Page 18 of Gunner

“I said okay. I’ll stay at the clubhouse.”

“Good. I’ll get someone to pick up Rick and your stuff.” She nods her head as I smirk. I got my way, as usual. I put the truck into drive and pull out of the parking lot, making sure to stop at the store to get her meds and the stuff doc said for her to drink. Maybe I overdo it but I don’t care. She needs to be healthy.

We arrive at the clubhouse, and I help her out of the truck, grabbing all the bags. Then I lead her inside. A few of the guys turn to look at me funny but I ignore their stares and walk down the hallway to the rooms. I open the door to the last room on the left, knowing mine is right across the hall. Maybe it’s fucked up, but I want to keep her close. I want to keep an eye on her.

“This is all yours.”

“And Rick’s.”

“He can have a room. I don’t like the idea of him bein’ in here with you.”

“Why?”

“He’s a man.”

“He’s gay.”

“And? I don’t give a shit. He’s a man.”

“Fair enough,” she says as she drops onto the bed and lays down. I see her sigh and relax into the mattress. She probably hasn’t slept in an actual bed for a long time.

“Can I ask you somethin’?”

“Of course.”

“Do you have family?” She stiffens up and sits up now, looking over at me.

“It’s … complicated. Do I have a mom and dad? Yeah, but we don’t talk anymore.”

“Is there a reason?”

“My ex is the reason. I get you want to know me, but can we not talk about my past right now?” she asks. I nod my head. I don’t want to force her.

“I don’t have any siblings. Just me and the kids. The club is my family, though.”

“You like being a part of the club?”

“I love it. It’s home. Always has been. I got into it when I was young. I was a prospect back then. Worked my way up and finally got that president patch,” I explain to her.

“And you love it?”

“I do. I think you’ll like bein’ here, Nat. Kiki is a good girl. Had a rough past, too, but she made it. You should talk to her.”

“I might. She seemed really nice the night of the party,” she says.

“They all are. We’re a little rough around the edges. You might see some things that might scare you but I’ll explain what I can,”I tell her. It’s not like we’re knights in shining armor or anything. We do bad shit. A lot.

“I don’t know what to say, Gunner.”

“Don’t say anything. I’m gonna get you some ice for your drinks. You need more fluids.” I turn and leave the room. I blow out a breath when I’m in the hallway, wondering what the hell I’m doing.

I start down the hall when Hodge spots me.

“She stayin’ here?”

“Yeah. She’s been sick as fuck the last month. I took her to the hospital. She’s lost weight. It’s not good, Hodge.”

“Damn, Dad. I’m sorry. Yeah, she’ll do just fine here.”

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