Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Dallas

I'VE BEEN ON the phone all day long with the insurance company trying to get this situation figured out. So far, I don't believe they're going to pay for much of anything. I have a list of things I have to get and supposedly someone is going to come out to the clinic to take pictures and look around. That means I can't go in there and start cleaning up or anything right now because if I do, they won't have the evidence of what's been done. Since I'm trying to make sure they'll pay out for the damage, I have to leave everything alone. I've also gotta get in contact with Officer Hilton so I can get a copy of the report he's already filed even if the investigation is still ongoing. I'm so exhausted from dealing with the insurance company that I don't want to do anything else today. However, my dad called to let me know he's on his way home and that we need to talk once he gets here.

I'm sitting in the living room with Otis in my lap waiting for my dad. The TV isn't even on because I won't be able to pay attention to anything. I thought yesterday and last night were horrible as I tried to process everything that had happened. It's nothing compared to today though. Even though nothing happened to me, it feels as if I've been hit by a truck and my mind is filled with a constant haze that doesn't let me focus on anything for longer than a second or two. Right now, I barely register petting Otis. He's my older cat and so sweet. Otis is black with a few patches of white around his paws and one spot directly between his ears. My baby is purring as he sleeps in my lap trying to give me comfort.

When the front door opens, I practically jump off the couch because I've been lost in my head and didn't realize how much time has passed since my dad called me. Turning to face the doorway, I watch my dad make his way into the living room and take a seat on the couch next to me. He reaches out and pets Otis for a second before turning serious and looking at me.

"I've been in contact with the men I want protecting you, Dallas. We have to go to the Fallen Brethren clubhouse so they can let you know what's going to happen moving forward," my dad states as my heart starts racing and my breath stalls in my lungs.

"Um, why would we go there to find out what's gonna happen moving forward?" I question my dad, not fully understanding the situation.

"Because they're the ones who will be watching over you until we get this sorted out and figure out who's after you. It's the best solution right now because those men will put their lives on the line to protect you and they've got a huge compound to keep you protected in. There's always someone at the clubhouse and no one will be able to get to you with the security Hawk has installed to keep the club members, ol' ladies, and their kids safe from any threats," he answers me as his words float through my mind and I try to make sense of them.

I knew my dad had reached out to them in the past for help with a few problems in town. What I didn't realize is that he's close enough to the club to utilize them for my protection. The thought of Adam knowing what's going on with me and having to be around him makes my heart almost jump out of my chest. It's been six months of trying to forget him while also avoiding almost everything that the club owns or seeing them out in town during the day and night. If it weren't for Emmie taking me to Brothers for dinner and then out the other night, I wouldn't have stepped foot in the bar. She knows how I've been avoiding the possibility of running into Adam around town though so I'm not sure what the hell her thinking was when we went there.

"Are you sure this is the only option we have?" I ask him, looking down at Otis so I don't have to let him see the pain filling my eyes with the thought of seeing Adam in person for the first time.

"It's the only option, Dallas. I know you've told me about Adam and what happened with him. But I know he's a good man. If something bad happened between the two of you, maybe it's a matter of sitting down and talking about it. I won't ever force you to do anything you're not comfortable with, but in this case, I'm gonna have to say there's no other choice. We have to get to the clubhouse now so we can get all the details worked out," my dad says, his voice gentle as if I'm gonna run away from him and hide until I'm ready to face the situation.

"Okay. Let's go. Can I take my car? Or should I leave it here? I don't even know what to do anymore," I ask him, not sure if they'll even let me have my car at their compound.

"We'll ask them once we meet with them. Reaper is the President of the club and will make all the final decisions. They protect women and kids all the time and know the best course of action to take with this situation. Just remember that things might have to be adjusted if we figure out who the hell is after you," my dad says, lifting Otis off my lap and setting him in the corner of the couch so he can continue sleeping. "We'll have to make sure we tell them about your animals so you can take them with you."

