Master (Chaos Bleeds Book 8) (20 page)

“I’m a good guy.”

“You’re still an asshole. Another thing, no man will ever be good enough for your little girl, nobody.”

“I’ve got all of this to come with Elizabeth,” Devil said. “At the moment, she’s my adorable little girl, and that’s how I’m happy for her to stay.”

“It won’t happen. Don’t be fooled. They all grow up, and I wonder if that hurts us more than them. They’ve got to grow up, and realize the world is full of bad people. They stop believing in fairytales, and all too soon, all the magic is gone,” Ned said.

“This is a fucking bummer,” Ripper said. “I’m not getting Judi pregnant again. The last one nearly killed her.”

“She wants another,” Devil said. “I heard her talking with Lex about it.”

“Not happening.”

“I wonder how Whizz is going to get on with Sally and Daisy,” Lash said.

“He might not have to worry about Sally all that much. That girl is one hard cookie. She’d got a lot of other challenges to deal with.”

“Her loss of a leg it hitting her hard,” Tiny said.

“The Skulls are behind her,” Lash said.

“Andrew’s memory will live a lot longer than it ever should,” Devil said. “It’s not something we should worry about. Just deal with whatever shit falls our way when it does.”

Another round of drinks was poured, and they raised their glasses, saluting their fallen men and women.

****

Millie sat on Baker’s bed waiting for him to finally make his way upstairs. She had heard the news of what was going on, and knew she had to talk to him before she left. Ever since he’d taken her from her toy shop, she’d been giving him a hard time, but it wasn’t on purpose, not really. Maybe it was a little, but it was hard for her when it came to Baker. He’d forced her to be at the clubhouse, and now that she was, part of her didn’t want to leave.

Baker was a nice man, sweet, and charming in his own kind of way. The biggest problem was the feelings he had for his deceased wife. Baker’s wife had been taken from him. Neither of them had walked away from a bad relationship.

There was no way she could ever compete with that.

She had thought about it. What it would be like to be with Baker. Her thoughts were not good. Throughout her life Millie had always been passed over. She wasn’t a beautiful woman, or someone people remembered. Her sister, Bethany, was the dashing beauty. All of her life she had been pushed aside, and laughed at because of her sister.

She hated that, being laughed at, ridiculed. Her sister had honey blonde hair, blue eyes, and a slender body. Bethany also was a fine actress who had many people believing she was a good person, a nice person.

It wasn’t true. Bethany was evil, vindictive, and cruel.

The door to Baker’s room opened, and she looked up to see the man himself.

“Hi, I was looking for you.”

“Yeah, I came looking for you. Last night was a success.” She stood up, pushing her shirt down.

“Yeah, it was.”

“So it’s safe for me to return to my shop, and to return to normal life.”

Baker hesitated.

“You don’t have to lie. I already know.”

“I don’t want you to go.”

“That’s not a decision you get to make.” She tucked some hair behind her ear. “I want to thank you for everything you’ve done. You protected me when you didn’t have to. You could have just forgotten about me, but you didn’t,” she said.

“Millie, I don’t want you to go.”

She stared at his chest, and for the first time in a long time, tears filled her eyes. “Baker, you and I, it’s never going to happen. I’m not the woman for you, and you’re not the right man for me.”

“I’m a good person.” He took hold of her hands, pressing them to his chest.

“You are a good person. If your wife was to be here, you wouldn’t even be looking at me.”

“Don’t do that. Don’t make her part of this.”

She bit her lip trying to keep the tears inside but it was growing hard with every passing second. “I care about you. You’re a sweet man. I have lived all my life never knowing a man like you, and I bet if you were to give your whole heart to something, you’d be the best damn husband in the world.”

“Give me a chance.”

“You see, I’ve spent a lot of my time being second best. Being the girl that is always chosen last. I’m even the daughter my parents didn’t want. I’m fat, and I’m not pretty enough. I don’t make enough money, and I have no dreams to be a rich millionaire, not that I could ever snag a man of wealth, of course.” Tears started to fall, recalling every single nasty word that had ever been said to her. “You love your wife. I’m second best, Baker. I’m sorry.”

“I want to take you out on a date.”

“No.”

“Millie, please,” he said.

“Don’t.”

“I lost my wife, and yes, it killed me. I love her, I’ll always love her. She was taken from me, but you’ve come along, and
you
take every part of me, Millie. Every part. I think about you constantly. I worry about you. I want a chance.”

