Page 135 of Stella
“You do wonders for my ego.” He smiles. “I’m just glad it’s all over. With all the evidence I sent, Troy would never bury it. He’s all about cleaning up this city, starting from the top.”
“Give yourself some credit, without your clever thinking, who knows what could’ve happened, and Cash could be in jail as we speak.” The couple of weeks that followed were rough.
The Bracken Ridge Rebels stayed to help clean up, and while insurance companies are slow, the clubhouse will be put back together. In fact, Cash is talking about expanding the saloon so there will be more places to sit, and more booths.
In the club’s eyes, Cale is a hero, too. He took a bullet for Cash, and there’s just some things you can’t ignore. Like how heroic he is. Of course, he won’t hear about it, but he did what he did. Without Calli taking down Vanders, Cale could’ve gone down too.
“I’m just glad it’s over,” I sigh. “Can this club finally go back to normal?”
He pulls me to his side as I slide onto the bed and lay my head on his chest. “What’s normal, Princess? I don’t think either of us is ever gonna know what that is.”
I groan. “I think you’re right, but the club approves, so that’s something.”
“If I’d known all I had to do was take a bullet, I would’ve done it sooner.”
I glance up, giving him the evil eye. “Not funny.”
“Couldn’t have done it without you,” he says, his eyes softening when they meet mine. “You’re my rock.”
“And you’re mine. Just don’t ever do that again; getting shot, I mean. I swear that took years off my life.”
“So did hearing you were gonna be buried alive.” He shakes his head at the thought. “I was out of my mind, torn between chasing Vanders and finding you, but I knew if I didn’t chase him then we may not find you.”
I cup his face. “We don’t need to go over this again. I get it. I don’t ever want to hear about Mayor fucking Vanders ever again.”
He kisses the top of my head. “I’m sure we can pass the time some other way.”
I glance up hopefully. “You think?”
“If you do all the work.” He winks.
“When don’t I?” I toss back, earning me a squeeze on the ass. “But the doctor said to give it some time before you do too much.”
“I’m sure I can handle it.”
There’s a knock at the door as Calli barks. I smile. “Better keep it in your pants, big boy, they’re here.” I look at Calli as she rolls over, suddenly alert. “It’s just the family, girl. Come see.”
The entire family insisted on coming to us, rather than Cale having to leave, not that he’s an invalid, but he is still recuperating. Calli jumps off the bed, stretching out as I head to the door to let everybody in.
“Long as I get a rain check,” he calls after me.
“We’ll see about that.” I go to the door and let my dad, Indi, Cami and Kai in. They all hug me in unison. Behind them; Cale’s grandparents greet me, and I hug them both.
They’ve been staying close by because Cale only has a one-bedroom apartment. Both of them have been rocks.
“Cash is right behind us,” Dad says, kissing me on the head.
Sure enough, Cash, Deanna, Caprice and Manny follow closely behind. Manny hands me a large Tupperware containing one of Cale’s favorite desserts; Tiramisu.
“For you and lover boy, baby doll.” He gives me a one armed hug.
“Ooh, you’re the best, he’ll love this!”
By the time I get everyone settled in Cale’s kitchen-dining area, I head back to the bedroom as Calli lays down on the floor, comfortable with everyone, so now she can get back to sleep.
Cale is already getting up and sitting on the edge of the bed. He’s been really tired ever since he got home, and I know the painkillers are kicking his ass. “You don’t have to do this,” I say. “I should have told the family no.”
He smiles. “We’re gonna have a celebration once the clubhouse is back together, that seems more fitting, not that I’m ever gonna become a Rebel, but since I’m getting to know my dad, I guess I can admit I’m softening towards the idea.”
