Chapter 8

The shopping expedition consisted of Jenna, Lila, Abby, Harper, Georgie, and Scotty, Harper's soon-to-be adopted son. Tessa had been invited but declined. She was taking the day to spend at home with her husband and newborn before her maternity leave was up and she had to return to work.

Abby had been nervous about meeting Harper. They'd been communicating over text message for nearly a month, but this would be their first time in person. However, Harper put her immediately at ease with her easy-going demeanor. José had described Scotty as a loveable goof, and that couldn't have been more accurate. He'd walked right up to Abby and threw his arms around her. "Hi, Aunt Abby!" Then he went to Lila and threw his arms around her. "Hi, Cousin Lila!"

Harper was seven months pregnant, due at the beginning of June. She referred to her belly as ‘the beach ball' and laughed that being pregnant was the closest she'd ever been to a beach.

Their VDMC protection escort consisted of José, Steel, Lucky, Pirate and Bones, plus two prospects, Will and Quinten. Pirate was Jumper's little brother and worked as a security guard at the local high school. Bones was a former Army Ranger and had broken his legs in a parachute accident during training.

Angel and Cage would be remaining at the Santiago house to watch over Louisa, Caleb, and Cassie. Cage, she learned, had donated a kidney when Bree had been in renal failure seven months ago. Angel had also brought Bree, so the two teenagers could finally meet in person, and Melanie, Jenna's eighteen-year-old daughter who was about to graduate high school. José had told Abby that Cage had lifted Bree out of her wheelchair so she could hang in the bed next to Cassie. Normally the paraplegic teen would insist on transferring herself out of her chair, but Carlos's bed was just too high for her to do so safely. When he left the room, the three teenagers had been giggling like old friends.

* * *

Bulldog was boredout of his mind and trying really hard not to show it. He didn't want to ruin Abby's first shopping trip simply because he didn't care whether the shirt the ladies picked out for Cassie was red or pink. He also had no idea babies needed so many supplies. He'd thought his house was already brimming with things babies needed, but apparently he was wrong. Between Caleb and Georgie, he was going to need that new house just to store all of their things. One of the club's SUVs already had a packed trunk and the ladies seemed nowhere near done.

Jenna and Harper encouraged Abby to participate in all the decisions. From his perspective standing off to the side with his MC brothers, Abby looked just like one of the girls—one of the ol' ladies. And damn, if that didn't feel good.

He could only imagine what the other townspeople thought of their party. Seven large, burly men in cuts, standing around with their arms crossed over their chests waiting on three women to finish testing the limits of their credit cards. After a while, Scotty joined them too. He was wearing his denim cut and tried to mimic their impatient looking pose. It only made them lose their stoic expressions to smile at the kid.

Lila had far too much energy. This was her first official outing and she was thrilled. When the ladies stopped at the salon to get Lila and Abby's hair styled, as well as mani-pedis, Bulldog had to hold Georgie. Well, had to was the wrong verb. Got to finally hold Georgie was more apt. He'd missed his little girl, even though she'd never been out of his sight either in Abby's arms or in the stroller.

He was pretty sure he lost all badass-vibes when he held his daughter.

Totally worth it, though.

* * *

Shopping was exhausting.Abby was sitting in Jenna's consignment store, breastfeeding Georgie, while the women took Lila around to pick out more clothes, shoes, and accessories. José was nearby talking with his club brothers, who were being more useful as pack mules than bodyguards with how much they had purchased already.

This was supposedly the last shop before they were headed to Loafin' Around. Though it had started out as a local bread bakery about twelve years ago, the owner had expanded into pastries and specialty coffee drinks. They were most known for their homemade hot chocolate and hot apple cider.

Harper and Jenna spoke and interacted with Abby like the three of them were old friends, but Abby wasn't used to having friends or being around people. She was more skittish out in public than she thought she'd be. Thankfully, though, she hadn't had any panic attacks.

Jenna's store had what she had dubbed as ‘Dad chairs'. They were placed in the store to give the dads a place to sit while the moms and/or kids shopped. Abby's feet hurt from all the walking they had done. She was trying to listen in on Jenna and Harper's conversation to keep herself from dozing off. Even from her place across the store, she could hear Jenna and Harper fairly well, but her eyes still started drooping.

Abby jumped slightly when she felt Jenna sit in the chair next to her. "Sorry," the older woman apologized. "Lila's getting hungry. I think we have enough for now. I tagged a changing table that was brought in yesterday. We just need to get some of the brothers to load it into the back of Steel's truck so we can bring it over to Bulldog's house. Hopefully tomorrow. Tuesday at the latest."

