Bear
The more I got to know Faith, the more I liked her. I knew there would be people who questioned why she’d stayed with Spade for so long. If they paid attention, they’d see the fear in her eyes every time he came up in conversation. Piper might have a lot of fire in her, but her mother seemed to have a gentle soul, and that bastard had done his best to break her.
In all honesty, when I’d followed Piper to the motel, I’d planned to tell the parents she’d shoplifted and be on my way. Until Faith opened the door. She’d been so small and delicate. Every protective urge inside me rose to the surface. Even now, I couldn’t fathom anyone wanting to hurt her. I’d yet to hear her raise her voice or lash out.
I respected her. Wanted to care for her.
Which meant I was currently in an odd predicament.
I’d claimed her and the girls in front of Fox and Spider, which meant Faith was mine. But I’d also told her she could have time to adjust to this new life and get to know me before we became intimate. And yet, my dick was hard as a fucking rock, and sweet little Faith lay sprawled across me. If she woke and discovered my cock was trying to escape from my sweatpants, I’d likely scare the hell out of her. At the same time, if I tried to move her, with her current position, she’d end up touching the tent in my pants.
Looked like I was fucked either way.
I ran my hand down her arm, marveling at how soft she felt. The slight swell of her belly pressed against me. I couldn’t remember a time I’d ever felt this content. She mumbled something in her sleep and snuggled closer.
Down the hall, I heard a door creak open. Reaching for the covers, I yanked the blanket over us in hopes of hiding my condition. Last thing I needed was Piper losing her mind when she saw me sporting wood with her mom in my arms. Hell, I didn’t need my daughter seeing me like that period.
“Mom?” Piper whispered as she got closer.
“She’s asleep,” I said, keeping my voice low. “What do you need?”
“Cordelia is awake and hungry. She said she feels better.” Piper stepped into the room but didn’t come any closer. “I can fix something for us to eat.”
I glanced at Faith and felt torn. I wanted to go take care of the girls, but I didn’t want to leave her either. Piper seemed to understand my predicament and smiled.
“What do you find so amusing?”
“I can’t remember ever seeing her sleep so peacefully. Even when Spade wasn’t around, I think she slept with one eye open. She’s never relaxed.”
I hugged Faith. “She doesn’t have to be so strong anymore. I’ll help shoulder the responsibilities.”
“You didn’t think she was weak for staying with him?” Piper asked.
“No, and anyone who says that to her will have to deal with me. Men like Spade are a dime a dozen. They rip girls or women away from their support systems, beat them down, and leave them without self-esteem or a way to provide for themselves or their children.”
Piper nodded. “All right. I’ll leave Mom in your capable hands. I’m going to shut the door and take Cordy to the kitchen.”
I arched an eyebrow and watched as she did exactly as she said. I sure the fuck didn’t miss the wink she gave me right before the door shut, either. Meddlesome little brat. I had a feeling I’d have my hands full with that one. Couldn’t wait!
“It’s too early,” Faith mumbled.
“We don’t have to get up yet,” I said. “Piper is taking care of Cordelia. You haven’t been resting enough.”
“I don’t think my daughter had rest in mind when she shut the door.”
I snorted, then started laughing. I faced Faith and cupped her cheek. “You’re not wrong. She even winked at me.”
Faith groaned and buried her face against my chest. “She’s never done something like that before. I guess you really do have her stamp of approval. That girl has been fearless all her life, except for where Spade was concerned. He scared all of us.”
“My club is looking into him, and the Raging Demons. If he’s going to come looking for you, we’ll be prepared. For now, I just need all of you to relax, settle into your new lives, and make some friends. Let us handle everything else.”
She shifted her hips and her gaze crashed with mine when she felt how hard I was. I watched and waited. No sense apologizing for a natural reaction to having my beautiful wife in my arms. Shit. Wife. I hadn’t mentioned it to Surge yet or asked him about making me the girls’ father. Something told me he might have already taken those steps on his own. He seemed to be following in Wire’s footsteps and married people, whether they liked it or not.
“How long have you been in this particular state?” she asked.
“A while.”
“And you didn’t take advantage?”
