Page 16 of Her Nosey Biker (Savage Kings MC #10)

LOOT

SIX MONTHS LATER:

“ I think I’m gonna call it a day. I still have a few reports to go over for the club.” I sigh, placing the nail gun down and stepping back to survey our latest work.

“I still got a couple hours left in me,” Drake says, not looking up from placing the metal on the side of the new updated barn. I smile and shake my head; after the night, everything came to light with Remi. Drake was almost taken back to the institution where he had been locked away.

I could see the devastation on his face when he thought he had to go back there.

I made a few phone calls, and before I knew it, a car arrived to pick up Remi, and Drake was cleared as a voluntary resident.

This meant he could return only if needed, but not forced.

Ghost always coming in clutch. I truly don't know how he does it.

Still, Drake didn't have anywhere to go. He seemed lost, and after sitting down and realizing all the lies Remi had told us, it was easy to finally, if not get over, then at least heal the past. I asked him if he would stay in town and maybe even consider prospecting for the club. He’s still milling that one over.

I offered him a place to recuperate, though.

Eddie helped me out and set him up at the motel for a bit, but Drake came out almost every day to help me fix the fire damage to the house and barn.

Luckily, since the house was made mostly of stone, the structure stood tall.

Don't get me wrong, the place was still wrecked, but the bones stood firm.

The barn, on the other hand, was a completely different story.

However, as it got rebuilt, I also added a small apartment upstairs.

It was my idea, but Grace pushed for the addition, knowing exactly what it was for.

We got it set up quickly, and Grace made it comfortable with all her charm.

Then, we both asked Drake to move in there.

At first, he refused, and it took him time to warm up to the matter.

However, Grace made a comment at dinner one night about how I wouldn't be able to do the work alone before the baby arrived, and that was it.

He heard the baby needed him, and he didn't think twice.

The two got closer after Drake saved her that night, but Drake still held the whole world at a distance.

Still, Grace is the only one who gets close to the softness inside.

I still feel guilty for leaving him like I did, for locking him away.

“You know, I never said sorry for leaving you in that place,” I start, but his sharp eyes turn to meet mine.

“There was never anything to be sorry for. For a long time, I was lost, and I didn't even realize it. I was where I needed to be. It helped me reintegrate after the trauma of what happened. I didn't understand a lot of what happened,” Drake says, finally looking down.

“I still wish you had come to me. Asked me straight out if I was capable of that,” I say, sad at the knowledge of not only him thinking I was responsible, but that it was all done purposefully. That kills me.

“I’m sorry, Goins. It took me too long to get my head on straight and realize that all the evidence I was gathering was pointing too easily back to you.

It should have been easy to spot that it was planted.

The more I healed, the more I realized. By the time I made it here and started doing some recon, I realized Remi was already on your tail.

When I saw him set the barn on fire, I wanted to make sure you were out of the house.

I didn't realize I’d find Grace there. I wanted to talk to you, but I just didn't know how to bridge that gap,” he says sadly, and I turn and place my hand on his shoulder.

“Past is past, and there's no use dwelling. You saved the love of my life. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

“Giving me a home and a purpose is plenty enough. Speaking of Squeaky, better run on along before she comes looking for you.” He cuts me off, shaking off the gratitude as always.

“You know she hates it when you call her that,” I tell him while turning away. He chuckles a bit before replying.

“It's why I do it.” I leave him with my own reply, chuckling and turning to head back toward the house.

It doesn't take long to get to the front of the house and see her sitting in her rocking chair, Finick by her side.

Always protecting. I think Finick is the one who took that night the hardest; she's been on edge ever since. Always staying close to my star. It's a good thing my panic attacks have been few and far between, and luckily Finick’s been close the couple of times they’ve hit.

But Grace being in my life has settled a little of my past; Drake has settled it even more.

I was worried I might have to look into a new service dog since Finick seemed to have imprinted on Grace.

It’s actually quite often I walk up to my girls having a conversation. I don't know how but she makes it a two-way convo each time and by the way Finick looks at her she means every word. Today is no different. “Luckily ol’ girl, my Papaaa was a bit of a Nosey biker correct?”

“Thank the lord for that.” Grace says smiling.

I smile as I make my way to my ladies. Once I’m beside my Star, I bend and place my hand on her growing belly. This might be another reason Finick’s stuck close.

“Hey! Missed you,” she says sleepily, letting the knitting needle and yarn fall to her lap. I can't help but admire every inch of her face. The way the sun glints in her hair shows a reddish tint. How did I get so lucky to be able to call her mine?

“Miss you too, my Star. What do you say we go take a nap?” I ask, already lifting her from the chair and carrying her inside.

“Mhmm.. Only if you promise to really wear me out first, that way I’m able to sleep through the night,” she says sassily, a yawn slipping through.

“Or I could just wake you up the way you really love,” I tease her back.

“Hmm… I could go for a little of both,” she replies, causing me to laugh out loud.

“If that's what you wish, my Star.”

“I want you, always and forever you,” she tells me, looking up into my eyes, showing me the true depth of her love. I stare back completely unguarded, giving her all the same.

“Til eternity tears us apart, my saving Grace.”

The End