Chapter Two
Nora
I stared at the apartment manager, completely dumbfounded. “What do you mean we have to figure something out? Did you miss the part where everything we own just went up in flames?”
The manager held up his hands. “Look, I’m sorry about that, I really am. But even if you contacted FEMA, it would take time to get you into a place. There’s nothing we can do tonight.”
“So, if we don’t have friends and family who can take us in, we what? Just have to tough it out on the street?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This had to be a joke, right? “I have a daughter! Doesn’t that mean anything to you at all?”
“I never said any of this was fair. Talk to the fire department. Maybe they can come up with something. All the other residents have something in place, whether it’s staying with family or at a local motel. You’re the only one having trouble in that area.”
I wanted to scream as loud as I could, but I knew it wouldn’t do me any good. Instead, I took Taylor’s hand and went to find a fireman who might be able to give us a better answer. It didn’t take long to spot the one who’d saved us from the burning building. I hurried over to him, my heart racing.
“Excuse me!” I called out as I got closer.
He turned and gave me a smile. “Something I can do for you?”
“Um, the apartment manager informed me the residents have to figure out their own housing for the night. And possibly longer. Something about the Red Cross not being able to do provide emergency housing.” He stared, waiting patiently for me to get to the point, but I seriously hated this. It made me sound so needy, and… unable to adult. “We don’t have friends or family in the area who can help us out, and literally all our stuff, including my purse and wallet, are now nothing but ash.”
“So, you don’t have a place to go, and no way to pay for a motel room,” he said.
“Right. I don’t suppose you know of anything? A church or something who might help us? Or perhaps a…” I didn’t want to say the word shelter. I’d heard horror stories about some of them.
“Shelter?” he asked.
I nodded, trying not to wince, but I couldn’t afford to be picky at this point. He glanced at Taylor, then took a step closer to me, lowering his voice.
“Not to tell you what to do, but you don’t want to take her to one of those. This town has had its share of human trafficking, not to mention there are several gangs in the area and a big drug problem. They open the doors at that place to anyone who needs a bed, as long as they have space for them.”
I’d feared as much. “Then what should we do?”
Tears pricked my eyes and I blinked, trying to hold them back. Why did things like this have to happen to me? My life seemed to be a series of misfortunes, one after the other.
“I know we just met, and you have no idea if I’m a good person or not, but… if you really need a place to crash, somewhere safe, I have a spare room at my apartment. There’s a bed in there, even a TV. And a lock on the door.”
Was he seriously offering for us to go home with him? And what did he mean I didn’t know if he was a good person? He’d just saved us from a burning building. It didn’t escape my notice he and his friend had been the only two who’d dared to even attempt a rescue. I’d even heard another firefighter mutter something about them disobeying orders. Which meant the person in charge had intended to let us burn to death. It didn’t exactly give me warm fuzzies.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Positive. If it will make you feel better, you can give your information to my captain, and we’ll tell him where you’ll be staying. You can also call anyone you know and tell them my name and I’ll give them my phone number and address. Whatever it takes for you to feel safe.”
Jesus. Was this man for real? He took hero to a whole new level. But I wasn’t going to turn away this precious opportunity. I’d meant it when I told the apartment manager I’d have to live on the street with Taylor if he didn’t help us. Instead, the man who’d saved our lives was stepping up once more. I didn’t know why he’d been put in my path or what drove him to enter the building tonight, but I’d forever be grateful to him.
“We’d be happy to accept,” I said.
“Then let’s go talk to my captain. We’ll make sure he has your info, and he already knows where I live and how to reach me. Is there anyone you want to call?”
I shook my head. I talked to my co-workers a little, but I didn’t exactly have friends. I didn’t know anyone else my age who had kids, much less a five-year-old. My life had been difficult to say the least, and I had a hard time connecting with people close to my age. Hell, I could barely connect with people at all. Needless to say, I typically had trust issues, but something about this man made me feel like we’d be fine if we stayed with him.
I only hoped he didn’t prove me wrong, like everyone else in my life had so far.
* * *
Dawson
The orange glow of the streetlights cast eerie shadows across Nora and Taylor’s soot-streaked faces as we hurried up the steps to my apartment. Taylor clung to her mother’s leg, her wide blue eyes darting around nervously. I could only imagine the horrors these two had been through tonight. Hell, I’d seen part of it firsthand. Running into a burning building might be a normal thing for me, but it had to be terrifying for a kid.
I fitted my key into the lock and pushed open the door. “Come on in,” I said gently, ushering them inside.
