Page 39 of Sheltering Hollis

Dimitri chuckled. “Yes, Olive. First thing, we’ll go pick out your kitten.”

That seemed to satisfy her, and she settled back into her seat with a small smile. Dimitri’s promise of a kitten had been brilliant, even if I gave him a hard time. She’d wanted a pet for a while. It gave Olive something to look forward to and focus on amidst all the changes.

I turned back to Dimitri. “You’re going to spoil her rotten if you’re not careful, but you’re good with her.”

He shrugged, a modest smile playing on his lips. “She’s a great kid. You’re a good mother. Makes it easy.”

I couldn’t argue with that. Olive had been through so much already, and she handled it all with a resilience that amazed me. I hoped this move would start something better for all of us.

As the miles rolled by, we talked about the little things: the best places to get groceries in Haverboro, local parks, and the diner Dimitri claimed had the best pie in the state. It felt good to plan our future together, even if there were still so many unknowns.

“What about the MC?” I finally asked the question I had avoided since we started this journey. “Can you tell me a little more about that?”

Dimitri’s expression grew serious, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. “They’re a big part of the community there. It’s not like in the movies, Hollis. We look out for each other, for the town. The Brotherhood owns a lot of the businesses in town. I’m an officer in the club and the Sergeant at Arms. I promise you and Olive come first. Always.”

I wanted to believe him, and most of me did. Dimitri had always been straightforward with me, and I trusted him. He’d never lied to me, not once. But even indirectly, the thought of being tied to an MC was daunting. I knew nothing about them other than what I’d seen on television or in the movies. It all seemed like thundering motorcycles, illegal stuff, smoking … I didn’t even know what my concerns were. Right now, I wasn’t sure what I was doing. I felt like one of those dandelion puffs on the wind — floating, just being carried on the next gust. Anything could pull me in the wrong direction. My biggest issue was someone thinking I was a lousy mother, and I guess that was just stupid.

“I just want us to be safe,” I said quietly. “Olive has to be safe. I feel like I’m making a dangerous choice.” The words were said hesitantly, my head turning slightly to check if Olive heard.

“We will be,” he assured me. “I’ll make sure of it.”

The conviction in his voice brought me some comfort. I leaned back in my seat, trying to let go of my worries. We had a long road ahead, in more ways than one, but I was content to focus on the present for now. On this car ride, this moment with Dimitri and Olive and the promise of a new beginning in Haverboro.

The headlights cut through the darkness as we turned onto a quiet street. My stomach fluttered with nerves as we approached the house. Olive had fallen asleep again, her head resting against the window, Flopsy still clutched tightly in her arms.

“There it is,” Dimitri said softly, nodding towards a charming little house at the end of the street.

I leaned forward, trying to get a better look. The house was a cute Craftsman bungalow, just like Dimitri had described. The porch light was on, casting a warm glow over the front yard. Even in the dim light, I could see the careful restoration work Dimitri had put into it. The fresh paint, neat trim, and perfectly manicured lawn all spoke of his love and effort in making this place a home. A motorcycle was out front of it, parked right at the curb next to the picket fence.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, more to myself than Dimitri.

We pulled into the driveway, and Dimitri cut the engine. “Welcome home, Hollis,” he said, turning to me with a smile. “I promise you won’t regret it.”

I smiled back, the reality of everything sinking in—a fresh start. I reached back to wake Olive gently. “Sweetheart, we’re here.”

Olive rubbed her eyes, looking around sleepily. “Is this our new house?”

“What do you think?” I said, unbuckling her seatbelt.

She blinked at the house, a slow smile spreading across her face. “I like it.”

Dimitri got out and came around to open my door, then Olive’s. As we stepped out into the cool night air, I noticed two figures who had come out to stand on the porch, waiting for us. One was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence, wearing one of those cuts that the men wore that came to move the boxes. It just had different patches. The other was a woman with long golden hair who bounced excitedly next to him; she was gorgeous even from here and looked about my age.

“That’s Maddox and Helena,” Dimitri said quietly. “Maddox is the President of the Iron Brotherhood and my best friend. Helena is his fiance. I think you’ll like her.”

I felt a knot of tension in my stomach. Meeting anyone from the MC for the first time was nerve-wracking, but meeting the President added a new layer. I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm.

Dimitri held Olive’s hand as we walked towards the house. Maddox stepped forward, extending a hand to Dimitri. “Good to see you, brother,” he said in a deep, gravelly voice. “Glad to see you made it in one piece, after all.”

“Ha, as if I wouldn’t have made it back,” he scoffed. “Good to see you too,” Dimitri replied, shaking his hand firmly. “This is Hollis and little Olive.”

Maddox turned to me, his gaze intense but not unkind. “Hollis,” he said, shaking my hand. “Welcome to Haverboro.”

“Thanks,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. It’s nice to meet you.”

Helena stepped forward, her smile widening. “I’m Helena. It’s so great to meet you both finally. We’ve heard so much about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” I said nervously.

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