Chapter 1

Tav

" T av! Beer me!"

My little sister slaps her hand on the bartop, not looking in the least bit worried that she and her gang were in a fight with the bunnies and raided by police strippers. She's not even looking in my direction, her attention on her "girl gang" who are now trying to twerk on the dance floor, seeming as unbothered as their fearless leader.

Grabbing a cold one, I pop off the top and slide it across the shiny wooden bartop.

"Happy little sis?" Dayz, or Chewy, as her cut states, turns to look at me. "Are you kidding? Look at all these peeps we have now."

"Did you just use the word peeps?" I smirk at her as she frowns back.

"Yes. Because I am very eloquent and have many formal and informal words at my disposal." She waves a hand at me when I snort at her answer.

She opens her mouth to say something else, then thinks twice. She looks at me, really looks at me. Her eyes hold mine, which is unlike her. Tilting her head, she squints a little.

"You're happy," she says it like a statement rather than the question that I asked.

"Yeah Dayz, I'm happy. This place, these people, I dunno. They're like the cousins we never had or something," I say, shrugging.

"Exactly! I'm glad I got them for us." She swipes her beer off the bar top and badly dance walks back to her girls, as a laugh bursts out of me.

My brothers and I never would have imagined that when we came to the compound in search of our little sister all those months ago, we would end up part of the DRMC family. And yet here we are. Dayz is in love with the VP, Rhodie; Gus found a woman to put up with his annoying anal-retentive personality, and Jules, well, he's in swinger heaven with Fox, Nitro, and the bunnies. Even Pops has managed to find a good woman. Then there's me. I'm happy. I have my family, and my new brothers in the MC, but I can feel something is missing. A little pixie woman that's had me in knots since the day I laid eyes on her.

9 Months Ago

The lift doors slide open revealing, inch by inch, a beautiful face attached to an equally beautiful body. Short, probably around my sister's height, with curves for days. I just know she would be soft and warm in my arms.

"Did you get eyes for Christmas?" her sweet voice says, black brow raised.

My eyes dart over her face. Dark eyes, thick lush lips, heart-shaped face topped with short, black hair in one of those pixie cuts hot alternative girls have. Like this one. I stare at her a moment longer before her words work their way through my addled brain.

"Wait, did you just ask if I got eyes for Christmas?"

"It was that or telling you to take a picture. It'll last longer." She shrugs, and I can see the corners of her lips tip up.

I'm about to shoot back a witty comeback when the lift dings and the doors start to slide, me on one side, and the beautiful pixie on the other giving me a finger wave as they close. Shit! She didn't even try to keep them open for me. Looking up, I can see she's two floors up. Taking off down the hall to the stairwell, I take them two at a time, burst through the fire exit, hit the lift button, and wait for the lift to arrive, the doors sliding open just as I suck in a breath. I want to be impressive. Rebut her smart mouth with an equally smart answer of my own, with a full breath. Not huffing like an obscene phone caller.

The doors slide open, revealing her to me again. This time, her head is down as she's scrolling her phone, but then she realizes that she's not alone. Her eyes start from my feet and slowly travel my body before her gaze lands on mine. A smile stretched across her lush mouth.

"Well, seeing as you ran two flights of stairs, do you want to join me?" She steps out of the lift and walks past me in her heels that make her ass look phenomenal and her hips sway just right.

"You know, you shouldn't ask strange men to follow you. It isn't safe." I keep my distance a little. I may not be as big as my brothers, but I'm still a fuck ton bigger than the pixie in front of me.

"Pshhh. I know who you are. Tav Tombs, one of the four Tombs Security owners. I was at your presentation. I would love to pick your brain one day, but I've got one more night on my own before I head home to Rose Grove and my kids. If I want to have sex this year, hell, this decade, then you and your obvious interest fit the bill." She gives me another once over, one hand on her hip, the other holding the door handle to her room. Her gaze stops at my thickening length, her tongue coming out to sweep that full bottom lip that I want to suck on.

Now, I'm no prude, however the hottest woman I've ever seen is asking me to follow her into her room so she can use my cock and I feel a little weird about that.

"Look, Pixie, I'm down if you're down, but let's take it slow. Get to know each other. You know a lot about me. I know nothing about you." I hold my hands up, letting her see that I'm serious about getting to know her.