Abby nodded her appreciation. "Thank you, Jenna. I'm sorry I started to doze off?—"

"Don't you apologize." Jenna reached over and squeezed Abby's hand. "You needed to rest. You're still getting your strength back. There's no shame in taking a breather."

Abby fought the desire to thank her again. "Are we getting ready to leave?"

"In a minute. The guys are loading the SUVs and we'll leave when they get back." Abby stiffened at Jenna's words—José hadn't told her he was leaving—but Jenna quickly said, "Bulldog's still by the door, Abby."

She glanced over and sagged with relief when she saw him, and then flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry. I just…" She didn't want to admit how panicked she'd felt at the idea that José had left her. She knew José trusted his brothers, but they weren't him.

"I understand," Jenna said gently. There was a pause before Jenna inquired, "Honey, have you considered talking to someone? I know Tessa's mentioned it. I really think it would be good to talk to someone about what you went through."

Abby felt her back stiffen. "I'm fine. I'll be fine."

"Are you fine because you have Bulldog? I don't want to upset you, but you can't rely on your childhood connection to him to be fine now. What if he had to go away for the weekend? Or what if he gets hurt next week shoveling snow? Don't you think it would be a healthier relationship if you were fine on your own and chose to be with him than to be with him because you had to be to be fine?"

"Jenna!" Both women jumped at José's harsh voice. Abby heard his heavy footfalls before feeling his hand on her shoulder. "That's enough."

"You're right, I'm sorry. I needed to say my piece though."

Jenna got up to leave. José kept a hand on Abby as he traveled to her other side to take the seat Jenna had just vacated. Abby felt Georgie release her nipple. She looked under the blanket she had covering her daughter to see her asleep against her breast. Abby handed Georgie to José to burp while she fixed her nursing bra and adjusted her sweater.

She wanted to push Jenna's concern out of her mind, but it wasn't working. She glanced at José cradling their small daughter in his large arms. Was their relationship healthy? Abby didn't know. She'd attached herself to José from the moment he'd opened the minivan door and saw her sitting in the passenger seat. She didn't allow anyone else to help her shower and she didn't trust anyone else to take her outside of the house. As she'd just demonstrated to Jenna, she didn't like being separated from him either.

Abby didn't like Jenna's implication that something could happen to José. Life was messy though. She knew that better than anyone. Anything could happen. She'd just gotten him back; would the universe really punish her by taking him away from her so soon?

Perhaps Abby wasn't right in the head. Her panic attacks were sporadic, but they did still occur. Being with José wasn't a fix-all, as much as she wished it was. However, her anxiety was less around him.

Abby didn't want to talk about her past. She wanted to forget about it. She wanted the last sixteen years to just be one long nightmare that she could wake up and move on from. José knew. Not all of it, but enough.

She had no intention of sitting in a stranger's office sharing the most intimate and horrifying details of her life. She didn't see how dragging up everything she'd been through would make her better. She'd already survived. She was moving on.

* * *

Abby's first impression of Loafin' Around was that it smelled delicious. Her mouth had started watering before they'd even walked through the front door. It was like the building itself permeated the scents of freshly baked bread, cookies and sweets, and coffee.

A small bell chimed as they entered. Abby took a deep breath and held it in her lungs an extra second. Louisa's and Jenna's cooking's smelled amazing, but they had nothing on this place.

It took multiple adults to keep Lila from running up to the counter. The bakery was extremely crowded, and Abby suddenly felt exposed as Harper pointed out the line of customers to Lila. Most of the other stores they'd been in had been empty or near empty. Jenna's consignment store was closed on Sundays, and she'd opened special for them.

Standing now in the entryway of the bakery, Abby imagined all eyes turning to her and judging.

A few days after they'd brought Georgie home from the hospital, Tessa had brought Abby some feminine supplies to the house. José, who had Georgie, had been in the other room speaking with Bear, who also had Maggie. Louisa had also been in the kitchen feeding Caleb and had come over to the table to participate in Abby and Tessa's conversation. In the bag Tessa had brought were additional pads for her postpartum bleeding and nursing bras. Tessa had also brought her makeup and a razor.

Makeup meant little to Abby. She'd immediately turned down Tessa and Louisa's offers to help her apply it. Tessa had explained there was no pressure and told Abby to keep the makeup just in case she changed her mind one day. Some women wore makeup to look pretty for others while others wore it for themselves. Abby hadn't worn makeup in sixteen years and, even before that, hadn't worn it often. It had never been of big importance to her.

