Chapter Nineteen

ALIANA

Hannah and I head out of the clubhouse gates and into town. I’m still seething. I can’t believe he’d even suggest that I’d mess around with the guys.

I mean, he didn’t say it outright, but if he didn’t think it, he wouldn’t have made a fuss about my comment.

He ogles the club girls and I keep quiet because I trust him. I know he wouldn’t do that to me. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I don’t think I am.

“What the hell was that all about?”

“Part of it was me saying the club guys were good looking. Then he made a comment about me not putting ~his~ sons in danger by taking them to the park. Like, what the hell?

“I love those boys as if they were my own. I’d never let anything happen to them. I wouldn’t knowingly put them in danger. They call me mama and he didn’t have a problem with it, but when he says things like that…

“I just can’t figure out what the hell he’s thinking.”

“That’s messed up. Men just can’t keep their mouths shut. They always say something that’s just plain stupid.

“Well, since we’re not taking the boys to the park, let’s grab some lunch, look at places for me, and then go shopping for my nieces.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’m going to stay with you tonight if that’s okay.” I knew she wouldn’t mind. It’s been ages since we’ve hung out. I’ve missed her so damn much.

She’s my best girlfriend and has been since we met on my first day of school.

“Of course! I love having you over. You’re my best friend. So, where’s a good place to eat around here?”

“There’s a diner up the road that serves the best chili cheese fries you’ve ever tasted, and it just so happens that my mom owns it.”

We head to the diner and when we walk in, my mom greets us. She’s been running this place for years. When Westyn and I weren’t at the clubhouse with dad, we were here at the diner with mom.

“Hey, mom.”

“Hey, sweetie. What brings you here? I thought you were busy with Murdock and Danny.”

“I was, but then Axyl said something dumb and I left with Hannah. We’re going to eat and then go shopping.”

“Well, you two sit down and I’ll bring out your usual.” My mom knows Hannah from when she visited me before things got too bad with Alexander. I never told her who I was dating, but she knew I was with someone.

We head to the booth at the back of the diner and sit across from each other.

“I love your mom. I’m glad she doesn’t blame me for not getting you out of the situation with you know who.” I can see the sincerity in her eyes. She feels guilty for something she couldn’t control.

I don’t want her to feel that way. It wasn’t her fault. She saved my life and that’s all that matters to me right now.

“She could never hate you. She thinks of you as her own and you know that. You did what I asked you to and she would never hold that against you. Besides, I know you kept her updated throughout it all.

“We talked when I got home. I’m just glad you didn’t tell her who Alex was because then things could have turned out so much worse than what they did. They could have killed me and not just think they did.”

I shudder at the thought of what I went through.

“Yeah... I’m sorry. I just wanted to let her know how you were doing. I just told her the basics about everything going on with you. I love you and didn’t want to keep it all to myself.

“I needed to confide in someone and I’m glad it was mama.”

“I for one, am glad you did.” My mom comes in at that moment and sets our food down. The smell of the chili cheese fries and bacon cheeseburger makes my stomach growl.

“Thanks, Mama Elaine. This is going to be as good as always.” Hannah always orders the spicy chicken sandwich, with everything on it, and fries with cheese and ranch.

“No problem, girls. Now, when you decide to go back to the clubhouse, stop by the house so you can tell me what happened between you and my son-in-law. You can always come and stay with your father and me for a few days if you need to.

“Vanessa called and said she was taking the boys to the park and then keeping them for a few days.” Are you kidding me? How did I not know he wouldn’t take the boys to the park?

He’s probably in the chapel going over plans.

“I’ll deal with him after I eat. This is bullshit. I told him to take ~his~ sons to the park. I was going to do it, but he decided to throw in my face that they were his sons. Not mine too.” I turn to look at Hannah.

“Looks like we’re going back to the clubhouse instead of shopping. I have a man to tear a new one.”

“Fine by me. I want to see Reaper again.”

“All right, girls. I’ll see you two for dinner tomorrow night. Don’t argue with me on this one.” With that, my mom heads back into her office. Hannah and I finish our food and head back to her car to return to the clubhouse.

“So, tell me more about Reaper.” Hannah fills the silence on the short drive back.

“Well, we went to school together, grew up together. We’re the same age and he is one of my best friends. He has a big heart that he wears on his sleeve.

“He’s a loyal guy, but cross him once, and he’ll be your worst enemy. He’s protective. If you’re after a one-night stand, just be honest about it.

“He’s the kind of man who’d make a great partner. Just don’t cross him.” I advise her as we pull into the compound.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Right now, I think I’m just looking for a one-night stand. I honestly don’t know what I want, but I’ll be honest if anything happens between us.”

I nod, get out of the car, and storm into the clubhouse.

“AXYL BRANDON SULLIVAN!” I burst open the chapel doors and march up to my ol’ man. “You couldn’t spare two hours to take your sons to the park? Are you kidding me?

“Forget about this damn war for a bit. It’s been two weeks and you haven’t spent any time with your sons or me. You better pull your head out of your ass before you lose all five of us.”

I turn my fiery gaze to my brother. “And you! It’s been two weeks, Westyn. Let it go until something happens. There’s not much you can do without any information.

“You don’t even know if a war is coming.” With that, I stomp out of the room and into the main area.

“What was that, Aliana?”

“That was me putting you in your place. I’m not going to sit here while you bury yourself in this nonsense. I’m not going to stand by while you lose me and your sons. Not to mention the girls.

“Man up because I’m not opposed to raising these girls by myself. I’m also not opposed to raising the boys by myself either. Get your head out of your ass before you lose everything.”

I walk over to Hannah and Reaper after turning my back to Axyl. “Are you going to be okay if I take a nap? I’m wiped out.”

She nods, and I head up to mine and Axyl’s room. Of course, Axyl won’t let this argument rest. He’s right behind me as I walk up the stairs. I step into the room, and he slams the door behind him.

“Are you kidding me? I’m doing this for you. For our boys and our girls. How can you not be worried about this? They could be planning something right now, and you wouldn’t even know it.”

“Axyl, I love you. I really do, but you’re driving me crazy. I want the man who was sitting in the hospital with me two weeks ago. I want the man who is present, not the man I have now.

“I don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t pay attention to me, and I sure as hell won’t put up with you not paying attention to ~your~ children.”

“They need their father, and they can’t have that if you’re locked in the chapel. You can only make so many plans, but you don’t know what they’re planning, so you can’t plan for it.”

“You just have to wait for them to make the first move.” I say, feeling defeated. My shoulders slump, and I flop down on the bed. I’m tired of him not being around, and I’m tired of arguing when he is.

“Just don’t say stuff like that anymore. I’m not going to let you go anywhere. Whether I’m here or trying to plan a way to keep you safe. I will do anything for you, ~our~ sons, and ~our~ daughters.

“I’m sorry for the way I said that earlier. I love you so much. If I have to lock myself in a room full of my brothers to make sure we exhaust every option to keep the ones I love safe, then I will.

“Get used to it because you’re stuck with it for life.” He finishes his rant, and he slams his lips to mine. I melt into his embrace and kiss him back. This is the man that I missed.

I understand that he wants to keep us safe, but he needs to be around also.