Page 10 of Sam (Crow MC 2nd Generation #2)

ALLY

I’ve been working for Sam and Abby for a month, and I was finally feeling like I understood everything.

It’s been a challenge running two companies that are so different from each other, but I’ve loved every minute.

Working has been a good way to keep my mind busy.

Keeping busy helped stop the thoughts that have plagued me for months, the ones that ran like a loop through my mind when I was feeling low.

The ‘I should have noticed. I could have stopped him without killing him’ thoughts and the guilt that always followed behind them.

I’m still mortified that I’d had a breakdown that first morning, but Sam couldn’t have been kinder even when I’d bawled all over him. It made me wonder what the hell was wrong with Bella.

Not only is he kind, he’s smoking hot with Mediterranean looks courtesy of Abby. The combination of his dark hair and olive skin, along with a body that has most women drooling over him. Although I’m not sure he even noticed them. I certainly noticed.

The sheer number of women that came through our doors was testament to that. The sheer number of women was astounding. And they weren’t all single. Nope. We had a variety, from grandmothers and wives to hopeful singles. Sam was oblivious to it, which I think was part of their attraction to him.

I’d taken to gatekeeping for him and weeding out the actual customers from those who just wanted a chance to chat and ogle him.

The man was busy and worked his arse off, sometimes starting before the sun was up and only finishing late at night.

He was so busy that we rarely saw each other, and considering we worked on the same premises, that said a lot.

Between his business, the MC, and his brothers, he was constantly on the go.

Abby came in twice a week and Sam checked in now and then to make sure that I was okay, but other than that, I was mostly left to my own devices.

It was great putting my training to use and implementing slight changes for the smoother running of the companies.

Even the drive to and from home was getting easier, and I no longer jumped at any small noise. I was also sleeping better, which meant my panda eyes were not as noticeable.

Both my therapist and I were happy with my progress enough that I’d encouraged Mum and Dad to take the boys camping for a long weekend with school being out.

This would be the last test for me, if I could stay by myself in the house. It wasn’t like I was completely alone on the property. I had all my uncles, my aunts, and my granda if I needed them. Mum and Dad had left this morning with the boys beside themselves with excitement.

It was knocking on for five, and at the end of my workday, I should be packing up, but I was delaying.

“For fuck’s sake, Ally, get a grip,” I grouse to myself, switching off my computer.

“You know what they say about talking to yourself, babe,” Sam voices from the doorway.

Starting, I slap my hand to my chest in fright.

I’d been so caught up in my head that I’d not heard him come in, and I was jumpier than usual knowing that I was alone tonight.

“Fuck’s sake,” I mutter again, taking a deep breath before looking at the man taking up most of the doorway and wincing at the concern on his face. I hated that he thought me weak.

“Not weak, babe. Not in the least.”

“Dammit,” I slap my hand to my forehead. “You’re going to think I’m a total div. I don’t usually talk to myself,” I assure him.

Sam laughs, and I blink a little in shock at the change on his face when he does. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him laugh like that, or at least not recently.

“You’re not a div, babe. You’ve got a lot going on. I’m only checking in to see if you need me for anything. I’m cutting out early; I’m off to the gym.”

Shaking my head, I grab my bag and stand. “Nope, I’m all good. I’ve put your new orders in the filing tray, and I’ve also added the form for the trade show in Birmingham. I’ve filled it out, let me know if you want to do it and I’ll sort payment out for it.”

“Thanks, Ally.” His tone is heartfelt. “I’m fucking thrilled Mum hired you. My stress levels have halved since you took over my shit.”

My face flushes, and a smile blooms on my face at his praise. “Thank you, Sam. You don’t know how much that means. I’m enjoying myself here.”

Sam studies me for a beat, and I think he’s going to say something, but we’re interrupted by the door buzzing. Looking at the camera screen, I see it’s Ben and Brice.

Pressing the button to let them in, I smile at them when they walk in.

Ben has always been a favourite of mine, and when he opens his arms for a hug, I don’t waste any time in walking straight into them.

