Chapter 15

 

Pulling into the clubhouse, I feel good about this shit. I think we’ll be able to get to Anderson without any problems. I mean, the fucker does have to go home at some point. It will give me a great fucking feeling to take his ass out. It’s not that I love Everleigh, I don’t. Not yet, anyway. But I think we could be good together. Just that thought alone sends shivers throughout my body. I cut the engine and climb off my bike when I see Haylee. She’s bobbing and weaving her way through the bikes, coming straight toward me.

“You came back!” She screams and just as she leaps, I put my arms out to catch her.

“I live here, remember?” Her smile couldn’t get any brighter. I love it.

“You were gone for a long time.” Her fingers poke at my helmet before I reach up and pull it off. Placing it on her head, it swallows her head up. I can’t stop the laughter that erupts out of me.

“Haylee!” I hear Everleigh hollering as I walk toward the front doors.

When she spots her in my arms, she stops and stares.

“I’m sorry. She took off when she heard the bikes.” She isn’t smiling. Is that a bad thing?

“Hey, Ev. It’s ok.” Her eyes move over my face before her hand reaches up. Her fingers trace over my cheek.

“You’re bleeding.” Shit! I forgot that I had blood on me.

“No, it’s not mine.” Her hand falls before she reaches for Haylee. Pulling her out of my arms, I know this is going to be bad.

“I... We need to get inside.” Everleigh walks away from me with Haylee in her arms. Running my hand through my hair, I know I fucked up. I know she wouldn’t want to see me like this, but this is who I am. This is me. Walking down the hallway, I see her standing in front of my door with her arms crossed over her chest.

“Hey,” I say.  Her eyes come up to meet mine. I can see just how unsure she is about me and all of this.

“Hey, sorry about earlier,” she says as I glance around. I don’t see Haylee.

“She’s with Ghost,” Ev says, knowing I’m looking for Haylee. Nodding once, I open my door and head in. I hold the door, waiting for Everleigh.  When she doesn’t move, I look at her. Her eyes find mine; she slowly walks in. I close the door before I turn to face her.

“This is me, Ev. This is who I am. I can’t be anything else. I don’t want to. This is what I’ve been from the day I was fuckin’ born. You wanna back out on me? Do it now. I stand by what I said. I will protect both of you. I will make sure he doesn’t lay a hand on you. But you need to tell me if you don’t want shit with me.” The words leave my mouth, and my chest wants to explode. The words ripped my own heart in half. Everleigh stands there watching me. She doesn’t speak or move, just watches me.

“I thought that was your blood. Something in my chest hurt when I thought you were hurt. I’m so confused, Dragon.” The tears fall before I step into her space. Leaning down, I press a kiss to her lips before pulling back.

“You don’t need to decide right now. I’ll be here.” 

Turning on my heel, I head into the bathroom. Pulling my cut off first, I keep stripping. I know I made the right choice as far as killing that asshole. I know my choice to kill Anderson is the right one, too. But Ev? I don’t know what the hell I’m doing there. Am I fucking making a mistake bringing her into my world? Aside from protecting her, I should walk away from her. I should let her go.

But I don’t want to. Everything inside of me calms and feels sane when Everleigh is near me. Like now. My stomach cramps. The thought of her not wanting to be with me, wanting to leave me is crushing me inside.

I wash my face, watching the red-tinged water as it slowly leaks down the drain.

“I’m scared, Dragon. I don’t know what to do.” She stands on the other side of the shower curtain with her head down. Pulling the curtain back, I reach for her. Clothes and all, I drag her into the shower with me. My wet hair hangs in my face as I force her to look at me.

“I know you are. I know this is new to you. I know that this isn’t the perfect fuckin’ life either, Ev. I grew up in this lifestyle, and it’s always gonna be a part of me. These guys, they’re my family. This is all I have. You have to take it or leave it, darlin’. I can’t be anyone else. I’m gonna do things that scare the shit outta you. I’m gonna come home lookin’ like I took a beatin’ but I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and happy.” I press my lips to hers, but she doesn’t kiss me back. I pull back and look into her eyes, the eyes that are digging into my deep dark soul.

Everything inside of me is screaming to hold onto her, but there is that one sane part that knows her and Haylee deserve more than this.

I just don’t want to listen to that part. 

***

“Dragon, can we go see Santa?” Haylee follows behind me as I run a perimeter check. It’s a strange feeling having her trail behind me like this. However, I like it.

Looking down at her I ask, “Santa?” I furrow my brows as I think that one over.

“Yeah, and why don’t you have a tree here? Will Santa know to come here to bring me presents? We didn’t leave him a note at our old house.” She suddenly looks sad, and that isn’t something I want to see.

“Santa will know where to find you. We’ll talk to mom when we’re done out here about goin’ to see Santa.” That seems to make her happy, which in turn makes me content. She grabs my hand quickly. I glance down in shock. It’s not that she hasn’t done that before. It just makes something inside of me click.

“What are we doing out here?” I keep us moving while trying to think of something to say to her.

“Makin’ sure no one is out here that shouldn’t be.”

“Like who? Bad guys?” Damn this girl is smarter than I thought she was.

“Yeah. We always make sure it’s safe.” Haylee and I walk around checking into everything. Once I’m satisfied, we head back inside.

“Can we ask Devil to come, too?” Haylee’s eyes are brighter than I’ve ever seen them. She’s practically glowing.

“Devil? Why him?” That one confused the hell out of me. I don’t think Devil is going to a mall to see a damn Santa. If he did, I’d need a picture of that.

“He’s funny, and he said he would buy me a new bunny for Christmas.” Oh, he did, did he? 

“A bunny? Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?” Devil laughs, throwing his head back.

“Not a real one! A fuckin’ stuffed one like Marissa’s,” Devil says as I shake my head.

“She asked if Santa would bring her one. I told her yeah.” Shit! Now I have to go shopping for shit. I never did that before. I’ve never bought Christmas for a kid. Maggie and my mom shopped every year for Emily. I have to control my laughter when I say, “She wants you to go see Santa, asshole.” Devil shakes his head.

“No way in fuck, am I goin’ to a mall.” Crossing his arms over his chest, I laugh.

“No, I am. Then we’re goin’ shoppin’.” Pointing at Devil, he throws his hands up.

“Fuck that, Dragon. I don’t fuckin’ shop, brother. I  don’t' know shit about that stuff. Take the girls.” Now it’s my turn to laugh.

“Didn’t you see what the fuck happened when I took them for Thanksgivin’? Fuck that, Devil. They bought half of the goddamn store. Plus, she wants a tree,” I stress as Roc walks in, laughing at both of us.

“This funny for you? You can go get a tree.” Roc’s mouth falls open. He looks like he wants to say more.

“Fine. I ain’t no bitch. I’ll go to the local Target like a goddamn man!” The look on his face is hilarious as he talks.

“Target’s a nice store. I’ve been in there once.” Trick walks in talking like a fool.

“Oh, yeah?” I say.  He nods.

“It’s not a target either. Don’t look nothin’ like one. Except for the sign.” When he walks off, Roc and I share a glance.

“What the fuck did he even just say?”