Page 5

Gunnar

I had no intention of waiting around until my dad got here. Not necessarily because I didn’t want to face him yet, though I’d admit to being a little… apprehensive. If my brothers had given us this kind of welcome, I had no idea if they were playing off my father or simply protecting their families. I could kind of understand the second, but if that was the case, they didn’t see me and Pippa as important as the rest of the family. I was already roiling on the inside. The last thing I wanted was confirmation of how badly I’d fucked up with my dad.

Pippa squeezed my hand and gave me a small smile. She was doing this for me when I could tell she didn’t want to be by herself. But she didn’t know me. I thought she might trust me since I’d been the one to rescue her, but she had to be questioning everything around her after finding out what I’d done. It was just one more blow to my chest, because I intended to keep my promise to Knuckles. I would claim Pippa as my old lady whether she wanted me to or not. With that claim, I’d treat her with the respect an old lady deserves. If she didn’t want me in any other capacity, that was her choice, but I’d always be there to protect and care for her until I died, or Knuckles revoked the privilege.

“Mama, is there somewhere Pippa can have some privacy to clean up and rest?”

“You can bring her home,” my mother interjected, reaching out to take Pippa’s hand. Mom looked like she was barely holding on to more tears. Though she was trying to give Pippa a welcoming smile, her lower lip trembled and her eyes were glossy with unshed tears.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Mom.” I tried to be as gentle as I could while trying to do what I felt was best for Pippa. I wanted her comfortable. While my mother and sister would be nice to Pippa, I knew my brothers didn’t want us here, not really, and having us stay for any length of time would cause friction between my mother and sister and my brothers. And I hadn’t even seen Hannah yet.

“Just until you get ready to leave.” Mom gave me a pleading look. “That way you won’t have to leave Pippa in a strange place by herself.” Trust my mother to cut to the root of the problem. She had always known me better than anyone else.

“I have a better idea.” Mama crossed her arms over her chest and glanced to the door where my brothers were just outside. “You can bring Pippa to my house. Pops can keep out anyone you don’t want to talk with, and you will be close to Pippa.”

“Surely you don’t think someone would hurt Pippa while she’s inside this compound.” My mother looked from me to Mama. “This is the safest place she could possibly be.”

“Angel, the president and vice president of Bones are under the impression they are protecting the women and children in the club. Given both their wives are pregnant, their protective instincts are on high alert.”

Mom narrowed her eyes at Mama before looking back to my brothers. “Gunnar would never put this club or anyone inside it in danger intentionally. He’s family. Anyone he says needs our protection will get it.” Her fierce defense of me chipped away at the ice around my heart. It was hard enough to see my mother this upset, because I knew how much her family meant to her. She would be horrified that my brothers would even consider turning us out on our own.

“Like it or not, Mom, they’re doing what’s best for the club and everyone inside. I can take care of Pippa. I have a plan in place. We’ll be all right.”

Mom’s gaze flitted to Pippa, then back to Mama before reluctantly nodding. No doubt she’d hoped to get me home so she could convince me to stay. If I was honest, part of me wanted to go with her. I’d been sixteen when I’d gone to prison. I wasn’t a kid by any means, but I still missed my mother. Seeing her on the other side of bulletproof glass or in a room with a dozen or more people I didn’t know where half of them were convicted felons just wasn’t the same. I hadn’t been able to give her a hug in fifteen years. Or Hannah.

“I thought Pippa was your woman.” Mom looked confused as she looked back at Mama. “You said she was his woman.”

“She’s his.” Mama didn’t sound the least bit unsure. “He just hasn’t told her yet.”

“This isn’t the place for this.” My soft tone was deceptive because I was starting to get pissed. Mama was the best of the best. She’d helped raise me and all my brothers and sisters, but she was deliberately pushing me, trying to bully me into telling my parents everything. The truth was, I wasn’t ready. But more importantly, the last thing I wanted to do was frighten Pippa.

“What haven’t you told me?” Pippa met my gaze with wide, guileless eyes when I suspected she was anything but. She was trying to pretend there wasn’t a possibility she was in a worse situation than what she’d just escaped.

“I swear I’ll tell you later, but I think you really need some food, a shower, and some rest. But I promise you, you’re safe. And you have the right to refuse any claim I have on you. This is as much for your protection as it was to keep a promise to a very good friend.”

“Knuckles?”

“Yeah, baby. Knuckles asked me to rescue you and protect you after I got you free. He told me to make you my old lady, so that’s what I’m gonna do. How much you want to be involved with me is up to you, but you will have my property patch and the protection of my club.”

