Page 83 of Menace

I sighed, rolled over to peek into the crib and smiled at him.

“Morning sweetheart, how’s my big boy on this fine morning? Your daddy was here last night, yes I know, he didn’t say hello, he’s still getting used to you. He’s going to love you so, so much. He’s just having a bit of a problem right now, but we’re not worried, no we’re not. He will be back tonight and then we’ll have another chat with him.”

He kicked and gurgled and I laughed.

“Exactly as you say, little man.” I pulled a face at him. “Now let’s get you up and clean because you stink.” I tickled his belly then rolled to the other side of the bed and started our day.

I had a long day waiting on me at the studio and I wanted to be comfortable. I pulled on black leggings with purple Doc boots and a purple baby doll top that fell to mid-thigh. It showed some cleavage but not a lot. The top and leggings and boots were perfect to work in.

The rest of our morning went by without any mishaps. Mark had organised my day giving me time with Ry plus he gave me time to have lunch and relax without pushing too hard and then head home just before five. It was so I could stick to Ry’s routine.

I had one text from Lucky at around eleven, checking in.

How are you?

I answered for both of us.

We’re fine, all is good.

Good. Can’t talk now. Will call later.

That was the last I heard from him.

I sent him little updates of my day along with photos of Ry as it flew past. He never responded and I didn’t worry because I knew he had important meetings most of the day.

Checking my phone constantly and hoping for even a one word reply made me feel needy and totally like a stalker chick. It didn’t stop me from texting him though.

As I cleaned up my station I checked my phone one more time. Still nothing.

Leaving the studio now. How did it go today? Will I see you later?

Viper and Lure, another biker, came to pick Bren and me up from the studio. All the way home I kept expecting Lucky to text or call. He didn’t. I asked Viper if he had heard from him. His answer was a quick negative shake of his head.

I wasn’t sure I believed him.

I had dinner alone because the guys were working on the cameras and computers for some reason. Bren, Viper and Lure had been setting up cameras since the moment we got home. When I asked Bren why they were doing it he told me they were just being cautious and covering all the angles. There was this niggling feeling that they were hiding something from me.

At ten I gave up waiting on Lucky and went upstairs to get ready for bed.

Lying in bed I drew in a deep breath, let it out and sent the text I had kept deleting before I finally sent it.

What’s going on? Are you okay? Haven’t heard from you. Viper says he hasn’t heard from you either. Are you having second thoughts?

I waited and waited and waited. Then I waited some more. To pass the time I started planning the nursery in my notebook. I used different coloured pens to differentiate between favourites and likes.

After Ry’s last feed for the night I tucked him in then got back on my bed to read.

An hour later I put my book to the side checked my phone and found he had read all my texts. The little blue ticks of death stared me in the face. He just hadn’t bothered to reply. Swallowing back the tears I sent my final text.

I wasn’t stupid, I could take a hint.

Lucky, I don’t know what’s going on with you and right now I really don’t give a shit. I saw you read all my texts. You’re having second thoughts and that’s fine. All you need to do is let me know how you want to handle this going forward. I won’t be reaching out again. Ball’s in your court.

Dropping my phone on the bedside table I turned over, pulled my body pillow close, turned off the light and let the tears I’d been holding back escape.

I sobbed into my pillow but eventually I calmed and with an aching heart fell asleep.

TWENTY FIVE

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