“Faith, I promised you’d be safe with me, and you could set the pace. I’m not going back on my word. It’s morning wood. Not like I’m going to die from it.”
She bit her lip and glanced at the closed door before focusing on me again. “Cordelia hasn’t met you yet, so I don’t want the girls to hear us doing… that.”
“Like I said, you set the pace, sweetheart. Just because I get hard doesn’t mean I expect to have sex with you.”
“With Spade, things weren’t… pleasant. He didn’t care if he hurt me. It didn’t matter if I was ready or not. He’d pin me down and take what he wanted. Not at first. He was sweet until after he moved me into the house. He changed once he’d isolated me.”
“What’s your point, Faith?” I asked.
“I know it wouldn’t be like that with you. You’ve treated me better than he ever did, and you care about the girls already. It doesn’t stop me from wanting to be cautious. I’m scared I’ll get my hopes up and find out everything was a lie. But I can’t live like that, Charlie. I don’t want to let Spade rule the rest of my life and decisions. It’s not fair to you, me, or the girls.” She took a breath and let it out slowly. “I guess what I’m getting at is that I want to have a real relationship with you. Thanks to Piper, you’ve already claimed us. You said it’s forever, so it’s not like I’m running out of here anytime soon. Besides, this place would be harder to escape than the house where we lived before. Spade didn’t keep us near his club.”
“Things don’t add up when it comes to your ex, but that’s a problem for another day.”
“Take a shower with me?” she asked.
“You sure?”
Faith nodded. “Maybe not the most romantic setting for our first time together, but the water would drown out any sounds, so I won’t worry about Cordelia hearing us.”
I leaned in and brushed my lips against her forehead. “I’ll go start the water so it can warm up.”
I got out of bed and went into the bathroom, then flicked on the light. While the water in the shower warmed, I brushed my teeth and wondered if I was doing the right thing. Faith deserved more than this. A honeymoon, or at the very least, a nice dinner out somewhere. I’d said she could take the lead, but she’d surprised me with this move.
Faith came in behind me and her cheeks flushed as she glanced at the toilet. I stepped out to give her a moment to herself. When I heard the shower door shut, I went back in. She’d placed her clothes on the counter and stood under the spray. I watched and admired her for a moment before stripping out of my T-shirt and sweatpants, then I joined her.
Her eyes opened, and she gave me a soft smile.
“Not too late to change your mind,” I said.
“I’m sure, Charlie.”
I reached for the shampoo and cleaned her hair, massaging her scalp. Her eyes shut again, and she leaned against me. I rinsed the suds down the drain, then slowly washed her body. Her nipples hardened against my palms as I slid them over her breasts. As I washed the soap from her body, I let my hands linger anywhere that seemed sensitive.
Her eyes opened. They were darker as she watched me. Slipping my hand between her legs, I stroked her pussy and rubbed her clit. She gasped and her nails bit into my shoulders as she tried to hold herself up. I felt her thighs trembling and wondered if that stupid asshole had ever made sure she enjoyed his touch. She said he’d started taking what he wanted, but he hadn’t been that way before. And yet… she acted like a woman who’d never experienced pleasure.
“This still okay?” I asked. She nodded. In the past, I might not have kept checking, but Faith had already suffered enough at a man’s hands. I refused to be like Spade.
I backed her to the tiled wall and leaned in to kiss her. The moment my tongue touched her, her knees gave out. I held her tight, pinning her between my body and the wall. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d enjoyed kissing a woman this much. I worked her clit as I ravaged her mouth and felt the moment she gave herself to me completely. Any remaining tension left her body, and she clung to me as if I were her lifeline.
Lifting her leg over my hip, I eased inside her. She cried out as I entered her fully, and I felt her tighten on my cock. I didn’t think I’d last long. Hell, it had been so long since I’d been with a woman, I was surprised I hadn’t come the second I’d gotten inside her. I tried to use long, deep strokes to draw out the pleasure for her. The moment she came, I gave up holding back.
I thrust into her hard. Fast. I pounded into her, not stopping until I flooded her pussy with my cum, and even then I kept fucking her. It wasn’t until I felt myself growing soft that I stopped and pulled out. Faith panted, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes bright. The smile on her face made me want to kiss her again.
