This is the first time since we left that I’ve felt somewhat comfortable. At least I know who’s following us now. I won’t be fully comfortable until we know who the fucking mole in the club is and what their end game is. I want to know who thinks they can fuck with us and get away with it. It’s got to be a hang around, Prospect, or one of the house bunnies. I’m not sure which direction to look in though.
The pickup with our distributor goes without a hitch. We exchange money for merchandise and head back home. I’d like to get some sleep, but we don’t have time for all that now. We have to ride straight back to the clubhouse so Trent, Torch, and Gunner can go to the diner and get the phone call out of the way.
I’ll grab a little sleep while they do that and then be up for church when Satan calls for it. Thankfully, Hollie doesn’t bombard my brain like she usually does. I’m too focused on finding out what’s going on with our club. It’s been a long time since we’ve had to deal with this kind of shit. Not since the old guys were in charge of the club and had us in deeper shit than we are now. Hopefully, it will be over soon and we can go on with our lives as usual.
Chapter Four
Hollie
YESTERDAY, I SLEPT like a baby. I didn’t need Capone next to me to accomplish this or my sleeping pills. I’ve never taken a single one, but I keep them on hand just in case. I did so much in the house that I wore myself out to the point I was fast asleep as soon as I climbed in bed.
Tonight, the same can’t be said. I’ve literally only worked on the books today because there’s nothing else I can move in my house just yet. I’m too sore from moving my room around and then putting the office together. Even with Wrath’s help, I did way more than I have in a long time.
So, I’ve spent the day lazing about and working on the books in the morning. After lunch with Steve, I took a hot bath to try to ease my muscles and then listened to music while I worked on the books some more. I want to have them done before Capone and the guys get back so I can drop them off at the clubhouse with Satan and then he can have Capone take them back. I don’t want to step foot in Blazing Babes ever again.
Now, I’m in bed and I can’t manage to fall asleep. I’ve been tossing and turning for hours. Playing music hasn’t helped. I’ve gone out to try to watch a movie I usually fall asleep to, but nothing works no matter what I do. So, I pick my phone up and debate for long minutes about texting the one person besides Raine I can talk to right now— Capone.
Me: Can’t sleep. Know you’re on a run.
Setting my phone down on my pillow next to me, I close my eyes and try to go to sleep again. Within minutes, my phone is ringing.
“Hello,” I say, knowing it’s Capone without looking at the screen.
“Why can’t you sleep?” he asks, his voice gruff.
“I don’t know. Maybe because I was too sore to do much of what I wanted to today. I’m not exhausted and now I can’t sleep. I’ve tried music and a movie and it’s not working,” I tell him.
“Smalls, you’re killin’ me. I can’t be there with you and there’s nothin’ I can do to help you out. What about . . . ” he says.
“Not taking them.”
“Holls, they’re used to help you. If you can’t sleep, then try half a pill,” Capone tries.
“Nope. I’ll go get drunk at the clubhouse before I take a pill. Even a part of one,” I respond.
“Not happenin’,” he growls out.
Yes, Capone growls more than any other man I know.
“Then don’t suggest I take them,” I tell him.
“Who’s with you tonight?” he asks.
“Steve’s been here since this morning. I guess he’s staying the night too,” I answer.
“Why is he pullin’ double duty at your place?” he asks.
“I don’t know. It’s not my job to question anything you guys do.”
“Holls, what do you want to talk about?” Capone asks, changing the subject.
“I don’t know. I can’t think straight. But, the books are done. I’ll have them to Satan before you get up after you get back,” I tell him.
“Are you takin’ the rest back where they go?” he asks.
“Yep. I always do. Just not the strip club.”
“I know, Smalls,” he responds. “Do you want me to come over when I get back?”
“I don’t know. I want to say yes, but I can’t depend on you for the rest of my life. It’s time I get over having to have you here so I can sleep at night. You’ll find someone one of these days and I won’t be able to call on you when that happens,” I tell him.
My heart breaks a little more with the idea of Capone finding someone he wants to spend his life with. A stray tear slips down my cheek and lands on my pillow. I try to take a deep breath to control my emotions.
“You can call me anytime, day or night, Smalls,” he says.
“It’s a nice thought, Capone,” I respond. “Be safe on your ride home. I’ll see you around.”
Hanging up the phone, I lay back down and fall asleep. Apparently, I just needed to hear the man’s voice before falling asleep.
Waking up in the morning, I’m hot as hell. I’ve kicked the blankets off me and there’s a heavy weight on the side of me. My bladder is screaming at me too. Shrugging off the weight, I look down and see Capone asleep in my bed. I’m not sure when he got in, or why he’s here.
When he’s sleeping, Capone is relaxed and not carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. His face is devoid of the frown lines usually marring his handsome face. The only thing I see are his long dark lashes fanning across his cheeks, his mouth partially open, and his hair a mess around him. His arm is now resting on his bare stomach and my mouth waters as I take in his tanned skin, muscles, and the V you always hear women talking about. There isn’t an ounce of fat on the man sleeping before me. He’s the perfect male specimen in my eyes.
The only thing marring his flawless skin are some scars. They look like they’re either from gunshot wounds or stab wounds. I’ve never asked him about them and I’m not going to. If he wants to share what happened to him, I’ll listen. Otherwise, I’ll pretend they’re not there.
“You gonna stand there and look at me all day?” Capone asks, his voice laced with sleep, bringing out a husky quality.
“Maybe. It’s the only time I can. You know, when your horde of women aren’t around vying for your attention,” I smart back.
“Holls,” he sighs.
“I know, Capone. Only friends. I get it loud and clear. Why are you here?” I ask.
“I wanted to make sure you got some sleep, so instead of goin’ to the clubhouse with the guys, I came here. Gotta run soon though,” he answers, rolling over to his stomach.
When Capone rolls over, the sheet falls from his body. My gaze travels from the tattoo of the club colors on his back down to his perfect ass that is now on full display. It’s tight as hell and I want to try bouncing quarters off it. This is not fair at all. The man shouldn’t look this fucking good.
Finally, I tear my eyes from the man in my bed and make my way to the bathroom. As I finish doing my business and take a quick shower, I realize something— Capone slept in my fucking bed naked as the day he was born. He’s never slept in my house naked. What the hell?