Chapter 1

I hang my head,letting the hot water from the shower rinse away the ache I have at the back of my neck. "I'm getting too old for this shit," I mutter to myself.

"You're definitely slower. You saw that crowbar coming and didn't even duck," says Hunter.

I pull the shower curtain back and glare at my Vice President. "Boundaries," I snap.

"I needed to wash my hands," he argues, grabbing a towel and stomping out the bathroom.

The last of the blood runs down the drain as I turn off the shower and step out. It's been a long time since I pulled an all-nighter, but protecting my businesses is currently my top priority.

For the last week, some fuckers have been putting the windows through on our garage and our tattoo studio, and last night, they tried it at our strip club. Only we were waiting for them. Not that we're any clearer on who we're being targeted by cos the little pricks couldn't give us any names.

I dry off and go into the office. We keep spare clothes here for many reasons, and luckily, I find a pair of jeans and a sweater that fit.

I throw my kutte to Hunter. "I gotta take El. I'll see you back at the clubhouse?" He takes my kutte and gives a nod. "Later," I mutter, heading out.

Elsie is waitingoutside when I arrive at her grandparents' house. The agreement is she stays here once every two weeks, but if I had my way, they wouldn't see her at all because who knows what shit they're filling her head with in those short twenty-four hours.

Alison Tennant eyes my car with disdain. If I was to bring the bike, she'd have been equally as pissed, so fuck knows what she expects me to do when it comes to ferrying Elsie around. I don't bother to get out. Instead, I lean over and open the back door. I don't miss the way Alison rolls her eyes as I grip the steering wheel and stare forwards while she straps Elsie into the car seat. I watch in the mirror as she tugs the safety harness several times before placing a kiss on my little girl's head and slamming the door closed.

I release a breath and glance into the back seat. "Morning, Tinks. How was your night at Grandma's?"

Her lips pout slightly, and I brace myself for the question she's thinking about putting to me. I get this a lot after she's been here. "Was Mummy sad?" she asks.

My right hand tightens around the steering wheel again. "Tinks, what did I say about listening to Grandma? Mummy was happy and she loved us very much."

"But she said that?—"

"I don't care what she said," I snap, instantly regretting it. I take a deep breath. "Let's get you to school."

I don't wear my kutte to Elsie's school. I'm not ashamed of the club or my lifestyle, but after Elsie's mum, Harley, died, her parents went full force for custody. And even though I won, I don't want anything to jeopardise it. That includes keeping the school on side and not giving them any reasons to raise concerns. Lord knows Elsie brings enough attention to us.

I help her out the car and keep hold of her hand as we enter the playground. The usual mums are clustered together, huddled up like a bunch of witches. The odd one tosses me a curious glance every so often, but they never dare to approach me. Harley hated the way they stayed in their little clique, excluding the parents who didn't fit their perfect mum club.

The classroom door opens and Elsie's teacher smiles wide. "Good morning," she announces to no one in particular.

I crouch down and look Elsie in the eye, like I do every morning. "Tell me the plan, Tinks."

"Be nice," she says, pouting.

"And?"

"Respectful."

I tug her closer and kiss her cheek. "I love you millions."

"I love you millions more."

I stand, and she holds up her fist so we can bump—another daily morning ritual—before she happily skips inside. It's easy to forget the bad behaviour when she's like this, acting like every other cute six-year-old.

I get backto the clubhouse and call church. The men gather quickly, sensing my mood. Hunter gives me my kutte then sits beside me. As I pull it on, I slam the gavel on the table. "We're no fucking closer," I snap. "Three nights of waiting and all I got were two little shits on bikes, fucking pushbikes no less. I've got no names, no suspicions. What the fuck am I meant to do with that?"

"They'll slip up, Pres. They can't stay hidden forever," Bull reasons.

I fix my Enforcer with a stony glare. "In the meantime, I've gotta sit and wait while our businesses get smashed to fuck?"

"I don't see what choice we have," mutters Rebel.

Malakai shrugs. "It's just a few windows."

"For now," I yell, hitting my hand against the table. "You fuckers are happy to just sit around while this shit goes on? I want answers. Get out there and get me some fucking answers. In the meantime, split yourselves into groups. I want the clubhouse watched as well as all the businesses overnight."

"I'll sort that," says Hunter. "Get your head down for a few hours, Pres. You're knackered."

I slam the gavel on the table, dismissing them. Once the room is clear, Hunter sighs heavily. "You're stressed and this is seeming bigger than it is."

"Yah know why I'm stressed?" I snap. "Cos you lazy fuckers would watch this place burn before you bothered to give a crap."

"That's not true," he argues. "We're already out there shaking trees, but no fucker's talking. This'll be some kid wanting the streets for himself. Who else would take us on?"

"Someone who knows you've all turned to fucking fannies."

He rolls his eyes, and I resist the urge to punch him. "Get some sleep, Pres. You want me to get Tinks after school?"