Her eyes narrow before she rolls them and then huffs out a breath. She turns to walk through her door, with me following close behind, her mumbling, "Great. The hottest guy I've ever seen wants to get to know me."

She dumps her giant handbag on a chair, throws her room key card on a built-in desk, and huffs again. OK, maybe she's a little stressed. I know exactly how to help her.

Standing behind her, I lean down, sucking on the exposed column of her long neck. She lets out a hiss before turning to me, staring into my eyes, wrapping her hands around my neck and pulling me in close enough for her to latch her lips onto mine. Her tongue pushes between my lips, sliding along mine, dueling, tangling, tasting; angling my head where she needs it. She's a fucking firecracker.

Without unlatching her lips, she jumps, trusting me to catch her, her plump ass landing in my waiting hands. She rubs her core against me, her hands gripping me, before she pulls back, her eyes hooded, pupils blown.

"We should slow down a little, maybe get to know one another?"

"Fuck that gentleman shit. I need your cock. I'll talk after that."

With that, she grips my shirt in her hands and pulls, tearing it open, buttons flying every fucking where. She latches onto my neck, under my beard, sucking, hard. Fuck! Looks like we're not taking this slow.

Turning, I throw her on the bed, her small body bouncing once, a small grunt escaping her. Before I can ask if she's OK and apologize for getting a little rough, she starts stripping, fast. By the time I remove my trousers, she's on the bed, her legs spread wide, fingers in her pussy.

She has her eyes on my cock and I've never felt more desired than I do now. That could be a girly thing to say, but shit, she looks like she wants to devour my dick and I'm very, very happy about that.

"I need your cock. NOW." she pulls her fingers from her core, swirling her cream around her clit, letting me see how wet she is.

Pulling a condom from my wallet, I tear the wrapper with my teeth, pinch the end and roll the sheath over my length to the base. Kneeling on the bed, I bat her hand out of the way, face plant into the wet curls at the top of her cunt, and inhale her sweet scent.

Before I can get my mouth on that pretty pussy, her hands grip my ears and none too gently pull me up.

"No time. Get that fat dick inside me now!" She pulls me roughly toward her, slamming her lips on mine while her hips wind, seeking my cock.

With our tongues and teeth clashing, I line myself up with her sopping wet hole, notch my dick at her entrance, and push in slowly, letting her get used to the feel of me. As with this whole interaction, she has other ideas, grabbing my ass cheeks and pulling me toward her at the same time she thrusts up. We both groan in unison, her tight pussy squeezing me like a fist, making my balls draw up in anticipation.

Resting my weight on my elbows, I pull out before I start pumping in earnest. I wish I could go slower, but all her demands and moans, her "mores" and "harders" have me losing my mind. We'll go slow next time. Pushing myself up and off her, I lean back on my knees, grabbing her ass in my hands, angling her up as I fuck up into her. She's thrashing on the bed now, her arousal dripping down my knees onto the sheets. Two more thrusts have her shaking hard as she screams my name. Three more thrusts have me unloading into the latex, wishing I was filling her up instead.

Collapsing next to the most beautiful pixie, my cock slips free of her tight confines. I take in her flushed cheeks, her chin pink from my beard and rough kisses, and her dark shining eyes.

Her eyes twinkle as she holds her hand out to me.

"Blanche Landry. Pleasure to meet you."

"Tav, Jimmy says there's a bunch of kids at the gate asking for you," Rhodie calls out, his phone against his chest, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Thank god I'm behind the bar, otherwise every brother would see my boner and I'd end up with "Bones" or "Woody" as my road name or something.

Frowning, I glance at the time.

"They asked for me?" pointing to myself in case Rhodie has gotten me confused with someone else. He's great and loves my sister, and because of that fact, I'm unsure how clever the man actually is.

"You're the only fucking Tav Tombs we've got, dickhead."

"He say how many?" Checking my messages I see nothing to note. Pulling up my tracking app, I check to see where my girl is. I'm not surprised to find she's turned her phone off.

"Four kids, ranging in size from Jovie to small man sized."

My lips twitch. Jimmy, the prospect who does gate duty, has a fun way with words. "I know them. I'll go out."

"Prospect," Marx barks, "It's 9 p.m. Kids asking for you at this time means they need help. Rhodie, get Jimmy to bring them in."

Rhodie nods and says something into his phone. All the brothers are looking at me. So is the girl gang, but they look more nosey than anything.

"How do you know these kids, Tav?"

