murmurs, kissing her temple.

“Well done,” I say, holding out a hand. He shakes it firmly.

“And you have to bring Leo to the barbecue tomorrow,” Rue adds, smiling. “Everyone’s excited to meet him.”

Tom nods. “I think he’d like that. Sounds like a great idea.”

Rue

The sun’s starting to dip, casting the yard in warm gold as laughter spills around me.

The scent of grilled meat still lingers in the air, mixing with smoke and beer and something sweet from the dessert table.

Kids are running wild between bikes, men are yelling over card games, and someone’s turned up the music.

It’s been a good day. A really good day.

I sink deeper into one of the old outdoor couches, my drink sweating in my hand as I watch Kasey throw her head back laughing, flicking a paper plate at one of the guys who teased her.

Her hair’s up, her boots are dusty, and for the first time in a long time, she looks .

. . light. Free . Like maybe she’s finally let go of all that weight she used to carry around.

I smile to myself, letting it all sink in.

Atlas is somewhere nearby. I can feel him even when I don’t see him.

It's like that now. This quiet awareness between us. We’ve slipped into a rhythm that feels easy, like we’ve been doing this for years instead of weeks.

He still watches me like he can’t quite believe I’m real, and I still catch myself staring when he isn’t looking, my heart leaping every damn time.

But we haven’t talked about the future. Not really.

My flat still exists. My toothbrush is probably dry.

But the thought of going back there . . .

it feels hollow. Like rewinding time to a version of me I’ve outgrown.

Everything I want is here —his shirt in my drawer, his scent on my pillow, and he touches my lower back when he walks past like it’s second nature now.

I want to stay.

I just don’t know if he wants me to.

The cushion dips beside me, and I don’t even have to look to know it’s him. Atlas stretches an arm along the back of the seat, letting his fingers brush my shoulder, and I lean into the touch like a sunflower chasing light.

“You see Leo out there?” he asks, his voice warm with amusement.

I smile, nodding towards the yard. “He’s been glued to Axel all afternoon.”

“Kid fits right in. Axel even let him have a go on his bike. Well, just sitting on it, but still.” He chuckles. “Didn’t stop Leo from revving it like a maniac. Think he’s already planning which patch he’ll wear.”

I laugh, picturing it. “God, Anita would have a heart attack.”

“I dunno, she seems more relaxed now,” Atlas says, his gaze drifting towards where Anita stands with Tom near the grill. “She looks happy. They all do. Her, Tom, Leo, they make a good team. Solid. Like a proper little family.”

There’s something in his voice, something soft and a little raw. My chest tightens.

“You ever want that?” he asks suddenly, eyes back on me now. “Kids?”

The question steals my breath for a second. But I nod. “Three.”

His brows shoot up. “Three?”

I laugh. “What? I know I’m quiet, but that doesn’t mean I want a quiet house.”

He shakes his head in awe, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Damn. You keep surprising me.”

I nudge him. “Your turn.”

His voice lowers, lips brushing close to my ear. “I want a lot. But only with you.”

My heart thunders as he pulls back just enough to look me in the eye.

“I don’t want there to be a single day when you’re not round with my babies. I want you barefoot in my shirt, pregnant and swearing at me because I’m not rubbing your back.”

I laugh, half breathless, half melting. “Your comment is outdated, but also quite sweet. Do you think I’ll look good pregnant?”

He grins, dark and hot and full of meaning. “I think you’ll look sexy as hell.”

He kisses me then – slow, deep, like the world’s stopped turning for a second. My fingers curl around the edge of his cut, grounding myself, because I can feel the words bubbling up, and for once, I don’t want to bury them.

When we break apart, I say it quietly. “So, does that mean you want me to stay?”

His brow furrows.

“I mean, really stay. My lease is up next week. If I need to renew it –”

“You’re not renewing shit,” he growls, voice low and fierce. “You’re not leaving my side, Rue. Not again. Not ever. You’re mine, and hell itself couldn’t keep me from you now.”

My heart trips over itself. I’m still trying to catch up when he stands suddenly and claps his hands together to get everyone’s attention.

Oh no.

“Atlas,” I hiss, tugging his hand, mortified.

But it’s too late. The yard quiets, all eyes on him.

“I’ve got something to say,” he announces, voice carrying. “This woman right here,” he yanks me gently to my feet “She’s it for me. She’s not just my girl. I’m making her my old lady.”

The crowd erupts, cheers, whistles, laughter, and someone yells, “It’s about damn time!”

I’m blushing so hard I’m sure I’m glowing, but when Atlas turns to me, those blue eyes locking on mine, all I can feel is love. Fierce. Forever.

I’m home.

The End