Nora hesitated on the threshold, her arms wrapped protectively around her chest. “Are you sure this is okay? We don’t want to impose…”
“It’s no imposition at all,” I assured her. “I’ve got plenty of space. You’ll be safe here, I promise.”
After a moment, Nora nodded and stepped inside, guiding Taylor by the hand. I flicked on the lights, illuminating the spacious open-concept living room. “So this is the main room. That couch is brand-new, and over there is a 65-inch flat screen. Remote’s on the coffee table if you want to watch something later.”
I glanced at Nora to gauge her reaction, but her expression was unreadable as her dark eyes scanned the room. What must she be thinking right now?
Taylor gasped and ran over to the entertainment center, her earlier apprehension forgotten. “Mommy, look! He has so many movies!” She turned to me, bouncing on her heels. “Can we watch Frozen ? Please, please, please?”
I smiled at her enthusiasm. At least someone appreciated my movie collection. “Maybe tomorrow, sweetie. It’s pretty late. Let’s get you and your mom settled in for the night first, okay?”
Taylor’s face fell slightly but she nodded. “Okay.”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves fluttering in my stomach. Having them here, in my space -- it felt surreal. But I had to focus on getting them what they needed right now.
“The guestroom and bathroom are just down that hallway,” I said, pointing. “I’ll show you.”
As I led them farther into the apartment, I prayed that I was doing the right thing by taking them in. It was a huge responsibility, but I was determined to keep Nora and Taylor safe, no matter what it took. They had already been through too much. It wasn’t like I could leave them on the street, and it had sounded like that’s where they’d have had to sleep tonight.
As we made our way down the hallway, Taylor skipped ahead, her blonde curls bouncing with each step. She paused at the entrance to the guest room, peeking inside with wide, curious eyes.
“Wow, it’s so big!” she exclaimed, spinning around to face us. “But where’s the Christmas tree?”
I chuckled at her innocent question, kneeling down to meet her at eye level. “Well, I haven’t had a chance to get one yet, sweetheart. But how about this? I’ll let you pick one out for me on one of my days off. What do you say?”
Taylor’s face lit up with pure joy, and she threw her arms around my neck in a tight hug. “Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Mr. Dawson!”
I couldn’t help but smile as I returned her embrace, my heart swelling with affection for this sweet little girl. Over her shoulder, I caught a glimpse of Nora watching us, a soft expression on her face I couldn’t quite decipher.
Rising to my feet, I cleared my throat and gestured toward the guestroom. “So, this is where you two will be staying. It’s not much, but the bed is comfortable, and there’s plenty of room in the dresser for your things.”
I winced, remembering they didn’t have anything. Yet, anyway. I’d make sure they at least had the basics by morning.
Nora stepped into the room, her fingers trailing along the soft comforter. “It’s perfect, Dawson. More than perfect. I don’t know how to thank you for all of this.”
I shook my head, holding up a hand. “You don’t need to thank me, Nora. I’m just glad I can help.”
As they settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that having them here was going to change everything. But looking at Nora and Taylor, seeing the hope and gratitude in their eyes, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, I would face them head-on. For their sake, and for the chance to make a difference in their lives.
I led them farther down the hallway to the bathroom, flicking on the light switch as we entered. I tried to see it through their eyes. To me it was just a bathroom, but Taylor seemed in awe of my apartment.
“Here’s the bathroom. You’ll find clean towels in the cabinet, and I’ve stocked up on some toiletries for guests.” I opened the drawers, revealing an array of shampoos, soaps, and lotions. “Oh, and there are new toothbrushes in here too.”
Nora’s eyes widened as she took in the spacious, well-appointed room. “This is incredible, Dawson. You’ve thought of everything.”
I shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious under her praise. “I just want people to feel at home here if they visit. One of my best friends moved away, and in the event she and her husband don’t want to stay with her family, this gives them a place to crash when they’re in town.”
Taylor tugged on my hand, her eyes shining with excitement. “Can I take a bubble bath, Mr. Dawson? Pretty please?”
I chuckled, ruffling her blonde curls. “Of course you can, sweetheart. I think there’s some bubble bath in the cabinet too.”
As Taylor squealed with delight, I caught Nora’s gaze, a silent understanding passing between us. We both knew this small moment of normalcy was a precious gift for her daughter.
Stepping back into the hallway, I pulled out my phone. “Hey, I need to make a quick call. Why don’t you two get settled in, and I’ll be right back.”
