Ram
It fascinated me to see the various expressions cross Talia’s face. She didn’t like what I’d had to say, yet she couldn’t deny I was right, not even to herself. It was a start. I didn’t only want her to let me in because I intended to make her mine. Even if I failed to convince her she belonged here, letting her leave without finding a way to make peace with herself and her past would only let her wounds fester. She’d be miserable her entire life, no matter where she went. We might have just met, but I still cared too much about her to let that happen.
The woman was a stranger. It shouldn’t matter to me how she felt. I didn’t believe in things like love at first sight. However, I did want more time to get to know her, and I had a feeling in my gut she was meant to be mine. Some guys let their dick lead them. For me, I needed a woman with some spark, someone who’d hold my interest. Curvy women were a dime a dozen. Same for beautiful ones. But someone like Talia who didn’t hold back, and wasn’t afraid to voice her opinions, those didn’t come along nearly as often as I’d like.
It didn’t take much to make me hard for a woman. Same was true for most men. The difference this time? I didn’t want a quick fuck. Talia was the sort of woman I wanted to keep by my side indefinitely. To live with someone day after day, I needed more than sexual attraction. Something like that could fade over time. If I was going to take a chance on building a life with someone, then I needed a woman who kept me engaged when we spoke, or at least kept me on my toes with her antics. Once Talia settled in, I had a feeling I’d see even more of her fiery personality.
She wasn’t the sort of woman you looked at and wondered if she was a model or actress. I wouldn’t even have called her the next-door type of pretty. Yet, there was something about her that made me take a second and third look. I loved her eyes. They were expressive and fringed with thick lashes. I wouldn’t mind staring into them the rest of my life. But the reason I wanted her had nothing to do with her appearance. It was her sassy attitude, and the way she’d decided to protect the others, even though she herself had also been a victim of Vega.
“I have a question for you,” I said. “Have you ever slept with a man, and I mean only sleep. No sex. No kissing. Just lying beside each other all night.”
“Of course not,” she said. “What man would ever want to do something like that?”
“Me,” I said. It wasn’t entirely a lie. Did I want to do more than sleep beside her? Sure. But I had enough control over myself I wasn’t going to take something she different offer. Nor would I try to convince her she wanted more. “Would you be willing to give it a try if I promise not to touch you without your permission?”
She narrowed her eyes at me, and I knew she was trying to figure out the catch, or wondering if I was about to show my “true” colors. It was clear she thought all men were like the scumbags she’d known, and yeah, I included her father in that. I’d already told her what I wanted. Now it was up to her to decide if she would be willing to take a chance. It was hard to earn her trust when she never gave me the opportunity to prove I wouldn’t hurt her.
“What if you’re lying and you touch me?” she asked.
“Then you can punch me, kick me in the balls, or do anything else necessary to get away from me. Except I won’t do anything you don’t want me to, so I think I’m safe from being pummeled.”
“For how long? How many nights am I supposed to sleep in the same bed as you?” she asked.
“Well, let’s go one night first. If you think you can trust me beyond tonight, then you can sleep beside me for as long as you’d like. I thought we could let Riley move into the second bedroom today.”
Mentioning Riley seemed to be the deciding factor. I saw the remaining fight drain from her, and she gave me a short nod. I felt like I’d at least found a foothold in the giant mountain I needed to climb. It was a cheap trick, but it worked. Although, I genuinely did want Talia in my bed, and wanted my daughter to feel like she belonged in this house.
“We should get the paper from Riley and add the things we need. I won’t ask the club to buy things for the two of you. If we’re going to be a family, then I should provide for you and Riley.” She started to protest, and I held up a hand to keep her silent. “Hear me out. I didn’t say we were running off to the courthouse to get married. Riley needs a family more than anything right now. If you decide that’s not something you want, then we’ll both move on, and the club will fill her need for a mother.”
“You don’t find it odd I’m not much older than her?” Talia asked. “I don’t even know your age. If you can have a fourteen-year-old, are you in your fifties? And no, I’m not saying you look fifty. If anything, I’d say you’re maybe thirty at the most.”
She was certainly good for my ego. She wasn’t far off, but I was halfway between thirty and forty. “I’m thirty-six. I was close to your age when I met Riley’s mom.”
Her brow furrowed and her nose scrunched a little. “You don’t think her mother is looking for her? What if she wants her back? And I don’t mean because she’s suddenly become mother of the year, but she could see how happy Riley is now and decided she wants her just so you can’t keep her. Or what if…”
She didn’t have to finish her sentence. I’d essentially asked her to move in permanently and be Riley’s mom, so it made sense she’d be concerned. There was always a chance Reba would come looking for Riley, but I didn’t think it was likely.
