Naomi
“Ice, up,” Esme groaned, smacking the man’s shoulder. Ice rolled his eyes but got to his feet, holding out the chair for her. She collapsed into the chair and glared at Royal and Harlow, who didn’t bother to hide their snickers.
“As long as we get to the hospital and I get the good drugs, I’m fine with that.
” She waved at Harlow. “This is Steel’s Old Lady.
Her son, Harley, is a little terror and was a giant baby.
As long as this one isn’t the same, we’ll be good.
If they are, I’m going to slice Fury’s dick off when I’m better.
Who needs cock when you have amazing toys? ”
Wren wrinkled her nose while Ink burst out laughing. Ice and Savage flinched, their skin turning slightly green.
They stared at her, and she froze. Oh, shit, she’d said that out loud. Her face flamed as the women all grinned.
“We got another one!” Esme crowed. “Watch out, boys, we have a genius around now, and she can help us make it hurt and do the most damage.”
Naomi wanted the floor to open so she could sink into it. “I’m so sorry. I don’t … I don’t know why I blurted it out. I-I spit things out when I’m nervous or find something interesting. I wouldn’t … I wouldn’t actually …” She waved her hands, unsure how else to answer.
Ink took her hand in his and said, “Babe, you’re good. Though, remind me to never piss you off and hide anything sharp when we’re talking. I happen to be attached to the goods and have many more uses for him.”
“Jerking off into a sock probably,” Esme muttered, hissing when Scarlett gave her a light slap on the arm. “Right, sorry, no talking about sex in front of the twins. Wouldn’t want them to get any ideas.”
“It’s not us she’s worried about. It’s more about Rogue knowing we know that information.” Wren snickered. “I’m so glad I’m a girl.”
“So, what other interesting things do you know, Naomi?” Esme prodded, grinning. “We need some good shit to scare the men a little more around here. Keep them in line.”
Savage, Ink, and Ice snorted. “Like hell.” Savage scoffed, yanking Royal into his lap.
“You banned guns, so we have to figure out other ways,” Harlow agreed, eyes sparkling.
“I banned the fucking guns because you all love to shoot at me or point a gun at my face,” Savage griped.
Naomi’s eyes widened. They’d done what?
“We’ll tell you later,” Esme promised. “Now, what are we doing over here?”
“Oh, right.” Wren laughed. “Got distracted. I wanted Scarlett and Naomi to get to know each other because I offered to watch Asher while she learned stuff with Rogue and Esme at the garage tomorrow night.” She gave Esme an apologetic look. “He went to talk to Fury, so surprise for you.”
Esme nodded but didn’t look angry at finding out that a stranger was taking over for her. Naomi swallowed hard. “I-I’m not trying to come in and take over. They asked me, and I’m not trying to push you out or anything.”
“Sweetheart, I’ve been stressing about who would help run things, so knowing you’re stepping in, I can finally relax,” Esme assured, with a warm smile.
“You’re smart, and you’ll probably figure out a better way to run things.
As long as you can show it to me when you’re done, then I’m happy.
Besides, Fury has been after me to stop for weeks. ”
“He’s been after you because he’s tired of dealing with your cranky ass when you get home and spend all night complaining,” Scarlett joked. “Rogue tells me all the time that you cry and yell all day at them.”
Esme shrugged, unashamed. “Hormones. They knew what they were getting into. Besides, it makes them pay attention to what they’re doing, which means fewer headaches for me. Mostly.”
Scarlett grinned, then looked back at Naomi. “If you’re worried about the girls, I can promise they’re very responsible. If you want to make sure there’s an adult around, I’ll be there the whole time. And since it’ll be at the garage, we’ll only be right upstairs if we need you.”
“Thank you. I’ve just never left him with anyone else. I didn’t dare.”
The admission tore at her heart, but she tried not to let it show. She’d been terrified of what might happen to Asher when she wasn’t there.
Scarlett’s expression softened. “Would it be helpful if you came over to the apartment before meeting with Rogue and Esme so you can see the place and make sure you’re comfortable and see how Asher adjusts?”
She hadn’t considered that. Did she have any other choice? Going to the garage was important, and she needed something to do, so saying no to the work wasn’t what she wanted to do.
“I don’t want to intrude …”
“Show up at six,” Rogue ordered, coming up behind Scarlett, making Naomi jump. Naomi stared at him with wide eyes. “I’ll get some pizza ordered in. You’ll see that your son is in the safest place he can be. Then we get to work.”
“Spoken like a man.” Royal huffed. “Rogue, she’s never been away from her son, and she barely knows us. Of course, she’s not comfortable leaving him with anyone yet.”
Naomi stared helplessly at them all. She wasn’t trying to cause trouble or insult anyone. Her breathing quickened as her mind spun, searching for something to focus on.
“Hey,” Ink murmured, taking her hand and leaning in to whisper into her ear.
“It’s okay, baby. I’m right here. Focus on my voice for a second, okay?
” She nodded because speaking wasn’t possible yet.
“That’s it. Whatever you’re worried about, you’re safe here.
No one is judging you. All you need to know is that you’ve already got friends in the making.
These ladies? They’re protective of each other, and that includes you.
They’ll put any of us in our place for being insensitive asses. ”
She turned to look at him, her heart slowly getting back to normal. “And does that include you?” she whispered.
He grinned. “They love me, but yeah, even me when the occasion calls for it. You okay?”
She nodded, and he gave her hand another squeeze, and instead of letting go, he held lightly, as if he knew she wasn’t ready for him to pull away yet.
