Page 53 of Van

“He can’t touch, Nate.”

“He isn’t gettin’ near Nate. That’s why I want you at the clubhouse while we go after him.”

“Go after him? You’re going to kill him, aren’t you?” she asks. My heart sits heavily in my chest. He was a man she once cared about. A man who once gave her the world only to snatch it away from her and beat her. I understand there’d still be some kind of feelings there.

“I’m not gonna talk about that with you, Chy. Pack him a bag and get dressed,” I tell her. She nods her head and climbs out of bed, grabbing her clothes quickly. I climb off the bed and walk to the closet, pulling out what I’ll need. I dress quickly in black, the typical color we wear when we’re about to handle shit, before pulling my boots on.

I walk over and pick up Nate out of his bed and carry him over to our bed where Chy put his car seat. I strap him in. It’s silent. Too silent.

“Say somethin’,” I tell her.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m glad he won’t be able to hurt, Nate.”

“But?”

“But I don’t know how I feel, Van.”

“You knew this day was comin’, Chy.”

“I know. It’s just … I don’t know, Van. He was okay once, you know?”

“I get it. It’s hard, but it has to happen, Chy. He’ll come back,” I remind her. I know he will. Once he knows where they are, he will come back for the baby, and I won’t let that happen.

“I’m just scared, Van.” I walk away from the bed and pull her into my arms, holding her against me.

“There’s nothin’ to be scared of. Trust me. That’s all you have to do,” I reassure her.

“I do trust you.”

“Then everything is gonna be fine. I’m gonna handle this, and we can go on with our lives. We can live without fear, without worry. Isn’t that what you want? For you? For Nate?” Chy pulls back and looks up at me.

“More than anything. I want him safe, Van.”

“Then that’s what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna make him safe. I’m gonna make you safe. You just have to trust I’m doin’ the right thing here.”

“I trust you,” she whispers once more. I nod my head and pull her back against me, holding her for a long second. I need her to know I’m doing all this for her. To keep her and Nate safe and out of harm’s way.

I press my lips to the top of her head and then pull away, walking back to the bed. I grab the car seat as she grabs the diaper bag, and we head out of the house. It’s been a nice couple of weeks being here, perfect really. We work together, doing everything around the house and with Nate.

I put Nate in the truck as Chy climbs in, and I do the same. I start it up and glance over at her. I can tell she’s nervous. I can see her biting her lip.

“It’s gonna be okay,” I remind her. She nods her head as I reach across the seat and grab her hand in mine. I squeeze it as I use the other hand to drive.

We make it to the clubhouse in five minutes, which is why I love the house. We’re close if anything happens.

After getting Nate out, we walk inside and are greeted by everyone. It’s been a week since they’ve seen Chy and Nate. They’ve stayed mostly at the house while I handle club business.

Once I get them settled with Nicole, I head for the office to find Mask. Sitting at his desk, he looks up when he hears me come in.

“You ready for this?” he asks as a smile tugs across his face. He knows I’m ready for this. I’ve been ready for this.

“Goddamn right, I am. I want this over and done with,” I tell him. Mask nods his head as he stands from his chair and walks around his desk, slapping a hand on my shoulder.

“Today’s the day, brother.”

“Fuck, yeah, it is.” He nods once, and we both head back out into the main room, where he gathers the other guys. We stand in a huddle while he explains shit to us. He makes sure to tell everyone the kill is mine before we all agree. I take one last look at Chy when it’s time to go. I want to hold her. I want to kiss her, but I can’t do that right now. I need to get my head straight first. I need to get my head in the game and not be distracted by her or Nate.

Taking a deep breath, I turn on my heel and head back out the front door, ready to handle this shit once and for all.

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