Page 93 of His Flawed Ride
“Jay’s leg…”
“Fuckin’ hell, Dad. We’ve had worser scratches. He’ll be fine.”
“If you say,” he says with a sigh.
I pick my son up as Holly lays him in his bassinette and she sighs. “I want him to sleep, babe.”
“I’m heading outta town. I’ll be gone about a week.”
“Why so long?” she frowns.
“It’s gonna be a three day ride there and the same back.”
She turns her back and fusses with the laundry. “Rayna’s with your dad. He’s teaching her how to fix up a bike.”
Confused, I ask, “Are you pissed?”
“No, I’m not. I’m just so tried I don’t even know what day of the week it is.”
“I know but the club…”
“Leo, you don’t have to remind me. I know who I married. I know the club comes first.”
I lay Roman in his bassinette and take Holly into our bedroom.
“The club doesn’t come before or after you. You’re both the same to me. I wouldn’t leave if I didn’t have to, not only to keep the club protected but you and our children too. You think I want a six-day ride, sleeping in shitty motels or on the side of the road? I’d rather be here with you, don’t forget that.”
A tear rolls down her cheek and I wipe it away with the pad of my thumb.
“I’m sorry. Like I said, I’m just tired. I don’t mind…”
“You don’t have to apologise, not to me.”
I claim her mouth like it’s going to be our last kiss. Even one night away from her kills me, but I do this, and it goes to plan, I won’t have to leave her often in the future.
“I’ll call every day,” I promise.
“I know you will.”
I kiss her one last time and fill a backpack with what I’ll need for the trip.
“Don’t come home shot or bleeding, please.”
I smirk. “I’ll do my best.”
Over in the garage, Rayna’s sat on the same wooden stool I remember sitting on growing up when I’d watch my dad and the other brothers working on their bikes.
“Hey, princess, come give me a hug.”
“Are you leaving us again?” she asks.
“Only for a few days.”
I pick her up into my arms and she asks, “Will Roman stop crying all the time by the time you get back?”
I laugh. “He doesn’t cry all the time, Ray.”
“Yes, he does. He wakes me up every night.”