Nora nodded, her expression grateful. “Take your time, Dawson. We’ll be fine.”
I slipped into the living room, scrolling through my contacts until I found Akira’s number. As the phone rang, I paced the floor, my mind racing with all the things I needed to do to ensure Nora and Taylor’s safety and comfort.
“Hey, Akira,” I said when she picked up. “I need a favor.”
“Anything for you, Dawson. What’s up?” Her voice was warm and reassuring, instantly putting me at ease. She was one of the few people who knew what I’d been up to since I’d left the compound.
I took a deep breath, lowering my voice. “I have some guests staying with me, a woman and her little girl. They’ve been through a lot, and I want to make sure they have everything they need. Did you hear about the apartment fire tonight? They lived there, and now they’ve lost everything.”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. “Say no more. I’ll pick up some clothes, toys, and anything else I can think of. They’ll be taken care of, I promise.”
Relief washed over me, and I closed my eyes, silently thanking the universe for Akira’s unwavering support. “You’re the best, you know that?”
She laughed, the sound warm and comforting. “I know.”
“I don’t know their sizes, but the little girl looks to be about four or five. The woman is on the slender side. Maybe a small or medium for clothes?” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’ll offer to wash their stuff tonight, and I’ll text you in a bit with a more accurate size.”
“No worries. Now go take care of your guests. I’ll be over in the morning with supplies,” she said.
As I ended the call, I leaned against the wall, my heart full of gratitude and determination. Nora and Taylor needed me, and I would do whatever it took to keep them safe and happy. The simple fact they hadn’t had anyone to rely on or a place to go told me they could use some kindness and support right about now. If she didn’t have friends, then I’d be one for her.
I stepped into the living room, my eyes instantly drawn to Nora. I hadn’t expected her to finish cleaning up so fast. She stood by the window, her slender frame silhouetted against the night sky. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, and I could see the tension in her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around herself.
As I approached, she turned to face me, her brown eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. “Thank you, Dawson. For everything. First you saved our lives, and now you’re giving us a place to stay.”
I offered her a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to thank me, Nora. I’m just glad I could help.”
She nodded, her gaze drifting around the apartment. I watched as she took in the clean, modern space, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her shirt. I could only imagine the thoughts running through her mind -- the fear, the doubt, the overwhelming sense of change.
“I know it’s a lot to take in,” I said gently, taking a step closer. “But I want you to know you and Taylor can stay as long as you need.”
Nora met my eyes, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of hope amidst the shadows. “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”
I shook my head, my heart aching for the pain she’d endured. “You don’t owe me anything, Nora. I’m doing this because I care, and because I want to see you and Taylor happy and thriving.”
She blinked back tears, her lips curving into a tentative smile. “I haven’t had anyone care about us like this in a long time.”
I reached out, gently squeezing her shoulder. “Well, get used to it. Because from now on, you’ve got me in your corner.”
As Nora leaned into my touch, I couldn’t help but marvel at her strength and resilience. She’d been through hell, yet here she was, standing tall and ready to fight for a better future. And I knew, with every fiber of my being, I would be right there beside her, every step of the way.
I might have questioned these feelings if I hadn’t grown up with the Dixie Reapers, where men seemed to fall fast and hard for their women. From what I’d heard, it had been the same for my parents. So, the fact I found Nora and Taylor fascinating and felt this need to keep them close told me my single days were most likely numbered.
Nora’s smile grew a little brighter, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders.
“Why don’t you and Taylor get some rest? I’ll put two of my clean T-shirts in the guest room for you to sleep in tonight. If you need anything at all, just let me know.”
“I think we’ll be okay for now,” Nora replied, her voice soft but steady. “It’s been a long day, and I think Taylor’s more than ready to call it a night. I should go check on her, make sure she didn’t fall asleep taking a bath.”
“I’m surprised you left her alone in there,” I said. Not in an accusatory way. Nora seemed to be a mother hen, and I had no doubt she wanted to watch Taylor’s every move after going through such a scary event.
“She’s at the independent stage, where she’s still small enough I want to help with everything, but she’s determined to do it on her own.”
“Poor thing. She’s been through a lot.”
I watched Nora walk down the hall and heard the bathroom door open, then click shut. I let out a long, slow breath. If I wasn’t careful, I might scare her off.
With a renewed sense of resolve, I headed to the kitchen to make a list of supplies I’d need to pick up tomorrow or have delivered. While Nora helped Taylor finish bathing, I left the shirts in their room as I’d promised. Then I waited. Once they’d turned in for the night, I gathered their dirty clothes and washed them… but not before checking the sizes. I shot off a text to Akira to let her know what to get before I forgot.
