Fighting Destiny (Forsaken Sinners MC; Book 2) (Forsaken Sinners MC Series) (17 page)

With all of that out of the way, I ask, “What are the girls doing now?” This questions has Blaze smirking and Louie fidgeting.

Blaze is the one who answers. “They’re still upstairs looking at all the baby shit Dani made me buy and talking about planning a baby shower, or some shit. I don’t fucking get it, man. She’s barely a few months along and we don’t even know if it’s a boy or girl, yet she has me buying everything under the fucking sun for the kid. If she keeps this up, I’m gonna have to take up another job to pay for all this shit.” He’s still smiling, so I know he’s not really pissed off, just a bit irritated.

I laugh with him and smack him on the back as we head inside. “When’s the big day to find out what you’re having?” I ask, knowing he’s excited to prove us all wrong that it’s a boy. We all think it’s a girl, mainly because we think it would be funny as shit to see him carrying around pink shit. I can’t even imagine how protective he’ll be if it’s a girl. Heaven help her, that’s all I can say. One overprotective caveman for a father and big, scary bikers for uncles.

“We can find out in about a month, I think. Dani’s been playing with me, saying she doesn’t want to find out the sex until she delivers, but fuck that shit. I need time to prepare.” Walking into the house, I can hear the girls laughing upstairs and it’s music to my ears.

My girl. She deserves the sun and moon on a fucking platter. I would do anything, buy her anything her heart desired, if it meant she’d be happy and I could hear her laugh like this all the fucking time.

We walk quietly up the stairs, hoping to catch the girls in a rare moment we hardly get to see, when they’re carefree and not worried about anything.

At the top of the stairs, I hear Dani say to Sara, “Do you want kids?” I’m shocked by the question, but I find myself eagerly awaiting her answer. I’ve never really thought about having kids, but with Sara, I would have a hundred if that’s what she wanted. I don’t know if I’ll be a good father, but for her and our babies, I’d die trying.

“Oh God, I have no idea. I used to think so, but now I’m not really sure.”

“Well, I think you would make a great mother, and Toby would be an amazing father,” Dani says quietly, but with certainty.

Sara laughs. “And who says if I have children that it would be with Toby?” My whole body goes stiff and I can feel my temper flare with her words. I’m not angry at her, I’m angry at the idea of her being with anyone besides me and that she doubts me so much that she would even consider that we won’t be together to have kids when the time comes. Never fucking happening.

I take a step to interrupt them, but Dani speaks again before I make it to the door. “Oh, come on. I’ve seen you two together. You may be fighting or whatever now, but you and Toby… you two look to me like that forever kind of love.” As much as I want to hear how Sara will reply, I’m also scared to know, so I knock on the door to make my presence known.

“Hey, Doll. You ready to head home?” Sara looks up at me and blushes, but I’m not sure if it’s from embarrassment or lust.

They’re both sitting on the floor in front of a bare crib. Sara stands, then helps Dani up after her. “Yeah, I didn’t realize it was so late,” she says as she looks at her watch.

When she walks by me to head out the door, I grab hold of her hand and lace my fingers with hers before leaning down and kissing her head. “I missed you today,” I whisper so only she can hear me. She doesn’t say anything, but I could hear the quick intake of breath when she heard my words. I hope it’s because she likes to hear that I miss her when I’m not around her, and because she missed me too.

At the bottom of the stairs, we say our goodbyes to Dani and Blaze, then head over to my bike. Louie is right behind us, but goes directly over to my truck that he drove over earlier. I’m happy to know that he didn’t put my girl on the back of his bike.

Once Sara is behind me, I squeeze her leg before starting my bike. Revving the engine, I look behind me and smirk. “Hang on, Doll,” then I peel out onto the road and head towards the highway. Once there, I really open her up. Sara once told me that she loves the feel of being on the back of my bike and going fast. It scares her, but it also makes her feel free, and I’ll always give my girl what she wants.