“Isn’t this your club?” Her expression was carefully neutral, but I could tell she was trying to make a point. Bones should have been my club. Cain had been letting me go with them on runs and teaching me how to handle myself in combat, all trying to prepare me for taking my place in the club and in my father’s paramilitary organization, ExFil. I had planned on putting in my time in the military, maybe even doing teams training and serving an extended enlistment. All with the goal of taking my place with the rest of my family as part of Bones. In a way, Bones MC was more important to me than anything on that list of life goals because Bones was family. Until everything changed.

“It was.” I smiled to soften the blow those words caused to myself. “And it will always be important to me. But I chose this path. Now I have to accept the consequences and follow it. Kiss of Death has some family too. Just as close as everyone here. Mom knows that. Everything will work out.”

Pippa’s gaze shifted to the door where Ice and Cyclone stood just outside the open clinic door, listening and whispering to each other. “I think you’re right.” When she met my gaze again, she held it. “I’ll trust you. You know what’s best. They might not want us here, but they’ve not said anything to indicate you’re like the people you rescued me from. Besides, you’ve been really nice to me. I’d probably be…” She trailed off and the color drained from her face. “I don’t want to think about it.”

“You don’t have to because it’s not going to happen. I swore to Knuckles I’d protect you with my life, and that’s what I intend on doing.” I grinned at her before addressing Mama. “We’ll take you up on your offer, Mama.” When Mom gave a distressed whimper, Ice went to her, putting his arms around her. “I want you and Hannah to come with me and Pippa. I need to spend as much time with the two of you as I can before me and Pippa leave. I’ve missed you, and I want Pippa to know you guys.”

Mom gave me a watery smile. “We missed you too. Mama, me, and Hannah will come to you in a bit. I need to make a stop to pick up some clothes for Pippa.” Mom smiled at my woman. “I don’t have time to get anything expensive, but I can get you new underwear, socks, and shoes, as well as a couple pairs of jeans and three or four T-shirts. If you have to leave, we’ll make sure you’re ready for the trip.” Mom brushed a tear from her cheek as she reached for Pippa, pulling her into a warm embrace. “Please don’t judge us because Cliff and Daniel are being assholes. They’re not bad men either. Just… hurt their little brother didn’t need their help.”

Mom let Pippa go but not before she spilled more tears as she traced one dark bruise on Pippa’s face with gentle fingers. “I’m so sorry this happened to you.”

Pippa shrugged, trying for a tremulous smile but coming up a little short. “It worked out. At least, I hope it has.” Pippa lowered her gaze. She obviously had her doubts -- and I didn’t blame her -- but I thought she was probably too weak and tired to worry about it.

“Good, then.” Mama had been busy moving around the room getting supplies she thought she might need. I knew she had things at her house, but all her medicines were here where she used them most. “I let Pops know you’d need your own room and he’s making sure you’re all set. If you don’t mind, I’d like to give you a tetanus shot and a shot of penicillin. When I get your test results back, I can give you something else if need be.”

Pippa nodded. “Absolutely. I was gonna ask if you thought I needed something.”

“I’ve got you covered, dear. Before you leave, Pops will bring you a phone. It will have mine and Angel’s numbers in it. I want you to promise to call one of us if you don’t feel well, or if you just need some female backup. We’ll round up the old ladies in force and burn that place to the ground if they don’t treat you right.”

“I’d like to think you’re kidding, but I really don’t think you are.” Pippa’s smile was genuine this time. And so fucking beautiful I almost fell to my knees and worshiped her. She had to be terrified out of her mind, but she was easily the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. It was at that moment I knew I’d do anything to have with this woman what my mother and father had. What Mama and Pops had. What so many of my friends had found while I was locked away.

This woman was my destiny. I knew it like I knew my own name. My life was finally coming into focus with a clarity I’d never expected. Now all I had to do was prove myself worthy of her which… That ship had already sailed. No way a man who’d gone to prison for murder was good enough for the angelic vision before me.

Fine. I might not be worthy of her, but I’d be the most vicious protector anyone could find for her. She’d be my most treasured possession, the person I kept safe and close at all times. I’d be the demon to her angel. And I’d give my last Goddamned breath to see her safe and happy for the rest of my life.

* * *

Pippa

Gunnar helped me into the big-ass Humvee we’d used to get to this place. His touch was gentle as he made sure I was settled comfortably in the back seat next to him. I didn’t buckle my seat belt because, now that it had been a while since I’d been drugged and all that shit was finally getting out of my system, I was starting to feel every ache and pain I had from my extended stay in hell. I was exhausted and sore, but determined to stay awake for the drive to Mama’s house.

