Night
I've never really thought of myself as a family man. My mom had died of breast cancer when I was 16, and since it'd just been dad and me.
Men in club had old ladies, but honestly, I'd never thought about it. I just figured I'd take over for my dad one day, and if I needed to scratch an itch, there were girls I went to, but nothing serious, ever.
So, watching Rayne, nursing Hope, and feeling absolutely overcome with possessiveness was a surprise. All I kept thinking was mine! They were mine! This was my family, and I'll kill anyone who tries to take them from me or hurt them.
She's clinging to me as I carry her down to the bunker. I'm probably about to completely freak Bones out when I put them in my room. That will, in essence, tell the whole club that I'm claiming them.
In the Crimson Riders, Dad didn't want a lot of woman drama, problems with club girls, or men cheating on their old ladies. So the only "club girls" we have are paid to cook, clean, and help with child care, tend bar, and host our club parties. They are encouraged to continue their education if they so desire. If a man wants a hook-up, he can ask nicely, and if she so chooses to say yes, they can do their thing. If she says no, it's end of discussion.
No married man can ever sleep with a club girl, and anyone caught stepping out on their old ladies will have their ass handed to them and be reduced to a prospect. If there's a 2nd offense, he's out of the club.
So, you don't share your room with anyone but your old lady. If you are with a club girl, it's in her room, or you go elsewhere.
So, putting her and Hope in my room with me essentially makes her my old lady and Hope my daughter. From now on, that's how everyone will view them, which I find I am loving the idea of.
As I turn down the hall that has the club officers' rooms, I can hear the members in the main room get quiet. They are watching to see what I'm doing. When I open my door, carry her inside, Bones follows with Hope, and I turn and shut the door behind me, that tells them all: I now have a family.
I expect my dad will be along shortly to check up on us and the situation. Bones is behind me, grinning like an idiot.
I lay Rayne down in my bed, and cover her with a blanket," You doing okay, baby? Are you in pain?"
She looks at me, puzzled for a minute, probably wondering at the term of endearment.
"Yeah, I'm doing okay. Bones already offered Tylenol or Ibuprofen, but I'm pretty used to it, and I don't want to take anything that might hurt Hope."
I nod, "Okay, but if you change your mind, just tell me. I will find a bassinet or a crib for her soon. Shannon will probably be here soon with some supplies for you."
She nods at me, and Bones hands her Hope, which she snuggles against her chest. Seeing that actually makes me happy, possessive, and hard if truth be told. I have a feeling my hand is going to be my friend for a while.
Bones gets a look on his face, then surprises me by asking, "Who's Hope's father?"
Rayne freezes like a cornered animal. She swallows hard before she whispers, "I don't know. Blood liked to pass me around."
Now, I want to rip every single one of those mother fuckers apart with my bare hands. Bones doesn't look like he'd mind.
"You're safe here. No one, and I mean no one, will ever hurt you or Hope ever again." I tell her emphatically.
She watches me, but I see the pain and moisture in her eyes; she's fighting to keep it at bay. Then she nods.
I know it's gonna take time, time for her to trust me, and time to agree she's mine. Damn good thing I'm a patient man.