Page 9 of Dylan’s Dad (Horsemen Of The Apocalypse MC #1)

Lola

W hen I woke, I rolled over planting my face into the pillow inhaling the intoxicating scent of cinnamon, leather, and something woodsy.

The pillow smelled like Stallion and I wondered how long he laid here beside me while I slept last night.

Before I could even get out of bed there was a soft knock at the door. “Come in.”

Stallion pushed open the door balancing a plate on top of a mug .

“Breakfast?” He stated it like a question but didn’t wait for me to respond before gently placing the plate in my lap and the mug on the nightstand.

“Wasn’t sure how you took your coffee but you strike me as the overly sweet coffee drinker and Ray picked up some of that flavored coffee creamer.

I dumped a shit ton in there till it was a pale tan color. ”

I almost giggled at the thought of this hardened biker bringing me breakfast in bed. “I prefer chai tea but overly sweet coffee will do.” I smiled fully at him.

“So Reaper should be calling in a bit. I know he wants to talk to you again but after that what would you like to do? All the guys have stuff to do so it’ll be just us and probably Ray hanging out outside. He is feeling really guilty and is taking this protection detail extra serious.”

“Why is Ray feeling guilty?” Running through all the introductions I went through yesterday I couldn’t put a face to that name but I know I’ve heard Stallion say it before.

“He was on your detail the other day. He feels like he should have been able to protect you?”

“How? We were in the house, not outside. How could he have known?”

“I’ve tried explaining that to him but he’s taking it hard. He feels like he failed you. Anyways, so what are you thinking for after your call with Reaper?”

“Can I call Doc after? He told me he could have his friend come give me an exam.” I cringe. “I just want to get it over with and put this behind me.”

“Whatever you want, Darlin, but you don’t need to rush this. If you are not ready that’s okay too.” Stallion's concern was evident in his eyes as he spoke those words. I reached out and placed my hand on top of his, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"I appreciate your concern, Stallion," I said softly. "But I don't want to keep dwelling on what happened. Getting the exam done will help me move forward."

He nodded, his expression filled with a mix of relief and admiration. "Alright then, I'll make the necessary arrangements for you to see Doc's friend after you're done with the call."

As we ate breakfast together in comfortable silence, the aroma of bacon and coffee filling the room, Stallion's presence brought me a sense of comfort I hadn't expected to find amidst this chaos. His protective instinct was apparent in every gesture, every word spoken.

When Reaper's call finally came through, Stallion raised his phone to his ear and then pressed a few buttons before, "Hey, Brother. Yeah she is right here, hang on."

Stallion extends the phone to me and I take it. "Reaper?" I watch as Stallion collects the dishes and leaves the room.

"Hey there, Little Flower. How are you feeling?"

I took a deep breath, steadying myself before responding. "I'm doing okay, considering everything. How about you? How are things on your end?"

Reaper let out a heavy sigh, his voice coming through the phone with an air of weariness. "Well, it could be worse. Just glad to be getting out of here soon. I need to be there and handle this situation and see that you are okay for myself."

"I appreciate your concern, Reaper," I replied, my voice filled with gratitude. "Having you here will definitely bring some peace of mind."

There was a slight pause on the other end of the line before Reaper continued, his tone softer now. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there when it happened. I should've been there to protect you."

"It's not your fault," I reassured him, my heart aching at his guilt. "None of us could have predicted or prevented it. It was just a terrible situation."

"Still, I wish I could've done something," he murmured, his voice filled with regret. "But I promise you, Little Flower, I won't let anything like this happen again. I'll make sure you're safe."

His words brought a sense of warmth and security, calming the storm inside me. "Thank you, Reaper."

We talked for a bit more but his phone time is limited. I am starting to get anxious about him getting out and finally being in the same room as him.

After ending the call with Reaper, I handed the phone back to Stallion, who had returned to the room. He gave me a warm smile, his eyes filled with a mixture of relief and determination.

"I'm glad he called," Stallion said, pocketing his phone. "Reaper may be a tough son of a bitch, but he's got a good heart. He'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

"I can see that," I replied.

"Doc's friend Natasha should be here in a little bit. Doc assured me that she is kind and a good nurse."

Just as Stallion finished speaking, there was a knock on the bedroom door. Stallion went to open it, revealing a petite woman with a warm smile and a medical bag in her hand.

"Natasha, this is Lola," Stallion introduced me.

Natasha walked over to me, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you, Lola. I'm Natasha," she said kindly. "James filled me in about what happened and I want you to know that I'm here to help in any way I can."

I shook her hand, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. "Thank you, Natasha. It means a lot. Wait, James?"

"Doc." Stallion answers.

"Thank you, Stallion. Would you mind stepping out while I do the exam?"

Stallion nods at Natasha then turns to me, "I'll be right outside, Darlin."

I watched as Stallion left the room, closing the door behind him. Natasha set her medical bag on the bedside table and pulled out a pair of gloves. She turned to face me, her eyes full of compassion.

"Alright, Lola," she said gently. "I know this might be uncomfortable for you, but I'll do my best to make it as quick and painless as possible. Just let me know if anything feels off or if you need a break."

I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. "Thank you, Natasha. I appreciate your understanding."

She smiled warmly at me before putting on the gloves and beginning the examination. As she worked, she maintained a gentle conversation, asking about my well-being and offering words of encouragement. Her presence was comforting, and I found myself relaxing into her care.

Throughout the exam, Natasha's professionalism never wavered. She explained each step thoroughly and ensured that I understood what was happening. Her expertise shone through, putting me at ease and reminding me that I was in capable hands.

After what felt like a whirlwind of a morning, the exam finally came to an end. Natasha disposed of her gloves and went into the bathroom to wash her hands, turning to face me with a smile.

"Everything looks good," she said reassuringly. "Physically, there doesn't seem to be any major issues. I did notice some tearing but that is common in this type of situation and that should heal on its own. But please remember, healing takes time, not just physically but emotionally as well."

I nodded, grateful for her words of wisdom. "Thank you, Natasha. I'll keep that in mind."

As Stallion entered the room, concern etched on his face, Natasha turned to him with a nod. "She's all set," she informed him.

Natasha collected her bag and moved toward the door, “It was nice to meet you, Lola. If you need anything don’t hesitate to call me.” With that she left.

Stallion came over and sat down on the edge of the bed.

“You doing okay, Darlin?” I nodded clutching at the comforter with trembling hands.

The entire exam I was fine but now I feel like I am one second from losing it.

Reaching over Stallion placed his hand over mine, “How about I make us up a couple bowls of ice cream and we can veg out to something on Netflix?”

I don’t know how he did it but he managed to pull me out of my spiral. “Actually that sounds absolutely perfect.”

“Alright, I’ll head down and get the snacks and ice cream. Just come down when you are ready.”

We spent the rest of the day on the couch binging Supernatural and eating all kinds of junk food. By the end I found myself cuddling up next to him and resting my head on his shoulder.