Chapter 24
Chapter
Twenty-Four
SKULL
“That won’t deter them for long.” Hamish sighs as he turns to us.
“Might I suggest we head for sovereign ground?” I frown.
“The consulate is in Houston. That’s five hours away with no traffic.” Abel says, lost in thought, but then shakes his head.
“Too many risks and factors we can’t control.” Ivy moans as she shifts on the bed.
“What’s wrong?” I looked at her printouts and found nothing wrong with her vitals.
“I’m stiff, my nutt hurts, I’m hungry, and I need to pee something fierce.” She starts to pull at the velcro straps around her belly.
“He’s kicking my bladder,” she hisses, and I work faster to get her out of bed.
“He?” Hamish asks sheepishly, and I see it for the first time.
He’s excited at the idea of becoming an uncle.
What a fool I’ve been.
“I owe you an apology.” Hamish waves me off like I’m a bug.
“I went about this all wrong. No one is to blame. May I?” he asks with his hand hovering near Ivy’s belly.
She smiles and takes his hand, bringing it to her belly with a gentle pull.
“Oh my.” Hamish grins as he feels the baby move.
“OK, let the lady pee,” Abel reminds us, and Ivy disappears into the bathroom attached to the infirmary.
“We need to protect them,” Hamish says with a note of finality I’ve never heard come from him.
“Aye, but how?” I pull on my formal wear and can’t wait to take off all the tartans covering my body.
“Well, we start by getting eyes on Ivan. The press must have caught our unofficial visit from the White House. I’ll call a press conference to spread rumors.
When I’m done, Wills won’t be able to step foot in Louisiana without tons of questions.
You two figure out Ivan.” He slaps our shoulders as he leaves the room.
“I should clear out so you can eat and rest.” I nod at Hamish, suddenly exhausted.
“We’ll stay here tonight so I can keep her away from the public eye. For now,” I swear, ‘cause I know Abel will need to out our rushed nuptials.
“Congratulations, brother. Da would be so proud of the man you have become. If he hadn’t been so hard-headed.” We both laugh and hug.
“Are you leaving?” Ivy says from behind me.
“Aye, but I’ll be back tomorrow to help with your Russian problem.” He winks, and I don’t feel too brotherly about him.
“Mind your manners with my wife, Hammy.” He groans at his old nickname, but turnabout is fair play.
“Fair enough. Your Graces,” he bows and then leaves us alone in the infirmary.
‘Did we actually get married, or did Abel do his hacker thing?” Ivy’s eyes are both full of hope and fear.
I kiss her nose and take her hand.
“Let’s get you fed.” Her mouth pops open in outrage.
“Milton!” I grin as I pull her towards the kitchen.
“Abel is an ordained minister, so yes, we are really married. Now, the real question you should be asking is for how long.” I open the fridge and find some fresh vegetables and several packs of sausage and chicken.
“Someone is fixin’ to make some gumbo,” I say to her as I find some containers of red beans and rice in the back of the fridge.
“Does anyone know how long ago this was made?” I call out to the main room as I pop the lid and sniff.
“Last night. You must be Ivy.” Sarah offers Ivy her hand to shake.
“Hi,” Ivy takes it but doesn’t look too comfortable with the woman.
“Are you the reason the press is swarming the building?” I roll my eyes at her intrusive question as I place a pot on the stove to heat up the food,
“Back up, Sarah. She’s not ken on answering personal questions. Stop trying to intimidate her.” Ivy looks over at me.
“Sarah is Spark’s little sister. He’s the SAA of our Reno club. She’s a student and works as a hostess at the brewery. She’s also our youngest club member. You can trust her. She’s just being nosy.” Sarah sticks her tongue out at me.
“Oh, alright. Well, yes, unfortunately, I am part of the issue. But mostly, it’s Milton’s family causing that mess out there.” Ivy points at the window where a man with a camera is trying to take a picture.
I stomp over and pull the shade.
“Milton?” Sarah grins, and I frown at Ivy.
“Skull, Hen.” I remind her, but she bites her lip, and her cheeks burn bright red as she speaks.
“But you said only to call you that when we’re -” I reach to cover her mouth as Sarah laughs hysterically.
“You are so much fun! We’re going to be great friends.” She hugs Ivy, and they chat while I finish heating the food.
We’re eating and laughing when Jester walks into the kitchen and sees us all. As soon as his eyes hit Sarah, his whole demeanor changes, and he leaves before even saying a word.
“Fuck,” Sarah says with a sigh, dropping her spoon in her half-eaten bowl.
“There’s a story there,” Ivy says, but Sarah doesn’t answer.
She just stands with her bowl and empties it in the trash before putting it in the dishwasher.
“I’ll see you two later.” She leaves, and I look at Ivy with a shrug.
“Those two have had chemistry since they were teens. Jester would never cross that line without permission from her father and brother, who are both brothers. It’s hard being legacies.” Abel comes in and smiles.
“Wonderful you’re still dressed. Ivy, hun, you look done in. Take her up to your room and then meet me outside Skull. Five minutes.” The door swings shut behind him.
“Guess I’m meeting the press. Come on. You can soak in the tub while you wait.” She yawns before standing to follow me.
We walk out and find the back door open and a police officer standing in the hall.
“Can I help you, officer?” I know damn near everyone member of the force, and this name is not one of them.
“Your door was ajar, and with all the media surrounding the property, I decided to double-check that no one snuck in.” The man’s eyes are roaming all over the room but not meeting mine at all.
He’s nervous.
“Seer!” I call out, and a moment later, he’s in the hall with us.
“Found this officer in the hall. Claims the door was open.” I bend at the knees and pick Ivy up in my arms, but a gust of wind comes in the open door, making my kilt fly up.
With my hands full, I can’t do shite about it.
“Sir, did you just flash me?” I turn so Ivy’s face is in the opposite direction.
“I’m not sure. Were your eyes looking at my arse when the wind blew?” I start to walk away, then stop at his words.
“I’m afraid you’re under arrest for indecent exposure.” I can’t help but laugh.
“I’m in my private residence, which you entered without invitation. I could be in the nude, and you couldn’t do a thing,” he trips over his words, and I stop paying attention.
I glance at Seer, who’s flanked by Mayhem now.
“Right, well, regardless, I have diplomatic immunity. So I hope you enjoyed the view. Now fuck off. I have a press conference to do.” I’m passing by Mayhem as I hear Seer speak.
“Does Captain Gribs know you’re here?” I slow down to hear what the fecker has to say.
“Of course.” I snort and rush up the stairs just as I hear Mayhem speak.
“Wrong fucking answer.”