Page 28 of Hawk

Loki pats me on the shoulder and says, “Good work, Hawk.”

“Yeah. Thanks,” I say, not feeling particularly good about this. I am grateful that Ivy and Lilly no longer have to live in fear, but it shouldn’t have taken this for it to happen. When I got out of prison, I wanted to keep my hands clean of this stuff, but, then again, had the man not tried to break into my house, he’d probably still be alive, wouldn’t he?

I look at the members of this motorcycle club for a moment, each of them, and reflect how they had my back through all of this. I say, “I appreciate everything. Y’all really came through for me.”

“That’s what we do,” Bishop says. “We’re family, man.”

“Yeah,” Loki adds. “Family.”

I return to my car. They get on their bikes and we roll out. Tomorrow, I’ll get my car detailed and washed by some prospects atthe clubhouse. Right now, I’m going to the hotel to be with my family.

Chapter 10

Ivy

I’ve been in a state of shock since Gideon woke me up, and now, I’m in a hotel room with Lilly while one of Gideon’s MC members stand guard outside the door. They call him Sheol. While Lilly is distracted, I open the door and ask him, “Have you heard from Gideon?”

“No, not yet. I wouldn’t be worried, though. If anyone knows how to take care of business, it’s Hawk.”

And that’s precisely what I’m afraid of. I can’t have Gideon back in jail, especially now that Lilly has been bonding with him.

And so have I.

I didn’t realize how stubbornness had kept me from the only man I ever truly loved. The man who makes me laugh even when he’s not trying to be funny. He has always protected me, and he’s busy doing the same right now. I’m completely undeserving. He did make it clear that he was doing this for Lilly’s sake because he feels I don’t deserve it after abandoning him. Whatever the case, I’m just glad my baby girl is safe.

Startled by the tap on the door, my body jumps. I can’t believe how uneasy I am, even with a bodyguard at the door. It’s probably Sheol.

I glance through the peephole to make sure and see Gideon instead. I open the door and leap into his arms, asking, “Are you okay? I was so worried.”

“It’s not your job to worry about me, Ivy. How are you?”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re shaking. Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Good, and you will never have to worry about Cash bothering you again.”

“Hawk, what did you do?”

“What I had to, now listen. We’ll be here for the night. Tomorrow, you’re free to go to your place and get back to your normal life.”

“Really?”

“Yes. He’s no longer a threat. You and baby girl will be just fine.”

He looks over at the bed where Lilly is sleeping, and an aura of satisfaction crosses his face. He said I could go back home, and while that sounds so good to be able to return to my normal routine, I’m not sure if that’s normal for me any longer. I’ve made his home our old home. I don’t want to leave, but that’s not up to me.

“Have you eaten?” he asks.

“No. I don’t have an appetite.”

“Then just rest. It’s still early. We’ll figure out something later.”

Chapter 11

Gideon