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“I swear there’s nothing to worry about.

The worry is about to be a thing of the past. What you and a few others did to get rid of Deon and convince him to move is incredible.

I never expected it to happen. I’ll be able to raise my children without his deceitful ass interfering.

I could never trust him with the kids. And it’s because of the things you did that it’s been made possible. ”

“Blythe, whatever it is, just say it. You’ve more than expressed your appreciation to all of us.”

“It’s hard to say because I feel I’m dismissing your efforts, but I’m not.

The thing is, with Deon gone or soon to be, nothing is keeping me here.

Bones has convinced me that I don’t need to move away to escape Deon.

With him leaving, I can remain in the area.

I don’t believe living in Nantahala is the best idea since people know him there.

If he had friends, I never met them, but I don’t want to chance it.

I’ll find a place in Bryson City or Cherokee.

Bryson City would be best since it’ll place me close to my work. ”

“Your work?”

“I called my old boss, Alfred, and explained why I left and apologized. Before I could ask if he’d ever consider rehiring me, he offered me my old job back.

He hadn’t replaced me. It seems no one had my passion or expertise.

I can start whenever I’m ready. He’s aware I’m pregnant. It doesn’t matter. He wants me.

“With that being the case, nothing stops me from finding an apartment and moving. I’d like to do that as soon as possible.

I have my car and don’t need to take any of your people away from their work.

I can apartment hunt and work. I’d like to ask if I can stay here until I find something, or would you prefer me to leave now?

I understand if you prefer that I do that.

I can stay in a hotel until I find a place.

” I rushed the last part. Agony’s face had turned into a scowl.

He stood up and walked around the room. He wasn’t saying anything. My anxiety grew as time slipped by, and Agony remained silent. That wasn’t like him in my experience. I was about to have an anxiety attack when he turned and came back and stared at me.

“Blythe, did we do something to upset you? Offend you? Scare you?”

My mouth fell open. It took a few moments for me to form words. “No, oh God, no. No one has upset, offended, or scared me. I feel safe here, and that I might’ve made friends. I hope to continue to have the club in my life.”

“Then why the rush to leave? You’re barely recovered from a beating.

Your ex isn’t out of town yet. We have no idea if he has friends who may see you and report back that you’re pregnant after all.

You have no family and will be giving birth to two children.

You have so much to do to prepare for them that you’ll barely have time to find a place, especially if you return to work.

What did Bones say about this idea? I’m shocked he’s not with you. ”

“All those things are true, but I’ve imposed long enough.

I don’t expect you or anyone to take care of me.

I’m capable of working and having a place to live.

Yes, when I was hurting after the beating, I let you guys take control.

But it’s time I go back to being ‘Independent Blythe.’ As for Bones, I haven’t told him.

I wanted to speak to you first. If you want me to leave, I’ll have someone remove the things you stored for me as soon as possible. ”

“Stop, stop, enough! Christ, you’re killing me, Blythe. You’re welcome to stay here until you find your permanent home. No one is kicking you out. However, I’m surprised you aren’t staying here on the compound.”

“Stay here? Why? Agony, you can’t mean to let me live here indefinitely.”

“I mean, you and Bones seem very close. I hoped that meant there was more than friendship growing between the two of you,” Agony said.

His statement threw me for a loop. I struggled to breathe.

Had I somehow revealed my infatuation with Bones?

I’d worked so hard not to. Shit, what did I do?

Say? I’d be humiliated if Bones knew, let alone anyone else.

Suddenly, Agony was on his knees in front of me.

He grabbed my clenched fists. There was compassion on his face.

“Blythe, you need to slow your breathing down. You’re hyperventilating.

I’m not Eliana. I don’t know much about this kind of thing other than to put your head between your knees,” he said before gently pushing my head down.

I struggled to do as he said. I didn’t recognize I was hyperventilating until he pointed it out.

Agony matched my breathing to try to slow it. As I concentrated, I closed my eyes to do so. It took a good ten minutes before I could sit up without fear of being unable to breathe. Agony had moved to sit in the chair next to me. He held my hand.

“I’m so sorry. I have no idea what caused that.

I assure you, it’s a fluke. You shocked me with your talk of Bones and me being more than friends.

We’ve become close, and I’d say we are friends, but that’s all it can be between us,” I assured Bones’ president.

I was proud that my voice never wavered.

“I’ve got to ask why that’s all it can be.

I’m not trying to be nosy, but you say that with such conviction.

Is it that you don’t find him attractive?

If that’s the case, I can see not pursuing a relationship.

However, there are other men in this club.

Is there one of them whom you find attractive?

What about staying until you have time to get to know all the guys?

You could end up with one of them, as a brother’s old lady.

I highly doubt anyone would pass up the opportunity to be with you. ”

His remark made me blush, but it also filled me with distaste.

Not that any of the Pagans were disgusting or unattractive.

I simply couldn’t see any of them as anything but a brother.

Bones was the man who made my heart pound, my body ache, and my mind yearn for more.

I had to leave before I gave in and did something stupid.

If I did, I’d never be able to face anyone here again.

