Chapter 16
Chapter
Sixteen
SKULL
“No,” her whisper is almost lost as I help her into the snug-fitting helmet.
Her breathing increases, and when her eyes finally meet mine, I can see the fear she’s trying to hide.
“Too dark?” She nods as she clutches my shirt.
“I’m a right arsehole. I’m sorry, Hen. Let’s get this off.” I should have known that her claustrophobia would fuck with her.
“How about a bucket helmet and a fabric mask?” I pull out my custom skull one from my Sporran with the club logo and offer it to her.
“I think I can handle this with sunglasses.” I smile and nod.
“OK, we need to stop at my apartment to switch out the helmets then.” Taking her hand, I gently pulled her towards the door, but not before checking out what she was actually wearing.
I smile as my eyes travel down her body.
A red scoop neck long-sleeve shirt tucked into hip-hugging jeans that flow down to ankle boots. It’s just enough cleavage to leave me tongue-tied but decent enough to go to church in.
Heaven and hell wrapped into one fucking perfect package.
“You’re staring.” I close my mouth and swallow.
“You are breathtaking Hen. Just making sure you’ve got on the proper biker attire.” I wink at her red-cheeked face.
“How’d I do?” She glances down at her body self-consciously, and I frown when she deprives me of her beautiful eyes.
I lift her face back up under her chin and kiss her lips softly.
“Feckin perfect. Let’s get going.” I lead her out and lock her door before she can complain.
“Want to wait here for me or come up? I’ll be quick.” I point to the stairwell, and she bites her lip.
“I’ll wait if you’re just grabbing the helmet.” She glances behind her at the main doors just a few feet away with apprehension.
“Less than a minute.” I tuck her hair behind her ear and run up the stairs two at a time.
“I fling open my door, grab the helmet hanging in the hallway, and hurry back down to where she’s standing with her eyes closed, clutching her necklace, humming.
“Here we go,” I place the helmet on her head and adjust the chin strap.
“Perfect fit.” I smile and then point at my skull mask.
“Go ahead and put that on. I’ll tie it for you.” She takes the large triangle piece of fabric and holds it up to cover her nose, mouth, and chin.
“Thank you.” I nod and take her in.
“You’re missing your cut, but I’m sure it’s at the clubhouse waiting. Come on,” I said, placing my hand on the small of her back.
I checked the street outside the door before opening it.
“My what?” I smile but don’t answer her.
“Ever ridden before?” She nods, but her eyes are sad.
I don’t pry, not wanting to open old memories that might cause her any pain, but I vow to replace them with good ones.
“It’s a short one, so just hold on, and we’ll be there in no time.” I mount my Harley and then help her onto the back.
As soon as her arms are around my waist, I start the bike and take off. The more time she spends out in public, the more comfortable she’ll be. Plus, it’s muggy this afternoon, and I know the mask must already be sticking to her face.
Five minutes later, we’re in the private parking lot behind the Brewery, and I’m walking her through the courtyard.
“Skull!” I turn to see Mayhem coming up behind us with a very agitated Rae on his heels.
“I told you I’m fine!” The woman screams at the back of her husband’s head.
“You aren’t, and I need to make sure you’re okay.” I roll my eyes at the couple and cross my arms as I wait for one of them to clue me into the problem.
“Swear to Christ. I am not running to the clinic every time I have a cramp. I’m either pregnant, or I’m not, and there isn’t a damn thing Skull can do for me.” Rae turns around and stomps off.
“She’s driving me insane! She’s spotting, and I’m scared shitless.” Mayhem watches her walk away.
“He’s been hell-bent on getting her pregnant, and I think we’re all over it.
“She’s right, and you’re stressing us all out. Calm down and go enjoy the baby-making, you feckin fool.” I push him to follow Rae and turn back to see Ivy smiling at the exchange.
“Mayhem, this is Ivy.” I introduce them, and when she steps behind my back to avoid shaking his hand, Mayhem doesn’t even bat an eyelash.
“Welcome to the family. I’m sorry, I gotta run.” He jogs off, leaving us alone in the courtyard.
“Wow, they are a lot.” I snort.
If she only knew.
“I’ll tell you their story later. Right now, I want to see the bairn.” I hurry us inside and help her remove the mask and helmet as soon as we’re in the clinic.
“Lay down here.” I pat the hospital bed and grab a blanket.
“You’ll need to pull up your skirt and take off your underwear and pants.” Her eyebrow arches at me.
“I will try a regular ultrasound, but I may need to do a vaginal one to see better. Tuck this towel under your shirt so we don’t get the gel on your clothes.” I lift the bottle from the warmer and shake it at her.
While she undresses, I start the machine and get everything ready.
“I’m ready,” I glance at her, and she has her defined belly on display.
It’s hard to imagine, even with my medical training, that underneath all that smooth-toned skin, a little life is growing. She may be ready to see the evidence of that small miracle on the screen.
But am I?