Chapter 4
Four
Madison
The morning light shines through my curtains, making me groan.
I swear it feels like I didn’t get any sleep.
Every time I would doze off, I would wake with a start, thinking that maybe Bailey might need me.
I knew she was safe here with Joker and Hawk watching over us, but I couldn’t get my brain to shut off.
Well, there’s no sense in lying around. I throw the covers off me and stretch my arms and head for the closet.
I grab a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt and go to the bathroom to do my morning routine.
Last night, I texted my manager, telling her I'd be off for a few days and to call if she needed me. Other than doing payroll, which I can do from my laptop, they should be set and I shouldn’t have to go in.
All my employees are amazing, so I never have to worry.
I really hope the guys can find Bailey’s stepfather soon so she can have peace in her life.
I don’t understand how someone can treat their child like that.
It honestly just breaks my heart to think of what she went through, and I know we haven’t gotten the entire story yet.
All I know is that I want a piece of both of them.
I’m not one who goes around hurting people, but I will protect those who can’t.
I finish getting ready and open the bathroom door, throwing my clothes in the basket and quickly make my bed.
I head to my closest knowing I have to pack some of my clothes since we are heading to Joker’s place.
My life feels like it’s been turned upside down.
One minute I was a single bakery owner, the next I’m taking care of a child and going to live at Joker’s.
What has my life become? I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, knowing that what I’m doing is the right thing; everything else will fall into place, so there’s no sense in stressing over it.
First things first, Bailey needs essentials; she literally has nothing. I pack a week's worth of clothing and other things I might need into my bag, including my laptop, and grab my phone and head downstairs. I can hear laughter coming from the kitchen, which makes me smile.
I walk in and see Joker, Hawk, and Bailey sitting around the island with a big spread of food. Joker sees me and comes my way. Each step he takes makes my heart beating out of my chest. He looks damn good in the morning. Hell, who am I kidding? He always looks good.
He steps in front of me, smiling. “Good morning. Did you manage to get any sleep?” He narrows his eyes at me, and I know I look a mess right now. My eye bags have bags.
“Is that your way of telling me I look awful in the mornings?” I narrow my eyes at him, messing with him.
His eyes get big, and it’s taking everything in me not to burst out laughing watching him squirm.
“What? No, you always look beautiful. What I meant was that I heard you pacing in your room last night. I was going to come up, but I wasn’t sure if you wanted any company.
” I can’t help but smirk and laugh under my breath when he narrows his eyes at me.
“Ha ha, very funny.”
My shoulders deflate. “Yeah, it wasn’t my best night's sleep. I just kept waking up thinking maybe Bailey needed something. Or thinking maybe the stepdad was out there. It’s just been a lot, you know.”
Joker pulls me into his arms, wrapping me in a hug.
It is starting to be one of my favorite places to be.
It takes a minute for my shoulders to relax and just let him hold me.
“It’s going to be okay, Madison. We will take care of Bailey like she deserves.
I already spoke to Blade this morning, and since Bailey doesn't have any other family to take her in and there’s no way I’m putting her in foster care, she’s ours, angel.
We just have to sign some paperwork to make it official.
And that stepfather of hers will get what’s coming to him. I can promise you that.”
My body stiffens at his words. What does he mean together? I voice my thoughts. I pull back, well, as much as he will let me. Not that I’m complaining, I love being in his arms. “What do you mean, together?” I have a feeling I already know, but I need to hear the words.
“We are in this together, Madison. Bailey will be yours as much as mine. We will give her a loving family and let her be a kid, as she deserves. You're mine, Madison. You know it, I know it, so there’s no sense in fighting this. I know you want this just as much as I do. You're my ole lady angel.”
Oh, Lord! Joker has claimed me, and I know from talking to the other girls it’s huge because it’s for life.
I knew Joker liked me, but I never knew it was to this extent.
Or maybe I was too scared to see what was in front of me this entire time.
I raise my eyebrow at him. “You're not even going to ask?” Hey, just because I’m giddy on the inside and would be stupid enough to say no doesn’t mean I’m going to give up giving him shit.
He chuckles at me and brushes a piece of hair from my face, letting his touch linger. My body betrays me, and I shiver. “Oh, angel, there's no asking when you already know you're mine. So why fight it? Haven't we wasted enough time with you telling me no?”
He’s not wrong. I decided a while ago that I was going to give him a chance, and last night sealed it for me. But worry gnaws at me. Is this moving too fast? What happens when everything with Bailey ends? What then?
“I can see you trying to come up with every scenario in your head of how this isn’t going to work, and, yeah, I might joke around a lot, but with you I’m all in. Just don’t give up on me yet. Let me prove to you that I’m in this for the long haul. Let me show you the real me.”
He has a vulnerable look in his eyes that I’ve never seen from him.
He’s always the happy jokester in the group.
But right now he’s showing me a side I don’t think many get to see.