“Good to see you, Ally,” he rumbles, pressing a kiss to my cheek before passing me over to Brice, who does the same.

Standing in the shelter of Brice's arm, I note a weird look cross Sam’s face. Ignoring it, I ask, “What are you two doing here?”

Ben nods at Sam. “We’re picking Sam up and then heading to the gym.”

“Ah, okay,” I reply.

Ben continues, “Carly says your training is coming on great.”

Another smile breaks over my face. “It is. It was tough at first, but my lungs are getting stronger. Carly’s going easy for now, but we’ll step things up once I get the all-clear from my consultant.”

Ben frowns. “You take it easy; we don’t need you relapsing. You know I hate hospitals, and I’ve visited you way too many times in one this last year.”

Reaching over, I squeeze his hand. “I’ll take it easy, I promise. Carly’s working with the hospital. I’m not keen on being back there either. I never thanked you two and Carly for visiting me so much,” I say, glancing between Ben and Brice.

Brice hugs me again, “No thanks necessary, doll. Just glad you’re okay. Are you off home?”

“Yep,” I say, holding up my car keys. Turning to Sam, I ask, “Are you okay to lock up?”

“Of course, babe, no problem. Drive safe.”

“Will do,” I agree. “Bye, guys, I’ll see you next week.

” They respond, and I turn on my heel and walk out the front door and go straight to my car and get in.

Home isn’t far, so it doesn’t take long before I park in the communal parking we have.

I enjoy dinner with my family, and then Uncle Liam, Aunt Sera, and their brood walk me home.

“Remember, we’re only next door if you need us,” Uncle Liam tells me, kissing the top of my head.

“I know, I’ll be okay,” I assure them, waving goodnight as they walk away. Taking a deep breath, I square my shoulders and walk into our lounge. “You can do this,” I tell the empty house.

Six hours later, I’m admitting defeat. Because I hadn’t slept at all, each tiny creak made me think a break-in was happening.

At four a.m. I finally give up, and by five, I’m dressed for work and leaving the O’Shea compound.

I may as well get started on work and then ask Sam if I can leave a little earlier.

I might catch up on my sleep once it’s daylight.

It doesn’t take long to reach the offices, as there’s no traffic this early in the morning.

Parking in my space, I note the light on in Sam’s workshop.

He started work early again. The door to the workshop opens as I switch off my car, and Sam saunters over to me, a look of surprise on his face. “Ally?”

“Hey, Sam,” I nervously push my hair behind my ear, conscious that I’m not looking great with how tired I am.

“How come you’re here so early?” Sam questions, a look of confusion on his face.

Tilting my head down, I mutter, “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Hey,” Sam tilts my chin up with his finger, “I didn’t hear what you said.”

Tears brim in my eyes. I’m exhausted, frustrated, and fed up that something as small as sleeping in the safety of my parents’ home, surrounded by my family, isn’t something I was able to do. I felt like a failure.

“Babe!” Sam prompts.

“I couldn’t sleep because Mum, Dad, and the boys are away. I thought I could do it, but I couldn’t,” I burst out, and then promptly follow up my tirade by bursting into tears.

“Aw, babe,” Sam says softly, drawing me into his arms and wrapping them tight around me.

My own creep around his waist. I hold on tight as I cry with both frustration and exhaustion.

I’m still crying when Sam scoops me up and carries me towards his workshop.

He sits on the sofa he has in the corner, with me on his lap, my head tucked into his neck.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, “I’m always crying all over you.”

“That’s okay, beautiful, you cry on me all you want, I’m not going to melt.”

Laughing a little, I take a deep breath, letting it out, my eyes closing.

I’ve never felt this safe with any man besides my family members.

I’m glad he’s not the type to panic when a girl cries all over him, considering I’ve done it twice.

Once more, I breathe deeply, inhaling the smells that always make me think of Sam.

His spicy aftershave, sawdust tinged with a hint of wood oil.

It’s comfortingly familiar. I didn’t intend to fall asleep on him, but surrounded by his warmth, the beat of his heart under my ear relaxing me.

Exhaustion takes over, and before I know it, I’m fast asleep.