“Reba could show up at the gates, and while I wouldn’t have them run her off, I also wouldn’t be welcoming her with open arms. Anyone can see Riley didn’t have the best upbringing. Not to mention that bitch let her get kidnapped and doesn’t seem to be looking for her. If she was, there’d be a missing child alert. If you’re concerned I’ll decide to move her into the house, you needn’t be.”
“You seem confident Riley is yours. Why even take the paternity test?” she asked.
“I think Riley needs that bit of reassurance. It’s one thing for me to tell her she’s mine, and another to have absolute proof. Plus, if Reba ever did show up, at least I’d have a legal right to keep Riley here with me.” I ran my hand through my hair. “There’s a possibility she’s not my daughter. Not likely, though. Everything lines up a little too neatly.”
“You’re taking this awfully well. I’m not sure I’d react favorably in your shoes. First you save us from a monster who sold teenage girls, then you get the shock of having a daughter? And she’s one of Vega’s victims? I can’t even imagine what’s going through your mind right now,” she said.
“Mostly, I’m wishing I’d made him suffer even more.” I gave her a slight smile. “At the time, I tried to end things quickly. I didn’t want to traumatize everyone more than they already were. Seeing the things I wanted to do to Vega? It probably would have given all of you nightmares, and you definitely wouldn’t have trusted me. You took your own revenge, but if I’d slaughtered him, tortured him for as long as I wanted, can you honestly say you’d be here now?”
She shook her head. “I think they’re all tougher than you give them credit for. They survived, didn’t they?”
“Yeah. All of you did.”
We found Riley lying on her stomach on the futon. She’d set the paper and pen aside and had a movie playing on the TV. There wasn’t Wi-Fi since I hadn’t known about the house, so I assumed she was using the Blu-ray player. I’d noticed someone stocked a handful of movies for us, which I appreciated. Especially right now. There was so much to do.
“Talia and I are going to make our own lists, then we’ll go over everything and figure out what’s needed right away,” I told her as I picked up the pad and pen. “It might take a few days, or longer, to get Wi-Fi or cable set up. We can get more movies while we’re out.”
“There’s a Hulu gift card by the TV,” Riley said. “Once we have Wi-Fi, we can sign up for an account.”
Riley sat up and scooted to the end of the futon. I sat beside her, with Talia on my other side. While she watched her movie, I quickly made the list of personal items I’d need, then tore off a sheet of paper before giving the pad and pen to Talia. I’d noticed a pencil in one of the kitchen drawers earlier. I’d use it to make a grocery list and figure out what kitchen items we needed.
Talia and Riley came to find me right as I finished making a note of the basics. I had them list any foods or drinks they preferred, then waited while they showered and changed. I’d told Talia to use my bathroom, so they wouldn’t have to take turns getting ready. Since she’d be staying in my room, it only made sense for her to use that one.
We’d take the club truck and get some necessities. I knew we should also check on the others and see if they were doing okay. Even though I’d brought them here, knowing they’d be safe, I had a feeling they were hiding in the apartments.
“Do you want to check on the others on our way out?” I asked Talia.
“Sounds good. Should we arrange for them to get the items they need?” she asked.
“The club has probably already been over there to get their lists. If they were smart, they sent one of the women. Wouldn’t hurt to check on them, though. I don’t want them to feel like I brought them here, then abandoned them.”
She sighed. “You really are a good man, Ram.”
“Only to those who deserve it.” I really wanted her to stay, to make a life with me here at the Devil’s Fury. She’d only met Badger, Slash, and Demon so far. Since Riley was my daughter, she’d need to meet everyone. There were a lot of new faces I hadn’t met as well. “Would you be up for a club party? Not the wild kind with alcohol and sex. I mean more of a family type of get together. I’m not sure if that’s something the club has ever done, but with old ladies and kids here now, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
“Why are you asking?”
“The club needs to meet Riley, and there are new members I don’t know. I’d like you to be there with us,” I said.
“Then I’ll attend.”
I pulled out my phone and shot off a text to Badger. Can we get the club together for a family type of party? I want everyone to meet Riley and Talia.
It only took him a few seconds to respond.
Sure. After we’ve had Church.
I knew he’d be calling Church sooner or later. I only hoped he didn’t send out the alert while I was gone. Only one way to make sure.
All right. Taking Talia and Riley out to buy some things we need.
There. Now he’d know we weren’t going to be home for a little while. I’d like to treat the girls to lunch while we were out too. Not fast food, but somewhere a little nicer. None of us had the right clothes for anywhere fancy. I’d have to keep an eye on the main strip when we left and see what restaurants were still around, or what new ones popped up since I’d left.
Badger sent another response. You’re not making this easy. Text when you’re back and I’ll call Church, but I’ll ask Adalia and Shella to help prepare something for tonight.
I thanked him and started to shove my phone into my pocket, but it alerted me to another message. When I saw what looked like a text from Badger to the entire club, stating no club whores allowed at the compound today or tomorrow, I knew I’d have some pissed-off brothers.