“Is that what it’s supposed to be like?” she asked, and fuck if that didn’t make me feel like a damn king. At the same time, I wanted to put my fist through Spade’s face for treating her so poorly.
“No, honey. That’s what it’s like when it’s just us. Not with anyone else.” I gave in to temptation and kissed her. When we were both breathless, I pulled back. “Come on. I need to wash you again, then we’ll go check on the girls and I’ll feed you some breakfast.”
“Charlie… if it takes Cordy a little while to warm up to you, please don’t take it personally. Spade never wanted anything to do with her. She may not know how to react and might not trust you won’t hurt us.”
I placed a finger over her lips. “I know, Faith. It’s all right. She can have as much time as she needs.”
She reached between her legs, her eyes going wide, and I realized I’d taken her bare without having a conversation about it first. She was already pregnant, so that wasn’t an issue, but I didn’t know if Spade ever gave her an STD, and she hadn’t asked me about my health either. I helped her wash up again, making sure I got it all this time.
“I’m clean, in case you were worried,” I said.
“Me too. Spade hasn’t touched me in over a month, and because of how much he frequents the clubhouse I’ve gotten tested regularly. Either I’ve been really lucky, or he always used protection with the girls at the Raging Demons.”
“Good. I liked not having a barrier between us.”
Her cheeks warmed and I kissed her again, unable to help myself. We finished our shower, put on some clothes, and went to find the girls. I’d won over Piper and Faith. However long it took, I’d earn Cordy’s trust as well. My girls would never suffer again. Not for as long as I drew breath.
Faith
Piper offered to stay home with Cordy while Bear and I ran some errands. I could tell she really wanted to go. If Cordelia hadn’t been sick, I’d have suggested we all go. Even though her fever finally broke this morning, I knew it would be a few days before she was back on her feet. After breakfast, her eyelids had already drooped, and I shooed her off to bed.
It seemed besides the motorcycle, which Bear called a trike, he also had a truck. I’d felt relieved when I’d noticed it, since the thought of riding on the motorcycle had scared the crap out of me. With my car being a complete piece of crap, I didn’t think he’d ever willingly drive it. It might have helped me escape from Spade, but it probably needed to be in a junkyard somewhere.
I hadn’t ridden on Spade’s bike since my first pregnancy. At sixteen, I’d thought he was cool, and I’d gotten a thrill out of riding behind him. Once he’d shown his true colors, he’d become reckless when I rode with him. After one too many near misses, I’d used the kids as an excuse to not go with him. It hadn’t taken him long after that before he’d started spending more time at the clubhouse and away from home.
When Bear mentioned buying us each a new wardrobe, I’d thought we’d go to a thrift store. Instead, he stopped at the mall, and I nearly had heart failure thinking of how much it would cost. He held my hand as we went inside, and I had the insane urge to hide my face against him, like I wasn’t good enough to be in this place. Even before my years with Spade, I’d never shopped at stores like these.
My parents had been far from rich. We’d lived in the trailer park, and while my clothes were clean, I’d never had new ones. Spade hadn’t given me enough to buy new things either, but since it was a luxury I’d never experienced, I hadn’t cared. It seemed when Bear said he wanted to spoil us, he meant it.
“We could have gone somewhere else,” I said.
He stopped by the mall map and looked down at me. “Somethin’ wrong with the mall? I thought all women loved to shop.”
How did I explain to him I’d never shopped in a place like this before? I didn’t want his pity. I already felt like I was so far beneath him. Bear was the type of man I’d thought I’d never have. It didn’t matter if he was a biker. He’d been in the military, had a nice house, two vehicles, and a fully stocked kitchen. Maybe to some that didn’t seem like a lot. For me, it was like being in the presence of royalty.
He cupped my cheek and pressed his forehead to mine. “Faith, I can’t fix what’s wrong if you don’t talk to me. Why don’t you want to be at the mall?”
“It’s going to cost too much,” I said.
He smiled a little and kissed me. “I have enough to buy my girls the things they need. Stop worryin’, all right?”