She shook her head. “I’m going home now. The threat is gone, and I need my space.” Millie pulled her hands away, and made her way toward the door. There was nothing else to be said.

****

Baker followed her downstairs, and even watched her leave the clubhouse parking lot. He couldn’t make her stay, and right now, he didn’t know what to say to keep her. Words failed him when it came to Millie. Everything failed him. Watching her walk away once again was just another failure.

“Are you okay?” Rose asked, coming out of the house, carrying a child carryall.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.” Rose placed one of her twin girls in the back of the car.

He kept staring at the gate willing Millie to come back, but of course, she didn’t.

“Millie left, and told me there was no way we could be together.” The words spilled out, and he had no power over them.

“Oh, I can see why that was painful.” Rose stood, folding her arms. “Why don’t you win her over?”

“She’s convinced that I would always pick my wife over her. My wife is never going to be an option, never.”

“I know what you’re saying, but I also see what Millie is saying.”

“What?”

“She’s not your number one choice.”

“I don’t get it.” Was he just too thick to get it?

“You love your wife, and that’s never going to change. You’re wanting to move on, but for Millie, she hasn’t been married. You’d be her number one, and for you, she wouldn’t be yours.”

Baker sighed. “I don’t know how to answer that.”

“Hardy would always be my number one. What you’ve got to figure out, is do you love her enough for her to become a number one?”

“I won’t know that until I get to know her a bit more. She’s not even accepting one date.”

“Be patient, and if you like her enough, it doesn’t matter. You’ll constantly ask her out until you what you want.”

“Is that what happened with you and Hardy?”

“Hardy and I are a little different.”

“You’ve got that right,” Hardy said, carrying out the second baby carryall. “You’ve got to make a choice, Baker. If you ask me Millie isn’t the kind of girl you fuck and forget. She’s the keeping and loving forever kind. Don’t break her heart.”

Baker had no intention of breaking anyone’s heart, least of all Millie’s.

Chapter Fifteen

Three weeks later

Sasha got out of the hospital first much to everyone’s surprise. Her eyesight was back, but she wouldn’t get rid of her dog. Everything was all new to her, and she had to learn people’s faces, not just their voices. Next, Simon and Tabitha got free of the hospital. The doctors were sure of their speedy recovery, and while Paris was in the hospital, they got to stay together.

The clubhouse wasn’t bombarded.

The Nomads went back on the road. Andrew was gone, their fallen respected, and the itch to move on was once again calling to them. Devil, Lexie, and the kids moved in with Tiny and Eva. Ripper and Judi shared with Lash and Angel, and several couples took some of the Chaos Bleeds couples in.

Alex, Sunshine, and their baby girl Candice stayed at the clubhouse for Alex to help his leg heal.

Spider spent his time at the clubhouse and at the hospital. The only one left in the hospital was Paris. Sally got out, and she was going to regular therapy and physio sessions. Sophia was also out, and taking care of her and Nash’s two kids, Rachel and Bruce.

Eating breakfast, Spider stared at The Skulls and Chaos Bleeds that were still there. Sandy was finishing up her breakfast, and she’d be taking him to the hospital, like she did every morning. Well, Stink took them both, and he crashed their ride. It was a thing between them.

“What’s the news on Paris?” Adam asked.

Adam had fully recovered. Three weeks of doing nothing had healed him up, and now he was back to full strength.

“She’s over the infection, and her breaks are now healing fine.”

“Have they pulled her out of the medically induced coma yet?”

“Today, they’re going to do it today. They didn’t think she was strong enough to handle that kind of pain. They’re hoping she’ll be ready.”

“Fuck, do you want me to come with you?”

Spider shook his head. “It’s fine. I’m not exactly good company right now.” His own injuries had healed up, and he was able to come and go as he pleased. Still, it was easier accepting a ride from Sandy and Stink. He got the excuse of being at the hospital all day until his ride showed up.

“It’s not like I’m doing much.”

“Are you finding the quiet life a bore?” Sandy asked.

“Not at all. I’m just wanting to be of help,” Adam said.

Sandy finished off her toast, and stood. “I’m heading out.”

He finished his coffee and got to his feet.

Spider took his empty cup to the kitchen, and made his way outside. Sandy and Stink didn’t keep him waiting long. Climbing into the back, Spider rested his head.