Five days later and we still haven’t gotten shit on Rick. After that one lead, he’s gone dark again. On top of that, Sara is still acting funny around me and the guys. Dani’s even noticed a change in the way she acts around her.

I’m grasping at straws here, but last night, a conversation I had with her at the beginning of our relationship came to mind. We were talking about our childhoods, well, she was, and she mentioned a dog she had growing up. She said that when she got older, she wanted to get a dog, but she just never got the chance to do it.

I talked with Dani this morning and she’s fine with Sara having a dog in the apartment, even said she could bring the thing to work with her if she wanted.

After calling around to shelters and pet stores all morning, I finally found a dog that I think will be perfect for her. He’s a Chihuahua mixed with some Dachshund. He was rescued from an abusive owner a couple months ago; severely malnourished and afraid of his own shadow, but after being nursed back to health and cared for by a foster family, he’s finally ready to be adopted.

I’m heading to the shelter today to pick him up, but first, I need to stop and pick up supplies we’ll need for him at the apartment.

When I arrive at the shelter, I notice that they have him out and ready to go.

I approach him slowly, holding my hand out so he can smell me. I’ve done some quick research and know that when dealing with a dog that was abused, you need to take things slow, get them to trust you. Sometimes it can take months, years even, but sometimes they can sense a good soul. I think that’s what happened today. He was hesitant for only a couple of minutes, then wouldn’t leave me alone.

I sign all the paperwork and load him up in my truck. Before heading back home, I look at him sitting in the passenger seat. “What are we gonna name ya, buddy?” The people at the shelter and the foster family he was staying with was calling him Rex, but he’s not attached to it they said, so we could change it if we wanted to. I was going to let Sara name him, but I think it will be better if he already has a name when I give him to her.

“What about Butch?” He just stares at me. “Okay, not that one. Hmmm…Spike?” He yawns, so I take that as a no. “How about Oliver? I used to have a friend named Oliver when I was growing up. We called him Ollie, but he moved away and I heard years later he was killed overseas.” I don’t know why I’m explaining this to a dog, but I am.

He must like the name because he starts barking like crazy and I laugh. “Okay, okay, settle down. Oliver it is.” He actually looks smug.

When I pull up outside of Sara’s apartment, I grab Ollie and head into the shop. She should still be working and Dani’s here today, and I know she was excited to meet the dog when I told her about it. I think she just wants to see the reaction Sara gives when she sees me with a dog.

Since I came in the back, I have a clear view of the front room where Sara is before she even realizes I’m there. Dani saw me walk through, so she drops what she’s doing to come out front.

Before I have a chance to say anything or grab Sara’s attention, Ollie decides to start barking, which makes Sara jump about ten feet before turning around to see where the noise is coming from. When she sees me, I think she’s stunned at first. I let Ollie down on the floor and he takes off, heading directly to where Sara is sitting at her desk.

The dog wags his tail the whole way, so hard he almost tips himself over. It makes me laugh, which has Sara lifting her confused eyes from the dog to me. “W-who’s dog is this?” she asks in a quiet voice.

Walking up to her, I pick Ollie up and rub his ears. “This little guy is Oliver, Ollie for short. I adopted him today from a local shelter. He was rescued a couple months ago from an abusive owner. I know you said that you wanted a dog, so I got Ollie for you.” She has tears in her eyes, but still doesn’t say anything, so I continue, “I wanted to give you something that you didn’t have, but wanted. I wanted it to be something that would give you roots here, something that would make you happy and to show you how much I love you. I’m sorry for making you doubt me.”

Now her tears are falling in full force, so I pull her into my arms. “Shh, don’t cry, Doll.” This only makes her cry harder, but then Ollie starts licking her face, which has her tears turning into laughs. I knew getting him would be a good thing.