Riley came into the kitchen in her new clothes and had her flip-flops on. She looked both excited and apprehensive. It was our first family outing, and I knew she’d take a while to adjust to her new life. Hell, anyone who’d been locked in a cage would be having issues right about now.
“If we’re all ready, let’s head out. Make sure we have all the lists,” I said.
Talia gathered them, and we went outside to the truck. I drove to a strip mall in town and let Talia and Riley shop for clothes and shoes before I got some things for myself in a different shop. When Riley saw a Five Below, she started bouncing on her toes, eager to look inside. I couldn’t very well tell her no, so we went inside. I stuck close while they browsed. It didn’t take long before I went to get a basket because Riley wanted nail polish, hair things, and even found some clothes and shoes she wanted. I had a hard time telling her she couldn’t get the things she asked for. By the time we checked out, those five-dollar items came out to nearly two hundred dollars. Talia winced when she saw the total, but I pulled out my card and paid for it.
On the way to the next store, I received multiple alerts on my phone and stopped to check it. Now that I was back with the club, I had to be mindful of answering texts and calls on time. Badger might be welcoming me back without question, but it didn’t mean I could ignore him or my brothers. For now, I needed to play it safe, especially since I needed to be at the compound for Riley’s sake.
The fact I had an alert from my bank about a deposit was a bit shocking. I hadn’t made one in over a week. Opening the app, I logged in and nearly choked when I saw my new balance. I couldn’t tell where the money came from. Had someone made a mistake? Was it a banking error? I started to call them, then realized I had a few texts. I checked those first, and when I saw the one from Outlaw, I remembered what it meant to be part of the Devil’s Fury.
Badger said there were funds Grizzly set aside for you the first year you were gone. I had them deposited into your account, and they should show up today or tomorrow. Welcome back, Ram!
My throat felt tight, and I cleared it. I’d forgotten what it felt like to have people to rely on, to have brothers. I shot off a quick thank-you and moved on to the next shop. It took us three hours to get the personal things we needed, and then I decided we’d stop for lunch. I’d noticed a little café on a corner not too far from where we were. Driving over there, I found a place to park and led Talia and Riley inside.
“Are you sure we can eat here?” Riley whispered.
“Of course, we can. Get anything you want, sweetheart.” The endearment slipped out and I wondered if I’d just fucked up. She smiled up at me, and I knew she’d liked it. At least it hadn’t scared her or upset her in any way. I was adapting to fatherhood faster than I’d anticipated.
The hostess found a table for us and left after placing menus on the table. After we ate, we’d go to a store that carried kitchen items and linens. We needed more towels, bedding, and definitely needed more cookware. Not to mention we didn’t have real cups, plates, or silverware. Today would be an expensive outing, but maybe the house would feel more like our home.
Thanks to Outlaw, I didn’t have to worry about money. I couldn’t believe Grizzly had set aside over thirty grand for me. It wouldn’t last forever, especially since we’d also need furniture and better mattresses, but it did take off the immediate pressure I’d felt when I realized all the things we needed to buy. Up until now, I’d gotten paid in various ways. I’d taken a few bounties when I’d stayed in the State of California for a few years. Picked up odd jobs working on cars and bikes when cash was low. And yeah, whenever I took out someone like Vega, I made sure to empty their wallet. I’d done the same with Vega and his goons last night, but surprisingly, they hadn’t had more than a few hundred on them.
When Riley ordered, I knew she’d asked for more food than she’d ever be able to eat. Talia kept cutting her eyes over toward me, probably wondering if I was going to stop my daughter. Nope. She could get whatever she wanted. Something told me she’d never eaten at a place like this. She’d been too concerned when we came in. If she wanted one of everything on the menu, then I’d get it for her. Yeah, I was going to spoil the hell out of her, at least for this first week. I’d reel her back in after that. Right now, I needed to show her she wasn’t going to go hungry, or without new clothes. Did it mean I’d let her spend hundreds of dollars every week from this point forward? Of course not. Once she had a small collection of books and movies, and whatever she’d need for school and to feel like she fit in, then I’d stop unless it was a necessary item or I wanted to give her a special gift.
“Thank you… Dad.” She gave me a shy smile and I reached across the table to hold her hand. One day, I wanted to know what she’d been through. When she was ready to talk about it. Until then, I’d support her any way I could. Be there for her, since it seemed her mother had sucked at being a parent. I refused to be the same. Whatever it took, I’d be the kind of dad she could be proud of, one she could lean on.
“You’re good with her,” Talia murmured.
“So are you.” I’d watched as she helped Riley pick out nail polish and other items at the store. Riley had listened to everything Talia said, and it seemed like the two might have bonded a little. I hoped so. “Thank you for staying with us. I think you’re exactly what the two of us need, and I hope you need us too.”
She didn’t answer, but that was all right. I’d give her all the time she needed.