Chapter 7
Gunner
She has me fucked up. Seeing her like that, sick and helpless. It has my head fucked up. I should stay away from her, except I can’t. I don’t know why. And I don’t think it’s just because she’s pregnant, either. There’s something more there. Something I want to explore, but what the fuck kind of man would that make me? I’m grown. She’s young and has her whole life ahead of her. Fuck, what I am doing?
Doc gave her meds and fluids. He gave her prescriptions to take home with her, too. Now we sit in the truck at the fucking hospital, arguing yet again.
“I’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, like you were the last month.”
“I’m an adult, Gunner!”
“A homeless adult, Natasa. I won’t bother you. I won’t get in your space. Just do this for me. Please.”
“No.”
“I don’t fuckin’ say please to anyone, Nat. I’m askin’ you now. Please.” She turns to look at me and can see the look on my face. She knows I’m not joking here. I won’t fucking beg anyone but her? I’ll do it.
“What about my stuff? And Rick?”
“He can come too. I’ll get your stuff.”
“Won’t that be weird? Having us both there?”
“No. It won’t. Just do this for me, Nat.” She looks down at her hands before blowing out a breath.
“Okay.”
“Yeah?”
“I said okay. I’ll stay at the clubhouse.”
“Good. I’ll get someone to pick up Rick and your stuff.” She nods her head as I smirk. I got my way, as usual. I put the truck into drive and pull out of the parking lot, making sure to stop at the store to get her meds and the stuff doc said for her to drink. Maybe I overdo it but I don’t care. She needs to be healthy.
We arrive at the clubhouse, and I help her out of the truck, grabbing all the bags. Then I lead her inside. A few of the guys turn to look at me funny but I ignore their stares and walk down the hallway to the rooms. I open the door to the last room on the left, knowing mine is right across the hall. Maybe it’s fucked up, but I want to keep her close. I want to keep an eye on her.
“This is all yours.”
“And Rick’s.”
“He can have a room. I don’t like the idea of him bein’ in here with you.”
“Why?”
“He’s a man.”
“He’s gay.”
“And? I don’t give a shit. He’s a man.”
“Fair enough,” she says as she drops onto the bed and lays down. I see her sigh and relax into the mattress. She probably hasn’t slept in an actual bed for a long time.
“Can I ask you somethin’?”
“Of course.”
“Do you have family?” She stiffens up and sits up now, looking over at me.
“It’s … complicated. Do I have a mom and dad? Yeah, but we don’t talk anymore.”
“Is there a reason?”
“My ex is the reason. I get you want to know me, but can we not talk about my past right now?” she asks. I nod my head. I don’t want to force her.
“I don’t have any siblings. Just me and the kids. The club is my family, though.”
“You like being a part of the club?”
“I love it. It’s home. Always has been. I got into it when I was young. I was a prospect back then. Worked my way up and finally got that president patch,” I explain to her.
“And you love it?”
“I do. I think you’ll like bein’ here, Nat. Kiki is a good girl. Had a rough past, too, but she made it. You should talk to her.”
“I might. She seemed really nice the night of the party,” she says.
“They all are. We’re a little rough around the edges. You might see some things that might scare you but I’ll explain what I can,” I tell her. It’s not like we’re knights in shining armor or anything. We do bad shit. A lot.
“I don’t know what to say, Gunner.”
“Don’t say anything. I’m gonna get you some ice for your drinks. You need more fluids.” I turn and leave the room. I blow out a breath when I’m in the hallway, wondering what the hell I’m doing.
I start down the hall when Hodge spots me.
“She stayin’ here?”
“Yeah. She’s been sick as fuck the last month. I took her to the hospital. She’s lost weight. It’s not good, Hodge.”
“Damn, Dad. I’m sorry. Yeah, she’ll do just fine here.”
“What about your mom? She gone?”
“She left for a while, but you know she’ll be back.”
“I’ll deal with her.”
“How’s that gonna work?” he asks as we walk down the hall, and I chuckle at his question.
“Same way it always works. She can get the fuck over it. There’s nothin’ between us, hasn’t been for years, she has to know that by now.”
“I thought fuckin’ the girl in front of her would do the trick,” Hodge laughs.
“You would think so, but she doesn’t seem to back down anymore,” I tell him as we walk into the kitchen. I grab a glass and fill it with ice before turning, ready to walk back out.
“You’re doin’ the right thing here,” Hodge tells me. I needed to hear that because, at this point, I don’t really know if I am or not.
“Thanks, Hodge.” He nods his head as I walk out of the kitchen and back down to Nat’s room. I walk in, and she’s curled into a ball in the middle of the bed. I set the glass on the table next to the bed before pulling the blankets over her and sitting next to her. I can’t stop myself from running my fingers through her hair and watching her lids flutter.
“I don’t know what the hell we’re doin’, Nat.”
“Stay with me,” she whispers in her sleep. How the hell could I say no? I kick off my boots and lay down next to her, pulling her small body into my arms. I’m almost afraid to hurt her. Nat rolls over, throws her arm around my waist, and snuggles into my chest.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she whispers.
“I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
“Thank you.”