However, Tessa's comment about looking pretty for others had made Abby pause in her refusal of the makeup. Did José think she needed makeup?

Seeing Abby's indecision, Tessa had just encouraged her to keep the makeup for "when you're ready". Then she'd unpacked the razor.

Abby hadn't shaved the entire time she'd been with the community and she'd had more important concerns than hairy legs and armpits upon her rescue. While she did not have the energy to worry about such things now, she figured she should worry about such maintenance in the next few weeks. Especially if she wanted to try to be intimate with José.

Men and women in the community didn't shave. Abby had always figured the men of the community didn't shave, and didn't allow women to shave either, so the sharp razors weren't readily accessible. Abby had only been allowed to use the dull knifes in the kitchen for meal prep and under supervision.

Women in the outside world shaved. Women José had been with and was used to seeing on a daily basis shaved. They likely wore makeup too. In comparison, Abby must look hairy and unremarkably plain.

Noticing that the razor had upset Abby, Louisa had gone to get her son. It hadn't taken long for José to guess what was upsetting her.

"Let me fill you in on a little secret about men, Red: most men don't care if your legs are shaved or if you look as hairy as Big Foot. Hell, I didn't even notice that you weren't shaved. Just wasn't something that concerns me."

"But you're…other girlfriends were shaved? You liked it on them?"

"Yes, I've been with women who are shaved, but I wasn't with them because they were shaved. Now, if you want to start shaving because it's something you want, then I'm all for it. I couldn't care one way or the other. But if you are going to start shaving because of me then I'm going to toss that razor into the trash right now and we'll never discuss this again. Do you understand?"

While the razor hadn't ended up in the trash, Tessa had taken it with her when she'd left that day. Cassie had too many things to worry about than shaving and Lila was too young. There was no reason for it to remain in the house.

A day ago, Abby had been so confident in her decision to not wear makeup or to shave. In her winter clothes, no one would know about her body hair, but it compounded the issue in her mind that she wasn't like the other women in the bakery. Would she be judged for looking frumpy too?

* * *

Bulldog could feelAbby press tighter into his side. She'd been excited for the bakery, and he wasn't sure what had changed.

He didn't appreciate Jenna's conversation either. He was aware that his relationship with Abby wasn't conventional. It likely would never be conventional. He didn't need to pay some professional to tell him that. Worse, he didn't need some stranger judging Abby and his relationship. Abby had trauma to work through, yes, but he'd be there to help her. Bulldog already had plans to find a child psychologist for Cassie. Lila too, if she continued to eat the way she did.

The bakery was crowded. Harper and Jenna were trying to keep Lila in line instead of her running up to the counter. He could just see Lila leaving a faceprint against the glass from studying the treats. She was practically drooling as she impatiently waited her turn to order. Scotty was with Lucky, who was holding Georgie. Scotty loved being around Maggie and now Georgie. While he knew he could only hold one of the babies if he was sitting down, he still loved to be near them.

The MC was well known in Mount Grove. They sponsored and supported local events, owned local businesses, and were active members of the community. While other MCs were likely feared in their hometowns for being thugs or bullies, the VDMC had never had that reputation. If people knew what secrets they kept in their underground cellar, they might feel differently. What the VDMC had done to protect their home didn't change who they were as people. Bulldog, Lucky, and Bear had grown up in Mount Grove. The others in the club were implants, many needing a home and brotherhood after getting out of the service.

Jumper had stumbled upon the VDMC when he'd been out riding his motorcycle and had been passing through Mount Grove. Six years ago, Steel, Jenna and Lucky had been at the diner with Scotty, Sissy, Melanie, and Jordan. From what Bulldog heard, Steel had seen Jumper's Trident tattoo and invited him to sit with them. That was all she wrote.

Pirate had followed his brother to Mount Grove upon his discharge. Demo was a former demolitions expert with the Army and was missing three fingers on his left hand. He'd been at the VA in Arlington and had seen a poster Steel had hung there to try to attract people to join the MC. Bulldog had known Angel from his time in the Infantry and had invited her. Ghost and Jumper had known each other, though they had been on different SEAL teams. Ghost had tracked down Jumper when he'd gotten out to see how he was doing, and had joined after hanging with the club for a weekend. He'd also known Keys and brought him in after Keys's OTH discharge.

Word of mouth had gotten most of the others to join. It didn't matter how the MC members had gotten to Mount Grove. They were here and thriving members of the community. Many waved as they entered the bakery with their women, Georgie, Scotty and Lila. Bulldog noticed many of the women, single or otherwise, looking hungrily at Pirate and Bones. Steel and Lucky were well-known for their devotion to their ol' ladies and families. While Steel and Jenna were not open with their affection, they somehow made standing next to each other holding hands seem intimately private.