I shake my head. Since the court battle, I've stopped my men going to the school. I make sure I'm there at drop-off and collection. "I'll set an alarm," I mutter. "You sort the shitshow out."

I get up to my room and kick off my boots. The second my head hits the pillow, exhaustion sets in and my eyes go heavy.

"You never fucking listen, Bear. I'm so fucking sick of you ignoring me." It's the angriest I've ever seen Harley, but with her temper and Elsie screaming in the back of the car, I can't think straight.

"When I tell you I'm busy, it's because I'm up to my eyes in it, Harls. You want me to drop everything when you call over every little thing?"

I feel her eyes boring into the side of my head and I instantly regret my words. "Every little thing?" she repeats. "Are you fucking serious?"

"The club whores are gonna make shit up and twist shit. I don't have time to pacify your every insecurity."

"Pull over," she screams.

"No. Don't be crazy. It's raining."

"Pull over now."

"Harley, calm down, would yah. This isn't a big deal. You're making it a big deal."

"Did you fuck her, Bear?"

She's never asked outright. She's talked about the rumours and hinted at the doubts she's had, but this is the first time she's asked. I grip the steering wheel tighter. Lying will make it worse, but admitting the truth will send her mental, and I can't have that when Elsie is already so upset. "Let's get back to the clubhouse and talk."

"Yes. That's a yes."

"It's not a yes. It's let's talk when Elsie isn't upset. In fact, calm her down."

"You fucking bastard. You cheated on me . . . on us?"

"Damn it, Harley, I'm not doing this now. Get in the fucking back and sort Elsie out or I'm taking you to your parents until you've calmed the fuck down." It's a threat I won't carry out. Her parents hate me and would jump on this to break us apart. But it's also a way to calm Harley cos she hates them almost as much as they hate me.

She pulls her seatbelt off and goes to climb into the backseat, slamming her hand against the side of my head.

I wake with a start, bolting upright and looking around in panic until my room comes back into view. My hands are twisted in the sheets and I'm sweating. I flop back and stare at the ceiling. That fucking dream . . . that one dream haunts me.

NORA

I stare wide-eyed at the headteacher. "Me?"

"You seem to have a better relationship with Elsie. She responds well to you."

"I'm new," I remind her. "She's just sussing me out."

"She trusts you. Speak with her father at pick-up and get him onboard."

"Me?" I repeat, this time almost choking on the word. I've been helping out in this nursery for a little under a week and I already know the parents I should avoid. And six-year-old Elsie Stevens's father is number one on the list. "Shouldn't someone more . . . senior speak to him?"

"A good rapport with all our parents is required, Nora. You'll be working with his daughter, so it's only right you speak to him so he can ask any questions. Now, off you pop, I have a call to take."

I head back out to the main floor, dodging children until I spot Elsie. She's just about to take a chunk out of Marshall's arm as I run over. "No," I say firmly, and she pauses to side-eye me. I arch a brow, daring her to continue, and for a second, I'm pretty certain it crosses her mind, but then she drops Marshall's arm and smiles sweetly.

"We were just playing."

"It's almost home time," I tell them. "Tidy up."

Jessie sidles up and nudges me with her shoulder. "What did dragon breath want?"

I smirk at her name for our head. "She think's Elsie needs one-on-one support."

"Fab, we've been saying as much."

"It's me," I say, glaring at her, "I'm the support."

"Oh, poor you."

"And she wants me to tell her father."

Jessie's eyes widen. "You lucky bitch," she whispers, fake fainting.

"I can't speak to him," I almost wail. "I've spent the last week fantasising about him."

She breaks out into a fit of giggles. "Along with most of us," she says. "And he's so moody."

"Which only adds to the appeal," I groan.

She looks out the window. "He's outside. Go and grab him now, before Elsie goes out."

"You think?"

"Yes. It won't be as bad if there are hardly any witnesses."

I take a breath and head out to where Elsie's father is standing away from everyone else. He never stands with the other parents, and most evenings, he arrives after everyone else.

When he realises I'm approaching him, he narrows his eyes, and I immediately want to retreat. I paste a wide smile on my face, the one I use to give the impression I'm a happy fucking ray of sunshine. "Good afternoon," I say.

"What's she done now?" he asks.

"Nothing," I rush to tell him, "although she almost bit a chunk out of someone's arm." I give a small laugh to lighten the mood, but it doesn't work. "Right, well, actually, I came out to speak to you about Elsie." His frown deepens, and my cheeks burn with embarrassment. His eyes are piercing blue, and I feel like they're constantly judging and assessing me. "We think she needs one-on-one support."

"What does that mean?"

"I'll be working with Elsie daily, helping her to make positive choices."

"Why?"

I bite my lower lip, trying to work out the best way to say it without aggravating him. "Since her mother . . ." The words die on my lips when his expression turns to pissed-off. "She's been struggling to adapt."

"I'll talk to her. She doesn't need you."

"Actually, the headteacher wants this in place. She was quite insistent."

"I bet she was," he mutters, though it's more to himself. "What exactly has Elsie been struggling with?"