Without a word, I get up from the couch, throw on a hoodie I stole from Emmie, and follow my dad out of the house. His driver, yes he has one, is waiting for us at the car he uses during the day. Getting in the backseat with my dad, I don't say anything as I look out the window and wait to get this journey started. My mind is flooding with possible scenarios about what it's gonna be like to see Adam for the first time. I don't get a chance to take in the scenery around us as we make our way through town and my dad doesn't try to talk to me on the ride to the compound on the outskirts of town.

Before I know it, we've pulled into the compound and my dad's driver is parking off to the side of the large warehouse-like building looming before us. I take it all in the best I can. Looking around the parking lot, I notice the row of bikes parked right in front of the building. They're all backed in and look amazing as the sun shines down on them before it disappears into the night sky. There's a few SUVs and trucks parked in the parking lot where the spaces for vehicles are.

"Come on, sweetheart. The sooner we figure out what the next steps are, the sooner we can get you settled into where you'll be staying for now," my dad says, leaning down into the car door and holding out his hand for me.

Taking his hand, I let him help me out before he leads me inside the building. I'm honestly not expecting it to look as inviting as it does. There's a few couches off to the left of me as I stand just inside the doorway of the building. A few TVs have been mounted to the wall and I take in a few women sitting together. Their attention turns to me the second the door closes and I turn away from them. These women are all gorgeous and the clothes they're wearing leave little to the imagination. I can't even begin to compete with them. To my right is a bar. A few guys are sitting there, talking amongst themselves as they also turn to see who's come into their territory.

"Mayor Parker, it's good to see you," a man says, walking out from a hallway directly in front of me. "Most of us are waitin' in our meetin' room already. Why don't you and Dallas follow me and we'll get all the fine details about this situation ironed out."

"Reaper. Thank you for your help in this matter," my dad says, placing his hand on the small of my back and gently pushing me forward as the men seated at the bar stand and follow us down the hallway.

We enter a large room and there are several men sitting in chairs. The man my dad called Reaper takes the chair at the head of the table and motions for us to sit in the two chairs opposite of him. I glance around the table until my gaze lands on Adam. While most of the men in the room look relaxed and like they don't have a care in the world, Adam appears as if he's coiled tight and ready to spring into action. His eyes are locked on me and a tremor runs through my body. He's fucking sexy as hell with his hair up in one of those man buns and his bright eyes taking in every inch of my body he can see.

"Okay, we all know why you're here. Dallas, has your dad told you anythin'?" Reaper asks me after hitting a gavel against the table.

I can't take my eyes from Adam as I answer him. "Yeah. He told me that your club was going to protect me until they figure out who's after me. I don't know what that means though. How will you protect me? Do I really have to stay here and not at my house? I have animals that I won't leave alone. So, if they can't be here with me, then I'll figure out another way to stay safe from whatever is going on."

"Your animals can come here with you. As long as Titan doesn't have a problem with that," Reaper says, his voice filled with amusement.

"I don't got a problem with her animals comin' with her," Adam says, his voice so much deeper than I thought it would be.

Holy fuck! A man with a deep voice has always been one of my weaknesses. Add in the tattoos, hair that looks so soft I want to run my fingers through it, and that sexy smirk now on his face and I'm in trouble.

"Wait. Why would it be up to him?" I ask, confusion filling me as I finally tear my gaze from Adam to look at Reaper.

"You'll be stayin' at his house with him. He's not good with you stayin' in the clubhouse so you'll be at his house. We'll have at least three full patch members and a Prospect with you there at all times. Titan will be there as often as he can dependin' on club business. We're gonna do everythin' to make sure you stay safe and no one can get to you," Reaper informs me, leaning back in his chair as if he's waiting to see how I'm going to react to that piece of information.

