Hated the whole damn world.
I took Little D off my breast, fastened my bra, and tugged my shirt down. Anger bubbled in my chest as I paced, rubbing his back to burp him.
Since giving birth, the only time I left the house was for well-baby checkups or when Dad took me to the store. I was a prisoner in my own home.
A knock at my door made me freeze.
“Supper’s on the table,” Dad said.
“I’m not hungry.” I wished he’d stop trying to make me give in.
“Don’t be like this, Em. I’m running out of patience. I’m trying here.”
Trying?
I was a freaking adult. A mother. This was my life he was screwing with. My heart that he shattered. And I was supposed to give a crap about him?
Nope, I wasn’t having any of it.
I placed Dante in his Pack ’N Play, ignoring my dad. I shook out my tired arms and stretched them above my head. My little man was getting heavy.
Dad jiggled the doorknob and let out an exasperated breath. “Fine. Stay in there for all I care.”
That was just it. If he cared about me—loved me as he proclaimed—we wouldn’t be in this situation. I’d still think he was the greatest father to ever live.
4
Dodge
Friday had finally arrived. It had been the longest week of my life. Every day, I woke with a start, anxious for Storm to call church. Then the day would end, and nothing. No information about Emilee. Not a word about my son.
It was a maddening cycle.
If it wasn’t for working at the gun shop, training with Ire at the gym, and spending time with Maddy and Birdie, I’d have lost my mind. Tonight at the clubhouse, we were having a little gathering for Hero’s friend Ryder, who was released from jail yesterday.
They’ll be back soon. Just gotta be patient a little longer.
The entrance door rang when Hero and Ryder entered. The sergeant at arms made eye contact with me, his jaw tight. He was nervous about bringing the new prospect to the shop. Ryder was the dude he’d met in county last fall. Hero had taken him under his wing to help him get his life in order.
Storm thought it’d be good for Ryder to start working right away. It could be difficult for some to adjust after spending time behind bars. Ryder had been in for almost a year.
Hero jerked his chin. “Yo, all good here?”
“Yeah. How’s it going, Ryder?” We’d met yesterday when Hero brought him to the club and got him set up in a dorm room.
“Going all right.” Ryder scanned the room. “This is bigger than I thought.”
“Lots of floors and shelves to keep sparkling clean.” Hero elbowed him.
I snorted. “Yeah, the boss is a clean freak.”
Ryder smiled. “I learned that in the can. I’m okay with it though. After living on the streets, clean is good.”
Damn, I’d forgotten he was homeless before he was arrested. He’d almost beaten a dude to death. It was his first offense. All Ryder was trying to do was defend a girl the guy had attempted to sexually assault. Blind rage had taken over. Unfortunately, the victim had fled the scene. Ryder might’ve gotten a reduced sentence if she’d stayed around and given her statement.
Hero gripped the back of Ryder’s neck in a brotherly way. “No more living on the streets. You have a home and family now.”
They looked at each other, neither saying anything else.