I nodded and let him lead me to the first store. We started with things for Cordy. He found a shop specializing in clothes for little girls. I selected a package of panties, some socks, and three outfits. When I tried to head to the register, Bear grabbed the back of my shirt and pulled me back.
“This is plenty,” I said.
“No, it’s not. For one, she’ll be startin’ school soon as she’s well. The kids will tease her mercilessly if she only has a few outfits. Then I’ll have to go up there and start bustin’ heads.”
I gaped at him, then scanned the racks again. I selected two more outfits and tried to pay once more, only for him to stop me. By the time we finally checked out, Bear had added another five outfits, three sets of pajamas, hair clips, and two necklaces. As much as I wanted to protest, I couldn’t. Not when I saw the look of pure joy on his face as he chose things for his new daughter.
Bear led me to the next store and paused outside long enough to send a text. Then we went into the department store, and I tried to ignore the price tags. We started in the juniors department to buy a few things for Piper. Bear picked out a pair of jeans and a shirt, while I selected a casual dress for her. When I tried to get more, he placed his hand over mine.
“We’re only getting these two, some shoes, and maybe some jewelry. I plan to get her a gift card and let her come pick out her own things. Somethin’ tells me she hasn’t gotten to experience this before, since you haven’t been shoppin’ at the mall either.”
“How did you… Never mind. You’re right. She hasn’t. None of us have.”
He picked a necklace and bracelet, then stared at the earrings. “Are her ears pierced?”
“Yes. It was the present Spade gave her for her thirteenth birthday. He took her to Walmart and had them pierce her ears.”
He picked out a pair of modest silver hoops and a pair of fake diamond earrings. They were the best fakes I’d ever seen, though, and I knew Piper would love them. After we had her shoes, we paid for her things and he added a three-hundred-dollar gift card. I knew it wouldn’t stretch very far, but he said he wanted to wait and see what she picked out before he bought anything else.
I stared at the bags weighing him down and wondered if I could convince him to leave and take me somewhere else to shop. Before I could say anything, another man walked up, wearing a leather cut.
“Took you long enough,” Bear grumbled, handing the bags to the guy.
“Sorry. Had to do something for Fox before I could head over. Where do you want these?”
“Take them to Spider’s house and tell him I’ll come pick them up on the way home. I don’t want the girls getting nosy before we’re there.”
The man nodded, then glanced at me before quickly looking away. Bear sighed and waved a hand at the man. “Faith, this is Joe. He’s one of our Prospects. Joe, this is my wife, Faith.”
Joe gave me a quick smile. “Welcome to the Hades Abyss, ma’am.”
He walked off, carrying all our things, then Bear guided me to the women’s department. My cheeks burned as I selected bras and panties, but Bear insisted I needed at least five bras and twice as many panties. As I browsed the pajamas, I saw him eying a satin nightie with lace trim. I’d worn nothing like it before, and part of me wanted it. The more reserved side of me said it was impractical.
“If I buy this, will you wear it?” he asked.
“It won’t fit for long. My stomach is only going to get bigger.”
“But you’ll fit in it again after the baby, right?”
I shrugged. “I should. It’s hard to say. It’s been twelve years since I last gave birth. Now that I’m older, my body may not drop the weight as easily as before. Then again, I have enough of a belly already. It may be loose after the baby gets here.”
Bear held onto it. “I’ll get it. Even if you only wear it another few weeks, I’ll consider it money well spent.”
“I know you want everyone to have a big selection of clothes, but I shouldn’t spend a lot right now, Charlie. I already need maternity clothes. Once the baby is born, I’ll need to buy new things again. Since I can’t have another baby after this one, I don’t want to get expensive things.”
“Fine. One nice maternity dress from here, and then I’ll take you somewhere else. And don’t argue. I’d like to take you somewhere respectable for dinner sometime soon.”
“Respectable?”
He grunted. “A sit-down place with tablecloths and candlelight.”
I gave in and picked out a dress and matching shoes. Then he insisted on tennis shoes and even a pair of sandals. Before we left the mall, we stopped in the bookstore and selected a few puzzle books for Cordy. I knew Piper loved magazines, so we got a few for her to flip through. Bear wouldn’t leave until I’d selected at least two paperbacks. I’d never had a new book before and had to admit the thought of being the first person to read it really excited me.