She takes the dog from my arms and sits back down with him. “Hello, Ollie. I’m Sara. You and I, we got a lot in common, you know. We both came from a shitty place, but we were both rescued by Toby over there.” She looks over at me at that last part and smiles. “He’s an amazing guy, isn’t he?” Ollie barks in answer, which has Sara looking back at him. “You and me, we’re gonna be all right. We’re both finally where we belong.”

Sara

It’s been almost a month since Toby brought Ollie home, and even though I fell in love with him instantly, I love him more each day. He’s like my baby and best friend mixed into one. I take him everywhere with me. Thankfully, Dani’s okay with me bringing him to work because I just can’t find it in my heart to leave him alone.

I actually can’t believe how amazing Ollie is. Toby told me about how he was rescued from an abusive owner, but looking at him now, you would never know. I’d like to think that if someone didn’t know the hell I went through, that they would think the same thing about me.

Having Ollie makes me think that things will finally be better for me; that we’ll be able to fix the problem with Rick and not have to worry about him anymore, and that things with Toby will get back to the way they were before things took a shit. I also hope that I’ll become more at home within the club. I want to feel like I belong here, and I think I’m finally starting to.

Things with Toby have been getting better since then as well. After we went home that night, we sat down and had a long talk. I told him that I understood that he was worried and angry that I left, but the way he acted reminded me of the way things were with Rick. He wasn’t happy about me comparing him to my ex, but I think he understood on some level too, and maybe even agreed with me.

He promised that no matter how worried or upset he was about something, whether it had to do with me or not, he would do better to not take it out on me or be so quick to anger. I, in turn, promised that I wouldn’t take off again on my own, and if I felt the need to have some alone time, I would at least take a guard to have someone somewhere near me. He wasn’t happy with that at first, telling me that I shouldn’t be alone for any reason, but I was firm that sometimes it’s necessary. He finally caved.

As far as I know, we haven’t gotten any word on Rick’s whereabouts, but it’s not for lack of trying. Toby told me that they have recruited some outside help to keep eyes out for him. I can tell that he isn’t happy about that, but if it means keeping me safe and finding him faster, then he would get over it.

Since everyone has been working non-stop; Dani and I at the shop with Louie always nearby, and everyone else in the club working hard to find Rick, we decided that since today was a Sunday, we all deserved a day to relax and just enjoy each other’s company, so we’re having a BBQ at the clubhouse.

I’ve been there with Toby a few times in the past month, but only for an hour at the most. I’m a little nervous about being there all day, unsure of who will be there, but I feel more comfortable in my relationship with Toby, and the whole club, for that matter. At least the couple of times I’ve been there, Trixie wasn’t around, so maybe she won’t be there today.

After Louie’s apology, he’s been on my ass about getting over that night at the shop and what was said between us. At first, I was determined to keep my distance, but he’s gradually wearing me down. It probably helps that he’s been like my shadow, always with me. He’s become my personal guard when Toby isn’t around. Shit, even when Toby’s with me, Louie’s still nearby. He’s actually a big goofball, and I can see why Dani considers him her best friend.

I still don’t like to be around Blaze, but at least he doesn’t seem as hostile toward me anymore. He hasn’t necessarily apologized, but his actions have shown that he understands this wasn’t my fault. He still doesn’t like the fact that Dani and I hang out or when I’m working at the shop and she’s there, but he doesn’t say anything anymore about me putting her in danger. Maybe he’s just lulled by the fact that there is always at least two brothers with us, guarding us, at all times.

Things with Dani and Blaze seem to be better as well. I think since he hasn’t outright demanded her to stop being around me or isn’t telling her what to do as much, is helping with that though. One thing about Dani, she doesn’t take demands from anyone.

Toby interrupts my thoughts when he comes into the kitchen. “You about ready?” he asks. I’ve been baking up a storm this morning and making some cold salads to bring to the BBQ. To me, if you don’t have brownies and at least a couple macaroni salads, it’s not really a BBQ. Some people say the meat makes the gathering, but I think it’s all the extras on the side. You can grill anything at any time, but unless you have goodies and side dishes, it’s not really a party, at least in my opinion.

