Page 6 of Vengeful Pawn (Adair Legacy #6)

MiaBella

M y heart rate accelerates, and I’m afraid I’m about to pass out. The butterflies erupting in my stomach don’t do much to help the situation, either.

Castle had been pissed when I wouldn’t tell him who the father was, and I’ve been waiting for him to calm down ever since to ask how I could get in touch with Hendrix.

I had no idea he was so closely associated with my brother’s club, or I’d have never let the man into my bed.

Gazing at his eyes now, I know that’s a lie.

This man has some kind of hold on me, and I’m not sure why.

“Tell me something, princess.” His calling me that slightly rewires my hate for the pet name.

“What?”

“Your fucking name.” He appears ashamed, asking that.

Snorting out a laugh, I ease his suffering. “MiaBella Dion.”

“MiaBella.” It’s his turn to laugh. “Fitting. Beautiful.”

We’re quiet again, and I wait for Hendrix because I don’t know what to say. This wasn’t the situation I thought I’d find us in.

“The note was a dick move on my part. I was in a bad place.”

“It’s not like either of us thought a baby would be a result.” I’d been on the pill for years, never changing brands, never forgetting to take a dose. I wanted to wait until I was in a stable and committed relationship before having children.

“Yeah, I suppose.” Hendrix blows out a deep breath. “I’m not partner material. Hell, I don’t even think I’m father material.”

Anger bubbles up inside me. “I wasn’t asking you for anything.”

“I know. I know.” His head drops, and he says something, but given the quietness of the words, I realize it’s not directed at me.

When he lifts his head again, his eyes are as lifeless as the night we met.

Hendrix has some demons, more daunting than I anticipated.

“I’m not trying to blow you or the baby off.

” His eyes meet mine for the first time, and the flicker of vulnerability simmers my anger down.

“I want to do the right thing, to help you take care of the baby. I’m just not worthy of you… of them.”

“Not worthy?” I force the words out. “Who the hell has put that in your head?” That damn anger is back again. I don’t know Hendrix very well, but the fact that he’s so concerned tells me his opinion is wrong.

“Me,” he groans, closing his eyes and dropping his head back to stare up at the peeling paint on the ceiling. “I’ve done things, Mia, bad things, to innocent people. I’m not worthy of anything anymore.”

“Bullshit,” I say sharply, getting to my feet and crossing my arms. “I don’t believe that for a second. I don’t know you, not enough, but I know a good man struggling with demons when I see one.”

Rising to his feet, his height should be intimidating given how far I need to look up, but I’ve had this man inside my body; I know more than he thinks I do.

“I killed children.”

The absolute torture in his tone says more than his words. He has a heartbreaking story to tell, but I’m damn sure he didn’t do it for pleasure and maybe not even by choice.

Reaching out for him, I cup his jaw in my hands and step into his body, forcing him to put his hands on me.

“You’re hurting, I can see it, so I’m going to let your shocking confession go…

for now. Tonight, we’re driving these girls to Sparrow House, then you’re going to take me to your home, and we’re going to have dinner, then sleep, because if I’m honest, I am having a hard time doing both of those things lately.

” I don’t add that it’s partially because after only one night, I was addicted to the safety and comfort of his arms. He doesn’t need the added pressure.

“You don’t deserve my bullshit.”

“I don’t like your excuses.” He seems shocked at my defiance. “Can we just try my way, please?” Popping out my bottom lip, I work my best pout, and he caves with a curt nod.

Before I can pull away, he groans my name. “Mia?”

“Yeah.” My body buzzes from our close proximity.

“Can I kiss you again?”

The question is not what I expected.

“Yes, please.”

I meet him halfway, and our mouths clash, teeth clacking together as his tongue pushes past my lips and deep inside my mouth. Airborne, Hendrix picks me up and spins us around to lie on the bed. Careful of my belly, he doesn’t hesitate to dominate my body.

“I haven’t slept right in months because of you, princess.

” His lips move down my jaw to nibble on my ear.

“But thoughts of you have kept the nightmares away.” Holding my breath as he speaks, I feel a tear slide down my temple.

“I need you, princess, but I’m not worthy of wanting you. ” I hate that he feels that way.

