Chapter 25
“What do you think? You think something happened to him?” Lettie asks when we’re back at my place, alone. I hate that it’s late and Vike still isn’t back from searching; if something has happened to Raze, there’s every chance Vike could be in danger too.
“I sure hope not. It sucks for Peyton, but I’m hoping he’s just taken some time out. It’s far better than thinking that he’s lying hurt in a ditch somewhere or dead.”
“Well, if he is alive and well, he’s sure gonna have some explaining to do when he gets home. Peyton deserves better than this.” The door opens, and Vike steps inside, looking worn out and completely deflated.
“Any luck?” I ask.
“Nothin’, no one’s seen or heard from him.” Vike kicks off his boots and smiles when he sees Rory sleeping on the couch.
“I saved you some dinner,” I tell him, heading toward the kitchen so I can start heating it up for him.
“I should leave and get this little man to bed.” Lettie heads over to the couch, ready to stir Rory and take him home.
“You shouldn’t be travelling around by yourself at night. Put him in my old room; you two can stay here tonight.” Vike waits for her to nod in agreement before lifting my nephew up himself, pressing a kiss on top of his head as he carries him down the hall.
“That man is going to make the most incredible father,” Lettie whispers.
“I wish Saul were here to see it; he probably would have hated the idea of us being together to start with, but I’ve just got this incredible sense that everything's gonna be okay now.” I know it’s been a tough road to get here, but I’m positive about the future.
“Of course, it’s gonna be okay.” Lettie hugs me.
“And Saul would have wanted you to be happy, even if it is with his super hot best friend.” She winks before starting to clear up Rory's toys from the floor.
“I was thinking about visiting your parents next weekend, so they can spend some time with Rory. Would you fancy making the trip with me?” she offers, turning the warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach into cold hard dread.
“I should probably stay close to home; my due date’s creeping up, and I’d rather not travel.” I smile, hoping we can move on from the subject.
“I get it, those last couple of weeks are killers. You're apprehensive, and uncomfortable, and you doubt every twinge and ache you get. I don’t miss those days, but it’s all worth it,” she assures me.
“That’s what I’m hoping.” I look down at my stomach and smile fondly. I have to admit, I think I might miss being pregnant.
“So, you think your mom and dad will visit here when the baby comes?” she continues, making herself comfortable on the couch while I place Vike's dinner on the table.
“I doubt it.” I shrug my shoulders, trying not to look sad about it. Having them here would only be awkward.
“Alicia, that's crazy, they’re great with Rory, and they’re gonna be awesome with your little one, too.”
“Kathy doens’t like to travel.” Vike steps back into the room just in time to save me from having to make up an excuse of my own. “This looks awesome, babe, thanks.” He kisses me before he takes a seat at the table and starts to eat.
“Since I’m staying, I might as well make the most of it. You want a beer?” Lettie checks, heading to the fridge to get one for herself.
“Nah, I’m off the beers until the baby comes; can’t be having my girl drive herself to the hospital, can we?” He drags his leg out from under the table and taps his knee for me to sit down.
“You want me to sit there?” I check, looking around at all the other free seats in the room.
“Well, I don’t want you sittin’ no place else.” He laughs at me, and when I do as I’m told, he wraps one arm around my waist and eats his dinner one-handed.
“You two are adorable.” Lettie watches us with a dreamy look on her face.
“I appreciate that, Let, but adorable ain’t good for my street cred.” Vike grins at her before twisting his head to kiss me, and I notice the tears in Lettie’s eyes when we both pull away.
“You okay?” I check, feeling guilty for displaying too much affection in front of her. I know she’s still heartbroken from losing my brother.
“I’m fine, these are happy tears. Seeing you together reminds me of those short but sweet moments Saul and I got to spend together.
I just wish we could have had more of them.
” She dries her eyes and smiles bravely.
“Never doubt that Saul would be against this. He loved you guys more than anything.”
“That means a lot, Lets.” Vike nods at her gratefully, his eyes welling up a little too.
“I’m sorry to ruin the moment, but I really have to pee.” I laugh as I get up from Vike’s lap and start waddling my way toward the bathroom.
“I don’t miss that part, either,” Lettie calls after me, laughing.
“You think Lettie will ever find anyone else?” I whisper, when me and Vike are alone and getting into bed.
“I hope she does, she deserves some happiness.” Vike kicks off his boots and starts stripping down to his boxers.
“You think maybe she might like anyone at the club?” It’s selfish of me but I hate to think of her moving away from us now. Getting to see Rory every day has helped me get through. I can't imagine how I’d have dealt with my grief without them both being here.
“Well, she'd better be quick; we’re flying off the shelves like hot cakes.” He kisses my neck as he gets into bed and snuggles up against me. “I think I could just about handle her getting with anyone other than Sinner,” I admit.
“Well, that leaves Saint out too, you don’t get one without the other,” he reminds me.
“Do you think Saint’s ever tried being in a relationship?” I ask. I’ve always felt sorry for the guy, he’s a good person, and it must be so hard for him to deal with having a split personality.
“I don’t think so, it’d be too complicated. Saint would never trust Sinner near a girl he likes; even if he wanted to commit, he couldn’t.”
“I can’t imagine how it must feel to know you have to spend the rest of your life alone.” I shake my head.
“He doesn’t, he’s got us. That's what the club’s all about; we’re a family, and yeah, Saint may never have the opportunity to get what we have, but he’s got people who care about him.”
“And what about Sinner, what has he got?” I ask, wondering if maybe Sinner is misunderstood.
“The ability not to give a fuck,” he answers, kissing me again and getting himself settled, ready to sleep.
“Vike…”
“Yes, darlin’?”
“Was there anyone before me?” I’ve always been curious about Vike’s past. All the years he spent hanging out here with my brother, I’ve never heard him talk about it.
“I hate to break it to ya, but there’s been plenty,” he teases me.
“I don’t mean like that, I mean like this. Have you ever been in love before?” I know his answer could potentially hurt me, but I still want to know.
“No, never,” he answers a little too sharply, making me wonder if he’s telling the truth.
“You can tell me if there was; I won’t get jealous, I swear.” I at least pretend that's the case.
“I wouldn’t lie to you, there's never been anybody, or anything like this,” he promises, looking sincere and a little overcome with emotion. “You should get some sleep, Alicia.”
“How?” I can’t let this settle. “How is it possible that a guy who looks like you, and cares as you do, has never had someone love him before now?” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Because I ain’t ever let nobody,” he admits looking like he’s let himself down, and when I see the sadness in his eyes grow deeper, I decide to drop it…at least for now.