“Last stop,” he said, herding me into a jewelry store. I balked, but he refused to give in, tugging me to the counter.
“Good afternoon.” The older woman behind the counter smiled. “Picking out something for your daughter?”
Bear looked at me, then the woman. I could tell from the gleam in her eyes that she found him sexy. He didn’t even answer her question. Instead, he turned around and led me right back out into the mall.
“If you left because she called me your daughter, you know we’ll probably hear that again sometime.”
He grunted and hunted down another jewelry store. This time, the man behind the counter openly sneered at us. Bear walked out again. Since the mall didn’t seem to have any other jewelry shops, I figured that was the end of it. I should have known better. On the way to the next store, he pulled over in front of a jewelry store on the main strip in town.
The man inside greeted us warmly and even asked if Bear needed something for his wife. I felt the tension in him ease as he led me to the wedding rings.
“We both need weddin’ bands,” he said.
His words startled me. “You’re going to wear one too?”
“Of course, I am.”
I didn’t think Spade would have ever offered such a thing, even if we’d been married. Thankfully, we hadn’t been. If Illinois were a common-law state, I’d have been in trouble.
“Nothing fancy,” I said. “Please, Charlie. I just want a plain band without stones.”
He growled and leaned down close to my ear. “That’s twice today you’ve said my real name while we’re out in public. At home, you can call me that. Around other people, I’m Bear.”
“S-sorry.” I backed up instinctively. If I’d screwed up around Spade, by now I’d have been on the floor. Was this when Bear would show his other side? I felt the blood drain from my face as I took another step back. He cursed and lunged for me. I cringed and threw my arms up to block the blows, but he wrapped his arms around me and held me close.
“Easy, Faith. I’m not him, all right? No matter how upset I get, I will never hit you. You’re safe, honey.” I felt tears slip down my cheeks and I clung to him. Even though I’d messed up, he was still comforting me. He looked over at the man behind the counter. “Find some bands she might like.”
Bear wiped the tears from my cheeks and led me back to the jewelry counter. The man gave me a kindly smile as he set out a few rings on the black velvet displays. Bear picked up a silver band with rose gold flowers etched into it. He slipped it onto my finger, and it actually fit.
“Excellent choice,” the man said. “That band is white gold with rose gold accents. It will give your wife a band without gemstones, and yet it’s delicate and has stunning craftsmanship.”
“We’ll take it. I need somethin’ sturdy for mine.”
“Most men who work with their hands either select a rubber ring, which has to be ordered, or they select a carbon steel band.”
“Do you have the steel ones?” he asked.
“I have a few.” The man pulled them from another counter and set them out for Bear to check out. He picked up a plain silver-toned one and slid it on. It didn’t fit, so he put it back and tried another. A solid black band ended up fitting, so he bought it.
He led me out to the truck and helped me buckle before taking my hand and kissing my fingers. “I’m sorry if I scared you in there. It was never my intention.”
“Can we go home yet?”
He shook his head. “No. You still need clothes. One more stop, then we’ll go back to the girls and show them what we got them today.”
It took another hour before we pulled into the driveway at home. He went across the street and got our other things, then we carried everything inside. The girls were both on the couch watching a movie, and I saw their eyes light up.
“Who’s ready for presents?” Bear asked.
“Me!” Cordelia gave him a shy smile.
He gathered her things first and carried them over to her, then kneeled down at her feet. The quiet way she watched him, and the tentative touches she gave the new items, made my heart warm. She hadn’t accepted him in the same way Piper had, but I could tell Cordelia liked Bear.
“Thanks, Dad,” Piper said, when she got her things.
“Can I…” Cordelia looked away.
“Can you what?” Bear asked.
“Can I call you Daddy?” she asked softly.
“I’d be honored,” he said. “In fact, I’m going to ask a friend of mine to make sure the two of you are legally my daughters. Would you like that?”
Cordy nodded and threw her arms around his neck. I pressed my fingers to my lips and fought back tears. I’d thought it would take her longer to warm up to him, but it seemed as if she could sense the goodness inside him.
My girls finally had the one thing they’d always wanted… a father who cared about them.