Chapter Sixteen #2
We’re all sitting in the common room tonight because Cali decided it was going to be a family night for the club.
The Feral girls have been sent away so they don’t interrupt us like they have been.
Laurie is the only woman still here because she’s not a Feral girl.
She doesn’t mess around with any of us and her intention is simply to get back on her feet and find her place in the world.
She’s actually been talking about moving out of the clubhouse and state to go to college and find a job she can be proud of.
Of getting her life back on track where it was before she was kidnapped.
Caleb, Playboy, and Tank are sitting at a table with me.
They just made the trip here for a visit because it’s been way too long since we’ve seen them.
Sam and my mom are here as well. My mom isn’t doing very well and I’m ready to move her here with us so I can be the one to take care of her on the days she can hardly move.
Something she’s been keeping from me so I don’t worry.
Every morning the first thing she does is ask me if I’ve heard from Roger about Annistyn.
While I don’t give her any updates, knowing I’ve heard about her is enough for now.
My mom realizes the importance of not sharing information I’ve been given by Roger because Annistyn will see it as a betrayal and I’ll lose her.
Maybe not forever, but I will lose any foundation we’ve already started to build before she left.
My back is to the wall and the main entrance of the clubhouse is in my direct line of sight.
I’m listening to Playboy and Caleb argue about something, which is nothing new for the two of them, when the door opens.
The bright light from the sun outside blinds me and I’m unable to see who enters the room until I hear a gasp from the side of me.
My eyes are locked on the figure walking inside as the door closes and a clear image starts to fill my vision.
Standing just inside the door is a vision I’ve had so many times, I’m unsure if I’m seeing something real or if it’s just another dream.
Annistyn stands still as she looks around the common room.
Her long, black hair is even longer as it falls down her back and over one of her shoulders.
There is no make-up on her face and her violet eyes are locked on me as I take in every inch of her.
For the first time since I saw her in the warehouse, Annistyn is standing tall, her eyes aren’t on the floor, and there’s a large smile on her face.
There’s a newfound determination and confidence to her I’ve never been lucky enough to witness before this very moment.
The largest smile I’ve ever seen is aimed directly at me and it causes my heart to stutter in my chest. This isn’t the fake smile she used to plaster on her face in front of the kids when they were near her.
Annistyn has a genuine smile on her face.
One that reaches her eyes and lights up the entire room.
What really makes me happy is the weight she’s put on.
Annistyn has curves in all the right places now and she’s not as thin as a pole.
Her clothes fit her and emphasize her body in ways she’s never shown before.
The jeans covering her legs are tight and cover the tops of a black pair of high-heeled boots.
She’s wearing a deep blue shirt that shows off her chest with a light sweater over top of it so she isn’t really showing off her body to everyone in the room.
There’s a shine to her skin that wasn’t there before and I want to run my hands over every inch of her body to take in the new changes I’m seeing.
Of wondering if her skin is as soft as it looks from across the room. Fuck! This girl will be my undoing.
“You gonna keep sittin’ here or go get your girl, Dumbass?” Caleb asks me and that’s all I need to jump out of my seat and rush across the room.
All I can see is Annistyn. Everyone else fades to nothing as my world finally rights itself once again.
I don’t stop until I’m close enough to pull my Pixie into my arms after she drops her bags to the floor at our feet.
She doesn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around my shoulders and dig her fingers into the short strands of hair at the nape of my neck.
I can feel her tears as they soak my shirt and cut while her body trembles along with mine.
My heart is beating so fast and hard, I know she can feel it as I simply breathe her in and keep my arms locked around her body.
“I’ve missed you so much, Pixie,” I whisper so only she can hear me without letting her go.
“I’ve missed you too, Kreed. I’m sorry I left the way I did and didn’t talk to you while I was away.
I just knew I wasn’t strong enough to stay on the ranch if I saw you or heard your voice.
You became my main source of support and I had to do this on my own.
To prove I’m good enough to me and to you.
Do I still have a room here at the clubhouse?
” she asks, not a hint of confidence fading from her.
Annistyn’s voice is louder than I’ve ever heard it before. It’s still soft and gentle, but she’s not whispering so I have to lean in just to hear her. Her words are strong and steady as we remain locked around one another.
“You always have a room here, Pixie. But, we won’t be stayin’ here.
I’ve been workin’ on the house while you’ve been gone and I’d like for us to start stayin’ there if you’re okay with it,” I inform her, finally pulling back long enough to place a kiss against her forehead and lingering there for a minute because I still can’t believe my girl is standing in front of me and I’m not dreaming again.
“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” she asks as I lean back and look her in the eyes.
“It’s our home, Annistyn. Told you before you left you weren’t ready for the conversation about us. We are gonna happen and that’s just a fact. Everythin’ still happens at your pace, but you’re mine,” I state as the room around us erupts in cheers while I smile at Annistyn.
“Okay. Can I see Cali and the kids now?” she asks because I hear little feet moving toward us.
“You can do whatever you want, Pixie. Mom is here too. She’s been dyin’ to see you,” I tell her as I move out of the way just in time for Dakota and Rory to collide against Annistyn’s legs. It’s hard enough I have to hold her steady so they don’t all fall to the floor in a pile.
“Auntie!” both girls shout at the same time, making Annistyn laugh.
It’s the most beautiful sound in the world and the first time I’m truly hearing it.
Fuck! If I thought I was in love with her before, it’s nothing compared to now.
I have a feeling every time I discover some new facet of Annistyn I’m going to fall even harder for her.
“Why don’t you girls take her to the table we all sit at so she can get off her feet?” I suggest, bending down to grab her bags so she doesn’t have to carry them.
Rory and Dakota talk a mile a minute as they lead Annistyn to the table at the back we typically occupy.
Everyone in the room acknowledges her and says hi as she greets them all back.
There is no more hiding away from the men of the club and they can all see it.
Cali steps up to me with tears in her eyes as she watches Annistyn interact with the kids and greet everyone.
“Best decision she ever made,” Cali whispers and I know she’s right.
I head for the table and take a seat right next to Annistyn.
I move as close as possible because I’ve been away from her for far too long and I can’t help but think she’s not really here.
That I’m having a dream I’ll wake up from to discover she’s still on the ranch with Roger.
If I’m dreaming this time, I don’t ever want to wake the fuck up.
I’ll gladly live this dream for an eternity and never get tired of it.