Chapter 41
T wo days later
Millie
I give myself one last look in the mirror. My hair is done in twin French braids. I’m wearing skin-tight black jeans, a dark purple cold-shoulder shirt, and my shit kickers. My leg is still too weak for heels.
“Nightingale, my folks are here.”
“I’m ready, baby. I’ll be right there.”
I grab my purse and head into the living room. The in-laws greet me with hugs and kisses.
“You two have fun,” Celia Jackson says.
“Stay out as late as you want,” Warren adds.
Wrath takes my hand and leads me outside the small house. The open floor plan was perfect for my recovery, and it had two bedrooms. It’s the perfect size for us until Jackson and Sons can build our dream home.
“Thanks Mom and Dad,” I say, giving each of them a kiss on the cheek before taking my husband’s hand.
We walk outside hand in hand. His sled is parked in the drive. Hustle, Hurl, and Honda are waiting for us. Already straddling their sleds. Wordlessly, we get on the bike and head toward the gate. We’re going to Baton Rouge. Thanks to Wizard, my brother and mother think I’m living in Baton Rouge and not New Orleans. Apparently, neither paid attention to the cuts my husband and his brothers wear. They clearly say New Orleans. However, Wrath and all three prospects are wearing Voodoo Kings, Baton Rouge, on their cuts. We’re heading to the Kings compound in Baton Rouge before going to dinner. Earlier in the day, another prospect took clothes up for us. Enough to spend a few days. My heart hurts as I think about being away from my babies. I may not have given birth to Mason and Madison, but they’re my babies, nonetheless.
Wrath told me a couple of days ago that they not only had eyes on Aaron, but that he and Felicity were on their way to Louisiana. What reason would either have for coming here except to cause me trouble or do me harm. I don’t know how Wizard misled them and I don’t care. When this is over, I’m making him dinner and a cake or pie. Whichever is his favorite.
Honestly, I’m more angry than nervous about Aaron and Felicity. Why the fuck can’t they just leave me alone. I haven’t seen or heard from them in years. I haven’t told mom and dad yet. I’m hoping with the help of the Kings we can come to some kind of closure with them.
The more I think about that day on the trail. The more I’m convinced he wanted to kill me. Aaron’s always hated me. I don’t know why. Even as a little girl, he’d be mean to me for no reason. Any excuse to lay hands on me and hurt me, he would. He told me once after the courts made me visit Felicity that he’d kill me one day. I asked him why. He said because he could.
Wrath
I stop in front of the gates of Baton Rouge. The prospect does a double take before opening the gates. I roll up to the clubhouse, parking out front as requested by Chief.
The club house is a former high school. It’s a two-story red-brick building. They refurbished. The top floor is apartments, while the bottom has the kitchen, dining room, office, church, gym, and bar. Chief had the bar flown in from Ireland. An old pub sold it to him.
Chief and Trinity are waiting for us in the lobby. Chief immediately pulls Millie in for a big hug.
“Since you two eloped, you’re going to have to let us throw you a big party. The King likes to celebrate life's big moments.”
Millie gives him her kilowatt smile. “We’d love to celebrate with you. If it’s any better, it was a surprise to me, too.”
“Millie, this is Chief, the club’s President and his VP Trinity.”
“Pleasure to meet you both, and thanks for helping us out.”
“Why don’t you come into the office and tell us a little more about Aaron and Felicity.”
We follow them into Chief’s office. He indicates the couch. We take a seat before Millie goes into details about Aaron and Felicity.
“Aaron’s had it in for me from the moment of my birth. It started with him stealing my bottle, drinking it, and putting it back. Felicity thought I was fed and would leave me to cry. When I was older and started to walk he'd push me down or pinch me hard enough to leave bruises when no one was looking.
“In fourth grade, he caused me to fall off a roof. I wound up with a concussion. Another time, he tackled me and beat my head into the ground to give me yet another concussion.
“Felicity turned a blind eye. I wound up with black eyes and bruised ribs. She turned a blind eye. She was too concerned about her next boyfriend. Who knows what would’ve happened if Lisa and Dad didn’t get custody of me when I was ten. I try not to think of the horrors Aaron would have come up with.”
“This shit ends here. Are you alright with us handling things?”
Millie nods. “I am. I don’t think I want details.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. Why don’t you and Wrath go enjoy dinner? You have reservations at the Little Village. Best Italian in the city if you ask me,” Chief says.