Chapter 24
Dixie
We take the elevator up to the second floor and slowly move down the hallway. Storm’s face is still a little swollen and he has quite a few cuts and bruises, but there was no way he was letting me leave the clubhouse without him.
I know some women might hate how over protective he’s being, but I understand where he’s coming from.
I’m aware of what club life means and how women and children can be used as a target to get back at members.
I’ve seen it happen over the years, but Dad always kept the families of the Savage Wolves safe.
From my understanding, he’s known as being ruthless and isn't afraid to kill someone to make a statement. I didn’t know any of this until after the fire. Some of the men were talking right outside of the kitchen yesterday and I don’t think they knew I was there.
It’s interesting to hear about this ruthless leader who commands respect and loyalty.
A man who even the toughest men are scared of.
I have a hard time viewing Dad in that way.
He was always soft and gentle with us and never made us afraid of him.
He knew the right way to raise daughters and did it with care.
“Chopper called right before we left,” Storm keeps his voice low as we continue down the hallway.
“Yeah? What’d he say?” I ask, knowing there’s something Storm wants to tell me. If it were club business, he never would’ve mentioned Chopper calling.
“The insurance company is sending a check for the damages.”
“Already? The fire was only two days ago.” My brows raise as I stare up at him.
“Yeah, but the police report was written in our favor and everyone knows this wasn’t our fault. Chopper also knows some people at the insurance company, so they’re pushing out the check a little faster than normal.”
“That’s really nice of him to pull some strings. I’ll have to make sure to thank him…” I trail off, wanting to ask something, but unsure of how to ask.
“Just ask me, Little Fox.”
I can hear the smirk in his voice and my attention snaps up to him as my brows furrow. How’d he know I want to ask him something?
“I know you, baby,” Storm murmurs as he tugs me to the side of the hallway and wraps his arms around my waist. “I’ve spent most of your life learning everything there was to know about you.
I learned the faces you make when you want to ask a question.
I memorized how your brows furrow when something doesn’t add up to you.
I know every feature that crosses your face and what it means. So, ask your question.”
“Do you think The Little Fox Café will ever happen?” I whisper, keeping my gaze on his chest. I'm too afraid to look at him because I'm not sure what I’ll see. Maybe pity or disappointment.
Storm places his knuckles under my chin and lifts until I'm forced to meet his gaze.
“I promise you The Little Fox Café is already being cleaned out and I have someone scheduled to come out on Monday to see if there was any structural damage, but the fire chief believes everything is still in good condition. The building wasn’t on fire long and it was mostly contained in the front of the restaurant.
The smoke and water damaged the drywall, but Jasper and Morris plan to get that back up as soon as I can check out the electrical and see what needs to be replaced and Chopper checks the plumbing. ”
“How long do you think it will take? I want to know before we enter that room.” I motion towards Artie’s hospital room.
He had some pretty severe smoke inhalation. They wanted to keep him in the hospital until his lungs began improving. I think he’s being released tomorrow, but I wanted to visit him sooner.
“A month or two and we should be back up and running. Any club members who were free today are at the café ripping out anything that was destroyed.”
“Is that safe? Shouldn’t the structural engineer look at the building first?”
“Nah, the fire company said it was safe to clear it out. We just can't rebuild until the engineer looks it over. It will be ok, Little Fox. C’mon, let’s go see Artie so I can get you home and tucked into my bed.
” He presses a soft kiss to the top of my head before leading me to Artie’s room with a hand on my lower back.
We knock softly, unsure if Artie’s awake. It’s still visiting hours, but it’s later in the evening and I know he’s been tired lately.
“Come in,” Artie calls just loud enough for us to hear him.
I smile as I push open the door and hurry over to the side of his bed. Artie’s entire face lights up when he sees me and he sits a little higher on the mattress.
“How are you feeling?” I set the small vase of flowers on the table next to him.
“Eh, I'm alive and feeling a lot better than I did when Storm dragged me out of there. They’re making me use oxygen because my lungs are crap, but they say I’ll make a full recovery.” He waves off my concern, just like he always does.
“I'm glad you’re feeling better.” I squeeze his hand gently and smile.
“What’s the verdict on the café?” He asks softly. The emotion swirling in his eyes makes it hard to swallow. I know what he’s really asking. Will he be able to bring Jenni’s dream to life before he dies?
“The Little Fox Café is still going to happen,” Storm says before I can answer him.
“I have a structural engineer looking at the building in a few days. Once we have the go ahead, we can rebuild. The guys are already gutting the place of whatever was damaged. Jenni will still have her dreams come true. I promise.”
“You’re a good man, Storm. I’m so thankful you stopped in my restaurant and made me an offer I couldn’t pass up.” He smiles through the tears in his eyes.
“I'm so thankful you accepted my offer.” Storm chuckles as he wraps an arm around my waist and tugs my back against his chest. “If you hadn’t, this woman would’ve disappeared from my life. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for keeping her here.” He presses a soft kiss to the top of my head.