Chapter 28

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Nevaeh

I kept quiet about Hannibal having a daughter. Even if I wanted to say something, the shock rendered me mute. I can’t picture it, and I’m too much of a chickenshit to bring it up with the man himself. Not that he’s been around much.

I haven’t seen Lola since the day she arrived last week, so my guess is he’s keeping busy with her.

The only thing I do know is that after agreeing to be the new president of Havoc’s old chapter, church had been called every day to discuss the future for both clubs. I’m not privy to all the details, but I noticed Amity looking at me with wide eyes after G pulled her into the corner and whispered in her ear for five minutes. When she came to tell me that Hannibal is going to be president, I noticed she didn’t mention Millie, so I keep that to myself, admitting that I already knew the rest.

“What happened to hoes before bros ?”

“I’m one rung above a virgin. I haven’t reached hoe status yet.”

“Good point.” She nods, eyeing my plate of food. I take a bite of my burger before sliding the plate toward her.

“Fries before, guys?”

She takes a handful with a grin. “Works for me.”

“I don’t know why you didn’t just order yourself a side of fries to go with your salad.”

“I’m filming a commercial next week, remember?”

“You could eat fries every day for a week, and you’d still be in better shape than anyone in here.”

“You’re a bad influence on me, Pippin.”

I use my finger to draw an invisible halo around my head while batting my lashes at her. She throws a ketchup-covered fry at me, hitting my cheek. I peel it off and eat it because, hello, it’s a fry.

“What time are you leaving anyway?”

I wipe the sauce from my face before I look at my watch. “In an hour. The plan was originally to travel there and back tomorrow, the day of the signing. But Havoc decided last minute that we might as well go early and stay overnight so we don’t run into any delays.”

“Aww, sweet.”

“Hmm…”

“What do you mean hmmm? The man is taking you away for a night of dirty shenanigans, and you’re complaining?”

“I’m not complaining. Have you seen my man? My point is that being here doesn’t exactly stop the shenanigans. Biker, remember? He wouldn’t think twice about doing me over the pool table if he thought I’d let him. Until he realized everyone could see me, he’d get all snarly.”

“Sounds like Havoc.” She grins.

“It’s not that, though. He’s just been…not off but…I don’t know how to explain it. Like he’s planning something, maybe?”

She doesn’t dismiss me like I’m nuts. She thinks about it, a small crease between her eyebrows.

“Hmm…”

“See, that’s what I said.”

“Maybe it’s just everything with the other club. Plus, G told me there was a break-in at The Lookout a few days ago. Someone showed up wearing a Ravens cut. If it wasn’t for the fact that Jimmy is friendly with the club and comfortable calling Havoc to find out what the fuck is going on, we could have had the police at our door.”

“You’re probably right. It all feels so childish after the shootout. A part of me almost hopes they make their move already. I’m tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

“I hear you. We’ve barely recovered from the crap with my stalker, and now this. I must be getting old because all I want is some peace and quiet.”

“I’m surprised we haven’t taken the offensive.”

“Being the mother chapter means we are held to a higher standard. The other clubs have to see that we’re not overreacting or overstepping. We have a whole lot of hearsay right now and not a whole lot of proof. Can’t take out the top two members without concrete evidence, not without turning the other clubs against us.”

I lean back and rub my food baby as I let her words sink in. “I guess you’re right. That reminds me, did you get things sorted with the insurance company?”

“Eventually, yes.”

After taking in the damage the RV had sustained, Amity decided to scrap it and get a regular car now that we were both living with our men anyway.

“They tried stalling and calling my bluff. But I have special insurance on account of it not just being my home but often on a movie set where weird things can happen. No point paying premium dollars for something like that if they’re going to be dicks. Anyway, I managed to persuade them it was in their interests to just write me the damn check and be done with it. And finally, they agreed.”

“Good, that’s one less thing to worry about.”

A loud whisper has us both looking up to see G waving for Amity to join him.

“Looks like I’ve been summoned.” She rolls her eyes. “Not that I’m complaining. I’m so ready to get this thing off.” She waves the cast around. “I’ll see you when you get back tomorrow. Bring me back some swag.”

“Will do.”

She gives me a quick hug before heading over to join him. With a groan, I get to my feet and stretch.

Feeling a little sick, I walk to the bar and get a bottle of water from Dice, who is working there today. I unscrew the cap and take a sip of the cool liquid before holding it to my head.