Shifting my hips, I arrange my legs to wrap around his back and lift for the friction I know he’ll give me. “Hendrix,” I gasp when he grinds down into me. “More, please. I missed you.” I didn’t think it was possible to grieve for a loss I never had until seeing him today.

A loud banging on the door makes Hendrix growl into my neck, sounding like a feral animal. “Fuck off!” His shout makes me stifle a giggle when there’s another pounding.

“Get out here!” I pause at Cross’ amused tone. “Castle wants to speak with M, now.”

“Fucking pushy ass bikers,” Hendrix bitches.

“They care about me,” I try to soothe.

His eyes narrow as he stares at me. “Better not be more than that.”

I smile at his possessive tone. Hendrix isn’t nearly as resistant as he wants me to believe.

“It’s not, trust me. All these guys helped raise me; if anything, their love is brotherly concern, nothing more.” Brushing my hand up and down his jaw, Hendrix closes his eyes and turns into the touch.

“I’ll trust you, not them.”

I’ll take it.

Patting his chest, I give a little push, and he reluctantly gets up. “Come on, big guy, let me talk to my brother, and then we’ll get on the road.”

Hendrix stops before opening the door, eyes on my belly.

“Can I touch it?” His voice is so quiet, like he’s afraid the question will somehow harm us.

I grab his hand while lifting my shirt and place it over where I’ve felt the most fluttering.

“You’re beautiful,” he says, his gaze darting to meet mine, and I offer a smile.

Releasing my hold, I wait patiently for him to get his fill before we exit the back room and head out to the bar. Castle is in a heated discussion with someone I assume is Hendrix’s father. His mom is at the bar, sipping on a drink, an amused smile on her face until she spots us.

She lights up, and I grow nervous.

“Hendrix, sweetheart, are you going to introduce us now?” She’s already reaching out a hand for me, and her eyes drop to my belly. “A baby,” she whispers.

“Sorry,” Hendrix mutters down to me. “Mom, this is MiaBella Dion; Mia, my mother, Talia, and father, Castiel.”

“I’m so pleased to meet you. We’ve never met any of Hendrix’s girlfriends before,” Talia says.

“Not his girlfriend,” Castle barks before I can say anything.

Narrowing my eyes on my brother, he crosses his arms.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” I shake their hands. His dad gives me chills as he eyes me up and down like a bug under a microscope.

“Ignore him.” Talia elbows her husband in the ribs as she takes a step closer.

“He’s naturally grumpy but will warm up.

” Castiel grunts but doesn’t disagree with her.

“Your relationship status isn’t what’s important here, either.

” Her gaze strays to Castle, who remains unmoving.

“I’m just really delighted to meet you and to know I’m going to be a Nana! ”

I hadn’t even thought about that. I barely hang on most days, so family hasn’t been a concern, but now…now, we have the chance to expand the family. Glancing over to Castle, he must read my thoughts because he softens and opens his arms for me.

Without hesitation, I run into his embrace and sob silently into his solid chest. “It’ll be okay, kid.

I promise.” He hugs me tight, ignoring everyone around us.

“I’ll behave, I promise.” Nodding against him, I glance up, dark eyes so similar to my own, and he asks, “Can I talk to you privately, though?”

“Of course,” I reply and follow Castle into the club office. He closes the door behind us and flips the lock.

I lean against the oak desk, waiting for him to speak. Castle sighs and finally opens up. “He drinks, M, heavily and frequently.” It’s not exactly illegal, and after some of the things he’s said, I can only imagine the turmoil he’s trying to run from.

“Okay.”

“He’s dangerous,” Castle tries again.

“I’m aware; I know men like him. He doesn’t have the violence inside of him to harm an innocent person. He won’t hurt us.” I’m more sure of that than anything else at the moment.

“You can’t know that,” Castle growls. “He’s got PTSD, and that can’t be controlled. It’s unpredictable and violent and sneaky as it takes over your mind and makes you think you’re somewhere you’re not.”

“We’re not even together, Castle. It doesn’t matter yet.”

He scoffs at that.

“Don’t do that. Don’t push my feelings aside because of your preconceived notions. I’m an adult. I’m perfectly capable of deciding whether to be with someone or not.”

“I don’t want you or the baby hurt.” He softens again.

“Neither do I, but the worst Hendrix could ever do to me is break my heart because he’s already convinced he’s not worthy of either of us. Tell me how that’s a man who plans to hurt me?”