10. ‘Kitty’

TEN

‘KITTY'

RUBY

We didn't stick around to see what happened to the two assholes. I grabbed Addie and took her back to the ranch in the club van. I told Wildcat I was leaving my bike at the Wooden Spirits, and she said she'd get it home somehow.

Once back at the ranch, instead of Addie going back to the "survivor's bunkhouse," I take her to one of the guest rooms. She looks around in wonder while I go and start the bath for her. Tink has these rooms tricked out so I find some bubble bath and throw some in under the running water. Turning, I let out a small scream as I didn't hear Addie walk in behind me. She has such a faraway look on her face. Maybe we should have called the sheriff but Shadow was adamant and I for one wasn't going to disagree with her.

"Damn, Kitty, haven't taken a bath since I was a little girl. And that looks a heck of a lot better than what I used to use. Is Tink going to be all right with me being in her house? Crap, I've only been with the club for a couple of months."

"Yeah, Addie, she's the one who suggested it. Now I'm going to go down to the kitchen, what do you want, hot chocolate or tea?"

"Definitely hot chocolate from that fancy machine I've seen when I come in for breakfast. That is, if you don't mind."

"Wouldn't have asked if I minded, sweetie. Come on, get those clothes off and sink into that hot water. It will help to relax those muscles and take your mind off what happened earlier. No, I get it won't make it go away, but it will give you a moment or two for quiet and peace of mind, knowing your safe and in charge. Wildcat is having Dr. Malcolm stop by in a bit to give you a once-over. Is that okay with you? And he'll see you in the room next to Tink's office, not in your bedroom, no worries."

She smiles at me and looks about thirteen years old. Poor kid, I think to myself as I walk down the stairs, saying hi to the two guys standing guard. Son of a gun, we never go without guards any more. It's kind of intimidating but since Tink's shit, we gotta be careful. Not only for each other but we have survivors here either recovering or starting their lives over again. And we promise them protection and safety.

By the time I have the hot chocolate and two pieces of cake, one carrot the other some kind of chocolate with nuts and fudge filling, I make my way back up to Addie's room. Pushing the door open, I place the tray on the small table in the corner and hear the sound of someone crying. Yeah, it's probably hitting poor Addie. Not sure what to do, I sit on the bed and run my fingers through my hair. I can feel the anxiety building but I do what Dr. Malcolm told me to. Deep breaths in and out. I also remind myself we are all okay, no one's been seriously injured.

So deep in my head, I don't hear the door open until Addie clears her throat. When I look up, I see her black eye—which is all colors of black and blue—a fat lip, and bruises around her neck. Assholes. She walks a bit stiff to the side table, but when I hear her soft chuckle it tells me I did the right thing. Chocolate and cake, how can you go wrong? Addie is rubbing her hands together like a little kid.

"Oh, this looks so delicious, Kitty. Thank you so much. You were right, that bath was just the thing I needed, though didn't realized how bruised I'm turning out to be. Look at this."

She opens up the robe that was on the back of the door and I gasp. Addie is covering her private area but all around her hand is really starting to bruise, which tells me one or both of the pricks felt her up without permission. I hope to Christ Shadow not only tortures those assholes but cuts their dicks off before she kills them. Then I gasp at how far left my thoughts took me. Damn, what's wrong with me?

I walk over to the table and help Addie sit down. Grabbing the carafe, I pour the hot chocolate in both mugs then shake up the whip cream and squirt some on top. Then to lighten the mood, I aim the nozzle and shoot some right on the tip of Addie's nose. She immediately starts to giggle before wiping it off and licking her finger. We cut both pieces of cake in half so we each can try both kinds. Guest that old saying great minds think alike is true.

There is not a word spoken as we both shove the cake into our mouths. I can feel my eyes getting huge because I can't tell which I like better. Looking over at Addie, she seems to have the same issue. When she's done, she leans back in the chair holding her stomach.

"Well, hot damn, that was just what the doctor ordered. I feel so much better, thanks, Kitty."

Just as I go to tell her no thanks needed; my phone vibrates. Looking at it, I see Dr. Malcolm's text telling me he's here and will wait downstairs. Such a great guy. I glance at Addie, who is watching me closely.

