Bull looked at me. “Anything you need to tell the guys, Rebel?”
“Yeah, there is. I’m officially claiming Madisen as my old lady. That’s why I’ll be guarding her and no one will watch her body but me.” My announcement caused the room to go dead silent. I saw expressions of surprise and amazement on most of their faces.
Maverick cleared his throat. “Damn, brother. We had no idea about you and Madisen. You’ve barely been back. When did you have time to tie her down? Shit! Are you sure about this?”
I knew it was quick. I had said nothing to any of them about her. I nodded. “I’m dead serious, Mav. I know she’s the one for me. She’s not sure and I’ll have to work on that with her, but I want it to be known that she's mine.”
“Well, damn! That’s another one down. I think I need a drink. We’re turning into fucking Dublin Falls. Is there something in the water?” Tank, our VP, asked. “Congrats, man. We all wish you luck. She’s an amazing woman. Feisty as hell. Should be fun to watch the fireworks.”
“Yeah, she’s a firecracker, but that’s part of what I love about her. If there are no more questions, can we get on with this? I want to get back to the hospital and I still need to get her apartment key from Jocelyn.” They all nodded and didn’t say another word. Bull picked up the meeting. We spent the rest of the time talking about increasing the security on our businesses and getting to work on repairing the bakery. When it was over, I headed for the door. I wanted to find Jocelyn.
I didn’t get the chance. She came walking through the door. She smiled and headed straight for me. I guess Bull must have called or texted her. She came up and gave me a hug. I heard a growl from behind me. I turned, knowing who it was. Bull was glaring at me. I laughed. “I get it now, man. I don’t want anyone touching Madisen either.”
I looked at Jocelyn. She had a twinkle in her eye. She knew it drove Bull crazy when she hugged us. “So, you and Madisen, huh? That should be fun. I understand you need to go get her some clothes. I can go and do it, Rebel.”
“No, you stay here and rest. Keep baking those babies for Pres. I can do it. Besides, I need to check to see if it’s the best place for her to go after she’s released. She needs to be safe.” I didn’t know if Bull had told her anything or not. Seeing her eyes, it seemed like he had. She nodded.
“Okay. If you need it, she can stay with us.” I shook my head.
“Jocelyn, you guys already have enough on your hands. I want her where I can be with her. The clubhouse isn’t ideal, but if we come here, it’ll only be temporary.” My mind was whirling with the thoughts of getting a house started for us. Bull, Bear, and Ace had one. This thought should have put the fear of God in me, but it didn’t. Neither did the next one. I wanted Madisen and any kids we had one day to be safe. Inside the walls of the compound would be perfect. I’d have to think about it and talk to our construction company. Like Dublin Falls, we had one. Tank oversaw it for the club. He had experience in all aspects of commercial and residential construction. He could help me with this project and tell me how long it will take to get our house built.
I knew I might have to grab more than one set of clothes and if she was discharged, it was probably too much to ride on the back of my bike. I was itching to have her on the back of it, which was another surprise. I had never let a woman ride on my bike. I found I wanted Madisen on mine, wrapped around me. However, today, I would take one of the club’s SUVs.
It didn’t take long for me to reach her place. Jocelyn had also given me the address. The apartment was in an okay part of town. I knocked in case Serena was there. I didn’t want to scare her. Good thing I did. She tentatively answered the door.
“Hi, Serena, do you remember me from the bakery? I’m Rebel.” She nodded.
“Yes, I remember you. What can I do for you Rebel? If you’re looking for Madisen, she’s at the bakery.”
“Serena, didn’t you hear? The bakery caught fire earlier this morning. Madisen is in the hospital.” I saw panic take over her face. She looked pale and shaky. I guess Scarelli hadn’t talked to her yet about Chris. I took a hold of her arm and led her to the couch. She dropped down. “Don’t worry. She’s going to be fine. I’m here to get her some clothes.”
“Was it an accident?”
“No, it was set. Have you heard from or seen that Chris guy since the day at the bakery? The police are looking for him.”
She told me about the calls and the conversation Madisen had with him last night. This news pissed me off. She was supposed to tell us of any issues with him or anyone else, but she hadn’t said a word about it to anyone. I’d be talking to her about that. I shook those thoughts away as I waited for Serena to settle. It took her several minutes to be able to talk more. She told me she hadn’t received any more calls after Madisen had told him off.
“He probably set it,” she whispered.
“Serena, I’m worried about you. What if he finds out you’re here? I’m probably going to bring Madisen back to the compound so she’s safe. You should come there too.”
She shook her head. “I couldn’t do that, Rebel. I’ve been thinking, anyway. I hate to leave but I think I need to go stay with my family in Memphis. I can’t deal with him and the threat hanging over me. I’m sorry that Madisen got sucked into it. I’ll call my family and see if they are okay with me coming for a visit. Maybe when this is over, I can come back and work at the bakery. Unless you guys don’t want me. I hate to leave her shorthanded.”
“Actually, right now is a good time to go. The bakery won’t be open until we get it repaired which can take several weeks. Why don’t you find out and we’ll send someone with you to be sure you get there safely? How does that sound?” She broke down sobbing and thanked me. I spent a while getting her calmed down and then she made her call.
Her family said they would love to see her. I sent her to pack while I called Bull. He said he’d send Jake and Player with her. With this taken care of, I went to Madisen’s room. The décor reminded me of her—splashes of red, black and gray. I went to her closet and pulled out several pairs of jeans, summer dresses, and tops. For shoes, I grabbed boots, tennis shoes and sandals. Then I went to her dresser. I groaned when I saw her lingerie. She liked it lacy and sexy as hell. I pulled out a thong. God, I was in love and getting hard imagining her in these and the lacy bra that matched. I shoved several of both in the bag.
In her bathroom, I cleaned out everything in her shower and in her drawers, assuming she’d need it. At least this should get her through a few days. Then, I would bring her to get anything else she needed. Walking back into the living room, I found Serena was packed. While we waited for the guys to show up, I texted Tate to see how Madisen was doing. I had been gone longer than I wanted.
He responded she was restless and wanting to leave. A nurse had come in and told them the doctor would be making rounds around five o’clock. That gave me two hours to get done at her place and back to her.
It was fifteen minutes later when Jake and Player showed up. They happily got Serena set to go. Player was flirting away with her. She was blushing. I wasn’t going to get in the middle of that. If she and my brother wanted to hook up, that was on them. I had a woman waiting for me. I bid all of them a safe trip and headed to the hospital. It was going on four when I got there. I grabbed the bag with her clothes in it and headed to her room. When I got there, Tate was standing outside her door.
“What’s going on?”
“She had to go to the bathroom. A nurse came to help her. I stepped outside so they could do what they needed. She’s been restless as hell. Not one to take to lying down. I hope the doc releases her. Do you want me to stay?”
“Nah, go ahead back. Jake had to leave to make a run with Player, so they might need you. Thanks for keeping an eye on my woman.”