"I've been kinda dating their mom."

"Wait, the skittish woman?" Gus asks. That is most definitely not how I would describe Blanche. My siblings have respected my wishes of not looking into her, even though I know he and Jules have been concerned about my girl not wanting to be all in with me. But there are reasons for that, and they're not mine to share.

The door swings open and Jimmy walks through, ushering the kids in.

"Tav!" Cove yells out, running up to me. I pull her into my arms instinctively, her brother Elio crowding my legs.

Niko steps closer to his sister Sage, shielding her from view while eyeing up my club brothers.

"Hey, it's OK. You're safe here. This is my club Pres, Marx," I tell Niko while indicating.

Marx steps forward and smiles gently at the teens. He's met with a scowl from Sage.

"The rest of the men here are my club brothers. Their wives and girlfriends are over at that table." I point to the girl gang. Thankfully, they've settled down.

Ten minutes earlier and the kids would have walked into their brawl with the bunnies. I'm not sure what's going to happen with them, but seeing as they were scrapping with Dayz and Nat, two Ol Ladies, it wouldn't surprise me if they get the boot. The girl gang smiles and waves at the kids, like nice ladies. Little do the kids know.

"Tell me what's going on."

Niko eyes everyone before setting his dark eyes on mine. "Mom went hunting. She told us to come here and ask for you if she wasn't back in 12 hours. She said you'd keep us safe."

"She's damn right. Nothing is going to happen to you, OK?" I look down at Elio, hugging my legs, letting my free hand rest on his head.

The girl gang gets to their feet, Nat taking the lead. "We'll get rooms set up. One for the boys, one for the girls." Marx gives them a nod and I shoot them a smile in thanks as they all traipse off down the hall, whispering about how cute the kids are.

"Can you tell us what your mom was hunting for, kid? We can get a group together. Some of us are ex army search and rescue. We'll find her." Judge says, gently, quieting his gruff voice a little.

The older kids, Niko and Sage, stare at me, unsure how to answer Judge. Tipping my head at them that it's safe to tell these men, Sage turns to look at Judge.

"It's not what she's hunting. It's who."

"What the fuck?" echoes around the room.

"OK, kid. Who is your mom hunting?" Marx asks, being infinitely more patient than I'm used to.

Niko looks at me before looking at Marx. "Royal Landry."

"The prophet's brother?" Wire asks. I know he and Remy have been watching the family closely since finding out that Hammer is working alongside them and their trafficking business.

"Tav, who have you been dating?"

Snuggling Cove closer to me, I look at my brothers before setting my gaze on Marx.

"Blanche Landry. She's going to be my Ol Lady."

"What!?"

I expected that from Marx. But not from the chorus of voices that joined him.

"What?" I ask, looking around the room. Gus, as per usual, is looking like he's going to have a heart attack. Dayz and her girls are back, looking excited. Probably wanting to add another woman to their gang. Niko looks pissed, of course, I mean, it's his mom I just claimed. Marx looks, well, he looks like he usually looks, just with squintier eyes. How the hell does Dayz put up with him looking at her like that?

"Let me take the kids and show them their rooms, and you sort, whatever this is, ne ?" Mama Debs' hand on my shoulder gives a little squeeze before she steps around me, holding her hands out for Cove, taking her from my arms. Her brother Elio untangles himself from my legs and follows Mama Debs like she's the Pied Piper. Even the older kids stop scowling and follow her.

Everyone's eyes follow the kids out of the room before they all turn on me.

"Tav, do you want to explain what the fuck is going on?" Gus says in the measured tone he uses with Dayz.

"I think the prospect made it very clear," Marx says, his arms crossed over his chest. "He's claimed Blanche Landry as his Ol Lady. The same Blanche Landry who got rid of Valor Landry, Hammer's business partner, leaving us on the back foot. Blanche Landry, who Tav told us was just a friend."

"Very, very good friends by the sounds of it," Pops loudly whispers to Rider, nudging him with his elbow, both giggling at the joke.

"OK. I should have come clean then, but she's got a lot going on and wants to wait a little before seeing where our relationship is going." I drift off, not wanting the whole MC to pity me. Or worse, give me shit about it. "But my claim still stands. One day Blanche is going to be my Ol Lady and, as is laid out in the bylaws, Ol Ladies will be protected by the MC. I joined for the camaraderie and brotherhood." I swallow. "And I'm hoping that if shit hits the fan, I'll have you all by my side if I have to go to hell and bring her back to me."

