“Why didn’t you call me and tell me that?” I ask. “I was surprised when Chains told me and I hadn’t heard it from you.”
“Does it matter? You’re choosing him over me. I can give you security and money. What can he give you?”
I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. “I think you should go,” I say quietly. “Maybe we can talk when you’ve got your head round it.”
He moves quickly and it takes me by surprise. He pushes his face to mine. “Does he push you about, Leia? Is that what you like?”
I shake my head and try to remain calm. “I’m not getting back with Chains.”
“Even worse, you want to do it alone?” He laughs. “What hope will that kid have with a single, young, biker trash mother looking after it?”
My eyes widen. This is so unlike the Ryan I thought I knew. I’m lost for words. He storms out, slamming the door behind him. I rush over to it and lock it, and my hands shake as I try to secure it. What the hell was that?
The following morning, I tell Anna what happened over breakfast. She stares wide-eyed, just as shocked as I was. “Maybe Riggs should have a word,” she says.
“No. I think he was just upset, and who can blame him? I’ve led him on and I totally deserved his reaction. I blame hormones.”
“You didn’t lead him on,” she protests. “He pushed you to give it a go and he said it was a trial.”
“Yeah, but I knew it wouldn’t work. I was clutching at straws. I wanted to like him, I really did. The thought of doing this alone was scary, but now I’m used to the idea, I know I can do it.”
“I never doubted that for a minute.”
“What about you and Riggs?”
Anna takes a bite of her toast. “He infuriates me. He said I overreact, but I don’t think I do. He never thinks before he speaks. When I’m around him, he ignores me and doesn’t lay a finger on me, but when I move out, he’s sorry and begs me back. I don’t get it.”
“All this back and forth bullshit isn’t good for Malia and Ziggy, though,” I point out.
“I know. I’m lucky Malia is used to moving home. But you’re right, it’s not good for them. That’s another reason I don’t want to rush back to the clubhouse. I want to make sure he’s ready this time.”
CHAINS
It feels good to be back in church with my brothers. As I look around the table, I realise how much I’ve missed these guys. Riggs stomps in followed by Cree. “What's the situation with Raven?” he grunts as he takes a seat at the head of the table.
“She’s improving every day, but she’ll need help when she gets outta the hospital.”
“The problem with Cobra is worse than we thought. He’s forming alliances against the Kings. I think he’s planning something big to bring us down.”
“Like?” asks Blade.
“We don’t know,” mutters Cree. “But he’s got enough unsavoury characters siding with him that we think it's best to go back into lockdown.”
“We don’t know what he’s promising them, but we’re thinking it’s free run of the streets. Some of them assholes have wanted to see our downfall for years,” says Riggs.
“So, you want me to bring Raven to the club?” I ask.
“As soon as,” says Cree. “We can’t afford to waste time.”
I stand. “She’ll need a nurse. Can I bring someone in?”
“No outsiders. Leia can do whatever she needs,” says Riggs, and I exchange looks with Cree. It was bad enough before, but if anyone finds out I got her pregnant . . . fuck, this is dangerous ground. I head out without another word.
Raven is excited when I tell her about the club. I’ve spoken so much about it and she knows it’s nothing like the Manchester charter. I’m at the nurses station signing for Raven’s meds when I hear Leia’s voice and a shiver runs through me. I watch her as she moves about behind the desk, looking for a key she’s muttering about. When she feels me looking, she glances up and her expression darkens. She notices the paperwork before me. “You’re taking Raven home?” she asks and I nod. “I thought she wasn’t well enough?”
“She’s signing herself out of here,” I say. “Have you spoken to Riggs today?”
“He tried to call, but I’m busy working.”
“Maybe you should call him back,” I suggest. “It’s important.”
Leia stares at me for a few seconds and then it dawns on her and she shakes her head. “No,” she snaps. “No bloody way am I going on lockdown.”
“Cobra is getting some kind of army together. It’s not safe.”
“I have work to do,” she huffs. She goes to walk away, but I go after her, taking her by the arm to still her.
“I’ll stay out of your way as much as possible. I promise not to hassle you.”
“NO!”
“Leia, you need to be safe. Now isn’t the time to be stubborn and pig headed.”
Her eyes widen. It was the wrong thing to say. “Let go of my arm, now.” I release her instantly and she stomps away angrily. She’s Riggs’ problem now. I have Raven to think about. I ignore the nagging voice in my head telling me that she’s carrying my baby and she's every bit my problem.
“Be careful,” giggles Raven as I steer the wheelchair into the club, catching the wheel on the door frame for the third time.
“I need training plates,” I mutter.
Frankie comes towards us, smiling. “You must be Raven. I knew you’d have red hair.” she says.
Raven laughs. “Take after my grandmother apparently.”
“Why don’t I take Raven to meet the ol’ ladies?” suggests Frankie, and I reluctantly hand over the wheelchair.
I knock on the office door and Riggs shouts for me to enter. “I saw Leia at the hospital. Are you bringing her in?” I ask.
“Cree went to get her and Anna, but I’ve got a feeling they won’t come quietly.”
“Yeah, I mentioned lockdown and she freaked.”
“I’m gonna offer to put them far away from me,” says Riggs. “Seeing as I’m the reason they both left.” I don’t bother to correct him. I like my head on my shoulders. A commotion in the main room has Riggs groaning. “That must be them now,” he mutters, standing.
I follow him. Anna looks pissed as Riggs moves towards her and Leia. “Welcome home, ladies,” he says and Anna looks like she’s ready to punch him.
“You know this baby is due soon. How long am I going to be stuck here?”
“I have no idea,” he mutters. “You can take the floor below mine and I’ll stay outta your way.” I notice Leia smirk at Riggs’ use of my earlier words. “You too, Leia. I had no choice but to bring you back here, but I know you don’t wanna be here, so I’ll try and make it a short stay,” Riggs adds.
“I’ll take my old room, thanks,” snaps Anna.
“Me too,” adds Leia. “I’m gonna go unpack.”