“I’m thinking the Caribbean, what about you?” Sandy asked.

“I like it. Three or four weeks?”

“There’s a cruise. We could go on that?”

“No. I’m not spending my honeymoon on a boat. I’d be too scared in case any waves came, and tipped the boat upside down.”

“Seriously, movie references?”

“No cruises.”

Sandy sighed. “Okay. How about resorts? Can I book a resort?”

“I like the sound of a resort.”

“Good. We’ll go over the details. There has to be a spa. Also, I was talking with Charlotte, and she and Gash are looking at a honeymoon.”

Stink turned his head. “You want to go on honeymoon with our friends?”

“Why not? It could be fun. I’d have Charlotte to go get manicures and pedicures, my hair done, luxury so I’m waxed, crimped, and buffed up. You and Gash can do whatever it is guys do. We meet up, have dinner, go back to our respective rooms, and fuck like rabbits. That actually sounds like it would be a lot of fun. I want to do that.”

“Let me talk to Gash about this. I don’t want him to think we’re invading on his honeymoon.”

“Why not? He thinks it would be a great idea.”

“So you’ve talked to Charlotte and Gash about this?”

“It was more like I was looking through the brochure, Charlotte was there, we got talking, and ta-da. Come on, you don’t think it will be fun?”

Stink sighed. “I thought the point of a honeymoon was that you spent time with the person you married.”

“To a point, you’re married to The Skulls. I’m just deepening that marriage.”

Spider laughed. “I wouldn’t mind if I spent time on a honeymoon with a brother.”

“See, it’s totally normal,” Sandy said.

“Seriously?” Stink asked. “You’d spend your honeymoon with Devil, Ripper, Sinner, all of the guys.”

“Yep. They’re my brothers. They have my back. Sandy hasn’t said that at night you’re going to be swapping bedrooms. It’s logical, and it sounds like fun.”

“Put like that, I do agree. Okay, book it, and that’s what we’re doing.” Stink pulled into the parking lot, and Spider climbed out.

“See you guys later.”

Heading into the hospital, he smiled at the women on the front desk, and made his way up toward Paris’s floor. Spider noticed a couple of nurses leaving the room, and he rushed toward the door to find Paris … awake.

She was sitting up in bed, and the doctor was talking to her.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

Paris turned toward him. “Spider?”

“Do you want me to get rid of him?”

“What? No. He’s a … friend.”

“Okay. I’ll leave you alone.”

“What happened? I don’t understand.” Spider took a seat in the chair, amazed that she was actually up.

“They pulled me out of the medical coma early. The doctor was just explaining it all. He was using rather big words, so I hope I understood it all.”

“You’re awake.”

“Hey, Spider.”

“You have all your memories?”

Paris paused. “Yeah, I have all of them. None of them disappeared.” One of her arms was still bandaged up, and she had the other wrapped in a binding. “I’m hungry.”

“Crap. I’ll feed you.” He reached out, taking the bowl of cereal that had been left there. “It’s soggy.”

“I like soggy cereal. I know, it’s bad, but it’s something I did as a little girl.”

“Celia is living at The Skulls’ clubhouse. I’ve been taking care of her, and if I haven’t, one of the old ladies has. She’s in good hands.”

She took a deep breath, and she seemed to breathe easier. “Thank you.”

“I’m so sorry about what happened.”

“Is he still—”

“He’s gone. You don’t have to ever worry about him again.”

“That’s a relief.” She took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. “I must look a mess.”

The bruising had started to fade, but it was still apparent that she was used as a human punching bag.

“You look beautiful to me.”

“I can’t wait to have a shower, or a bath. I want to scrub my body clean.”

“You can as soon as we get home.”

“We’re not in Piston County, right?”

“No. We’re actually in Fort Wills. It’s where The Skulls live.”

“What happened to Lola? Please tell me she made it?”

“Of course she made it. She went back to her family.”

“Oh, right.”

Spider reached into his pocket and took out her number. “She gave me this. Told me to give it to you, and for you to call her when you’re ready.”

“That’s nice.” He placed the card in front of her.

He continued to feed her in silence.

When all the cereal was gone, he held a straw to her lips, waiting for her to suck her milk.

“Thank you.”

He put her glass down and stared at the bed. What the fuck was wrong with him?

“You can’t treat me the same, can you?”

He looked up. “What?”