As their group stepped forward in line, Bulldog moved his hand from Abby's and looped his arm around her back to her waist. She pressed back against him. He knew she was tired and planning on taking her back to the house after they ate, even if Jenna and Harper wanted to continue going. Maybe they could keep Lila with them and try to wear out some of her post-sugar energy.

He felt someone behind him. He was turning his neck to see why someone was standing so close to him when a hand rested on his coat.

Lacy and Cheryl, two of the club's Honeys, were standing behind him. Neither Pirate nor Bones would have had an issue with allowing the two of them ahead of them in line because the Honeys were employees of the club. Plus, it would have been the gentlemanly thing to do.

Bulldog didn't have an issue with that. He had an issue with Cheryl's hand on his arm.

Guilt immediately washed over him. It didn't matter that he'd thought Abby had moved on from their relationship. The fact that he had slept with other women in his life felt like a betrayal to her. It was irrational—he was very aware of that. Was he supposed to remain a virgin, pining for his lost love his entire life? He was aware that he could justify having slept with other women.

That knowledge didn't stop the heartache though.

His entire sexual history was one-night stands. Bulldog had never had a girlfriend or a repeat, with the exception of the Honeys. Cheryl was one of the Honeys he frequented. She didn't mind a rough tumble, nor was she clingy. They fucked and they parted ways. It was easy. Sure, there was some foreplay and flirting before they found a dark corner or went back to his clubhouse apartment. She'd been on his arm or lap at more than one club party prior to fucking her.

He'd never taken her on a date or been with her out in public. Some of his brothers didn't mind going out for dinner first before they took their Honey home for the night. In some ways, it probably made it feel more like a date or at least gave the brother the feel of having someone for more than just sex. Bulldog wasn't the only brother who had trouble connecting. But Bulldog had never taken any of the Honeys out or interacted with them outside of a club party or at the clubhouse.

So why was Cheryl touching him in a bakery like she had a right to?

There'd been tension with the Honeys and the ol' ladies since Pirate's patch-in party last September. It had been Cheryl who had called a pregnant Tessa a "fat bitch" and claimed she'd had dibs on Bear prior to Tessa becoming involved with Bear. Like Bulldog, Bear had had sex with the Honeys, but he'd never led any of them on. It was known that many of the Honeys hoped to snag one of the brothers and become his ol' lady. Honeys were lower on the totem pole than ol' ladies. It would be like leveling up in a video game or getting a military promotion and moving up in rank.

However, it was equally as well known that none of the members had any intention of taking an ol' lady who had slept with most of his club brothers. Didn't stop the six Honeys from trying though.

Bulldog slid his arm out from under Cheryl's hand. "Ladies," he said politely to them.

Both women gave Bulldog a flirty smile. Lacy was wearing a fur coat with jeans tucked into fur boots. Cheryl was in ridiculously high-heeled knee-high boots, a skirt that was far too short for any time of the year, fishnet tights, and a red top that split between her breasts to her bellybutton. That was it. No jacket. The girl must be half frozen.

Bulldog's eyes narrowed. "Aren't you cold?"

Cheryl's chest popped up some, and Bulldog could immediately tell she wasn't wearing a bra either. Her nipples pebbled under the red shirt for all to see. "A little. I figured one of you strong men would have a something warm I could borrow."

Bulldog caught Bones rolling his eyes behind Cheryl's back. Pirate looked like he was trying to keep from laughing. When his brothers caught him looking at them, Bulldog raised an eyebrow.

Bones scowled but removed his coat. He took his cut off the coat before handing the coat to Cheryl with a harsh, "Here."

The night Carlos had called Bulldog and Bear to Chester Road, Bulldog had laid his coat over Abby to keep her warm. Technically, Bulldog should have removed his cut from his coat before he'd done that because she hadn't been his ol' lady yet. It was against the bylaws for a patched member to give their cut away, even if it was only temporary. The exception was if the member claimed an ol' lady. While ol' ladies did receive their own cuts, they could wear their ol' man's cut if they were somewhere where it needed to be known that she was claimed and didn't have her cut. Club kids were also an exception.

There was no way Bones was going to hand over his coat with his cut still on it to Cheryl. The implications of that would not be able to be undone—and knowing Cheryl, she would have run with it regardless of Bones's feelings just to get her manicured claws into a patched member.