I can run and hide from him, or I can take a leap of faith like he wants me to and see where this goes.
“I would like that Joker.” I can feel a blush on my face as he graces me with the most beautiful smile, making my insides jump.
He wraps his arms around me as he steers me towards the kitchen, bending down and kissing the top of my head. “I knew I’d eventually wear you down; it was only a matter of time. Admit it, angel, you just can’t resist all this sexiness.”
He starts rubbing his abs, making me roll my eyes. “You just had to ruin it, didn’t you?” I walk out of his arms, hiding the smile on my face.
“You love it, angel.”
I walk further into the kitchen to see Bailey eating with Hawk. She sends me a little wave as she stuffs her face with pancakes, making me laugh. “Good morning, guys. Where did all this food come from?” I make a coffee and take my first sip, turning around to face everyone.
“Hawk went down to the diner and picked up some food since you didn’t have much in the fridge.”
“Yeah, I haven’t had time to go to the store since I was busy at the bakery. Oh, was Avianna working?” She’s such a sweet girl, but you can tell something is going on with her, that maybe she’s running from something.
“She was. Though I walked in to some fuckers trying to mess with her, so I stepped in.” Hawk says with a growl, making my eyes widen.
“Crap, I hope she’s okay. I always got the sense that she was running from something.” I gnaw on my lip in worry.
Hawk’s look darkens at the mention. “Don’t worry, Mads, I'm going to make sure nothing happens to her from now on.”
Oh, shit, I think Avianna just got claimed by Hawk, and she doesn’t even know it yet. I look at Joker, and he slightly shakes his head, so I drop it. I turn to Bailey to see her looking at all of us. “So, Bailey, how did you sleep?”
“That was the most comfortable bed ever.” She smiles at me.
“Good, I’m glad. So what time do you think we are going to the compound?
” I notice Joker and Hawk exchange a look, one I don’t like, and I know they don’t want to say anything around Bailey, so I look back at her.
“Hey Bailey, why don’t you head upstairs and get ready?
There are extra clothes in the bag for you that they brought over last night. ”
We watch as she gets up and heads upstairs before I turn to them. “Okay, tell me what’s going on since you clearly didn’t want to say anything in front of Bailey.”
Joker runs his hands through his hair, frustrated.
“Hawk saw Leo in town while he was getting food. Crow sent us his picture last night while you guys went to sleep, so we know what he looks like. It could be random, and he’s just looking, but I don’t like it, so as soon as Bailey is ready, we are moving out.
” Joker hands me his phone with Leo’s picture, and just the sight of him makes me angry after all he’s done to Bailey and God knows who else.
I hand the phone back. “I’m going to grab my bag.
I will be right back.” I don’t look at either of them, needing a moment to myself.
As I walk upstairs, I can hear the guest shower running, knowing Bailey is still getting ready.
I walk into my room and head over to my safe in my closet, punching in the code.
Once the door opens, I grab my handgun and an extra magazine while strapping it to me, and I know for a fact Joker is standing behind me watching my every move.
I smelled him as soon as he walked into my bedroom.
I close my safe and turn around to see him leaning against the door, watching my every move. I expect him to say something about why I armed myself, but all he does is shake his head and laugh. “Expecting trouble, Momma Bear?”
“Just being extra careful. I know you guys are more than capable of protecting us, but I always like to be prepared, and now that we know Leo is out there looking for her. I just need this right now, Joker.” Besides shooting practice, I never had to use this gun.
I don’t like going into this blind, and we don’t know how far Leo is willing to take this to get Bailey back, so I’m not taking any chances.
He walks over in two strides and has me in his arms, pulling me into his chest. “I promise we will keep her safe. Leo isn’t even going to be able to have a chance to get close enough.
I can tell you that much, and if he does, I will deal with it.
He’s as good as dead.” His body vibrates with anger, and I know he will do everything he can to make sure we are safe.
I pull back and look at him. “I hope when you catch him you make it hurt.” That might be wrong, but anyone who hurts babies is the lowest scum of the earth and deserves everything that comes to them.
Joker looks down at me and smiles. “You got it. Come on, I came up to tell you Bailey was ready but got distracted by you strapping a gun to yourself, which I find extremely sexy, by the way. Maybe later we can roleplay. What do you say?” He grabs my hands, kissing the back of my knuckles while wiggling his eyebrows up and down, looking absolutely ridiculous, making me laugh.
“You’re crazy, Joker.” My face flushes at his comment.
I swear this man is going to keep me on my toes.
I walk out of his arms and grab my leather jacket from the closet, wanting to conceal my weapon from Bailey.
As I walk out of the closet, I grab my bag and head down the stairs with Joker following close behind me.
Let’s just pray nothing happens while heading to the compound because this bad feeling I have isn’t going away, but I’m going to do everything in my power to protect Bailey come hell or high water.