Chapter 7
Seven
HITTER
I t’s been three days since I brought Izzy to the compound. Her brother still hasn’t been dealt with completely since we’re waiting on Piper, Prez, and Devin to deal out their brand of justice. I think Prez promised his future father-in-law some much overdue revenge. They should arrive today, and I can tell it’s taking a toll on Izzy. She’s a nervous wreck, and it’s putting me on edge. The day she got here, after her shower, she was sound asleep when I walked back into the room after getting her something to eat. She slept for almost two full days, and it worried me.
I could get her to wake up only long enough to get something in her stomach before she was back asleep. I almost hauled her little ass to the hospital again, but Grim came by to have a look at her. He reassured me she was fine, that her body had been through a lot and just needed rest to recover from the traumatic event. Still, that didn’t make me feel any fucking better.
Now we are sitting on barstools in the common area, waiting for our Prez and his Ol’ Lady to come back. Prez’s house just got finished, so I’m guessing he’ll move Piper in immediately. I would do the same. I still have a couple weeks until mine is done, but best believe the minute it’s completed, Izzy’s ass will be there right along with me as well.
I had to change some of the house's layout, which is why it’s taken me so much longer, but I wanted it to be more easily accessible for Izzy. I talked to Swift, and he laughed his ass off and told me to hang tight with Izzy. He knew I’d already fallen for her. Hell, I might have fought it a little harder if I hadn’t seen what Swift and Piper have together. I won’t lie. I was fucking jealous watching what he had. Someone who took him for who he truly was, didn’t judge, didn’t want him to change, didn’t steer away, and didn’t just want him as some fucked up bad boy phase she could rub in her daddy’s face. Call me a pussy, but the thought of being used shrivels my dick faster than watching Beau and the other prospects practicing their bar routine.
That alone is something else altogether. Swift giving him full permission for the bar was a surprise, but as much as he didn’t want to admit it, the prospects had a great idea. This idea will bring in so much fucking money from the women in the whole Tri-County area. There’s no other place like this one that we know of around here. It’ll be completely unique. You have a couple of bars with a ladies' night, which always produce well, so why not make a bar catering to female clientele? Beau is leading the team to design and set up the place.
Clearing my head of those thoughts, I look up, noticing Izzy wringing her hands in her lap while bouncing her foot off the bar stool.
“Angel, trust me, it’s going to be fine. No one blames you. You’re not responsible for the shit your family did,” I tell her, moving closer and reaching over, giving her hand a squeeze.
“I know, but I still can’t help feeling guilty. What if Piper is upset about how close I got to her dad? She’s an only child, and I’m sure she missed him while he was away. I don’t want her to hate me, Hitter,” she tells me, and I know with that admission, she’s finally starting to trust me and let me in.
“Not possible, baby. Piper is a good woman. She’s going to love you,” I tell her, purposely using the L-word. I swear I fell for Izzy that first day, but I know she’s not ready to hear those words from me. I’ll get her used to them first, as well as being mine. She turns her head my way with a blush staining her cheeks, but then we hear the door bang open.
“Welcome home!” Is screamed as our Prez and his Ol’ Lady walk in, followed by Devin, everyone hooting and hollering. Piper’s smile is so wide as she looks around the room, but our Prez can’t take his eyes off his woman. He has a slight smile on his face, and I swear I’ve never seen him so happy. Piper and Swift make their way through the room, getting pats on the back and hugs from all the brothers. Devin bypasses it all and walks right up to Izzy.
“I’m so happy to see you safe, baby girl,” Devin says, moving her hair from her face. Izzy suddenly bursts into tears, and he pulls her into his arms. My heart squeezes as I see my woman overcome with emotions. Izzy and Devin have been through so much together, which would have broken lesser people. They are both survivors and were each other’s lifeline in that shithole. I know from our conversations that Izzy sees Devin as the father she’s never had. From the look on his face and his huge grin, Devin has another daughter by his side now. I might be jealous if I didn’t know what they had been through and seen the conditions they were in firsthand.
“You must be my new sister,” Piper says with a big smile, and I can tell she’s honestly happy.
“I swear, I didn’t replace you or anything. Your dad talked about you nonstop. I-I…” Izzy tries to get out, but Piper throws her arms around her neck. She hugs her tight, and it’s the first time I’ve seen her relax entirely. It’s like her whole body lets go of every bit of tension it has been holding since the moment we found her in that basement.