Though Cheryl took the offered coat, she didn't bother to hide her disappointment. When Bones had first received his rockers, Cheryl had made an advance at him. He'd reciprocated, but then one of his legs had cramped up before they could journey somewhere more private. Due to the number of fractures and surgeries he'd undergone to repair the extensive damage done by a failed parachute, the nerves in his legs could get over- or under-stimulated. Even years after the accident, he continued to go to physical therapy twice a week to help with some of the sudden nerve pains and how to combat them. When his leg or legs are under-stimulated, he described it like a limb falling asleep. He couldn't feel anything, and his legs didn't listen to his body's commands. On bad days, Bones had openly admitted that he wished they'd amputated his legs instead of trying to save them.

While some of his new brothers had come to help Bones, Cheryl had taken offense to Bones not being able to follow through with their intimate plans. Bulldog was sure Bones felt embarrassed enough, but Cheryl had had no sympathy for the man's plight. She'd immediately jumped onto the next available brother, who hadn't realized what was going on until it was too late. Cheryl made a point of avoiding Bones since, even though he'd tried to make it up to her with flowers the next day.

Still, Bones wasn't about to let the girl freeze to death just because she'd made a stupid decision to dress inappropriately for March in Pennsylvania.

Bulldog stared Cheryl down like a parent would a toddler until she thanked Bones. Bones just nodded and put his cut on over his long sleeve shirt.

Flirtatiously, Cheryl turned back to Bulldog. "I haven't seen you around the clubhouse recently. Where have you been, baby?"

Bulldog felt Abby stiffen against him and knew he needed to cut this conversation off before it got started. "I'm not your ‘baby', Cheryl, and you'll show some goddamn respect in front of my ol' lady. You can obviously see that I'm with her, regardless of if you knew I'd claimed her. So back off and don't touch me again without my permission. Understand?"

Both Lacy and Cheryl's jaws dropped. Bulldog didn't care and guided Abby to take another step forward in line. Jenna and Steel were in the front of their pack and there were only two more customers in front of them. Lila was doing the dance of the impatient between them the closer she got to the counter.

Bulldog leaned down and whispered into Abby's ear, "They're Honeys from the club, Cheryl and Lacy. Do you want me to introduce you to them?"

He could see Abby biting the inside of her lip but, before she could reply, Cheryl let out an ear-piercing shriek. Everyone, customers and employees, turned to look at the twenty-something who was stomping her high-heeled foot in a tantrum.

"What the fuck! You do not have an ol' lady! Why would you say that after everything you and I had, Bulldog? And if you did have an ol' lady it wouldn't be some lame nobody?—"

"That's enough!" Bulldog roared.

He quickly looked to Pirate, who stepped up towards Abby. With a quick murmured word to Abby that he would be right back, Bulldog took Cheryl's arm none-too-gently and frog marched her out of the bakery. Bones followed. Bulldog didn't look to see if Lacy did too. He didn't much care.

As soon as they were outside, Bulldog removed Bones's coat from around her shoulders and handed it back to his brother. He crossed his arms over his chest. "You're fired. If you left anything at the clubhouse, Lacy or one of the others will return it to you. As of this moment, you are banned from clubhouse property and all club businesses, including Demon's."

Cheryl's jaw dropped. She didn't even seem to notice the cold. "What the fuck?! Why?"

Though he didn't owe her an explanation, Bulldog did not want to have to deal with rumors or her claiming some bullshit sexual harassment. "For starters, you just insulted my ol' lady in public."

"She's not your ol' lady!" Cheryl shouted back, as if Bulldog would suddenly realize he'd made a mistake.

"Last I checked," Bulldog said, turning away from her, "that wasn't your decision to make." He looked at Bones. "Make sure she doesn't come back inside. I don't want her upsetting Abby any more than she already has."

Bones nodded once. "Will do, brother." He even put his coat back on in front of Cheryl.

Bulldog walked back inside the bakery, ignoring Cheryl continuing to shout his name. His group had finally made it up to the counter, but no one was ordering. Everyone inside was watching the show outside. He could still hear Cheryl's yells through the glass door.

Needing to stake his claim, as well as ensure that Abby understood he was hers and hers alone, Bulldog walked right up to her and took her face in his hands. Then he kissed her. Abby gasped, and Bulldog took advantage of her opened lips to dip his tongue in.

