Page 111 of Tied to You

Her blood. The stains. It makes my smile drop and my brain swoop, remembering her dream.

Could I have a kid?

Chapter Twenty-Two

MOLLIE

There was a thirst for violence in the round pits of Rocco’s eyes when we got here. He didn’t speak as Travis and I walked into the clubhouse. It was my mistake to show up at Matthew’s house, I know that. But again, it was also the right move to make. I know it, and judging by the look on their faces, they know it too. It’s just a much harder pill for outlaws to swallow.

They wouldn’t have killed Matthew, but I saved him. Saved him from becoming mulch under Travis’ and, more so, Dean’s hands. The pair looked violent, and when I saw the look on Travis’ face when he realised I’d followed him, I knew I was in trouble. He doesn’t scare me. In fact, I’m not sure any of them do any more. But Rocco? He’s a different matter.

He’s deadly. Got a constant look of desire to bring retribution for something he’s missing. I don’t know what that is, but I see the torment in his eyes whenever I’m here. At first, he was wary. Didn’t like me pulling some of Travis’ attention away from the club. Then he realised that actually I am a pretty fun person to be around. That and, once he heard about Tim signing off on the land they needed, he dialled down the outlaw.

Sure, the atmosphere at the clubhouse is so far away from the scene I’m used to. But the overwhelming sense of love and pride and brotherhood is unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of.

Rocco seems to have taken a liking to me, even lets me pour him his favourite drink when I occasionally help out here. It isn’t much, and I certainly don’t get many words out of him. But it’s kind of sweet. He seems to like being in my presence. Which is why, if he’s going to summon me upstairs, I’m pretty confident I can talk my way out of it.

Feeling the unmistakeable signs of my period, I make my way to the ladies’. I’m sweating. My jeans feel tight and disgustingly wet, sticking to my heated skin with every step I take. I’m uncomfortable, and after the events of tonight, my chest feels ridiculously heavy. I cough, knowing I should probably see a doctor about it.

Using the loo, I’m then forced to stuff tissues in my knickers. This place has women working here, but nothing for them as far as sanitary products go. I shouldn’t be surprised given all the burly men who congregate here, but, I can do something about that. If I’m going to be hanging around here, it’s the least I can do.

Making my way back to the main room, I try my hardest to ignore the unpleasant feeling between my legs, and in true to me style, I step behind the bar. “Need a hand?” I offer Tanya. Most of the guys are upstairs, so I know there won’t be much to do. But the waiting around is starting to irritate me. Of course, I could drive home, but I’ve already pushed my luck tonight. I don’t want to anger the beast further.

“Sure. Grab the empties. Then you can join me for a drink.”

Checking my phone, it’s already ten. I have eight hours until my shift starts. “Sounds good to me.” I know I’ll feel it in the morning, but Tanya looks like she could use the company. Nights like these, you never know how late they’ll be up there. That much I have learned.

Clearing the tables, I grab the bottle of vodka Tanya’s placed on the bar top for me and one glass. I head to the nearest table and take a seat.

“You know what’s going on up there?” Tayna asks, pulling out her own chair.

I have some idea. “No.” I smile, opening the bottle and pouring myself a drink.

“You’re lying.”

My head springs up. “Pardon?” I screw the lid back on the bottle having poured myself a shot.

Tanya laughs. Pulling her steaming mug of coffee to her lips, she blows the surface before she takes a sip. “You bite your lip when you’re lying.”

“Do I?” I wasn’t aware I did.

Tayna nods, placing her mug back on the table. “Yep. And whenever Travis is nearby.”

That I do know about. Feeling my cheeks blush, I take a sip of my vodka.

Tayna runs her hands through her hair, pulling the long curls into a messy bun on top of her head. She is beautiful. It makes it easy to see why she and Travis used to sleep together. How out of all the girls here, he would have chosen her to find comfort in. I don’t like imagining them together, it makes my insides twitchy thinking of him with anyone else to be honest. But I’m grateful for the protruding mass now on her front making her glow so elegantly. Without her whirlwind marriage and pregnancy to Chopper, we probably wouldn’t be sitting here now. As friends. She and Chopper are inseparable most of the time. He’s much older than her, but her happiness is undeniable.

“Anyway, how are you feeling?”

She leans back, scratches her belly then picks up her mug. “Full.”

I laugh. “How’s Chopper?”

Blowing out her cheeks, Tanya then takes a sip of her coffee. There’s a light shake to her head. “I think he’s glad to be getting out soon. Three kids already and one on the way. He’s not used to nappies and night feeds. It’s going to be a shock for him.”

“Does he see his kids much?” I ask, knowing I’ve never heard or seen them in the time I’ve been here.

She shakes her head again with a wry smile. “Their mother doesn’t let them. Fortunately, they’re older so can make their own decisions for the most part, but it’s easier to keep the peace. You know?”