Page 6 of Tav
Her eyes well up again as she whispers a thank you, looking back down at her baby. I jump when the phone in my hand vibrates, giving me such a fright that instead of screening the call, I answer it immediately.
Tav’s smooth “Hey Pixie, you safe and sound?” drifts over the speaker. Like magic, the tension I had been holding in my shoulders melts out of me at the sound of his voice.
He’s been calling me that since we spent the last night of the conference wrapped around each other. Since that night, where I saw Heaven and little baby Jesus at the behest of Tav Tombs, he’s been there. First, it started off with little messages here and there. Then lunch dates, until he graduated to meeting the kids and coming to dinner now and then. I guess you could call it dating, if dating was done in slow motion thanks to work and kid schedules. Whatever you want to call it, I liked it. Tav was more than a man I was seeing; in the months since we’d met he’d become my best friend. Then Mercy got sick and my plans to rid the world of Eden’s Keep got bumped up the timeline a little. Meaning I had to pull the plug on what Tav and I had growing. I can’t drag him into my plans, expose him to the darkness in me. I need to protect him.
“I’m safe and sound. The kids?”
“All tucked up in bed. You know I’d keep them safe.”
Knowing that they’re safe with Tav helps any residual tension I was holding dissipate. “Thank you, Tav.”
“Pshh, think nothing of it, sweetheart. I told you I’m here for the good, the bad, and all the in-between. When you’re ready.”
Instead of answering him, I decide to change the subject. I have a mission.
“My job took a turn. Instead of reaching my target, I have two packages to deliver to my brothers, then I’ll head home. I’ve told Niko -”
“Pixie, it’s good. Niko has told me what’s happening. You won’t need to be home until just before school finishes. Take a nap at your brothers’ and stay safe. We’ve got your back.”
Chewing my bottom lip, I worry about leaving the kids at an MC, then remember that DRMC are the good guys. I’ve done my research. I know they’re good men. Far better than most of the men I grew up with.
“You’re sure?”
“I got this. Go do your thing and I’ll see you tomorrow. Be safe, sweetheart.”
“Be safe,” I whisper back to him before ending the call.
“Wow, your husband sounds great,” Lovely says gently, with a sad smile on her face.
“He’s not my husband. He’s just a friend.”
“Well, you’re lucky to have a man like that in your corner.”
“Yeah, I am,” I reply, almost as if to myself before letting out a sigh, putting the car into gear and checking my mirrors. “Right, let’s get you and your baby somewhere safe.”
Chapter 2
Tav
Wandering down the long hall towards the guest rooms the kids stayed in last night, I can’t help but be impressed by what Marx and Rhodie’s dad, Mad Dog, achieved here. The clubhouse from the outside looks little more than a massive warehouse, but the inside is just like home. Wooden floors run the whole way through the main common room which houses the bar, dining tables, and a lounge area. There’s a pool table and dart boards, even a foosball table. All of which Pops has been banned from using. There’s a solid wooden door that hints at our church and double wide doors indicating the mouth of the long hall where Marx’s office and all our rooms are located.
I hadn’t planned on moving in when I decided to prospect. Originally, I had asked Marx if I could live at home with my family, work at Tombs Security as usual, and then stay at the compound on the weekends to do prospect duty. However, as time has moved on, I’ve found myself in my room here more and more.
I love being surrounded by people, but with Dayz, Gus, and even Pops having significant others, it feels different at home. Ican’t just let myself into my siblings’ houses anymore. Not since I walked in on Rhodie in the smallest onesie I’ve seen in my life. He threatened to kick my ass if I told anyone, but that didn’t stop me from snapping a pic through the window. I’ll keep that safe for the future. You never know when you might need to blackmail your future brother-in-law.
“They left already, Prospect,” Rider’s voice calls.
Turning to look at him, I see he has Whitney by the arm and is leading her to the common room. The other few bunnies that live here full-time follow behind.
Raising a brow in question at him, Rider smirks at me. “The bunnies need to learn where they fit in the hierarchy. Ol Ladies come first, always. After last night’s brawl, none of them are allowed on the premises.”
Whitney starts to whine and then snaps her jaw shut quickly when Rider shoots her the most chilling look. Huh. Looks like happy-go-lucky Rider may have a bit of a dark side. Shaking my head at the thought, I remember that all these men saw things on deployment. So much shit, in fact, that watching Dayz do her thing is probably a walk in the park for them. I watch Rider lead them all out, hopefully to somewhere they can make better life choices.
Looking into one room the kids used, I note the made beds and the open curtains. I should have expected that. They’re good kids to their core, but then what else would you expect when they’ve been raised by a badass woman? The first time I met them had been nerve-wracking for Blanche, less so for me. It’s no secret that I’ve dated a few women with children in the past. People give kids a bad rap, but if you treat them like people and not like cock blockers, you’re fine. Kids can sense bullshit, which is why I always try to tell them the truth. Like last night when I claimed Blanche in front of the kids. Niko may be pissed now, but he’ll come around.
“Prospect,” Savage nods as he and his Ol Lady Nat pass me in the hall on their way to the common room.
“Savage.” I give him a chin lift back before smiling at Nat. “Morning, Nat. How are you feeling today? Need anything?”