Personally, Bulldog wasn't done kissing her, but he didn't want to embarrass her by their public display. What he really needed to do was take her back to his house, strip her down, lay her on his bed, and lick every inch of her?—

Fuck. Bulldog pulled away from her. He could not think such things when he'd promised her he wouldn't pressure her into becoming physical. If she felt his erection, which was about half mast at the moment, it might scare her. Bulldog needed to be absolutely sure that Abby wouldn't panic at Bulldog's touch before they journeyed further into intimate territory, which still couldn't even be contemplated for another four weeks and Dr. Pedaleck's approval that Abby's incision was healed enough.

As much as Bulldog longed to make love to Abby, to show her how wonderful sex could be when you were with someone you loved, he also was aware that it might never be a possibility for them. If all he could do was hold Abby for the rest of his life and steal kisses, Bulldog would be satisfied. He had two hands after all. He'd never stray from Abby. She was his whole world.

* * *

Abby's headwas still spinning from that kiss. It hadn't passed her notice that many of the customers and José's club brothers were watching them. She'd even heard Lila giggling. None of it bothered her, though, because José had publicly chosen her over that floosy.

It didn't bother her, per se, to know that José had been with other women while she'd been held captive in the community. If circumstances were different and he'd slept with those other women while they'd been in a committed relationship, then of course Abby would be furious. That wasn't their history, though.

Abby hadn't gotten a good look at the other woman but, from what Abby did see, she resembled a live-action version of Jessica Rabbit. It was the anger she portrayed over José's involvement with Abby that was the most surprising out of that entire interaction. José had told her about the Honeys. She didn't like the idea of them, but she couldn't find it in her to judge as long as everyone was consenting adults. He'd sworn to her up and down that everything was consensual, for both the Honey and the patched member.

Taking Georgie from Lucky, José guided Abby over to a large bench seat. After handing her their baby, who was asleep, he asked her for her order. Abby chose a blueberry cheesecake scone with her hot chocolate. From the voices at the counter, Jenna was trying unsuccessfully to convince Lila that she could not have one of everything. With a sigh, José went to assist.

Abby took a moment to take some deep breaths to try and calm her racing heart. Having Georgie against her helped. She rested back onto the cushioned bench. As much as she was looking forward to trying the recommended hot chocolate, she would have preferred going home to take a nap. She was a bit jealous that Georgie got to sleep and she didn't.

"You stupid bitch. You're so fucking predictable, you know that."

Abby shot up straight, fear coursing through her entire body. She clutched Georgie tighter to her chest. That voice. Oh God, she knew that voice. He was sitting back to back with her at the next booth over. So close… She opened her mouth to scream but that malicious voice stopped her.

"I have a gun and I will shoot him if he comes over here."

Dread sank deep in her belly. With her back to him, Abby had no way of knowing if he was telling the truth. But she couldn't risk it. Not José. She clamped her mouth shut.

"Good girl. Now, you're going to sit here and pretend everything is fine. If you turn around, if you warn him that I'm here… Bang."

Abby flinched at the threat. She had Georgie in her arms. She had to protect her baby. But…how could she stay silent? Yet she knew she had to. It wasn't just José who was going to be coming over to sit with her. Lila! Oh God, her precious little girl… Was he here for her too? Cassie? Georgie?

"You'll get into my car when you're done here. Claim I'm an old friend."

She gagged at the word. Friend. He didn't know the meaning.

"You're such an embarrassment. I should have killed you years ago, but I thought I could get some good use out of you first. Waste of my time and money. But you're going to make it up to me. I've spoken with the Reverend and he's open to a more…public punishment. I doubt you'll live through it, but it'll be so satisfying to see your pain."

Abby's chin started to quiver. A public punishment could mean so many things. As much as she wanted to know her future, she feared it too much to ask. He told her anyway.

"I've sold you to the church. They'll teach you a new meaning of pain I never could. We'll set you up inside the church at the pillory. I wanted to do it outside but, unfortunately, it's winter and the men would be too cold. You'll be kept there day and night for any and all to use. If you're a good little whore, we might give you some water. If you're not… Well, I don't imagine that tight cunt of yours will last very long anyway. It might be better to just let you go."

Bile rose. She was going to be sick. Abby fought to swallow it back. If she vomited, José would come running and then he'd get shot…

"I might even have a taste myself— Hey, what the fuck!"

Abby jumped at the change of tone. There were some scuffling noises and then a thwack as something collided with, she assumed, the table. She went to turn around, but the world spun and blurred. She couldn't focus, couldn't see. Very aware of the baby in her arms, Abby tried to stay upright.

Her stomach turned and she spewed vomit over the bench seat.

"Jesus, Abby!" She felt Georgie's body being removed from her arms and was so grateful. She felt José's hands on her back and forehead seconds before he snapped, "Scar, don't!"

