Page 36 of Hap

She doesn’t look his way, just simply gives him her middle finger as she continues to talk to Nova. “Firstly, congratulations. Secondly, you should have told us, shit time or not. We would have all supported you. And lastly, pleeeease let me arrange a bachelorette party for you?” Star pleads.

Nova looks at Star with a wide grin. “I mean, it would be fun.” She shrugs.

“Hold up. Hold the fuck up. If they get a bachelorette party, then we should get a bachelor party,” Hawk protests.

“Actually, I think you will find that it would be my bachelor party,” Spider corrects him.

“Do you not think we don’t have enough shit to be dealing with?” Ghost snaps.

The guys all exchange a look. “I think that while we are figuring shit out, we could spare a little time to celebrate Spider’s marriage. We have the clubhouse. One night can be for the bachelors; the other night the bachelorette. It’s secure, safe, and no risk of them getting into trouble,” Beast suggests.

Ghost’s jaw tenses as he looks at Star. “They always manage to find trouble,” he states, his gaze burning into Star. She rolls her eyes at him.

“I mean, it could work. We sure as shit could do with letting off some steam,” Scar sighs.

Exhaling a long and exasperated breath, Ghost relents. “Fine, but we are down a Prospect since Tiny left.”

“I liked Tiny. Do you think he will come back?” Star asks with a layer of sadness in her voice.

Hap shakes his head. “No, dealing with the memory of losing one of his only friends changed something in him. It’s something I don’t think he can live with while being reminded of it every time he is at the club.” A sombre mood envelops everyone. Hap clears his throat. “So, when’s the party?” he asks, switching the mood back to a happier one.

Star smiles and claps excitedly, while Ghost groans and looks to the ceiling. “Why do I get the feeling I’m going to pay for this?” he asks.

Cash laughs and slaps him on the shoulder. “Of course, but at least we will have some fun of our own.”

Hours later,I excused myself to go for a lie down. As much as everyone was amazing, and it was nice to have them around, I had so many thoughts running through my mind. I needed some quiet time to be alone with them. As I lay in the darkened room, lying on my back and staring up at the ceiling, images of Hap and me dropping our child at the school flash through my mind. Would other parents think I’m their aunt or grandma?! What if he met someone more his age? What if he wants more kids? Is it safe for me to have more kids? Can I have more kids? I already had the odd grey hair. Soon the facial hair would sprout, right? Isn’t that what happens as we get older? Then the menopause. I would forever be feeling inferior to what he could have, and it’s true about what I thought earlier. He hadn’t come to me after our one night, which was fine, as it’s what we had both agreed, but to then go from zero to I’ve bought a house, and all because I’m pregnant with his child.

I place my hand on my small bump. Soon I would have my scan to find out what I was having. Maybe if I give him an out, give him a chance to see what he could have, rather than settle with someone like me. I’m a strong woman, I know that, and I can raise this baby alone. I can take care of myself. A gut-wrenching ache stabs into my heart at the thought of being alone and him being with someone else. I swallow it back, groaning as I roll onto my side. I need to stop this now. This can’t be my reality. It just can’t.

Sometime later, I feel the bed shift as Hap climbs into bed behind me. I don’t move as I ensure to keep my breaths even so he thinks I’m asleep. I feel the warmth of his body at my back, and as he drapes his arm over me, resting his hand protectively on my belly, he places a soft kiss just below my ear.

“Good night, baby,” he whispers. I lay there listening, waiting for him to drift off, and only when I hear his gentle breaths do I allow the silent tears to fall.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

ALINA

Three days had passed,and it was time for Spider’s bachelor party. Star and Nova had organised it for them, and they had even hired a full staff to run it like a casino, including waitress service. I was at the club helping with the decorations, although every time I attempted to climb a ladder, Star would yell at me. A few of the hired staff turned up and Star handed them their outfits. I noticed one of the women looked young and pretty. Tapping my nails anxiously on the bar, I walked over to her once Star had finished talking to them.

“Hi, um... Could I ask you something?” I say awkwardly.

Her eyes narrow. “Sure,” she answers.

“How old are you?” I ask.

“I’m old enough to work here, if that’s what you mean,” she counters.

“Oh, no.” I smile. “It’s just that, um…” I pause, trying to think of a way I can put this without sounding weird. Then it clicks. Win her over, and do what I do best to convince her to agree. “Well, it’s silly really, but my nephew is coming tonight, and he’s just had a really nasty break-up.”

“I ain’t no whore,” she defends.

I hold up my hands. “No, no.” I fake a chuckle. “You misunderstand what I am saying,” I sigh, pretending to be a concerned aunt. “You see, he’s had his heart broken. Between us, she cheated on him. I mean, I warned him to stop buying her gifts and taking her out all the time. He was spoiling her! I mean, of course she was going to shit on him,” I huff. I watch as she changes her posture from defensive to interested. She rolls her bottom lip between her teeth as if she’s thinking, and I internally give myself a pat on the back. I’ve still got it. Feeling like I do when I’m winning over a jury or a client’s ex-partner, I go in for the kill, giving her the one thing I know will have her wanting to help him, to heal him. I almost want to roll my eyes at the thought of it. “Well, he’s sworn to himself that he will never love again. I mean, he hasn’t even been with another woman since, and it’s not for lack of women trying. I mean, what’s not to love about a tall, muscular, tattooed man that rides a bike? Of course, I know I’m biased being his aunt and all, but he is gorgeous,” I sigh. “I’m sorry. I should have never—” I say as I begin to turn away.

“No, um, it’s okay,” the girl stutters. A small smile tickles my lips. Gotcha!

I make my face back to one of an old, concerned aunt as I turn back to face her. “Oh, really? Honestly, that makes my day. He could just do with someone to talk to, to hang out with, you know? I saw you, and I thought you looked like the type of girl that may just help him through it,” I say with a beaming smile.

She gives me a small smile. “Sure, I’m Sandy, by the way.” She holds out her hand, and I take her hand in mine and shake it. “I’m not sure what help I can offer him, but I will try,” she adds.I bet you fucking will, you slut!I think to myself, even though I have set this up by essentially pimping out my baby daddy. The man I... Well, the man I like a lot. “Ow.” She winces, and it’s thenthat I realise I’m still holding her hand in mine, gripping it far too tight.

---