“Agony, I-I, that’s not it. I can’t stay.

Please take that answer and don’t make me say more.

It’s impossible. I need to go. I’ll let you know when I’m packed.

Again, thank you.” I stood. He did the same and followed me to the door.

Before I could open it, he put his hand on it. I was forced to look at him.

“Blythe, no one is asking you to leave. You can stay as long as you want. I’m sorry I upset you.

That wasn’t my intention. We like you and hope you’ll become a bigger part of our family.

I assumed it would be possible with Bones.

I misunderstood what I saw. Please take your time and get everything in order before you leave.

I don’t want you out there while Deon is still nearby.

And if you need to go to work, into town, or apartment hunting, let me know, and I’ll arrange an escort.

You can’t be too careful with yourself and those babies. I want you safe.”

His sincerity brought a tear to my eye. Unable to resist, I put an arm around him and gave Agony a side hug. He gently squeezed me back.

“Thank you, Agony. I’ve got a lot to think about, but I’ll consider what you suggested. It would be nice to have to move only once. I do have to go. I’m still working on the latest antique appraisals for Austin, and I know you have to be busy.”

“I do have more work. It never ends. Have fun and make Austin’s day. He’s been ecstatic over what you’ve told him to date.”

“I know. I’m glad I can help. Alright, I’m out of here. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

The walk back to Bones’ house was slower.

I was dragging my feet. While I loved the house, being in it constantly reminded me of Bones.

The decor was his, though tasteful enough for any woman to appreciate.

His scent seemed to permeate the place. Somehow, I needed to fortify myself to hang here a couple more weeks.

Surely, I could find an apartment in that time.

All I had to do was pray that Agony wouldn’t mention my plan or his thoughts to Bones about us being more than friends.

I could imagine what Bones would say to that ridiculous idea.

???

I was deep in my search for an apartment. So deep that I didn’t hear anything until Bones came storming into the house. I jumped. The scowl on his face made me gulp. I was sitting at the kitchen table. I lowered the lid on my laptop. Bones came right to me.

“You’re home early. Is everything alright? You look upset. Did something happen at the laundromat?” I asked. I prayed that Agony hadn’t told him anything.

“I look upset, do I? You sit there acting like you don’t have a clue what’s wrong.

How about this? I want to know about the meeting you had with Agony today.

The one where, after you left, he called me and said that I needed to get home and talk to you because you were packing your bags and leaving! ”

Shit, I should’ve asked Agony to keep his mouth shut. Well, it was out now. I could tell Bones my plan, and it would be over. I’d dreaded telling him. Agony had done half the job for me.

“Bones, sit and calm down. It’s not as bad as you’re acting. My bags aren’t packed at this second.”

“I can’t sit. I want to know why you’re leaving. What happened to make you want to leave? You’re still in danger from Deon. He’s in the area, Blythe. How do you expect to live and get a place?”

“I expect to do it the same way everyone else does. I get a job and work. And before you say I don’t have a job, I do.

I spoke to Alfred a couple of days ago. I apologized and explained why I left.

That sweet man immediately offered me my old job back, and I accepted.

So see, all I need is an apartment. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

As long as I have two bedrooms, I’ll be fine.

I prefer a decent neighborhood so the kids can be allowed outside as they grow older.

But then again, I might move after they’re born and things settle. ”

“And would this second move entail you leaving here? Or North Carolina?” he asked.

“I have no idea.”

“You’re not leaving! It’s too dangerous.

You have those babies to worry about. If anything were to happen to you and you were to leave, no one could reach you in time.

They could if she's in Cherokee or Bryson City. So far, the pregnancy is progressing well, but potential issues may arise as you progress further. You’ll need to be monitored,” Bones argued.

“Bones, you act like I should stay here until the babies are born! That’s not happening. I appreciate everything you and the club have done. But it’s time to leave. I’m hunting for an apartment right now. Agony said I could stay until I found one.”

“Fine, you know what, do whatever you want. It’s clear you won’t talk it out.

I would’ve appreciated learning you were leaving from you, not my president.

Do whatever, Blythe. Put yourself in danger.

Hell, while you’re at it, go back to Deon.

Nothing ever fucking changes,” he snapped.

Then, before I could rant back, he turned and stormed out of the house.

I would’ve gone after him to continue our fight, but I was emotional.

His words hurt, and the tears were coming.

I couldn’t let him or anyone know I was hurt.

It looked like I was wrong. Bones and I weren’t friends.

That made it imperative for me to leave as soon as possible.

I almost told him I had to leave because of my feelings for him.

Maybe after he had a chance to cool off, we could talk about it rationally.

I heard the roar of a bike. I knew it was his.

He was leaving the compound, not just his house.

I picked up the laptop and took it with me.

It would be better to stay in my bedroom.

I didn’t want to talk to or see Bones. Tears poured down my face.

I swear, I was a mess from these babies.

They had my hormones going wild. I’d have to ask Dr. Charming if she could give me anything that wouldn’t affect the babies.

I cried yesterday over a commercial about toilet paper.

I wasn’t a crier, but it seemed that with my pregnancy, I was turning into an emotional disaster.