Page 19 of Claimed

Laurelyn smiles at her. I can see she’s relieved, but there’s something else hidden behind that smile – uncertainty. It’s almost imperceptible, but I caught it. What does it mean? God, I hope she isn’t planning on not allowing me to see Dani again. I’m already smitten with the little girl.

“That’s great, honey.”

She introduces me to her husband. He shakes my hand and gives me an empathetic smile.

“I feel like I already know you, the way Laurelyn talks about you. I really hope you give her a chance. She puts on this front for everyone, but I know she’s not truly happy. She won’t be if she has to continue living a life without you in it.”

“I’m trying,” I tell him.

“I know,” he replies as Laurelyn walks up, and he wraps an arm around her shoulders. “That’s all we can ask for.”

“Do you know when you’re being discharged?” Laurelyn asks.

I look to Gage, but he shakes his head. “I haven’t spoken to the doctor yet.”

“Will Lonnie be coming by? Are you going back to her place?”

I shake my head in answer to Laurelyn’s questions. “I don’t know where Lonnie is, and I’m never going back to her house. That’s...that’s where it happened.”

She reaches for my hand and gently squeezes my fingers. I look down at our hands but don’t pull away. The touch verbalizes more than any words ever could. She’s here and offering support. It’s only been a day so I’m definitely not won over, but like I said, I’m trying.

“Where will you be staying?”

“With me,” Gage interjects.

Both Laurelyn and Daniel turn to him. Dani climbs up the bed and settles in next to me as she watches her parents. Laurelyn seems apprehensive.

“Do you mind if I ask how long you’ve been seeing each other?” she asks.

“Not long...but I’ll take care of her.”

“What do you do, Mr. Hunter? For a living?”

I roll my eyes.Is she really doing this right now?

“I own and operate several businesses.”

“Several?” Daniel raises a brow.

“Several,” Gage reiterates, emphasizing the word.

“So, you’re taking her to your home?”

“My clubhouse.”

I sigh deeply as I listen to their exchange. If they think they can intimidate Gage, they have another think coming.

“Clubhouse?” Laurelyn looks between the two of us in confusion. “I don’t understand.”

“Gage is the president of a motorcycle club. I’ve been there many times. It’s perfectly safe.”

She releases me and covers her mouth in shock. I know she thinks he’s a low-life criminal and that I’ve probably been a club whore, passed around from brother to brother.

“Those men and women are my family. They took me in, no questions asked, and made me feel like I belonged. I trust them. I trust Gage. I only feel safe when I’m with him. I’m going home with him, and that’s the end of the conversation. I’ve known you all of one day. Please, don’t come in here trying to act like a parent.” Gage takes my hand, offering encouragement. I look up at him as I finish, “He said he’ll take care of me, and he will.”

“Well...okay then.” she says reluctantly.

“You’re welcome to come by anytime and see Raven. I would take her to my house, but I have people at the clubhouse who can help me take care of herandprotect her. You have nothing to worry about,” Gage tells her.