“Yeah, just let me put the brownies on a platter and put the salads in bowls with lids and I’ll be ready,” I say as I start cutting the brownies into squares so I can place them nicely on a party platter I picked up at the store last night.

He walks into the kitchen and wraps his arms around me. “You look sexy in that dress,” he says huskily. I laugh shyly and push him away a little so I can run my hands down my dress, smoothing out any wrinkles.

When he looks over my shoulder and sees the brownies, he says in a gravelly voice close to my ear, “I think we should just leave those here. I’m pretty sure no one at the club likes brownies, so I wouldn’t want them to go to waste.” His warm breath in my ear makes me shiver, but I do my best to shake it off, knowing he’s trying to distract me.

“Nice try, Bubba, but not gonna happen,” I say with a laugh.

I hear him groan before turning me around to face him. “Ah, come on, Doll. Those assholes don’t deserve your treats,” he pouts. A true fucking pout.

“You just want to keep them all for yourself.”

Feeling him move one of his hands, I turn my head to make sure he doesn’t grab any of the brownies, but he stops me with a steamy kiss. Forgetting about the brownies, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in closer to me. His lips are soft and hard at the same time. I could live off his taste alone.

Before things get too out of hand and we never make it to the BBQ, I reluctantly pull away. “As much as I want to stay here and kiss you all day, we need to get going. You deserve a day to relax and have some fun, and Dani wants to show me some new baby stuff she bought yesterday. So, if I’m not there, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

I move away from him, just as he steps to the side. “I forgot that uh, Dani said she left a sweatshirt here. I’m gonna check in the bedroom for it.” He doesn’t turn around to look at me when he speaks, just keeps walking towards the bedroom. It’s a little suspicious, but I decide to let it go.

A couple minutes later, I’m finished putting the brownies on the platter and have the cold salads in containers.

As I’m walking into the living room with everything in hand, Toby comes out of the bedroom empty handed. “Didn’t find the sweatshirt?” I ask, still a little suspicious.

“What? Oh, uh, no, I didn’t. She must not have left it here after all,” he says shyly.

When he notices all the food in my hands, he comes over to help by reaching for the platter of brownies. “Here, let me help.” As he reaches out, I notice something on the corner of his mouth.

“What the hell,” I say, more to myself than him. With him holding the brownies, I stack one of the salad bowls on top of the other and reach out to remove whatever is on his face. Pulling my hand away from him, I see what looks like brownie crumbs.

“How did that get there?” he asks, but I can see the guilt on his face. I almost laugh, but try to keep a stern face as I grab the brownies out of his hands and replace them with the salads.

“I think you better let me carry those. Wouldn’t want any more to
accidently
end up on your face,” I tell him. He looks at me sheepishly, but doesn’t argue. Good man. “Come on, Ollie. Time to go.” I call out and watch as he races towards the door.

Once we’re downstairs with Ollie at our heels, we load everything up into his truck. With us bringing food and of course, my new puppy, it’s just easier to take the truck instead of the bike, but I know he wishes we were on his bike. I almost offer to drive for him while he takes the bike, but then I remember that his bike isn’t even here. Plus, I don’t really want to pull up to the clubhouse by myself. I’m not ready for that yet, even though Toby would be right behind me.

With both of us sitting in our seats and Ollie secured beside me, Toby starts the truck. “Ready?” I nod my head, then we head to the clubhouse. When we get halfway there, Toby’s phone rings. “Yeah?” he answers. I find it funny that he answers his phone like that, but I’ve learned that pretty much everyone around here does that, even Dani.

“Jesus, are you
trying
to be in the doghouse?” he says into the phone.