It's on the tip of my tongue to argue that I won't be staying with Adam. The smug look on his face tells me he's just waiting for me to open my mouth. Instead of telling them they can take their protection and shove it up their asses, I bite my lip to keep my mouth shut. Adam sees the movement and his eyes darken as lust and desire fill the blue depths that seem to stare directly into my soul. His eyes dart down to my lips repeatedly and I have to admit the need to kiss him fills me even if it's the worst time to be thinking about something like that.

"We've got the men on a schedule of who will be at the house with you. They'll follow you from the compound if you have to go anywhere. I'd prefer you to stay here as often as possible because once you leave the compound, there are just too many variables that can happen or things that can go wrong. We'll still protect you with everythin' we have, but it will be a lot harder. I know you'll have to go to the clinic to take care of business there. Once you get the clear from the insurance company, we can help you get things taken care of there. Most of the guys around you know construction work and can help you in any way you need," Reaper states, his voice remaining soft and gentle even though I can see the anger filling his eyes as he talks about my clinic.

"Okay. Am I able to have my car here?" I ask, needing to know how I'll get my things and animals here.

"Yeah. You're not a prisoner, Dallas. You're a guest here and will remain so for as long as it takes to get this situation resolved. We'll be workin' on our end to find out who's after you," Reaper says, a steel determination to his voice.

We go over a few more details and the entire time I can feel Adam's eyes on me. When everything has been said and all of my questions have been answered, Reaper hits the table once again and everyone stands from the table. Adam and three other men make their way over to my dad and me. They talk for a few minutes before we leave the room we're in and head back through the building toward the front door we came in. The men continue to follow us until they break off to head toward their bikes while my dad helps me back in his car. He seems pleased with the meeting and what will happen moving forward. I'm unsure because I don't know if I want to spend so much time with Adam in his house. That's not what I was expecting to happen and it's throwing me for a loop.

"Dallas, how much more do you need to pack?" Adam asks, walking into my bedroom where I'm loading up my second large duffle bag with clothes.

I have no clue what to take with me, so I'm packing a little bit of everything. Especially my most comfortable clothes. There won't be going out with Emmie in my future, but I still bring some clothes that I'd wear if we were going out somewhere.

"I don't know. I have no clue what to bring with me or what I'll be allowed to do while I'm at your compound. It's a lot of pressure because I know once we leave here tonight, I won't be able to just come and grab something if I've forgotten it. Plus, I've still gotta grab my computer, chargers, and my tablet so I can read," I tell him, not looking at him as I continue to rifle through my dresser to find clothes to pack.

"If you don't have a problem with me helpin', I can grab your electronics. Hawk will have to look them over to make sure this asshole after you hasn't installed any programs or trackin' devices when you weren't home. The less he knows about where you are, the better we'll be able to protect you," Adam says, his deep voice washing over me as he steps up close enough for me to feel his body heat warming me from head to toe.

"Um, yeah. You can grab all that stuff. It's over on my nightstand. There's a few extra charging cords in the top drawer of my nightstand," I tell him, my mind complete mush as I savor the feeling of safety that washes over me with Adam standing so close.

I've never felt like this around another person in my life. Nothing needs to be happening around us and I know deep into my soul that Adam would give his life to protect me. It's kind of overwhelming to think someone is willing to do that for me. I'm no one special and don't deserve anyone to lose their life just because mine is in jeopardy.

Adam soon leaves me behind and I hear him rifling through my drawer for the extra charging cables.

"Well, what do we have here?" he suddenly says as I whip around to find him holding my vibrator in his hand.

"What the fuck? Why would you pick that up?" I practically scream at him as I rush to his side and attempt to take it from him.

Adam lifts his hand straight up in the air and there's no way I can get to my toy now. He's so much taller than I am. My head barely comes to his chest. He's not standing close enough to the bed that I feel safe climbing on it and attempting to grab my toy from him.

"Uh huh. This is comin' with you, Dallas. There's nothin' wrong with havin' fun and addin' toys to the mix," he says as if he plans on having sex with me.