"Okay, no rush, just so you know, Dr. Malcolm is waiting to check you out downstairs. No, finish your hot chocolate. I'll text, telling him we'll be down in like ten minutes. Crap, that is if you want me to come with you. If not, I totally get it, sister."

She looks like she's going to cry so I reach over and grab her hand. She almost crushes mine.

"Kitty, will you please go with me? I mean I wasn't raped or anything, but my ribs are tender from that one guy punching me. And I have what looks like a blood blister next to my one nipple from the other one pinching me. Could you maybe stay with me while the doctor examines me? I would really appreciate it."

There is no way in hell I'm going to tell her no, so we sit, talking about nothing in particular while we finish our hot chocolate.

Did not expect such a thorough examination by Dr. Malcolm, but glad he did. Those dicks really put their hands and mouths on Addie. She had a couple of bite marks on her neck and shoulder. That large blood blister on her breast and her ribs are bruised. The bruises in her lady bits are going to be uncomfortable, but Dr. Malcolm gave Addie something to help her sleep tonight. He's going to check on her tomorrow to gauge her pain level. When she was being held by the brotherhood, they were giving her drugs, so Doc doesn't want to start something up that she is finally getting clear of. What he's giving her is more to relax her than something that is extremely strong. So once I help her after grabbing a T-shirt from the dresser, Addie gets into bed. She looks like a scared kid, so I sit next to her, talking about anything she wants 'til her eyes start to get heavy. Once she is out, I leave but have the en suite bathroom light on before closing her door.

Making my way downstairs, the front door opens and my club sisters start to make their way in, heading to the great room, so I follow them. Tink looks pissed, Glory seems distracted, and Peanut, Squirt, and Dotty seem to be dragging ass. Noodles takes a seat next to Tink, pulling her close. I don't say a word, just sit on one of the sectionals.

"Kitty, how's Addie doing? What did Dr. Malcolm say?"

I look to Glory, who seems to be really concerned, so I share what I know. When I'm done, I ask what happened to the two men and Tink groans out loud.

"Well, let me start with the Wooden Spirits is closed tomorrow and maybe the next day. I've got Dani, Kiwi, and Heartbreaker there now trying to clean up the mess Zoey made. Damn her, she never listens and is too quick to react. As far as those two imbeciles, they won't bother anyone ever again, I can say that. The rest I doubt you want to know, Kitty. I got a favor to ask. Know you, along with Squirt and Presley, have some company coming maybe tomorrow, but I need you to go to the Wooden Spirits and do a thorough cleaning. Use bleach, move everything to make sure there is no blood or crap anywhere. Yeah, she went nuts, like Zoey does sometimes, but they deserved it. Especially when the one ran his mouth on what he was going to do to Addie. Glad you were there, little sister, saved the new prospect some huge grief and pain."

My head jerks back at the compliment. I feel my shoulders lift up a bit while I give Tink a small smile as Glory walks by, patting me on the shoulder. Those words made me feel like I'm ten feet tall. Dang, my prez thinks I did a good job. She must see something in my face because she stands and walks toward me.

"Kitty, hey, look at me. Today is not the only day you've done something good. Listen and pay close attention, because we all think you are the shit, literally. Don't let the past dictate your future. What is it that singer you all like say? Something about the windshield being larger than the rearview mirror 'cause where you're heading is way more important than where you've been. Jelly Roll, right, that's what he said. Squirt just loves him and I've heard you listening to him too. So listen to those words because, sister, we have your back always."

Then she pulls me in and hugs me, and though she shorter than me, those arms of hers are pure steel.

After she lets go, she motions to Noodles, who stands and walks by me. He gives me knuckles on his way by and I just smile. Once they are gone, the rest of my club sisters make their way either to their room or cabin behind the ranch home. A few, like Glory, have to make a short trip to her and Yoggie's home.

As I make my way to my cabin, it dawns on me that I've not heard from Malachi since earlier today. I hope all is okay with him and his friends. Looking at my phone, I figure they won't be arriving until tomorrow since it's getting late. I almost text him but figure they are either exhausted from enjoying their downtime, or still having words between themselves. And since I'm beyond exhausted, once in the cabin I go to my bedroom and grab my nightshirt and get ready for bed. Tomorrow is another day.