Glancing at my family, Gus, Jules, and Dayz, they all nod in unison. Looking back at my DRMC family, the brother's faces give away nothing. Stoic until Marx makes his decision. He's a big bastard, and his narrowed eyes are making me wonder if my bowels are strong enough to get through the next few minutes.

"She's an unknown from a fucked up family, a family trafficking god knows what with Hammer. What's to say we can trust her? You know as well as I do that family ties are strong."

"She hates them. Hates them all. Why the hell do you think she's hunting them?"

Our heads turn to the angry voice in the hall, Niko standing there, his fists clenched. At 17 years old, he still has a teenager's body, not quite filled out just yet, lanky arms and legs, nothing to be scared of. However, the fire in his eyes says something different. I've seen that look before, on his mother's face. I'm guessing so has Marx, because he tilts his head as he assesses Niko, then gives him a nod.

"Alright then. Blanche Landry is your Ol Lady, Tav." Marx nods once, effectively dismissing me to handle Niko on my own.

"Are you alright, Niko? Do you or the younger ones need anything?" I ask, stepping toward him, ready to help if I can.

He shakes his head at me, a frown permanently etched into his face. "Mom called. The hunt turned into a rescue. She'll be back tomorrow morning. I'll pack them up early, get them home, and off to school." He looks to Marx and the brothers. "Thank you for having us. We'll be out of here first thing." He nods before turning on his heel and walking out of the room.

"You regretting calling Ol Lady on his mom yet?" Rider says with a smirk, "That kid doesn't look like he's gonna take it easy on ya."

"He'll come around when he sees how much I care for his mother," I answer, shrugging at him. It's not him I have to worry about. It's his mother when she finds out that I've claimed her.

Pops claps his hands loudly. "I can not WAIT to see how this shit plays out."

Blanche

I twist my wrist to illuminate my smartwatch, checking both the time and my steps. I blew straight over my 10,000 step target today. With all that exercise, I definitely deserve a little treat later. It's been 12 and a half hours since I kissed my kids goodbye and left the relative safety of Rose Grove. A quick drive across state lines into this forgotten part of Louisiana and now I'm sitting in my car waiting for my contact. I had started my day tracking my dear old uncle, and then spending a little time around the perimeter of Eden's Keep looking for weak spots. Using my intel, I had planned to rid the world of Royal Landry tonight, but instead, I got an SOS call to help.

I get the biggest urge to message Niko, to check in and make sure he got the kids to Tav, but I know my boy and he knows what he needs to do. Even if he leaned into that stubbornness he got from me; his sister would make sure he did as he was told. Get them all to Tav. To safety.

Sighing as my thighs clench instinctively at just the thought of Octavius Tombs, I think back to the first time I laid eyes on him. He thinks it was at the conference 9 months back. For me, it was perhaps two years ago. He stood up there on the stage with his brothers, listing the different security measures mere mortals can afford to install before getting to the good stuff. The stuff that private investigators like me need. The light shone down on his deep olive skin, black hair flopping over his brow, his beard impeccably trimmed and lined up. He was beautiful, and since then I've always zeroed in on his pretty face at trade shows and conferences.

Until 9 months ago, when my short, curvy mom body caught his attention, and I bedded him in a way that I had never done before. Aside from my very short-lived marriage and three one-night stands, it's been me and the kids. Team Landry.

My earpiece picks up rustling coming from somewhere deep in the copse of trees I'm parked next to. Pulling my night vision goggles into place, I look into the wood at two people walking toward me. I can tell by the shape of their clothing that they aren't a threat. It's hard to attack someone when you're wearing a full-length dress and carrying all your worldly possessions.

Sliding my goggles up onto my head, I open my door, step out from my car, and hustle my way toward them both. The fear on their faces subsides when they see it's me, and not someone from the compound sent to bring them back.

"Blanche?" A voice softly calls as they close the distance between us. I have two contacts within the Keep. Justice, my male contact, and Loyal. The irony behind her name never ceases to amuse me.

"I'm here," I call out, and I can see the nerves leave their footsteps as they pick up the pace.

Loyal and I share a quick embrace before I step back and look at the woman with her, her wide eyes staring at me. She looks young and like she's going to crap her pants at any moment. Even though I grew up in the same environment as her and have a gaggle of kids, I never was, nor never will be, gentle in my approach to anything.