"That is just fine staying here. I can go a few weeks without needing to use it, Adam," I state, wanting to throw a temper tantrum because he's being ridiculous.

"Nah. I'm pretty sure it needs to go with us," he states, turning to grab the rest of the things he's already gathered from my drawer and nightstand. "Finish packin' up so we can go get your animals and car."

Adam loads everything up in the bookbag I have sitting on the edge of my bed before disappearing from my room. Frustration fills me because I know it's just a matter of time before I give into my desires and let him have his way with me. The feelings Adam makes me feel without even touching me are fucking addicting and I want to feel his hands running over my bare skin as he brings me levels of pleasure I've never felt before. Shaking my head, I feel my face heating up at the thought of him finding my vibrator and then packing it to take to his house. I can't even imagine what he plans on doing with it, but I'm pretty sure I want to find out.

Grabbing a few more things, I zip the duffle bag closed before picking them both up and leaving my bedroom behind. Walking through the house, I'm met by Tripp. He's a member of the club and apparently Adam's best friend. It's the guy Emmie's been seeing and he's remained close since we pulled up in front of my house. My dad is out in the car with a guy named Cash watching over him. Eagle is the other man in my house with us. Tripp takes the bags from my hands and gives me a smile.

"I know this shit is all overwhelmin', Dallas. We'll get it all taken care of as soon as we can so you can get back to your life. What else do you need to grab from here?" he tries to assure me to no avail.

"I have to get the animal's things and then I'm done. I'll throw the food and everything else out when I get back here. None of it will be good by then so there's no point in worrying about all that right now. I just want to get somewhere and lay down so I can process all of these changes," I tell him, blurting out more information than he even asked for.

"Okay. We'll get you there soon, Dallas. Grab what you need for your animals and we'll get Jay to load it all up in the SUV so it's there for you," Tripp says before leaving me in the hallway.

I turn to the room next to mine and find the door already opened. When I left to go to my dad's yesterday, I know I closed the door. Cautiously stepping up to the open door, I look inside to find Adam already gathering everything in the room. I don't really need to take everything, but he's loading it all up in the totes that were in the closet.

"We don't need to take all of this," I tell him, my voice barely a whisper as I take in his arms flexing with each movement.

"I want you and your babies to be comfortable at my house, Sweet Girl. So, we'll take everythin'," he states with a smile on his face as he turns to face me. "I'm gonna say right now, we need to talk about what happened and soon. I'm done waitin' for you, Dallas. You were mine the second we started messagin' and I'm gonna make sure everyone fuckin' knows that. I'll give you a little time to get on the same page, but this is gonna happen between us. Now, get whatever else you need from the house and don't worry about it bein' too much. I want your shit in my house."

I stand there stunned for a minute. My mouth opening and closing a few times before I finally turn and leave him to finish packing the animal's room up. Heading slowly toward my kitchen, I find Jay already there packing up everything from my refrigerator and freezer into bags. I offer him a small smile as I grab a bag and head to one of the cupboards where all of my baking things are. Baking is my stress relief and I have a feeling I'm going to be in the kitchen at Adam's house on a daily basis after the declaration he just made. Because that's exactly what just happened. Adam has made his intentions known when it comes to me and apparently I need to get on board with that.

"None of your food will go bad, Dallas," Tripp says, walking into the kitchen to help Jay and me finish gathering everything I want to take with me. "There's no point in you havin' to do extra work because of all this. Titan won't care about you takin' it to his house. I can guarantee his refrigerator and cupboards are empty right now. He hasn't stayed in the house a single day since it was built."

Tripp's admission floors me. That's not what I was expecting to hear. It shows me how little I truly know about the man I had so much fun talking to before everything happened. If he wants to talk, we can talk, but it's gonna be about more than just what happened that day we were supposed to meet. If he's declaring me as his, then he better get ready to open the hell up and share more personal details with me.