Page 76 of The Prez

Me: I’m going to go shopping with Little Raf. He needs clothes. Big man is growing like a weed.

Raf answers back about twenty minutes later, when I have two bags of clothes that are too small for Little Raf set aside.

Raf: Do you want to order clothes so you don’t have to go out?

Me: Nah. It’ll be nice to walk Little Raf around the mall.

Raf: You need to take someone with you.

I roll my eyes but appreciate his worry.

Me: I’ll be fine, baby. We haven’t heard from Brock since we got back. I’m sure if it was him, he’s given up by now.

The day before we got back to the states was the last message I received. It said, “You got lucky.” I’m not sure if it means I got lucky he’s given up or I got lucky that he couldn’t find me. Either way, it’s been a week of radio silence. I’ll take that as a win.

But I want to appease Raf since he’s only trying to protect me.

Me: I’ll ask Shane to tag along.

Raf doesn’t answer back, so I figure he’s busy with MC stuff. I shrug and pull up the text thread between me and Shane.

Me: Hey, me and Little Raf are heading to the mall.Wanna join?

I wait around for a little while for Shane to text me back, but when thirty minutes rolls by with no answer, I get dressed and pack Little Raf’s diaper bag. We won’t be out too long. The mall is right outside town and I only want to go to the children’s stores. We’ll be in and out.

We arrive at the mall fifteen minutes later. Luckily, the children’s store I want to visit most is just past the food court where I parked.

Once inside, I beeline to the twelve months size. Little Raf’s long legs don’t fit in the nine-month size he should be in and his height and weight are a little outside of his age range. His pediatrician says that’s fine, that he’s a growing baby, so we’re not worried.

Since I started working for Big Raf, he’s given me a bank account to use for any expenses Little Raf will need and it has way more money in it than necessary. So along with the clothes he needs right now, I decide to buy him some winter clothes and a few pairs of shoes a few sizes up.

As I’m looking through the sweaters, the hairs on the back of my neck stands on end. I feel like someone is watching me. As discreetly as I can, I look up and check my surroundings, but don’t see anyone. I shake it off and push the clothes on the rack, but the uneasy feeling doesn’t go away. Again, I look around to make sure someone isn’t staring at me. There are only a few people in the store, including the employees and all of them are busy helping customers and parents are focused on shopping for their kids.

I lower my head and chuckle. Raf has me paranoid. Since we got back from Cuba, he’s been sending one of his guys with me everywhere I go. Walking around with a bodyguard was more weird than I could say. I’ve gotten to know most of the guys in the club, including the prospect. They seem like good guys, if a little rough around the edges. Even if theydon’t have many words for me, they always talk to and play with Little Raf.

Being out alone after a week of having a constant shadow must be getting to me. I wish Shane had come with me. At least I would have someone to talk to and wouldn’t feel like someone is watching me.

It takes effort, but I make myself go to the second store I wanted to visit for Little Raf. The uneasy feeling has gone away, so I figure I was just paranoid that I’m out without an escort.

After I spend way too much money in that store, I struggle with the bags and the stroller and get us outside. As quickly as I can, I put the baby in the SUV and stash all the bags in the back. For some reason, my heart is pounding and my hands are shaking and sweaty. Once again, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, as if something or someone is right behind me, waiting to grab me.

I hurry into the driver’s seat, slamming and locking the doors. The keys slip from my trembling hands, landing on the floor with a thud. “Shit,” I curse, bending quickly to pick them up. When I get them into the ignition, I force myself to relax, resting my head on the steering wheel.

“Fucking calm down,” I mutter to myself. I look in the rearview mirror and meet Little Raf’s eyes in his mounted car seat mirror. “I’m trippin’, ain’t I?”

My expressive charge lifts an eyebrow at me, just like his uncle, as if to say,ya think?

I chuckle and put the car in gear. “Yeah, I know. I’m cool now. I’m cool.”

I turn the radio on, trying to do anything that will drive away the tense feeling in my chest, but it’s lodged deeply. Something isn’t right. I’m not sure what it is, but something feels off. I need to get back home and lock me and Little Raf in until Big Raf gets there.

My phone pings in the cup holder and I jump, heart galloping behind my rib cage at the loud, sudden vibrating noise. I scoop it up when I get to a red light. It’s a text from Shane.

Shane: I’m sorry, I was in court when you texted. I’m swamped with notes and depositions today. Zeke will be pissed that I’m staying late. Want to go tomorrow? I could use some Little Raf time. Oh, it will be great to see you too. *winking emoji* *laughing emoji* *angel emoji*

I bark a laugh at his excessive use of emojis. Just reading his message has my heart rate calming and that increased feeling of awareness dissipating.

Me: It’s cool. We’re heading home now. Me and Little Raf can swing by tomorrow if you’d like.

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