CHAPTER NINE
-:- PENNY -:-
Arriving home, I place the beautiful bouquet into water.
Nyx, thankfully, had brought Arabella home earlier after I’d woken up at the clubhouse, and had to get back to work.
Nyx and Tina stayed at the clubhouse waiting to help, and I’ll always be grateful to them for their friendship and caring.
Thankfully, Arabella is much better now that the medication has taken the pain away.
Smiling at the flowers, I can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, there is a rainbow at the end! Ruger being my rainbow. Life is never certain, and I know that better than most. Am I willing to take a risk? Yes, I think I am, not just for myself but for Arabella as well.
I never imagined myself being involved with a group of bikers, but the rumors about them aren’t true, from what I have seen with my own two eyes.
Yeah, maybe they are a little rough and ready at times, but I think that is part of them being who they are, and not giving a shit what anyone thinks of them.
The evening progresses with feeding, bathing and giving Arabella the small dose of meds that Stitch advised. I cuddle for quite a long time before Arabella finally falls deeply asleep.
You know I’m not sure if she didn’t mumble Dada! What the hell, she better not say dada before she says mama! I’m gonna kill Ruger if she does.
I quickly clean up after Arabella’s routine, then make myself a hot chocolate nightcap.
Sitting in the living room, sipping my chocolate, I ponder how things have changed.
Most seems to be since I met Nyx and the bikers.
I found such a good friend in Nyx, and I hope we’ll continue to be friends from this time forward.
Too many friendships change or get lost along the way.
But forever friends are special, and no matter what is thrown, you always remain friends.
****
Waking, I’m aware I’m hot and I have a body behind me spooning. Looking down at the arm around my torso, I see the tattoos which tell me it’s Ruger. Kissing my shoulder Ruger mumbles, “Go back to sleep, Babe.” You know what? I go back to sleep, and sleep like a baby for probably another two hours.
The next time I wake it’s because I hear Arabella crying. I shoot out of bed before I realize Ruger is not in bed anymore. Rushing to Arabella’s room I stop in the doorway and watch Ruger kissing Arabella on the nose as he coos sweet nothings to her.
You know, she stops crying and gives that baby laugh that you can’t help but smile at. Then she says ‘Dada’… I freeze, scowl, huff, stomp my foot and then walk out of the room, back to my bedroom where I enter the en-suite and the shower.
Goddamn it, she said Dada first. I place my forehead on the tiles and close my eyes. I can imagine that in the years to come Ruger is going to gloat about that fact. Rub my nose in it, I’m sure.
After my shower, dressed, and ready for work I step into the kitchen where Ruger is standing in sweatpants and nothing else. My goodness, he is a good-looking man. “Morning, Babe.”
“Morning,” I grumble in return, but that doesn’t faze Ruger. He carries Arabella over to me and kisses me on the lips gently. Arabella surprisingly copies by kissing my cheek, and I’m so shocked I stand with my mouth hanging open.
Ruger seats Arabella in her high chair and pulls me gently to sit next to her at the kitchen table.
“I’ve made you scrambled eggs and toast,” Ruger states and hands me a plate that was on the counter.
He gives Arabella something mushy, not sure what it is and I’m not asking, but you know that little madam swallows every spoonful he gives her.
She’s a traitor to her mama, and in the future I’ll be telling her that.
I am happy that she is much better this morning. Ruger has placed a piece of apple and a teething ring on the high chair, and she’s happily munching on those between the spoons he’s giving her.
“I’ve brought the blueprint copy for you to look at. Any changes, just let me know and I’ll speak to Harris. He needs any changes as soon as, because he’s doing foundations at this time.” Ruger hands me a rolled-up blueprint.
Unrolling, I look at the plans, and the place has a basement, which from what I can see is going to be huge.
The ground floor has an open-plan kitchen and dining area.
Utility off to the side with a mudroom beyond that.
A bathroom and a half bath are also on this floor.
A large living room and an office. Not sure why he wants an office? There is even a children's playroom.
Above are five bedrooms, all with en-suites. Lastly, the loft area is marked as a rest area with a library setting. This is going to be a massive house, but it’s going to be beautiful.
“Here along this side are floor to ceiling windows, so the light comes into the living room all day. You’ll be able to see the sunset and enjoy the colors that brings.
