Page 11 of Infinitely Mine

“Yes.”

“That’s his story to tell, babe. I’m sure if you asked, he’d tell you.”

She tilted her head, staring at me like she could see inside my soul.

“I can feel it. The pain and suffering you’re going through. It’s in your eyes. Don’t be surprised if Mammoth senses it, too.”

Or my son. With his extraordinary intuition, he knew things I could never explain. I had to be careful around these people.

What if they were crazy? Or a cult? Or serial killers?

My paranoia felt justified after Dag’s beating and Kate’s murder.

“How does this work? Are we allowed to stay here? For how much rent?”

I swallowed my pride because I didn’t have shit. No money. No savings or credit cards. Until I found work, I had to trust in strangers to keep a roof over our heads and food in our mouths. It rankled, but I had to deal with it for now.

“As part of Hope’s Refuge, you’re a client now, which means all your bills are paid for six months. We’ll give you gift cards so you can shop for the things you need. After that, you’re expected to pay rent on a sliding scale determined by income. Utilities are included.”

Wow.

“I’ll be your point of contact. Well, you have two. Me, of course, and Mammoth. He insisted.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Jacob told him he had to stay because you needed him.”

Jesus. My palm lifted and rested over my heart. “My sweet boy.”

“He’s special. I can tell. You’re a lucky woman.”

For the first time, I noticed her swollen belly. I wasn’t paying attention before now. “When are you due?”

“Four months. It feels like it’s taking forever and going by fast at the same time.”

I knew precisely what she meant.

“How about we agree to a trade? For any advice or help you need with the pregnancy and birth, you can ask me. Then I won’t feel like a charity case.”

She snorted. “You’re not. Trust me. But sure, I’d be happy for the help and the chance to make a new friend.”

The front door opened, and Mammoth returned with the food, ticking his chin toward the kitchen. “I probably picked up more than we need, but I’m hungry,” he joked.

I bet that man could eat.

“I smell chicken nuggies!” An excited voice squealed.

Leave it to my son to wake up the moment he smelled food.

“Come on, Jakey. Let’s eat.”

He scrambled from the couch, got caught in his blanket, and nearly hit the floor. The big biker managed to hold onto foodand drinks inside multiple bags without dropping them and stretched out his hand to steady Jacob, preventing a fall.

“You’re like a superhero,” my son gushed. “Wow. Super speed and strength.” His eyes widened. “You’re more powerful than Thanos.”

Mammoth quirked a brow. “I’m guessin’ that’s a compliment.”

“You don’t know who he is?”