"Hey, I'm Blanche. What's your name?"

She stares at me for a moment, her bottom lip quivering before she swallows. "L-lovely. Lovely Landry."

"Of course it is," I mumble to myself, although judging by her questioning look, I'm sure she heard me. "Which one of those fuckers is your father?"

She takes a step back, obviously not used to women swearing. Well, she better buckle up. We have a two-hour car ride to get through.

"Um," Her eyes dart to Loyal who jerks a nod in her direction. "The Prophet. Mercy Landry is my father."

"Is he dead yet?"

"Um, no. He's being so brave and hanging in there. God has blessed him with more time." I answer with a snort. If God existed, he wouldn't have chosen Mercy Landry to do shit for him. "If you don't mind me asking, who are you exactly?" Lovely asks in her quiet voice.

Letting out a deep breath, I square my shoulders and look at the woman I'm going to spirit away, taking her to a new life free from marrying old men whose saggy balls don't work.

"Luckily for you, I'm your big sister and I'm here to take you somewhere better. Somewhere gray pubes won't touch you."

"Um, thank you?" Lovely says while looking mighty nervous.

Loyal doesn't ease her fears either. She knows this is for the best. She just hands over a bag of stuff to me before looking at Lovely, giving her a quick squeeze, and leaving back the way she came.

Taking that as our cue to move, I heft up Lovely's things and lead the way out of the woods. Because Lovely has grown up with Mercy as her prophet, I know she won't speak again until she's spoken to. It's how girls are raised under his regime. It didn't work with me, obviously, but according to Mercy, that's the Devil's fault.

Growing up in Eden's Keep wasn't all that bad. I was from my father's first family, the youngest and only daughter, after three brothers. In the beginning, it was a place for like-minded people to congregate. My father was a God-fearing man. He read the scriptures and wanted to build an Eden on Earth, where people could live according to the Bible. Helping thy neighbor, working the land and living off its bounty. Then, my mother died. Whatever held my father together snapped. He started having "visions". Visions that God was speaking directly to him, wanting him to be his prophet, helping people to lead a good life, a godly life.

Obviously, that also meant becoming a bigamist and sexual predator. Between him and my uncle, Eden's Keep turned into what could only be called a cult. Gullible people looking for a place to belong soon came in their droves, thanks to my uncle Royal Landry's proselytizing. Next came the young wives and then came getting rid of my brothers. I mean, The Prophet can't have all the women if his young, virile sons are around, can he? They all got dumped on the streets to fend for themselves and I got married off.

The mewl of a baby drifts through my bitter thoughts, stopping me in my tracks.

"What was that?"

"What was what?" Lovely whispers back.

Mewling sounds out again, this time with snuffles and a little cry. Spinning to look at Lovely, I notice the pile of fabrics she is holding in her hands is moving.

"Lovely. Is that a baby?"

Tears pool in her eyes, and she sniffles. "Please, even if you don't take me with you, please take my baby. I - I can't have her there. I've got to save her."

Stepping closer, I peer into the swaddle Lovely is holding and stare down into wide eyes that mirror her mother's.

"Who is her father, Lovely?"

"R-royal Landry."

Looking closely at Lovely, I take in her features. She's not much taller than I am. Full curves, although that could be because she has recently had a baby. Black hair, heart-shaped face. Pretty in a severe type of way. And young. Exactly Royal's type. Lovely will be the fifth girl I've transported out of Eden's Keep with a baby belonging to Royal. Who knows how many are still in there, waiting for the kind of love they dreamed about as girls, only to find that Royal Landry is a monster. The baby snuffles again, putting my thoughts on the back burner for about the 50th time tonight, and drawing my attention back to the matter at hand.

"How old is she?" I ask, reaching out a finger to run it over the baby's soft cheek.

"Three days. Royal doesn't know she's been born yet. It's not his day to visit."

Well, that and he's been a little busy selling women.

"Come on, we better get you both strapped in and warm. We'll figure out what to do when we get home."

"Um, where is home?"

"Home for me is Rose Grove, a few hours from here. You're not going there though. It's too close to the Prophet and the rest of those assholes. I'm taking you to my brothers who will transport you further away from Eden's Keep and Royal Landry. Don't worry, you're safe with us."