” Ruger kisses the top of my head and then picks Arabella out of her highchair, holding her away from him as she has whatever she’s eaten all over her.
“I love this, Ruger, and wouldn’t change a thing,” I smile and roll up the blueprint. “I’ll take Arabella and drop her off with Nyx.”
“No. I’ll take her. I’ll give her a clean-up and change her before she goes,” giving his attention to Arabella. “Hey, Punkin, Dada going to clean you up?” Ruger croons.
“Dadadada…”
“Whatever…” I moodily state as I turn, grabbing my purse. I kiss Arabella on top of her head avoiding her dirty hands at the same time.
“Give me a kiss, Babe…” Ruger puckers up, and I can’t help it. I kiss him quickly before I dash out of the house and head for work.
Arriving at work, I check who is on shift before heading to the cafeteria and getting a mug of coffee for my desk.
Today I want to check all the supplies are in the system, and TwoCents will see every invoice is logged onto it.
I don’t want any questions about where this is or what happened to that.
Wren steps into the office and gives me a bright smile. “Hi, Penny. I wonder if I can book a two-day vacation? I have my best friend's wedding, and she wants me to be a bridesmaid. Just between us, I’d rather not do it, but I can’t let her down.”
“When is it?” I ask and pull up the calendar I keep for all employees.
“It’s two weeks from today. I’ll need just the two days. The night before the wedding, she wants all her bridesmaids to be at her house. It’s going to be a nightmare as I don’t get along with her sister. It’ll be spat central. Then the wedding the next day. I’ll be back at work the day after.”
Wren takes a seat in front of my desk while I check Bentley and Jayne will be available to cover that two-day period.
“I don’t see any issue with your taking those two days away, but I’ll make sure with Bentley and Jayne they can come into work.
It would be Jayne’s day off work, but I think she’ll be fine covering for you. It’s overtime after all.”
“She is a lovely person, and I’ve watched her with clients that come in.
She’s so genuinely warm toward people that they immediately smile at her.
She has me laughing when she calls everyone Boss.
She is hopeless with names I think.” Wren giggles, and I can’t help the smile that appears.
“See, even the mention of her and we are smiling.”
“I’ll get back to you on this, but I honestly cannot see a problem. Even if Jayne is busy Bentley is scheduled to work.” I turn away from the monitor, and Wren smiles. “Thank you, Penny.”
I take my empty mug back to the cafeteria. “Magnus, could you make me something light for lunch?”
Magnus taps his chin. “Are you just bored with food?”
“Yeah, I think I am.”
“Okay, then, how about a chicken and apricot panini?” Magnus lifts an eyebrow as he waits for my response.
Now, my mouth waters at the thought, and I give him a bright smile. “Oh, yes, I’d love that. Thank you, I’ve never had chicken and apricot.”
“It’ll not be long. Enjoy your coffee.” Magnus quickly makes his way behind the counter and into the kitchen area.
I sip my coffee and think about Ruger, the dada thing, and this stunning house he is having built.
He is committed, and it’s heartwarming. I can feel myself falling for him, and I have to admit to myself that I am ready to commit in return.
My phone vibrates on the table where I had placed it while I drank my coffee.
Ruger: Meal out on Saturday, don’t forget.
Penny: OKAY. You didn’t say which Saturday, so I wasn’t aware it was this week.
Ruger: I’ll make sure we have a good table at Club Whisky. Great grub there.
Penny: OKAY.
Great grub! My man is so romantic! That has me smiling to myself, and I’m taken by surprise when Magnus places a plate in front of me. “Oh my, these panini look amazing,” I blurt, which has Magnus grinning.
“Enjoy. Let me know what you think when you are done.” Not waiting for a reply, Magnus goes back to the kitchen. Me, I take my first bite and groan at the taste. Simply, A.Maz.Ing.
Once I’ve finished, I take my mug and plate to the counter and shout to Magnus who is in the kitchen area. “Thank you, Magnus. That was fantastic. I enjoyed every mouthful.”
“You are welcome, Penny, anytime,” Magnus responds but stays where he is, so obviously busy.
Wren calls me down to the reception area, and I see her speaking with a tall man, who looks very military by his stance. “What do you need, Wren?” I ask and give the man an enquiring look.