It's my turn to frown. We speak to the guy every night at pickup, giving him the list of bad choices Elsie's made that day. It's not her fault. In fact, it's why I get on so well with her. I don't put her in time-out—I talk it through with her, and she responds well. "Her behaviour has been challenging?—"

"Cut the crap," he hisses, and his words make me anxious. "Don't stand here in your little miss sunshine dress with a pretty smile and tell me my kid's being a pain in the arse and expect me not to question it. She's grieving."

"I get it," I say, glancing around to make sure we don't have an audience. "Can I be honest?"

"Please," he says, looking irritated.

"Elsie is amazing. I hit it off with her the second I started. But she's struggling to make friends."

"Make friends?" he repeats. "Since when?"

"I believe the headteacher spoke to your wife about it." This seems to annoy him more, so I add, "I'm new, so I don't know the ins and outs. I just know Elsie is unhappy in school and I'd like to help with that."

"How long have you been here?"

"I started on Monday."

"Four days? You've been here four days?" He laughs, rolling his eyes. "And what qualifications do you have?"

I swallow the lump in my throat. He's making me feel stupid, and I'm certain the witches are listening in. "I'm just a classroom assistant," I mutter with a shrug.

"You're not even qualified? So, what makes you the perfect candidate to work with my little girl?"

I clench my fists. Clearly, the fantasy of him is way better than the reality. I bring my eyes to his and arch a brow. "Because I understand what she's going through." Only my mum's death is slow and painful, I want to add, but instead, I force that smile again.

He sighs heavily. "Fine. Whatever. Don't let her down." I frown. "You don't look like you have staying power," he adds as a way of explanation. "If you leave and she gets upset, I won't take it well."

It's a threat, a clear one, but before I have a chance to process his words, Elsie comes barrelling out and throws herself at the giant. He catches her and throws her over his shoulder. She giggles in delight as her arms splay down his back like she's a rag doll. "Let's go home, Tinks."

I callinto the supermarket on the way home to spend my last ten-pound note on something fresh for dinner. The hospital insists Mum eats well, but they don't have my budget.

I'm almost home when the plastic bag breaks and the potatoes roll out followed by everything else. I groan, dropping to my knees and shoving what I can into my work bag. I carry the rest, muttering to myself in annoyance all the way home.

I find Mum asleep in the living room. When she got diagnosed with cancer, we brought her bed downstairs. She felt more comfortable nearer the toilet, and the stairs became a struggle after they announced she wasn't going to get any better. Now, we're just waiting, making her comfortable and praying for as many days as we can get.

The duty nurse stands as soon as I walk in the door. "I have to shoot," she tells me, "I've had a call from another patient. I've written all her meds on the form, and she's had a good day." She pats me on the arm as she rushes past to leave. "Sorry." And then she's gone.

I sigh, moving closer to Mum and gently placing my hand over her forehead. I do it whenever I'm near her, just to make sure she's comfortable. Her eyes flutter open, and when she sees me, she smiles. It's weak and not like the smile she used to have. "Hey," I whisper. "How was your day?"

"Water," she murmurs, and I grab the glass and place the straw between her lips. She takes a small amount, then I place the glass back on the side.

"Same old," she croaks. "You?"

"It was amazing," I lie. "I love that place. The parents are so lovely and the headteacher told me I'll be working one-on-one with the cutest little girl."

"Why?" she whispers. "What's wrong with her?"

"Nothing," I tell her, shrugging out of my jacket. "She's misunderstood. Her mum died." I stare at the floor for a second, hating that last sentence. "Anyway, I thought I'd try making soup again. That tinned stuff is full of salt."

"You don't have time."

"I have loads of time. Jackie will be here in an hour to help you eat it."

She takes my hand. "Thank you, Nora. I really appreciate you."

I lean down and kiss her on the cheek. "I love you."

I'm blendingthe vegetables when Josh comes home, and I glance at the kitchen clock. "It's almost five," I state.

He rolls his eyes in that way teenagers do. "I hope you don't think I'm eating that shit."

"Language," I warn. "And it's all we have."

"Fuck's sake," he complains. "Don't you have a tenner left?"

"Yeah, but I spent it on this," I tell him. "Mum needs the nutrients."

"I'm going out to my mate's house."

"No, Josh. You should spend some time with Mum. The carer will need a break later, and I know you'll disappear on me."

"Laters," he says, as if I haven't spoken, and heads for the door.

I rush after him. "You can't go out tonight. I'm starting a new job. You need to be here for Mum."

"That's why you pay carers," he says, stepping out.

"Nora," Mum calls, and I groan.

"Josh, you have to start helping me out," I hiss.

"I'll be back soon," he says, winking as he gets on his bike and rides off.

I slam the door and go to Mum. "Are you okay?" I ask.

"Was that Josh?"

"Yeah, but I forgot he's having tea at his friend's. He'll be back soon, and he'll sit with you when Jackie takes her break."

She smiles. "Okay."