Why did that make her giddy?
“Okay, all of you, be quiet,” Rogue barked, jolting her back to the present.
“Esme is going to pop any day. I need you to know what the hell you’re doing.
Having your son around while you try to learn is going to be hard.
Wren, Win, and Scarlett have helped out with all the kids around here.
Trust them. Living in fear of everyone will only restrict you.
And if you really want to, I’ll put up with Ink being in the apartment to keep an eye on things if that’s what you need to focus. ”
“Brother, you’d really do that?” Ink gasped as the women laughed. “I’m so honored.” He pretended to wipe a tear from his eye.
“Fuck off,” Rogue bit out. He turned to Scarlett, gave her a short but no less passionate kiss, tapped her ass, then stalked off.
Scarlett’s smile was dreamy while Wren looked amused and disgusted. Finally, Scarlett looked at Naomi. “He means well. We’d love to watch him, if you’ll trust us.”
Naomi looked at her, then at Scarlett, and finally back to Ink. Ink gave her a reassuring nod. “Okay,” she finally agreed, even if she wasn’t wholly confident in this plan or admitting that Rogue was right.
Wren beamed. “Awesome! I’m going to let Win know. We’ll start planning what we’re going to do. Wait, you said that he’s really advanced, right?”
“He’s got the signs of a very high IQ like I did at his age. Though, that’s not official.”
“Got it.” She looked at Scarlett. “Can you grab some stuff for him that would be a few levels above his age range? We can start working with him.”
Scarlett smiled. “Sure. But I’ll also pick him up some age-appropriate things. If he gets too overwhelmed, they can be a comfort for him.”
Naomi’s shoulders loosened. Scarlett gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. “We got you. And Ice told me you’re looking for a few things as well. I’ll get on picking those out tomorrow too. Now, I need to go and find my man. I’m about ready to leave.”
Wren rolled her eyes but hurried over to where Win was entertaining Asher, Ronin, and Gabe. Beside her was Saylor holding a little boy about a year younger than Asher while two little girls lay on a play mat, playing with a toy together.
The kids all looked happy, and Naomi found herself enjoying the scene. Asher looked right at home. Not stressed or worried.
“He’s adapted so much easier than I thought,” she whispered, some of the stress easing.
“Kids are resilient,” Esme said, with a knowing smile. “I was worried about Gabe, but he’s been amazing. He’s excited to have a baby around to help take care of too.” She rubbed her belly.
“I think we need a few more kids around here,” Ink stated, smirking at Scarlett.
Scarlett flipped him off but smiled. Naomi wasn’t sure what that meant, but the woman didn’t seem angry, so she had to assume it was a common joke.
“I think we should have another one.” Savage grinned at Royal.
She glared at him. “I gave you two. They seem to come in pairs. Talk to me when they’re all in school.”
Savage shrugged, but Naomi saw the glint in his eyes. He was going to do his best to convince her to give him another one long before then.
“Tesoro, we should get you home to bed,” Fury said, coming up to stand behind Esme. Naomi found it sweet that Fury looked so concerned.
Esme groaned. “I don’t think I can get up.”
Fury motioned with his hand, and she eased the chair back. Without so much as a grunt, he leaned down and lifted her into his arms. Esme grinned, and a collective sigh rippled around the table. Fury ignored them while calling for Gabe, who was quick to follow them out.
“Fucker is wrapped around her finger so tight.” Ice scoffed. “Thank God I don’t have to worry about that shit. Naomi, I’ll see you around.” Then he walked away.
“We should get the girls home too,” Royal said, pushing to her feet. Savage didn’t argue and followed her without a backward glance.
Soon, only she and Ink were left at the table.
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Ink said.
“I’m just … overwhelmed.”
“Understandable.”
“And pissed off that you were testing me.” She bit her lip, glancing away. “I expected it, but it still hurts that people will never fully trust me.”
He at least had the decency to look apologetic.
“I’m sorry, babe. We’re an MC, and things are done differently here.
Women aren’t … We don’t bring women into club business, and sometimes, that means we look at things with a cynical point of view.
If it matters, I brought it up because I think you should be the one to help out with my shop and Rogue’s garage.
Not because I don’t trust you, but because you’re smart, can handle it, and will do a damn good job. ”
She wanted to believe him, and instead of replying to that, she asked, “What about your shop? When do I need to start working on your stuff?”
“I’ll bring you everything over after tomorrow night. Get your head around Esme and Rogue’s stuff first, then we can look at mine.” He winked. “Besides, mine will probably make you want to quit; that way, I can charm you. I’ll even bring you dinner. What would you and Asher like the most?”
She shrugged. “We don’t eat out, so I don’t know. Probably something kid friendly, I guess. We don’t have any allergies, but Asher really doesn’t like fish.”
“Okay, kid friendly. Ax the fish. I can do that.” He smiled. “It’ll be all right, Naomi. I promise. Soon enough, all of this will feel like nothing. You’ll settle in, make friends with the women, and it’ll be like you’ve always been here. Just you wait and see.”
That was the problem, wasn’t it? She was terrified of becoming too comfortable here, too reliant on other people. What would she do when it was all gone, when she had to return to the real world?
It was a problem that kept her up most of the night, along with the thought of the man who made her feel seen in ways she’d never been. It was dangerous, and she couldn’t allow herself to fall for a man like him. Or any man, for that matter.
Protecting Asher was her only priority. She’d keep her distance from the others as much as she could but allow herself and Asher in when it felt necessary. It was the only way she could live with herself.