Chapter 10 #2
“Where did you come from?” Evie asks. “The new veterinarian in town also just moved here. She’s originally from England but arrived here via Maine.”
“New Orleans,” Breanna responds. “Our parents owned a bakery right in the French Quarter.” The sisters both look down and reach for each other’s hands.
She shakes her head, then stands up. “I need to get back to prepping for tomorrow. I’d love to hang out with you both again.
Just let me know. I’m here all the time, and invite your other friend; I’m sure my sister Ashlyn would love to talk to her. She lived in London for a few months.”
Evie gets both of their contact information before we head back out. As we step out the door, Ben pulls up on his bike. “Get on, princess, let’s go to the gym.”
“You’re off early.” I walk over to him, and he pulls me in for a deep kiss. I’m dazed for a moment before he hands me my helmet, and I slip it on, then climb on the bike.
I wave goodbye to Evie, telling her I’ll see her later at the compound before we take off with Boost and a couple of prospects who came with Ben, following us. They’re new; I don’t really know them, but Evie didn’t want Chump with us, and neither did Loco.
Torch
After working out for a bit in the gym with my girl, I take her back to the compound where we shower, then head across the street to King’s Crossing for dinner with everyone.
After being seated, I watch Ruby’s face contort, instantly turning green.
“What is that smell? I think Gus needs to change the fryer oil.” She holds her hand over her face, covering her nose.
“Princess, did you overdo it while working out?” I wrap my arm over her shoulders and pull her into my body.
“I might have, but I’ll be okay. I want a plate of poutine.” She smiles up at me. I remember that’s her favorite dish here. Gus must keep it on the menu because of her.
A waitress walks over and takes all our orders.
Spike flirts with her for a bit. Judge and I talk about the factory, while Spike engages with the girls, talking art with them.
He owns the tattoo parlor in town and has been the artistic sort for as long as I can remember.
Always had a sketch pad with him wherever he went.
As we talk, I keep a good eye on my girl because she’s shifting around more and holding her stomach as if she’s about to throw up. Something is bothering her, and I worry she might be coming down with a bug. She settles down a bit and continues to talk to Spike and Evie about art.
When there’s a pause in business matters, Judge turns to Evie and asks, “How was the new girl that Hammer introduced you to? Do you want to hire her permanently?”
“I like her a lot. Ruby said she’s trained enough for you.”
The food arrives, and everyone digs in, but as soon as Ruby grabs a forkful of her fries smothered in gravy, cheese curds, and bacon, she jumps up and runs for the restroom.
I’m hot on her heels, and before she slams the door, I push my way in.
She chose the middle, family-style restroom instead of the women’s or men’s.
I lock the door and watch her drop to her knees. Standing behind her, I fist her hair, holding it back as she pukes up the water she drank and some other food from earlier in the day. She keeps dry-heaving before calming down and leaning back into me.
“Oh my god, I haven’t puked like that since I was a kid.”
“Princess.” I pause, unsure if I’m ready for the answer to the question. “When was your last period?”
She says the date, and I count in my head…
over two weeks late. She could’ve gotten pregnant one of our first times together.
I haven’t worn a condom once, and I make love to her multiple times a day.
This morning was the first time I didn’t take her before work, only because I wanted her to sleep.
Although I did make love to her multiple times last night.
“I told you I wanted to wait.” She playfully smacks my chest, and I chuckle.
“Let’s head to Lach’s and see if he has any tests. If not, we’ll run into town, or I’ll have a prospect do it.”
She smacks at me again. “Oh my god, you’d make a prospect get us a pregnancy test. That’s awful.”
I help her up, and after she rinses her mouth and cleans herself up, we return to the table.
“I had your poutine boxed up for later,” Judge offers.
“We need to head back. Gotta visit with Lach.” I smirk at him.
“Fuck. I didn’t need to know that.”
“Really,” Evie squeals and jumps up to rush to Ruby. I hold her against me, so Evie hugs us both because I’m not taking my hands off my girl until we know, and probably won’t until after this baby comes.
Judge and the rest follow us back to the compound.
The entire walk there, the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention.
There’s an itch in the center of my back, and I can’t help but scan the surrounding area.
I don’t say anything and try not to give away my agitation to anyone else.
As soon as we’re through the door, though, my senses ease a bit.
Lach is at his desk in the clinic when we step in. “Get out,” he barks at Judge.
“There is no going back; you need to give it up. She’s already here.”
“I can’t believe you did this behind my back.” Lach advances on the Prez. “I confided in you, and you used it against me just to protect your woman.”
Judge doesn’t pause; he grabs Lach by his cut and pulls him into his face. “I’ll do whatever it takes for my woman, but you need to know she came to me. She asked for this.” That gives Lach pause, and he stumbles back but collects himself quickly.
“I don’t care.” Lach shakes his head back and forth as if he’s confused.
I wave my hand at him, trying to get him to pay attention to us and forget about Judge.
“We’re here for a pregnancy test,” I announce. Ruby shifts next to me and drops her head as color blooms on her cheeks.
“I got a couple on the shelf.” Lach walks over to them and pulls off a box. “You can do it in your suite, then come give me the results. I’ll get her scheduled for care.”
“If I’m positive, I want to see Dr. Neighbors like Evie is,” Ruby says firmly next to me. She squares her shoulders, challenging her cousin to deny her.
“Fine,” Lach huffs as he walks away. He mumbles something, and I hear it. “I’m charging her for the test if she’s going to steal my patients.”
Judge must pick up on it too, because he chuckles. “Come back to my office when you are done. We need to talk,” he says to me. I nod and lead Ruby from the room.
Once we’re in our suite, I spin her around and press her back into the door, kissing her cheek because she turns her head away from me. “I need to brush my teeth.” She moans, and I continue kissing down her neck.
“I don’t care what this test says; don’t stress over it.
But know this: if you are, be prepared for me to be even more bossy.
This is all I’ve ever wanted with you.” I place my hand on her stomach, cupping it gently.
Ruby laughs, and I fall to my knees in front of her.
“I swear, Ruby, I’m not a good man, but I’ll do whatever I need to keep you and any children we have safe.
I’m a bad person in order to protect you and those I love. ”
Ruby’s face softens as she looks down at me. “Ben, you are the best man. I love you and only you. Come on.”
She grasps my hand, and I rise to follow her into the bathroom, but gripes that I’m only joining her because she knows I won’t leave her alone to take the test by herself.