Legs comes and sits beside me with a frown on her face. “You okay?”

“Think I over ate. Though saying that, I’ve felt sick on and off for the last few days.”

She presses her hand to my forehead. “You don’t feel hot. Any other symptoms?”

“Just being tired. But then things have been hectic as hell around here.”

She looks at me oddly before taking my hand and urging me to accompany her.

“Where are we going? I’m leaving for the signing soon.”

“This won’t take long.”

I stare at her, bemused, and let her to lead me into the clinic. She lets go of my hand and rummages in one of the drawers for a moment before dragging me to the restroom.

“Okay take this and go pee on it.”

I look down at the pregnancy test in my hand and blink.

“Think about it. You’ve been feeling sick and tired, and something tells me the last thing on Havoc’s mind when he’s with you is protection. You tend to make him love dumb. It’s cute and kind of sickening.”

“Hey now.” I laugh, taking the pregnancy test when she presses it against my chest.

“Off you go.”

“While Havoc appears to have somewhat of a breeding kink, he clearly doesn’t realize that inexperienced doesn’t mean uninformed. I’m on the pill, and I haven’t missed one. I’m not pregnant.”

“When was your last period?”

“I can’t remember. But before you say anything, my periods are always irregular.”

“The pill is not foolproof. Take the damn test, woman.”

“I’m not taking the test.”

She grabs another one and pulls me into the restroom. Before I know what she’s doing, she pulls down her underwear, sits on the toilet, and rips open the packaging with her teeth. She maneuvers herself until she can pee on the stick before my brain comes online again, and I turn around.

“See, it’s that simple.”

“If I agree to take the test, will you leave me to pee in peace?”

“You’ll do it?”

“Uh-huh. Mostly because I’m scared you’ll pin me down and tickle me until I pee so you can do the test for me.”

She chuckles before flushing the toilet and shuffling around me so she can squeeze out the door.

I shake my head and pee to the sound of Legs washing her hands.

“How the heck did you make this look so easy?” I grumble, only just missing peeing on my hand.

“I’m bendy.”

I walk out of the stall and place the test on the counter beside hers. I wash my hands and lean against the wall.

“Says you have to wait for three minutes.”

“I told you, I’m not pregnant. My stomach always acts up when I’m stressed out. With everything going down with the other club and my dad, I swear my head is ready to explode.”

“Well, if you’re right, then this will just be a tiny blip you can forget about. But it’s better safe than sorry.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

She’s quiet for a minute before she grins. “So Havoc has a breeding kink, huh?”

I cover my face and groan. “The man is ridiculous. I’ve heard everything from ‘you can’t get pregnant standing up’ to ‘you can’t get pregnant in the bath because the water is too hot.’ I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be insulted or amused that he thinks he’s pulling the wool over my eyes.”

“Why not just tell him you’re on the pill?”

“Now, where’s the fun in that?”

She shakes her head and chuckles. “Sounds like he might not be the only one with a breeding kink.”

I feel my face flush and swiftly change the subject. “Amity tells me you’ve found a place?”

“Yeah. I’ve put a deposit down, and I’m just waiting for all the checks to come back. Then I can move in. The previous tenant had to relocate in a hurry due to a sick family member needing help, so they’re looking to get someone in as soon as possible.”

“Oh, I’m happy you found somewhere. You’ll invite me over, right? I’m nosy and don’t want you to forget us when you leave.”

“Fat chance of that. For now, I’ll still be working at the pawn shop.” Her smile drops at the mention of that.

“Things still not right with you and Midas?” I venture.

“It’s complicated.”

“It always is.”

She looks at her watch before reaching for the test, her eyes widening before she grins.

“Ha, I told you you were pregnant.” She shoves the test in my face before doing a little jig. “I’m so happy for you. I get to be honorary aunt, right?”

I stare down at the two pink lines and swallow.

“Nevaeh?”

“This isn’t my test Legs. It’s yours.”

She looks at me like I’m joking, but the grin slips off her face when she sees my expression. She snatches the test from me and stares at it in shock for a minute before she tosses it on the counter. She grabs the remaining unopened ones she dumped on the counter when she dragged me in. She carries them to the toilet and closes the door.

