Chapter 3 #2
King drew my attention when he spoke again. “Gonna get Wizard started on a timeline for both you and Gavin around the time when he would’ve been with the mother.”
I nodded. “Find him.”
He jerked his chin up in agreement, then he turned to leave.
The moment King stepped outside to call Wizard, Hannah’s gaze swung back to me, her brow knitting with apprehension. Those expressive eyes met mine, and I knew exactly what question was coming before she opened her mouth.
“You’re not planning on just handing Isa over to Gavin, are you?” Concern and protectiveness flickered across her beautiful face. She took a half step closer, her fingers flexing anxiously at her sides, like she was preparing herself for a fight.
Annoyance spiked hot through me for a split second, irritation that she’d even think that after everything she’d just heard. But the reaction faded as quickly as it rose.
It wasn’t her fault. She’d spent three fucking months thinking I was a worthless asshole who’d abandoned a baby, and we’d met less than an hour ago. Her skepticism was understandable, even if it grated on my nerves.
“Not a fucking chance in hell.” I didn’t look away, making damn sure she saw the truth burning in my gaze.
“Wouldn’t trust Gavin to take care of a houseplant, let alone a child.
We need to find him to make sure nothing he’s done will blow back on Isa.
And more importantly, to make damn sure he knows to stay the fuck away from her. ”
The relief that flashed across Hannah’s face was immediate, her entire body easing like a weight had been lifted off her.
The trust in her eyes warmed something deep in my chest, making my heart thud hard behind my ribs.
She believed me, I realized. She was starting to trust me, even after such a fucked-up first impression.
Isa fussed softly then, squirming in the crook of my arm.
I adjusted her carefully, shifting until I had her tucked comfortably against my side, cradled in one arm like I’d done countless times with my club brothers’ kids.
When I glanced down at her, Isa’s innocent eyes were fixed on me, staring intently.
Almost knowingly. I could’ve sworn the kid gave me a conspiratorial wink.
I froze for a split second, realization hitting me like a freight train.
I had the perfect way to make sure Hannah stayed with me.
Isa knew Hannah and already loved and trusted her.
And Hannah was fiercely attached to the baby—anyone could see that clearly in the way she’d fought for her, even faced down a biker club alone to find her father.
If I could make Hannah see that Isa needed her, she wouldn’t hesitate to stay with us. It was exactly where she belonged, and I’d known it from the second I’d laid eyes on her. This would just move things along a little faster.
I furrowed my brow slightly, giving Hannah a carefully calculated look of uncertainty as I cradled Isa. “Am I holding her right? This okay?”
Off to the side, Rebel gave a muffled snort, clearly trying—and failing—to hide a chuckle. He knew damn well I had plenty of experience with kids, being surrounded by my club brothers and their families. I shot him a warning glare that promised a swift retribution if he said a fucking word.
Clara picked up on the subtle tension, quickly looping an arm through Rebel’s and gently steering him toward the door. “Let’s go, biker boy. I think this conversation might be easier without your helpful commentary.”
Rebel cast one last amused glance over his shoulder before allowing Clara to drag him out of the room.
When the door shut behind them, Hannah took a slow step closer, her expression softening as she watched me hold Isa. She nodded, the sadness and warmth in her eyes hitting me like a gut punch.
“You’re a natural,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
Despite the compliment, she sounded wistful, like seeing me holding Isa had touched on something deep inside her.
I studied her closely, taking in the conflicted emotions swirling in her expressive face.
Her attachment to Isa was painfully clear, as was the hesitation and internal battle she seemed to be having about leaving the baby behind.
She was still trying to come to terms with handing this little girl over to a stranger she’d just met, no matter how quickly she was coming to trust that I wouldn’t abandon Isa.
She sucked in a breath, and her gaze dropped briefly to Isa before she lifted it again to meet mine, a faint hint of uncertainty flashing across her face. “I guess I need to find a place to stay.”
Fuck that. There was no way in hell I was letting her walk out and look for a hotel. I carefully placed Isa in her car seat, making sure she was settled comfortably before straightening and closing the short distance between Hannah and me.
Her eyes widened slightly, her breath catching softly when I stopped close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her skin. My voice was low but unmistakably commanding as I locked eyes with her. “You’re staying with me.”