Chapter 16
REBEL
Sitting with the other ol’ ladies in the main room of the clubhouse, we’re all waiting for the guys to get out of church. Since Harmony died, I haven’t had many other friends that are women. It’s easier to get along with men.
“So, how far along are you?” Avery asks, her hands settled on her small bump that’s barely showing.
Rogue had announced it to the room the moment we entered the clubhouse. I didn’t expect him to do it, but to say Rogue is excited is an understatement.
“Um, I honestly don’t know. I need to go to the doctor and find out.” I smile, reminding myself I need to make my appointment.
“This is really great. You both are going to have babies around the same time,” Willow says, excitement radiating from her.
“Agreed, more babies to snuggle,” CJ giggles.
“The guys are definitely going to have to get that playroom finished up,” Avery states and glances around the room before narrowing her eyes. “Great, here comes trouble.”
Twisting my torso to see what she’s talking about—I inwardly groan as one of the slobber-crawlers makes her way over to us.
“Can I help you?” CJ snarks, crossing her arms over her chest.
“No, you can’t, but this bitch here can by leaving.
You seem to think you can waltz in here and take what’s not yours.
Rogue might have claimed you as his ol’ lady, but you’ll never be enough for him.
His appetite for sex is never-ending, and he’ll be coming to me along with the others,” Cheeks sneers, giving me a once over.
“Who do you think you are?” I demand, standing to be eye level with the skank.
“You know who I am. I’m the bitch who’s going to be suckin’ Rogue’s cock just like I’ve done many times before,” she smirks.
I start to say something except Avery beats me to it. But to my surprise, Avery slaps Cheeks. “Learn your damn place in this clubhouse bitch. How dare you think you can come up to any of us and spew trash about our men? You’re lucky I don’t have you banned from this club.”
“You can’t do shit to me,” Cheeks snaps, shooting Avery a glare.
“Oh, I’m sure I can. As Hammer’s ol’ lady, I’m sure he’ll agree with me if I tell him I want you gone,” Avery declares, standing her ground.
“I’m sure the other brothers will back him as well,” Willow says, putting her two cents worth in.
Cheeks’ face flushes, and she stomps away from us, knowing she’s not going to get the chance to make me feel like shit.
Sure, doubt wants to try and set into my mind, but I trust Rogue. As much as I’d like to hold what he’s done in the past against him, I can’t do that to him. We were separated for ten years—I know he wasn’t a saint just as he knows I wasn’t.
I trust that Rogue wouldn’t disrespect me by even contemplating being with another woman. He wouldn’t have married me if he didn’t want me.
Only me.
My phone rings, and I frown as I pick it up to find it’s the office. Swiping my finger across the screen, I bring it to my ear. “Hello.”
“Hey Rebel, I’m sorry to bother you. I came to the office to get a few things done, and there’s a package here for you,” Alanna explains. “Do you want me to bring it to you?”
A package?
I don’t remember ordering anything.
“No, I’ll come there and get it. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be right there,” I say, making eye contact with the other ol’ ladies, noticing their questioning looks. Putting the phone on my shoulder, I explain about needing to go to my office.
“Go, I’ll tell Rogue what’s going on,” Avery says, nodding.
Rogue and I ended up taking both my Jeep and his bike. He doesn’t want to take any unnecessary risks now, knowing I’m pregnant. But he had still wanted to ride his bike since it’s a beautiful day.
“Thanks,” I say, grabbing my keys and putting the phone back to my ear to finish talking to Alanna. “I’ll be right there.”
Leaving the clubhouse, I hop into my Jeep and head to the office.
Parking in a spot directly in front of the building, I shut my car off and head inside. Stepping through the doors, my step falters as I take in the scene in front of me. Alanna’s tied to her chair, head tilted down and blood seeping down the side of her face.
“Alanna,” I gasp, rushing toward her side, but she doesn’t budge. The package she mentions sits in front of her, and I furrow my brow as I take it in. Lifting the lid, it’s all I can do to keep from puking.
The entire box is filled with pictures. Pictures of me by myself, in court, as well as here at the office.
There’s some of me with Grant, others throughout the years.
A lot of them with Rogue and me. Then there’s even more of Rogue.
With other women on his bike. One of them catches my eye, and I’m surprised because I remember that day and know he wasn’t there.
The only ones who were, were my mom, my uncle, and Cy.
It’s the day I graduated from law school.
The reason I know this is because the name of the school is right behind him.
Tears prick my eyes to think of him being there that day.
Who took all of these pictures?
Why?
Shaking my head, I grab my phone and start to dial Rogue’s number when something strikes the back of my head, causing me to stumble.
Crying out in pain, I pivot on my heel to see who’s behind me. I chastise myself for not already calling him. Or 911.
Before I can fully see the figure standing in front of me, I’m struck across the face hard enough to send me to the ground.
I hit my head hard enough to have my vision go spotty.
The person who hit me comes over to stand over me with both legs on either side of me.
I blink a couple times, focusing on my attacker.
I attempt to slide back, but the cocking of a gun causes me to go still.
With one hand, the person standing over me holds the gun on me while they use the other hand to pull the hood back, showing their face.
Oh my God.
This can’t be happening.
How?
Why?
There’s no way possible.
Squatting over me, she grins devilishly at me. “You screwed up bitch, I told you to leave him alone.” With that, she pulls the trigger, and everything goes dark.