She had no idea what was going on. José rubbed her back as she continued to gag. Since they hadn't eaten yet, there wasn't much in her stomach to hack up and she was mostly dry heaving now. Shivers racked her body. She felt like she was stuck on a Tilt-a-Whirl at a carnival. The room wouldn't stop spinning.

"Thank you, Jenna." Pause. "Yes, get them out of here. Q and Bones will go with you. If Cheryl is still outside, just ignore her. She's not our problem anymore." José picked up Abby's hand and placed something plastic in it. "It's water, sweetheart. Just rinse and spit."

He helped her sit up straighter and guided the cup to her mouth. Abby thought he had something for her to spit into but based on the sound she spat onto the mess she'd already made on the bench cushion. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

José encouraged her to drink the remaining water and handed her a napkin. Once her mouth no longer felt like someone had scrubbed sandpaper over her tongue, Abby turned to José. His face was out of focus. "My father," she managed to say. "My father was here."

José's voice was hard. "We know. It's handled, Red." He pressed the back of his hand to her forehead. "Jesus, you scared me."

"He has a gun."

She saw José's blurry form shake his head. "No, sweetheart, he doesn't."

The reality of her situation came crashing down on Abby. Her father. He'd found her. He wanted to take her back to the community. To have her… She gagged again but nothing came up. How could a man who claimed to be godly be so evil?

All Abby knew was that she was never going back to the community. She'd die first, either by their hand or her own.

* * *

Rage was burning inside Bulldog.He'd turned his back on Abby and Georgie for one minute to get her a scone and hot chocolate and her fucking father came in. He'd failed to protect her. Again. He'd left her vulnerable in a public place. Bulldog didn't know what her father had been saying to her. All he'd seen was an older man with his back to Abby talking to, Bulldog assumed, himself. A second later, Scar was sitting next to the man with his hand in a thumb lock and a blade pressed threateningly to his femoral artery.

Everything else happened very quickly. Bulldog went to assist Abby, who'd started to throw up. Jenna was quick to take Georgie and get Scotty, Lila, and Harper out of the bakery with Quinten and Bones. Pirate and Lucky moved to block in Abby's father from the public's view while Scar kept him subdued.

Steel was at the front counter speaking to Mabel, the bakery's owner and Danny's mom. He was apologizing for Abby getting sick and acting as if nothing even remotely tense was happening in the booths behind him. He paid the bill but asked if they could take the order to go instead. Mabel and her one employee started packing up the large order. Bulldog heard a couple of grumbles from the patrons in line behind Steel, but nothing harsh. Steel told her one of their prospects, Will, would clean up the mess, but Mabel tried to wave him off.

Steel insisted.

Bulldog wanted to get Abby out of the bakery and away from her father. She was clammy and shaking. He feared she was going to be sick again. Bulldog silently chastised himself. He'd just wanted her to sit and rest while he got her a scone and a hot chocolate. He should have asked Pirate to sit with her or asked Pirate to get her food so Bulldog could stay with her… Anything but leave her alone and vulnerable.

Bulldog had so many questions for Warren Knight. He planned to get all of his answers—while the man was screaming in agony.

* * *

It tooksome finagling and whispered threats to get Warren Knight out of the bakery without causing a scene. They left Will behind to help Mabel clean up Abby's mess and anything else she needed. Steel had basically lent the prospect to her for the remainder of the day, even though Mabel said that was unnecessary. As soon as Warren Knight was in the back of an SUV, Scar issued a quick series of pressure point jabs that rendered the man unconscious. A pair of flex cuffs were then put on him.

Hopefully the customers and employees of Loafin' Around were none the wiser.

Not wanting to leave Abby alone again, Bulldog brought her to club property with them. She still appeared spacy and asked what was going on, but Bulldog was hesitant to tell her that her father was unconscious in the trunk of the vehicle she was in.

Quinten and Bones had taken Scotty, Lila, Georgie, Jenna, and Harper to club property already. They knew better than to bring them to the clubhouse and would have brought them to Jenna's or Harper's house.

Not wanting to leave Abby in the dark, Bulldog explained that they were on their way to the VDMC clubhouse. He told her that she was safe and promised that she would never hear from her father again. Abby's head lulled to the side. Fuck, Bulldog needed to get her to Tessa.

As they pulled up to the clubhouse, though, they came across their first obstacle. Carlos's police cruiser was parked outside, and his brother was standing in the entrance doorway. He had his arms crossed over his uniformed chest and he did not look happy.

