Page 23 of July 27

"Really?" Katrina rocked up on her toes. "Jagger said the same thing."

He swallowed hard. Katrina was his before she belonged to Jagger. Those were the best days of his life.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Proud of you, Katrina."

She wrapped her arms around him, unable to latch her hands now that she had a baby in her stomach and his large size. "Love you, Dad."

"Katrina!"

Ruger groaned, recognizing the voice of his sister echoing in the hallway. Katrina straightened and held on to Ruger's vest. He gently took her hand off him and stepped back, feeling for the doorknob.

"Did you get your ultrasound?" Cora stopped beside Katrina. "I want to see."

Ruger opened the door and slipped inside the room, leaving them to talk without him. Cora was like a shark, intent on her prey, demanding more and more of his time. He had enough problems without taking on the responsibilities of his sister. That was Wire's job. Let her old man take care of her.

Inside the bedroom, Rachel stood from the couch. "I didn't mean to cause trouble between you and your daughter."

"Katrina will be okay." He gazed down at her body, noting the bare feet.

At one time, there was polish on her toenails, but only flecks remained. Since he'd rescued her, she hadn't had any comforts to indulge in, and he never heard one word of complaint from her.

She deserved more.

But with her brother in prison, she was alone.

"Get ready to ride." He entered the bathroom and grabbed his toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap. "And, uh, bring me one of those grocery sacks on the dresser, will you?"

Rachel walked into the bathroom and handed him the sack. "What are you doing?"

"Packing."

She hugged her middle. "Are you riding out?"

"We both are." He walked around her into the room. "Take enough clothes to fit in my duffle. I'll pick up the rest tomorrow."

"But why?"

"I got us a house."

"Us?" she whispered.

"That's what I said."

"I can live with you?" She grabbed a pile of clothes. "Together?"

"For now."

He opened the duffle, making room for her items. Once packed, he opened the door. They'd both be better off in the cottage. He looked forward to a whole night's sleep without listening to the Havlin members partying until the early morning hours.

Chapter Twelve

Ruger put another sack on the counter. Rachel removed the food that belonged in the fridge, stepped across the small kitchen, and put them away.

"That's the last bag." Ruger peeled back the cardboard on the beer case and took out a can. "Put this in the bottom of the refrigerator."

She put the cans in one by one, stacking them above the now full fruit and vegetable drawer. Ruger had borrowed a truck that Havlin Motorcycle Club owned and went shopping to stock the kitchen and bathroom. He also bought bedding that would fit the bed that came with the house. Along with furnishings, the house came with all appliances, including a washer and dryer.

Everything was in great shape. Much better than what she was used to living at home. Her brother tended to buy things second-hand or steal what they needed. Nothing was ever brand new.