He’s quiet for a moment, then says, “Okay, man. We’ll turn around and be there shortly. Hopefully having Sara with me will save me from hearing her bitch about you the whole way there.” Toby laughs, “Good luck with that, brother.” Once he hangs up the phone, he looks over to me. “Minor change of plans,” he says as he turns the truck around, “Gotta go pick up Dani.”

We pull up to their house and see Dani and Blaze outside arguing. Nothing much new there, I guess.

Stepping out of the truck, I wait for Toby at the front before heading up the walk. I notice Ollie standing on the center console, looking out the windshield. I smile at him and motion for him to sit and laugh when he doesn’t obey. Yeah, we have a lot to work on with him, but I have no problem with taking my time.

When we’re closer, I can hear Dani yelling, “When the fuck are you going to stop treating me like I’m sick or handicapped, huh? I’m fucking pregnant, you jackass!” Are they
still
fighting about this? I swear, it’s the same damn thing with them. Most of the time, I agree with Dani. There’s being protective and wanting to do what’s best for your girlfriend and your unborn child, but the way Blaze goes about doing things, you’d think he likes making her mad. Either that, or he’s just plain stupid and has a death wish.

Blaze stands his ground, looking just as mad. “And when the fuck are
you
going to realize that you’re fucking pregnant and understand that you can’t do everything you used to fucking do, huh?” See? He has a point, but he’s going about the wrong way.

“I know that I can’t ride the fucking bike until after the baby is born, you dipshit. I don’t need you to fucking remind me of this every fucking day. But what I don’t get is why we don’t just drive the truck to the clubhouse together? Toby drives his truck when it’s needed, why can’t you? You feel you have to ride the bike to make you look manlier? Well, newsflash, fucker. It makes you look like a chump having some other guy taking care of your girl.” Uh oh.

I’m surprised though when Blaze just takes a deep breath, calming himself before he takes the last step that separates the two of them and takes her gently by the shoulders. “Baby Girl, why do you always have to get mad at me for wanting to make sure you and our baby are safe? I’m not doing any of this to make you mad, or because I don’t want to take care of my girl. I’m doing it because I would fucking die if something happened to you or our child. So please, just please, listen to me when I say I love you and only want to keep you safe.” Wow. That was completely unexpected. I’ve only ever known Blaze to be hot-headed, and frankly, kind of scary, but this…this is a side of Blaze I’m not sure anyone has ever seen before, besides Dani, maybe.

Dani starts to cry. “It’s okay, Baby Girl, I got you. I’m right here and not going anywhere,” he says into her hair while rubbing her back.

When she calms down enough, she looks at him. “I’m sorry, Zane. I don’t know what gets into me sometimes. I just want to be close to you, not have you pawn me off on someone else all the time.” Blaze looks heartbroken at what she’s just admitted.

“Dani, I’m not trying to pawn you off on someone else. I just need to make sure I have my bike at the clubhouse in case something goes down and I need it. Toby’s is already there, that’s why he’s taking his truck. Please understand. I fucking love you and would never do anything on purpose that would make you feel like I’m trying to get away from you and our baby.” Oh my God, Blaze is such a sweetheart. Who the fuck knew?

I don’t even realize I’m crying until Toby pulls me closer to him and whispers, “You okay?” I just nod my head and wipe the tears off my face.

Toby and I turn around to give them a little privacy, but it’s not long before they walk up to us. I smile softly at Dani to let her know I’m here for her, while Blaze looks sharply at Toby. “If you breathe a fucking word of what you just saw to anyone, I will fucking kill you. You got me?” Dani and I laugh quietly and wait for Toby’s reply.

Toby is dead serious when he answers, “I got you, brother. I’m fucking pussy whipped by my girl too.” Blaze looks at him for a second with a promise of pain, but then he laughs.

“That you fucking are, brother.”

We all load up into the truck and head to the clubhouse with Blaze following us on his bike and Ollie hanging his head out my window with his tongue hanging out. Life is good.