Turning on my phone to see missed messages from the kids and Tav, I quickly reply to Niko to let him know I'm safe. I have a rescue with me and I'll be home as quick as I can. He replies that they're all safe and well and he'll get the kids off to school. That's not his job, it's mine. If I drive nonstop, I'll be back at first light and tell him so, but he says not to worry and then calls me an old lady. Little shit. Typing that he's a smart ass, I hit send and then lean back against the headrest, letting out a sigh.

"You two OK back there?" I turn to look over my shoulder, checking in on Lovely. She still looks fucking terrified, but her baby suckling at her seems to have calmed her nerves.

"Yes, we're OK. Little miss was just hungry," she gazes down at her daughter, a soft smile on her face.

"What's her name?" I ask, turning to face forward, starting the engine and turning the heater on to warm up.

"Um, I haven't named her yet. I was waiting for Royal, but I-I heard some bad things about him from the other wives. How, he, um, he won't wait for you to heal before he takes his husbandly rights. I-I had a hard delivery, and I didn't think I would be able to, um, service him. I went to ask for help from one of the older women, but then I, um, I," She cuts off abruptly, tears in her eyes and her chest heaving, as if on the verge of a panic attack.

"Lovely! Name 5 things you can see," my voice stern with the command.

"You, the trees, my baby, my favorite embroidery, and your yellow handbag."

By the time she's finished rattling this off, her breathing is back to normal. Huh, that was fast. Maybe she's stronger than I gave her credit for?

"OK, Lovely, can you tell me what happened when you went to find an older woman for help?" I soften my voice as much as I can, but I have a feeling whatever she's going to say is going to piss me off.

She nods miserably. "I overheard her saying to another woman that Royal will be so happy with our new baby girl. He's been stressed because he has a buyer, but the other wives had given birth to boys. They, um, they said he's going to sell my daughter. I had to leave. I had to!"

That motherfucker. And all those motherfucking women, complicit in his schemes. I need them on my list.

"Lovely, when we get to my brothers, I need you to write the names of the women. I'll sort this all out."

Her eyes well up again as she whispers a thank you, looking back down at her baby. I jump when the phone in my hand vibrates, giving me such a fright that instead of screening the call, I answer it immediately.

Tav's smooth "Hey Pixie, you safe and sound?" drifts over the speaker. Like magic, the tension I had been holding in my shoulders melts out of me at the sound of his voice.

He's been calling me that since we spent the last night of the conference wrapped around each other. Since that night, where I saw Heaven and little baby Jesus at the behest of Tav Tombs, he's been there. First, it started off with little messages here and there. Then lunch dates, until he graduated to meeting the kids and coming to dinner now and then. I guess you could call it dating, if dating was done in slow motion thanks to work and kid schedules. Whatever you want to call it, I liked it. Tav was more than a man I was seeing; in the months since we'd met he'd become my best friend. Then Mercy got sick and my plans to rid the world of Eden's Keep got bumped up the timeline a little. Meaning I had to pull the plug on what Tav and I had growing. I can't drag him into my plans, expose him to the darkness in me. I need to protect him.

"I'm safe and sound. The kids?"

"All tucked up in bed. You know I'd keep them safe."

Knowing that they're safe with Tav helps any residual tension I was holding dissipate. "Thank you, Tav."

"Pshh, think nothing of it, sweetheart. I told you I'm here for the good, the bad, and all the in-between. When you're ready."

Instead of answering him, I decide to change the subject. I have a mission.

"My job took a turn. Instead of reaching my target, I have two packages to deliver to my brothers, then I'll head home. I've told Niko -"

"Pixie, it's good. Niko has told me what's happening. You won't need to be home until just before school finishes. Take a nap at your brothers' and stay safe. We've got your back."

Chewing my bottom lip, I worry about leaving the kids at an MC, then remember that DRMC are the good guys. I've done my research. I know they're good men. Far better than most of the men I grew up with.

"You're sure?"

"I got this. Go do your thing and I'll see you tomorrow. Be safe, sweetheart."

"Be safe," I whisper back to him before ending the call.

"Wow, your husband sounds great," Lovely says gently, with a sad smile on her face.

"He's not my husband. He's just a friend."

"Well, you're lucky to have a man like that in your corner."

"Yeah, I am," I reply, almost as if to myself before letting out a sigh, putting the car into gear and checking my mirrors. "Right, let's get you and your baby somewhere safe."