Page 38 of The First Cut

“So what do you need exactly?”

“As I have no damn clue what you lot have onsite, a lot. All the first aid basics. I have medicines on order, so that’s not something we need to worry about right now. Think gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gloves. I’ll figure out the restonce we get there and I can do an inventory. I’ll need to figure out a space we can use for a clinic. They have a place they use now when the doc is called?”

“One of the boom rooms.”

“Sounds sterile.” Who the fuck puts a med bay next to a fuck pad?

“Here, grab what you can off this list.”

I hand it to her, and she smiles, looking relieved to have something to do. I think about her being stuck in my room. Even though I know it needs to be done, I’ll admit I’d have gone stir-crazy if it were me. I make a mental note to grab her some books and shit to keep her busy. Though if Havoc's right, Khan will make his move soon.

Havoc and Nevaeh ride out tonight to a relatively local book signing. If we’re being watched like we assume we are, they’ll make their move when the club’s resources are split. When that happens, I want Lola tucked up safe and out of the way. Driller was too much of a prick to appreciate what he had in Lola, but like they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And let’s face it, Lola learned her lessons in the most brutal of ways.

I keep an eye on her as she collects the items on her list while I go about picking out bigger items. I know a guy who can get me some specialized equipment, but until I know what kind of space I’m working with, it’s pointless. Realistically, my days of being the leading medic will be over the second I slip on the president patch. I can help, but I can’t be rushing off into deadly scenes that put me at risk. The men of the club will act to protect me and each time, I’ll be risking them. As shit as it is, becoming president means adjusting how I live my life and the risks I take. Plus, I have an old lady and a daughter to think about. Not forgetting a boy on the way who will need a man in his life, and it sure as fuck won’t be Driller. I wouldn’t put it past him to hurt the kid just to hurt Lola.

Once we have everything paid for and loaded into the truck, I drive her to the mall. I want to be here about as much as I want a colonoscopy, but she needs clothes befitting her old lady status.

“We can just go to a thrift store. I’m going to grow out of these things anyway soon.”

“So we’ll just get a few things and buy more when you need them.”

“I don’t want to waste your money, Hannibal.”

“It’s my money to waste.”

She grumbles something under her breath but doesn’t fight me when I drag her into Seraphine Maternity.

“Right. What do you need?”

She looks around, unsure and out of her depth. She steps closer to me and shrinks in on herself. “Maybe we can do this another day.”

“Lola—”

“Hi, can I help you?” I look up from Lola and to the saleswoman in front of me, one who looks a couple of years older than Lola. She eyes Lola before her gaze drifts to my cut. I wait for her judgment, but she keeps smiling. I guess my money is as good here as anyone’s. I make a note to come here again. Most people have a preconceived idea about bikers, and yeah, most of those ideas are probably right. But it’s nice for once to get someone who just doesn’t give a fuck.

“She needs some clothes. All the basics and whatever else she wants.”

“Of course. I can help if you like.” She addresses Lola, her gaze softening. “It can be a little overwhelming, I know, but I can pull a few things for you to try on. You can decide which style you like, and which feels comfortable, and we can go from there?”

Lola looks at me, and when I nod, she looks back at the woman. “Okay, that would be great. Thank you.”

“It’s no problem. My name is Claire, by the way. Would either of you like a drink while you’re waiting?” She leads us over to the changing rooms. There's a waiting area with a row of sofas back-to-back down the middle.

“I’m good. Lola?”

“Um…maybe some water?”

“I’ll grab that for you in just a moment. Take a seat, Dad. I’m just going to take Mom’s measurements.”

I jolt as she calls me Dad, a wave of protectiveness washing over me. I press my hand to Lola’s bump, which makes her pause. She looks down at my large, scarred hand on her stomach and smiles when a little foot kicks me.

“You two look so sweet together.” Claire sighs, making me frown.

“Never been called sweet before,” I drawl making her blush and Lola laugh, the sound going straight to my dick.

“I’m not one to judge someone by what they wear or how they look. I judge them for how they act, and you sir are sweet towards your lady here, so I’m sticking with it. Now come on, let’s get you measured.” She leads Lola to the changing room directly in front of me and closes the door behind them. I can hear them talking quietly, but can’t make out the words. I pull out my cell phone and doom scroll.

Claire comes out with a smile on her face and heads back out to the shop floor.