Muffled voices drifted from the guest room as I stood in the hallway, my hand hesitating on the doorknob. I wanted to give Nora and Taylor their privacy, but a part of me longed to be there, to offer comfort and reassurance.
I placed my hand on the door, but left it shut. Instead, I called out to her through it. “I’ll be right down the hall if you need anything. Help yourself to anything in the kitchen if you get hungry or thirsty.”
“Goodnight, Dawson,” she called back.
“Goodnight,” I whispered back, my hand falling from the door as I backed away.
After checking all the door and window locks, I went to my room and changed into sweats and a T-shirt. Then I crawled into bed. The apartment was quiet, even with my new guests down the hall.
As I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, my mind raced with thoughts of Nora and Taylor. I knew their road to recovery would be long and difficult. I would protect them, support them, and show them that there was still good in the world.
I’d need a Christmas tree, lights, and ornaments. Christmas was too close for Taylor to not have something to bring a sense of normalcy to her holiday. She’d lost her home and all her possessions. For a child, I knew this was more than a little unsettling, even though she seemed to be doing well.
Presents. She’d need something to open for Christmas. Being around the club my entire life, and a bunch of girls, I had a general idea of what she might like. Since I couldn’t sleep, I pulled out my phone and made a short list of ideas. Then I added a few things for Nora. We hadn’t had a chance to talk much. I assumed she had a job. We’d need to discuss our schedules, and I’d offer to help with Taylor on my days off.
We could make this work. And with some luck, I’d be able to convince her to give me a chance. Even if we just went on a few dates, I’d consider that a win. Hell, I’d love to make it a family affair and go to dinner or the movies with both of them.
My phone buzzed and I picked it up. Isy .
“Isy, is something wrong?” I asked the moment the call connected.
“Do I need a reason to say hi to one of my best friends?” she asked.
“No, but it’s late.” I glanced at the time. More than late. It was after midnight.
“Akira called.”
And there it was. My two “girl” friends had been chatting behind my back. I should have known. “She talks too much.”
“She’s excited. Can you blame her? I can’t remember the last time you dated someone and now you have a woman and her kid in your apartment? This is huge, Dawson.”
I rubbed my eyes. “Isy, I’m just helping them out. They lost everything tonight, and didn’t have anywhere else to go.”
“Uh-huh. Look, Dawson, you may not be an official Dixie Reaper, but it’s in your blood.”
I sighed. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Look at all our parents. Well, maybe not Akira’s. Wraith didn’t pull his head out of his ass until it was nearly too late. Then again, use him as an example. Do you want this woman to slip through your fingers?”
“Would you stop playing matchmaker? Don’t you have better things to do with your time? In fact, what does Rebel think of you calling me this damn late?” I asked.
I heard her snort. “He’ll deal. Besides, he’s in the doghouse.”
“I hope you don’t mean a literal one.” With her, anything was possible. “What did he do this time?”
“Told me I couldn’t have the most adorable little tortoise at the pet store.”
I stared out the living room window as I tried to process her words. “As in something that’s probably the size of your hand now, but will need a barn and acre of fenced yard later?”
“It wouldn’t get that big. About the size of a house cat. Just wider.” I heard the defensiveness in her voice and knew Rebel had already pointed out the potential issues with getting something that could be a large pet later. Never mind their long lifespans.
“Give the guy a break, Isy. He’s thinking long-term. Something you can’t seem to do when it comes to anything you want.”
“Fine. You may have a point. But stop changing the subject! About this woman…”
“Goodnight, Isy.” I didn’t give her a chance to say anything else before I hung up.
I had no idea what tomorrow would bring, much less the days following. I’d meant it when I told Nora she could stay here as long as she needed to. Besides, the way I was drawn to Nora sounded like the same thing my parents had been through, and my grandfather, Bull, with his wife Darian -- who refused to let us call her Grandma. They were also Isy’s parents, which technically made her my aunt, but it had been too fucking weird to call her that. Instead, I just considered her my best friend, and my family.
Jesus. I’d never be able to explain all this to anyone. How the hell was I going to get married and have a family when mine was so screwed up? The average person would take one look at the Dixie Reapers and run the other way.
But that was a problem for another day. For now, I just needed to get through tonight and the next few days. With my thoughts racing about what life could be like with Nora and Taylor living here permanently, and being mine, I closed my eyes and let sleep claim me.