“I hate you were put down in that place. For so long, I thought my father was dead, taken from me. I hate that either of you was down there in the first place, but I’m glad you were together and alive. My dad told me how you tried to save him and took a few beatings to protect him. Thank you so much, Izzy. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but I’m glad you’re safe and here with us now,” Piper says, pulling back from Izzy.
“Wow, she really is as amazing as you all said.” Izzy smiles, and all the guys laugh.
“Alright, y’all. Everybody get your asses back to work. Church tomorrow bright and early. Piper needs rest,” Swift tells us all as he slides up beside Piper, grabs her waist, and escorts her out of the room. I turn to Izzy.
“What do you feel like doing today, Angel?” I ask her, finally getting her to myself again. She might have been with me since she got here, but most of the time, she’s either been sleeping or stressing over today. Plus, with this out of the way, I know Izzy will finally be relaxed and won’t hold back.
“Don’t you have some work to do? I feel like I’ve been keeping you from your job. I don’t want to get you into trouble,” she says shyly, and I smile.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. He gets into trouble all on his own. It’s kind of a specialty around here. Keeps things interesting, that’s for sure,” Loki says, walking by, making Izzy laugh.
“I took the next couple of days off. Wanted to make sure you were settled. I haven’t taken a day off in years. I’m due some time,” I tell her, and she relaxes.
“Oh, okay. Can…” She starts, but drifts off after a bit, biting her lip.
“What is it, Angel? Don’t hide from me,” I say, lifting her chin with my finger. I know she can’t see me, but she should never have her head down. I know it’s because of her upbringing. She tries to be invisible, sink into the background, and bring as little attention to herself as possible. All in the name of avoiding the wrath of her fucked up family. Well, those days are fucking over. I’ll kill whoever thought it was or is a smart idea to put their hands on my woman.
“Can we go pick up a few extra clothes and stuff? I have nothing, not even a toothbrush of my own. Everything I’ve been using is either yours or borrowed,” she explains, and I smile, happy she’s comfortable enough to ask. She’s been borrowing clothes that barely fit her petite frame and an extra toothbrush that I found in my bathroom cabinet. I’ve wanted to take her to get her own things, but she hasn’t felt up to it until now.
“Of course, babe. How about we take my truck this time? I don’t think all the bags will fit on my bike by the time we’re done,” I tell her, grabbing her hand and helping her off the stool.
“What’s that face for, Angel?” I ask when I see a look of disappointment cross her face.
“Nothing; I liked riding on your bike,” she says, giving me a small smile.
Her admission warms my heart and adds to this feeling of rightness I get in my chest when she’s close. She doesn’t realize it yet, but the minute she sat her little ass on the back of my bike, she sealed her fate. No one rides on the back of my bike but my Ol’ Lady. Everyone in the Reckless Omens MC follows the same unspoken rule. Riding bitch may sound harsh, but most people don’t know the honor it really is. That spot is saved for someone so special, a biker’s final rider, our ride or die. No one else should occupy that spot.
“How about I take you out for a ride tomorrow? Just you and me,” I offer, and I can see the excitement in her smile. It lights up her entire world. She bounces on her feet, and it makes me laugh. I love how much she enjoys riding. If I have everything my way, her ass will be a permanent fixture there with my name plastered across her back. Fuck me, she’d be sexy as hell with my name branded on her. I shake my head, knowing I’m getting ahead of myself. I have to convince Izzy to stay with me first, then get her to fall for me.
“Sounds like the perfect day,” Izzy says with a big smile as I lead her out of the compound and to my truck parked along the side of the building.
I fucking hate shopping, absolutely despise it, but I’m excited to experience this with Izzy. I don’t know how she picks out clothes and things without seeing them, but just spending time with her is more than enough. I’ve fallen hard for this woman. She doesn’t know it yet, nor does she see how strong and amazing she is. Her own family turned their backs on her, tortured her, then locked her in a dirty fucking basement. Who knows what else she’s been through that I don’t know about? Still, she came out of it strong. She may be hesitant, but just seeing the smile on her face shows that even with the hell she went through, she’s a survivor… and she’s all fucking mine.