“You know what he did to me, and now you can’t even make small talk.”

“You’ve been through a lot.”

“Bullshit, Spider.” She rested her arm across her stomach, and he saw some of the burn marks on her arm that wasn’t in a bandage.

“You weren’t ever supposed to get hurt.”

“I get that, but guess what? I was. Is that it? Paris is too damn broken now to have a proper conversation with, or did you just want to fuck me?”

“I know he was your first.” Spider forced himself to look at her.

“Did you want to be?” Tears filled her eyes.

“Fuck, I’m doing this all wrong.”

“I can’t believe this. Get out,” she said.

“Paris?”

“I was the one that was taken. I was the one that was hurt, not you. I want to just talk to a guy who not only got my sister to safety but also helped me get out. You can’t even look at me. I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to fight him off. Get out. Get out. Get out.” With her bandaged hand, she tipped her tray. The noise brought the nurses, and they advised him to step out of the room.

Not knowing what else to say, he left, reeling from what had happened.

Spider walked down the long corridor in a daze.

****

Paris stared at the number that the nurse had placed on the tray in front of her. They had cleared up the mess she’d created, which she had apologized for. Using the tips of her fingers, she wiped away her tears. Spider hadn’t come back, and she had spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon staring at the number.

Looking up, she saw a doctor standing in the doorway.

“Hello, you don’t know me. I’m Sandy.”

Frowning, Paris stared at her.

“I’m one of The Skulls’ old ladies. Stink, I’m recently married.” Sandy held out her hand, which bore an engagement ring, and a wedding band.

“Hello,” she said.

“I know this is kind of weird right now,” Sandy said. “I heard through the wards that you had a bit of a breakdown with Spider.”

“Do you know Spider?”

“Not really. I’ve been part of The Skulls for a lot longer than I’ve known Chaos Bleeds. Spider is kind of new to me. From what I’ve seen, he can be a bit of jerk. His heart’s in the right place.”

“He couldn’t even look at me,” Paris said.

“What?”

“I don’t know if you knew this, but I worked for them in that strip club, Naked Fantasies. My stage name was Beauty. The other strippers called me the fat one. I knew it.” Paris licked her lips.

“I didn’t know you were a stripper. Lex, Devil’s old lady, she used to be a stripper. A hot one as well.”

Paris smiled. “I didn’t know that. I haven’t met Lex.”

“Lexie. You’re going to meet the whole gang. They adore you. With your help they were able to locate Andrew, and take him down.”

“At least I did something right,” she said.

“Anyway, you were telling me about yourself,” Sandy said.

“Spider would always come to see me dance. It was like I’d feel his eyes on me. He didn’t like it when I got naked. After some time, he finally met me around the back of the strip club. Scared me half to death, and wanted to give me a ride home. At first I thought he was only interested in sex.”

“Then what?”

“He seemed interested in helping me. Now, I’m not so sure.”

“How do you mean?”

“I just wanted to talk to him. After everything that has happened, I wanted a friend to talk to, and he couldn’t even look at me. It made me wonder if he didn’t want me because I’m no longer a virgin. Did he only want a virgin, and I’m not good enough for him?” Tears started to fall once again. “Sorry. I can’t seem to stop crying just lately.”

“You deserve to cry. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve it.”

She wiped the tears away even as more started to fall.

“I’d say that Spider is feeling guilty. He showed an interest in you, and because of that, you got taken, then you got hurt. No matter how much you say otherwise, he blames himself. Spider saw what had happened to you. Your bruises are starting to fade, and your bones are healing. Spider saw you at your worst, and it scared him.”

Paris stared at the other woman. “What do you think I should do?”

“Give it time. You’re hurting, but so is Spider. He shouldn’t be worrying so much. His ass needs to learn to put you first. Just think of how you’d feel if your sister was here right now.” Sandy got to her feet. “I’ve got to get back to work.”

“Um, could you do me a favor?”

“Sure.”

“Would you type this number into the phone, and hand it to me? I have one good hand, but I can’t dial the numbers and hold the phone.”

Sandy grabbed the phone beside her bed, and typed in the numbers.

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

Putting the phone to her ear, she listened to the number ring.

After several rings, someone finally picked up.

“I’d like to talk to Lola, please,” she said.

“Who’s speaking?”

“It’s Paris. She should know who I am.”

There was shuffling and mumbling over the line.