I stand there, not knowing what the hell to say. I double-check my actual test and blow out a relieved breath that mine is negative, even though I knew it would be. I chew my lip and wait for Legs to come out. When the toilet flushes and she still doesn’t come out, I realize she’s staying there while she waits for the results.

Five minutes later, still nothing.

I walk into the adjacent stall, climb onto the toilet seat, and stand on tiptoes so I can look over.

Legs is on the floor with her knees pulled up to her chest. Her eyes are laser-focused on the test in her hand. Her hand is shaking so much I’m surprised she can see what it says.

“Legs?”

She looks up at me in a daze. “I’m pregnant?” It sounds like a question, even though the proof is in front of her.

“It looks that way. Maybe we should make a doctor’s appointment just to make sure.”

She nods mutely as her eyes fill with tears.

“Let’s get you out of here, okay?”

“Okay.”

I climb down and hurry around to her door, tapping it lightly. I hear her moving before the door opens.

Legs is called legs for a reason. She towers over me, and her legs are where most of her height comes from. But that doesn’t stop her from throwing herself into my arms.

I steady myself so we don’t end up back on the floor. “It’s gonna be okay, Legs. You’ll see.” I soothe her as I lead her to the counter.

I reach behind me and turn on the water. She lets me go as I reach for a handful of paper towels. I dampen them and use them to wipe her face free of mascara.

“What am I gonna do?”

“You’re going to take a deep breath and blow it out for me.”

She does as I ask, her chest hitching for a minute before she calms a little.

“First things first. Let’s make you a doctor’s appointment. Everything else can wait until after that.”

She nods. “Doctor. Okay, I can do that.”

“You want me to come with you?”

She nods rapidly, another tear slipping free. “Yes. I…I…”

“Take another breath, Legs. If you faint, you’ll squish me like a bug.”

She laughs but does as I ask. “I’m okay. I’m just in shock, I think. It’s taking everything in me not to do another test. My eyes know what they saw, but my head just refuses to believe it.”

“I get that, I do. But beyond the shock, what’s your gut telling you?”

She thinks about it for a moment before a wobbly smile lights up her face. “I get to be a mom?”

Jesus, now I feel myself tearing up. “Yeah, Legs. You get to be a mom,” I tell her softly.

“What if I mess up?”

“All parents mess up. Nobody is perfect, trust me. All you have to do is love your kid and be there for them. Everything else will fall into place. I know you, Legs, and you have a lot of love to give.”

“Thank you.”

“Can I ask who the dad is?”

She blows out a shaky breath. “That’s not something I can answer right now.”

“Okay, no pressure. Just know I’m here for whatever. You’ll get no judgment from me.”

She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “I think I’m going to make that call and then go lie down for a bit.”

“Sounds like a plan. I better go and find Havoc before he comes looking for me.”

She slips two tests into the back pocket of her jeans—I assume they’re the positive ones—before throwing the empty boxes and my negative one in the trash.

“Do I look like I’ve been crying?”

“Yes. If anyone asks, we talked about you moving out, and we both got teary.”

“That will work.”

“Would being pregnant maybe change your plans?”

She shakes her head. “No. I don’t want my kids to know who I am until they are old enough to understand the choices I made and why. By then, hopefully, it will all be ancient history.”

I wish I knew the right thing to say here, but I’m at a loss, so I say nothing. I walk beside her as we head back to the saloon, each of us lost in thought. She leaves me to head the back way up to her room.

I look around and wonder how this is all going to play out. There has been something brewing below the surface between Legs and Midas for ages. Anyone with eyes can see it. Whatever is going on between them hasn’t changed Legs’ status. He hasn’t made her his old lady, therefore, she still has to play her bunny role. I think that’s why she has been so adamant about leaving. She’s in love with a man who can’t see that being a bunny is what she does, not who she is. And now, he might have lost the best thing that could have happened to him. After all, I don’t need to know who the father is to know who it isn’t. Midas can’t have kids. Something tells me finding out she is pregnant is going to make him lose his mind.

“There you are. You ready to go?”

I shake out of my thoughts as Havoc wraps his arms around me, and nod against his chest.

“Alright. Dice is driving the truck up with your books and shit. He’ll meet us at the hotel. There anything else you need to grab?”

“Just my jacket.”

“Then let’s get this show on the road.”

“I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“I’m the president of an MC, cupcake. I think I can handle a book signing.”