“Hello, Ma’am. I was told by a friend that you are taking on security detail officers, and I came to see if you still had positions open.” My oh my, he has a sexy voice. Deep, like old whiskey and a large cigar, while sitting in a library…shit, get your mind back into it, Penny!
Wren giggles, and I look at her, then at the man who is standing at attention mostly, but I can see he has a twinkle in his eye.
“I’m sorry, but you have a beautiful voice, and it just took me by surprise.
” I splutter that, then realize what I’ve said and blush.
I quickly pull myself together, or try to when I hear…
“Why are you blushing? What did you say to my woman?” Ruger appears out of nowhere, taking me by surprise, and shit, today is full of surprises.
“Nothing is going on here, Ruger. Penny just likes Holt’s voice. Deep, like old whiskey and a cigar, while sitting in a library…”
Oh my God, I said that out loud! I look at Wren who giggles, then at the man called Holt who has his upper lip twitching but keeps a straight face.
Ruger is looking pissed, but I’m getting out of here.
“Ruger, you need to speak with Holt, and take him to the security office if needed. I have work to do.” I spin and rush out of reception, hearing Wren giggling behind me.
Getting back to my PC I continue checking all invoices are in the system and paid. Placing all invoices into this month’s folder and filing them. I love paper copies. It is always good proof of what is going on if the system ever breaks down.
Picking up the phone, I make a call to Helping Hands Cleaning Service and only have to wait a second or two before the call is answered. “Good day, Helping Hands Cleaning Service.”
“Hello, this is Penny from BaronsSecure Services. I was advised to speak to Alf or Heather regarding a cleaning contract for our business premises.”
“This is Alf speaking. I was pre-warned that you might be calling. Heather, as you probably know is Forest’s Ol’ Lady, and they are part of the MC.
I was told that the MC owns the place, hence its name.
I don’t have anyone at the moment. But I can take on extra staff.
It will take a while as I thoroughly vet my staff before I take them on, and before they are allowed in a property.
Your business premises will need top security coverage employees because of the type of business it is.
I could move some of my staff to you and replace them.
Can you leave it with me to speak with Heather, then I’ll get back to you, Penny? ”
“Okay, Alf. Please let me know and I’ll advise my bosses.”
I make my way up to the main security office to speak with Bones who I know is in the office today. “Bones, I have spoken to Alf at the cleaning company,” I begin to say when I come to a halt when I see Ruger, Bones and Holt sitting talking. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you had anyone with you.”
Bones grins and Ruger shakes his head, while Holt places the palm of his hand over his mouth. I’m sure to hide the laughter his eyes are showing. Sighing, I state clearly. “Okay, so I like his voice. Blah, blah, get over it. Holt, my name is Penny, and not Ma’am, as that makes me sound old.”
“Penny, this is our newest recruit for security patrol, Holt Sullivan.” Bones states, and with that, Holt holds his hand out to shake, but Ruger growls and I mean he sounds like a damn dog. I give him a shocked look but grab Holt’s hand and shake while eyeing Ruger, which shuts him up.
“Welcome to the security family.” I beam at Holt.
“Now what is it you came to tell me?” Bones asks.
I quickly fill him in on what Alf said, and we all turn to look at Holt when he speaks.
“My sister could do it. She’s looking for a job.
She’ll have a clean background check, and she knows about keeping her mouth shut.
She’d spill nothing, and coming from a military family she knows about how security measures work. ”
“Okay, Penny, leave it with me. I’ll get Delta to do the checks, and if Holt’s sister works out, we’ll not need to go through any other company.” Bones looks back at Holt, and I know I’m dismissed.
Making my way back to my office I hear footsteps behind me, and as I turn I’m pulled into the security patrol office. No one is in here, and Ruger locks the door before pinning me to the wall and kissing me thoroughly.
I’m standing a little dazed when a knock on the door brings me back to earth.
I quickly recover, make sure I am not looking a mess and give Ruger a dirty look.
Of course, he has no shame, readjusts his damn pants and unlocks the door.
Colton walks inside, and as he opens his mouth to speak he notices me.
Looking from me to Ruger, Colton smirks.
I push past and scurry to my office where I slam the door and lock it because I need a damn minute.