“It’s not far.” Gunnar put his arm around me in an awkward gesture. It was almost like he didn’t know what to do with himself. Like he wanted to touch me but was unsure how to go about it. “Just a couple minutes and you can get some decent food in you and rest.”

I nodded, giving him a small smile. “Just tired. And really looking forward to that shower.”

He chuckled, leaning in to brush a kiss against my temple. It wasn’t a gesture he seemed comfortable with but either felt like he should, or he wanted to and wasn’t sure how to go about it. “I bet. Everything’s gonna be fine. I’ll take care of everything.”

I couldn’t lie, even to myself. The idea someone had my back and would protect me until I could get my life back was comforting on an elemental level. I hadn’t had the meltdown I needed, and I knew it would come. I suppose when the time came, I’d find out exactly how serious Gunnar was about this whole old lady thing. Assuming that was like a wife or a permanent relationship. I wasn’t savvy with biker lingo. After the last month of my life in that horrible place, I wasn’t as alarmed by Gunnar inserting himself into my life as I probably should be.

As we drove, I couldn’t help sneaking glances at Gunnar. He was incredibly handsome in a very edgy, even deadly, way. With his shaggy dark hair and intense eyes, he had my attention. But more than that, there was a quiet strength about him that made me feel safe. Probably because he’d rescued me and I knew getting in and out of the place had been more of a feat than I had been able to appreciate at the time. I knew I shouldn’t trust him so quickly after everything I’d been through, but I couldn’t help it. Simply being near him made me feel safe. No matter how awkward his gestures. The man was trying. The more I thought about it, the more I kind of found it charming.

He was right about the ride. It was less than two minutes. It actually took longer for the men who brought us here to get out of the vehicle with all the crap they had on their tactical vests. Gunnar didn’t have a vest on now, but I had vague memories of being juggled around so he could shrug his vest off once we were on the road after my rescue.

We pulled up in front of a ranch-style house. It was by far the biggest in the area, and the whole compound seemed to have been built around this house and the main clubhouse where we’d met Mama. The main building was more like an older resort hotel or something. There was even a courtyard in the back. Mama’s house wasn’t far from the main building, but far enough there was room for other houses to spring up near it, making Mama and Pops -- whom I had yet to meet -- the center of the club.

“I thought you bastards would never bring that sweet girl here so she could eat and rest.” A man who looked to be a few years older than Mama exited the house and skipped down the three steps from the porch like a youngster. He had on faded jeans and a tight, white T-shirt. It had to be at least as old as Mama and, again, though his skin was aged and sun-leathered, he had firm, bulky muscle underneath. He wasn’t as big as the other men around us, but there was something in his gaze that told me he was more dangerous than he seemed. “I’ve got burgers and dogs hot off the grill with all the fixins. Best I could do in a couple of hours.”

Mama got out of the Explorer the women had come in as the man spoke. “I think that will do just fine, Pops. Can’t go wrong there.” She smiled and went to the older man. He pulled her to him with one arm and kissed the top of her head before letting her go. Mama looked up at him and gave the man a soft smile, then she came to me. “Come on, Pippa. Do you want food or a shower first?”

“I think the crackers you let me nibble on earlier along with the water will let me get clean first.” I cringed as I fingered my hair. “I’m not sure even a shower is gonna fix this mess.”

Mama put her arm around me, effectively removing me from Gunnar’s reach with little effort. I looked over my shoulder and whimpered before I could stop myself.

Gunnar immediately stepped closer, his brow furrowed with concern as he reached for me, taking my hand in his firm grip. “What’s wrong, Pippa? Are you in pain?”

I shook my head, feeling foolish. “No, I just… I don’t want you to leave.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

His expression softened. “I’m not going anywhere, Pippa. I’ll be here when you’re done getting cleaned up. If it will make you feel better, I’ll stand guard outside the bathroom. You need me -- for anything -- call out and I’ll break the Goddamned door down to get to you.” The more he said, the fiercer his expression, the tighter his hold on my hand until he tugged me away from Mama and wrapped his arms around me in a tight embrace.

Mama patted my arm reassuringly, trying to extract me from Gunnar’s hold, but he simply growled at her. Instead of backing down, this tiny, grandmotherly woman pulled me away from Gunnar with gentle encouragement. “Don’t you worry, dear. Gunnar will be waiting for you when you’re ready. Now let’s get you that shower so you can feel more like yourself.”

I nodded, allowing Mama to guide me into the house. As we walked, I glanced back one more time to see Gunnar watching me intently. The intensity in his gaze made my breath catch.

