Page 14 of Sex & Cigarettes

“Is he on the run?”

“Honestly...” he pauses. “Fuck if I know. He’s here and if it weren’t for him and Coralie, I might not have gotten to you in time.”

“Coralie seems nice. Good for him.”

“Yeah,” he grits through his teeth.

“Honey, you know that things with your brother...that was all in the past. I don’t want you to think I’m asking about him because I have feelings for him. I only worry about the effect his presence will have on you.”

“I’m good. Long as he knows his place. How long until I can get you and little man home?”

“Tomorrow.”

“And how long is it till I can fuck you?”

I shake my head. Of course that’s where his mind is. “Six weeks. Maybe longer.”

“That’s too fuckin’ long, babe. Are you trying to kill me? These past few days about did me in as it was. Shit. Six weeks.”

“You’ll live. There are other things we can do till then.”

“I don’t care as long as I got you next to me every night when I crawl into our bed. Petunia has been losing her mind and driving Steph crazy.”

“She’s already crazy.”

“True.”

“Knock. Knock.” Axel taps the door to my hospital room. “What’s a man gotta do around here to see his nephew?” he shoots me a wink and I offer him a smile in return.

“Hey, bro. Come on in.”

“Damn he’s a handsome, bald headed little fucker.”

Coralie tugs on Axel’s ear. “Watch your mouth around the baby.”

“Damn, woman.” He grins then pulls her into his side.

I have to ask them one thing. “You guys sticking around here?”

“Only until things settle. Then I’m thinking me, and the lady might head further west. We just wanted to see the little guy. You guys need anything? Food? Drinks?”

I shake my head as Abel says, “Nah, man. Take Coralie to the clubhouse or the house whatever you prefer. Got plenty of room.”

“We don’t want to impose. You and the wife don’t need us cramping your style. We’ll stay at Hell’s Kitchen.”

My husband lifts his chin. “I’ll catch up with you after I get them settled at home tomorrow. Can you tell Murphy to get the clubhouse ready for our old man’s arrival?”

“I’m on it.”

“Good.”

“He’s beautiful,” Coralie says on a whisper.

“Takes after his father.” I squeeze Abel’s hand and he gives me a quick peck before following Axel out into the hallway to talk club business no doubt leaving me alone with Coralie and the baby.

“I’m glad you’re both okay. You scared the shit outta me.”

“Me too. You want to hold him?”

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