Bulldog kissed Abby on the temple. "I'll be right back. Lucky's staying in the cage with you." Bulldog closed the SUV's door and approached his brother.

"You guys aren't as stealthy as you think you are. Mabel saw the whole thing." Carlos eyed the cage. "I take it he's in the trunk?"

"Why would we put someone in our trunk?" Bulldog asked instead. "That's illegal."

"Don't bullshit me, José! I just had to lie my ass off to Mabel and tell her that man she saw leaving with you guys was an old military buddy."

Not a bad lie, but definitely had some flaws given Warren Knight's age and body type. Bulldog looked his brother in the eye. "It's better for you not to be here, Carlos. Per favore, fratellino."

Carlos's nostrils flared as he stared Bulldog down. Then he turned his attention to Steel, who was standing behind Bulldog. "I've always respected you. You built something here that no one in this town thought possible: an MC that works with the police. Years ago, you swore to me that you would do everything above board. Ohiopyle was one thing. I let it slide and turned my back knowing that you were getting rid of a very dangerous man within my own police force. When Sheriff Hannigan was attacked, again, I turned my back. If Mateo Castillo had been turned in, all of us, including the sheriff, would have done time. It was selfish but I allowed it.

"But, Steel, you have to see the dark path you're going down. This is not a coincidence, a chance encounter that forced your hand. You're actively going after a fanatically religious cult. Don't think I didn't notice that a number of your members have been gone for weeks. I am begging you, Steel, don't do this. You have the chance to do this the right way." Carlos squared his shoulders and jaw as he said, "I won't turn my back this time, Steel. I can't. Not when I know we have the evidence to see this through."

"And Abby?" Bulldog inquired. "What will your evidence gathering do to her?"

Carlos didn't look at Bulldog as he answered, "I'd bet my badge you're already in Roanoke surveilling them. Collect the evidence we need to go to the Feds without involving Abby. They never need to know she or your kids were a part of the community."

Bulldog's jaw ticked. "That sort of evidence collecting would take too long. You've said it yourself, too much happens behind closed doors that cops can't see."

Carlos turned on his brother. "And I seem to recall that you have a very stealthy member in your midst. We don't need evidence on everyone. Just enough to get the Feds to look into the community more. Once they have legal access to the community homes, there's no way for the residents to hide their activities. DNA tests will prove who parented which children. We don't need a smoking gun. Just enough to point them in the direction of it."

Steel stepped between the two brothers. "I've always valued your opinion, Carlos. You may not be a member of my club, but you're still one of my boys. I'll take what you've said under consideration. However, this is a club matter. What we decide is our business."

Carlos turned to Steel. "Not good enough. I'm assuming the man from the bakery was her father. Warren Knight needs to stand trial for his actions. He killed his wife, kidnapped his daughter, and sold her into slavery."

Steel didn't let his surprise that Carlos was so well-informed show on his face. However, there was a very pregnant pause.

Carlos rolled his eyes. "I'm a cop. I know how to do my own investigating. Keys isn't the only one who can Google shit, you know. I know that Mrs. Knight is dead and I figured out that it wasn't an accident like the investigating officers said it was. I can get him on murder, kidnapping, and human trafficking. With the aggravated factors, that's life in prison."

"At a fancy prison where he knits and plays chess all day?" Bulldog snapped. "That's not justice."

"And what you're doing is vengeance!" Carlos shouted back at him. "The law is flawed, yes, but it's the best we have. What you're about to do is wrong, Bulldog. Please, fratello, I don't want to have to arrest you one day."

Looking into his brother's eyes just then, Bulldog realized he wasn't sure Carlos wouldn't arrest him. It hurt, not knowing if he had his brother's undying loyalty anymore. Bulldog understood that Carlos, in his own way, was trying to save him. What Carlos wasn't understanding was that Bulldog needed to be the one to see Abby got her retribution. He'd failed her when they were teenagers; he refused to do so again.

"I'll call for Church," Steel told Carlos. "We haven't voted on our decision yet. I'll make sure your concerns are voiced before our vote." When Carlos opened his mouth to argue, Steel said sternly, "That's the best I can do. We have our ways. I can't and won't make this decision on my own."

"Then I wish to be there, to state my case."

"Sorry, not this time," Steel shook his head.

Carlos hung his head. He placed his hands on his hips before he stood straight again. Then he looked at Bulldog. "Make the right choice. I can't turn my back again. I just can't."

The ultimatum was clear as glass. In Carlos's eyes, it was choosing between the right and wrong side of justice. To Bulldog, it was choosing between trusting in his brother or honoring his vow to the love of his life. It was not so simple.