Page 42 of Ky
“I see. That’s nice of him,” I reply, still with a smile on my face, albeit a little tight. I refuse to let the jealousy I feel over what she revealed take over. Without another word, the other woman collected her son, and they walked out of the clubhouse.
“That was weird. Or is it just me?” I can’t help but ask, as the other women chuckle.
“No, it’s not just you. We feel it too.” Zoe replies.
Just as we were about to head out to Zoe’s SUV, the door to the meeting room swings open and Kick pokes his head out, motioning for Everleigh to come over. Apologizing, she tells us to go on ahead, and we reluctantly do.
Collecting all the children and for the first time in forever, I was taken to Walmart, dressed in jeans and a shirt that didn’t belong to me, where previously I wouldn’t be seen dead leaving the house until I was dressed to the nines.
The other women and I pile into two cars with a couple of prospects following us. Apparently, that’s the only way we were allowed to go anywhere. The kids in their booster seats, andI was shocked that they would have an extra booster seat for Willow already in Zoe’s car ready together with Bella, the baby she and Chains were looking after for Tiny, until he had gotten his act together.
It was a story that was heartbreaking for everyone involved.
We hit the shops like it was going out of fashion. For the next few hours, I let my mind wander to the best bits of my life in captivity with Angelo. I doubt I’d have survived had I not had Willow to keep me sane. I probably would’ve given up a long time ago.
After refueling with lunch at a charming cafe tucked away from the main road, we headed to our final destination—a boutique at the end of the street. That’s when I felt it—an odd sensation, like that of being followed. I tried to push the thought away, not wanting to ruin the day by dwelling on things. I’ve always had a habit of burying my head in the sand and ignoring what’s right in front of me. Not unlike today.
I had already purchased enough clothes for myself and Willow to refill both our wardrobes two times over. The last boutique we went to was a lingerie shop, filled with rows of delicate lace and silk. There, I purchased a few nice outfits, and in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help thinking whether Ky would like the style or color, but then chastised myself for my runaway thoughts.
I was just sliding into the jeans Everleigh had given me, when Mariah burst into the dressing room, holding a knife to my throat, warning me if I made to tell the other women anything, she would harm Willow. Well, I couldn’t have that, so I willingly went with her.
When she drags me through the back exit to her car, and I’d seen Willow inside, sleeping, my heart sank. I’d hoped my little girl wouldn’t be involved in any of this and she’d be safe with the women back at the clubhouse. It seems my little girl and I were alone. Again
The bitch then clocks me over the head once I was in the backseat with Willow, and my vision goes blurry, which means I had no idea where she was taking us. I try to keep my wits about me, but I feel myself falling more and more into darkness, no matter how hard I fought it. But the determination to keep my daughter safe was strong, and to get us both out of the situation we found ourselves in. Though the addition of my psychotic stepbrother, Angelo made things more difficult. Finally, the blackness overcomes me.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ky
The irrational anger I felt when I saw Sera and my brother Ink together in the common room was still roiling inside of me. Seeing her wearing jeans that were almost obscenely tight, showing off that round, peachy ass I loved so much, did me in entirely. I was almost certain Ink didn’t tell her the room she was using was mine, because if she knew that, she would’ve demanded another room.
I’d also seen the look of jealousy on her face when she’d seen me walk in with my arm around Mariah.
I had to do it, for appearances’ sake.
I couldn’t risk her discovering what I was up to.
I force a deep, calming breath through my nostrils as I sit down. I need to focus on the business at hand, because I was so close in uncovering what that bitch Mariah was playing at. Pulling out the plastic baggy from the pocket of my cut, I slid it across to my dad.
“I found that in the trash while the bitch was in the shower,” I tell my brothers around the table.
My old man picks it up, studying the empty pill bottle. His jaw ticking in anger. He stands, and we silently watch him open the door to Church, and motion for someone. Moments later, Everleigh appears, looking tired and worn out, but most of all worried. She’d had her appointment today with the oncologist, and the biopsy she had showed that she had breast cancer. My pops was, of course, devastated, but trying to be strong for her, and we’ve all been rallying around her, but she’s been a pillar of strength, even though she looks like a slight wind would blow her over.
“What’s up?” she asks, standing nervously on the threshold.
“Come in and close the door, butterfly,” my dad instructs, and he guides her over to his chair, sits down, placing her on his lap and wrapping his arms around her. “Tell me about this?” he says, showing her the bottle, and she freezes.
“Where did you get that?” she demands.
“From the trash at home,” I supply. “I’ve had a feeling Mariah has been drugging me from almost day one since she returned. I couldn’t prove it until now. I want a blood test. Will it show up?”
Everleigh gasps, bringing her hand over her mouth, a look of horror on her face. “That’s just heinous. Yes, it should. I’ll get the ball rolling right away. Come to the clinic tomorrow and we’ll draw some blood.”
“Thanks. I also need a paternity test done,” I continue, taking out another baggie with a sample of hair from Finn’s brush. “Is it gonna be a problem for you, or do I have to go somewhere else to get it done?” I ask her. I didn’t want to overload her with work when she was focusing her attention on getting well again.
“Of course I’ll do it. I’ll get it done ASAP,” she promises, and I give her a slight smile.
“Thank you, baby. Where are the rest of the women?” my old man asks, kissing her tenderly, striding to the door, carrying the hair sample and empty pill bottle; she stops, looking back at her ol’man with love shining from her emerald green eyes.