Once inside the house, Mama led me to a bedroom in the back of the house. “There are fresh towels and unopened toiletries in the bathroom just there.” She pointed to a door in the back corner which was slightly ajar. “Take as long as you need. I’ve brought you a few things until Angel and Hannah get here with more for the longer haul.” She dropped a small bundle of items on the bed just as Gunnar entered the room.

“Thank you,” I said softly. “For everything.”

Mama patted my shoulder gently. “You’re safe now. That one will see to it you stay that way.” She nodded in Gunnar’s direction. “If there’s something you need that I missed, let Gunnar know and I’ll bring it to you.” She handed me a small flip phone. “It’s not fancy, but it will let you do what you need. It’s also easy to part with if you get in a pinch and are afraid someone is tracking you.”

“I hadn’t even thought of that,” I whispered. Looking up at Gunnar I know I looked wide-eyed and afraid. “Do you think they’ll come after me?”

“Honey, we didn’t leave anyone alive in that fucking hellhole, and Torpedo’s people cleaned any evidence anyone was ever there. Even if someone suspects what went down, there’s no proof of anything, digital or physical.”

“But --”

Gunnar cut me off. “ But if someone comes after us, we’ve got backup. And I’ll protect you with my life. No one’s gonna hurt you again, Pippa.”

The sincere determination on his face settled something inside me. I was still kind of numb -- I was still a little woozy from the lingering effects of the drug I’d been given -- but it was easier to relax. The shower I was getting ready to take might actually make me feel human on the outside now that my insides were feeling better.

“OK.” It was an inane thing to say, but I believed everything Gunnar said. With my whole being.

He gave me the most heartbreakingly gentle smile I’d ever seen, and tears threatened to overwhelm me. “OK,” he whispered.

I took the clothing Mama had given me into the bathroom and shut the door, leaning back against it. I took in great gulps of air as I slid to the floor, my legs no longer able to support me. I wanted to cry. Wanted to scream and rage against the whole fucking world and people who could do such evil to other people for money. Maybe I had more of my dad in me than my mother wanted because, right now, I wished those bastards were still alive so I could kill them myself.

I forced myself to take several deep breaths, trying to calm the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. The urge to break down was strong, but I knew if I started crying now I might not stop. And I desperately wanted to feel clean again.

With my body trembling, I pushed myself up off the floor and started peeling off the clothing I’d been given after Mama’s exam. The need to feel human again overrode my exhaustion. If I sat on the floor of the shower and fell asleep, at least some more of the grime would be gone.

I avoided looking in the mirror, not wanting to see how awful I looked or how badly my hair was tangled. Instead, I focused on turning on the shower and adjusting the temperature. My hair hung below my waist in a long, thick mass of curls. There was no doubt in my mind I’d have to cut at least some of it, if not just fucking shave it all. Which, as I touched the tangled, knotted mess now, I admitted to myself wasn’t the worst idea. In fact, I’d put the likelihood of me buzzing it all off at some point in the coming minutes as more probable than possible.

As I stepped under the hot spray, I let out an involuntary sob. Yeah, I needed that breakdown to happen later rather than sooner because I had the feeling if it happened now, I’d have a man I didn’t know in the shower with me whether I wanted him to be or not. Though I’d admired him earlier, I wasn’t in any shape mentally or physically for what would happen if he decided to make good on the old lady stuff.

The water felt heavenly against my skin, washing away any lingering grime and fear. Needing to feel clean, I’d turned the water as hot as I could stand it. I stood there for several long minutes, just letting the water sluice over me before reaching for the shampoo. Three washings later, my hair started to feel clean again, though I probably would have to do it again later. My arms were too heavy to continue. I did manage to work some conditioner through what wasn’t matted together, but only because I knew there wouldn’t be a snowball’s chance in hell of working the knots out otherwise.

As I turned the water off, there was a knock at the door. “Pippa?” Knock . “You all right?” Another knock.

“Um, yeah.” My voice shook. More from exhaustion than fear. “Just a little wobbly.”

“Did you fall?” There was alarm in his voice. “I’m coming in!”

“No, wait!”

The door was shoved open. I’d locked it on reflex, but this guy broke the door facing with alarming ease. His gaze tracked the small room, looking for threats before focusing on the floor. He read the room so fast it had to have been instinct. “Did you slip? Are you hurt?” When he brought his gaze to me, he eyed me with a clinical gaze until he realized I wasn’t hurt.

I stood sideways with one arm over my breasts and one frantically reaching for a towel, which was when I finally did lose my footing. With a cry, I toppled sideways. Right into Gunnar’s waiting arms.