I supposed the only way to find out was to ask, so that’s exactly what I did.
“You don’t think I’m a pussy now, do you?”
“Because of the needle issue? No. We all have our thing.”
“What’s yours?” All my thoughts were now transfixed on finding out more about the gorgeous woman staring right at me. I barely heard Addy gather her things and disappear from the room, leaving the two of us alone.
For as much as I wanted to claim Zoe as mine, I wasn’t such a selfish bastard that I’d keep her in harm’s way. Although, I didn’t want to let her go, either. We were at a crossroads right now. Well… I was, at least. She wasn’t privy to all the random thoughts floating around inside my overactive brain. This thing between us was new and I didn’t want to scare her away by rambling on about her only being mine and all that shit.
“I’ll tell you mine if you tell me your real name,” she answered, trailing her nails up and down my arm.
She lowered her hand until her fingers entwined with mine again. “With me laid up like this, you know you can just grab my ID and look for yourself.” I’d snatched my wallet away from her when she tried to check before, but right now I couldn’t do any such thing. “There’s not much I can do to stop you.”
“I want you to tell me.”
I shook my head.
“Why don’t you want me to know?”
“Because.”
“Because you don’t like it or because of some other reason?”
“I don’t hate it, but it’s… different.”
“You’ll tell me soon enough. I’m sure of it.”
“I wouldn’t hold your breath, woman.” I smiled, but when I shifted on the bed, a ripple of pain coursed through me. While I was busy breathing through the discomfort, Stone shouted from the hallway.
“Zoe! Kaden’s on his way over. Let’s go.”
She fiddled with the blanket covering me, not making any attempt to move from her spot. I studied her face, wishing I could erase all her worry for me.
I’d had a couple relationships in the past, the longest lasting two years, but I never felt for them what I did for Zoe, and I hadn’t even known her that long. Besides my crazy attraction toward her, there was something else pulling me to her, something I couldn’t explain, nor did I want to. I didn’t want to question what it was for fear it would disappear upon dissection.
“Zoe!” This time Addy was the one to yell for her.
“You better go. I don’t need Stone stomping back in here because if he gets pissy with you, then that’s only gonna make me mad.”
“Okay. But I’ll be back as soon as I can. Then maybe I’ll give you a sponge bath.”
“Don’t tease me.”
“If you can handle it, you know I’m gonna.” She leaned over and pressed her lips to mine, pulling back before I could deepen the kiss, and it took everything I had to restrain myself from pouting. Her fingers untangled from mine and she stood, glancing back at me twice before finally leaving the room.
As I watched her walk away, I knew I’d be counting the minutes until she came back.
I hated to admit it, but I had it bad.
2
This would only be the second time I was going back to the house to see my dad since everything happened five days ago, when I saw him lying on the couch in the clubhouse, blood soaking his clothes.
He’d always been the example of strength to me growing up, and even as I became an adult, so to see him in such a state was unnerving and heartbreaking all wrapped into one.
The first time I stopped by to see him, he’d found out about me helping Brick and was none too happy. And that was putting it mildly. I figured it best for his recovery as well as my state of mind to keep my distance physically. I had a plan this time if he started in on me again. I’d just change the subject. Even thinking such a thing was ridiculous because he was a stubborn man, overprotective of me to the point he sometimes treated me like I was still a little girl.
Roman “Ryder” Casteel was a man’s man. He was tough, fiercely loyal, and possessively loving with his wife, Braylen, my stepmom. He was also a loving but stern father, more so toward me than with Roman. Granted, my half brother was only ten, but I was curious to see how he’d treat him as he got older.
Would it be the same for him as it had been for me?
Would he prohibit anyone from the opposite sex to be in his bedroom with him?
Would he question him constantly about where he was going and with whom?
Would he insist on meeting his friends’ parents?
Would he tell him he couldn’t date until he was twenty-five?
My gut told me no, simply because Roman was a boy.
When I was young, my dad would come to Illinois where I lived with my mom. He’d visit twice a year, calling often to check on me. Then when I was around twelve, I came out here to California to see him. Whenever I asked why I hadn’t been here before, he’d just tell me things were different, never fully explaining. I believed he used the word safe once or twice, but I had no idea what he’d been talking about. When I asked my mom about it, she answered much the same as him.
Stone and Addy walked ahead of me into the house, but I stayed out on the porch. I needed a minute before going inside. Not only was I worried about the state I’d see my dad in, praying he was healing quickly, but I was trying to prepare myself for the argument that would ensue once he asked about his fellow brother. The man I’d been caring for. The man I’d been sleeping with all along, although that last part he wasn’t aware of, even though I was sure he had his suspicions. Braylen told me she hadn’t said anything to him about us and I believed her, but my dad wasn’t a stupid man. If anything, he was overly intuitive, or maybe that was only when it came to me. His only daughter.
Oh, I pray this new baby is another girl.
Looking around at the beautiful piece of property, appreciating the grand oak trees and lush greenery, and lost to my jumbled thoughts, I never heard the front door open. With my head tilted toward the sky, embracing the warmth of the sun on my skin, I inhaled a full breath of air into my lungs, sputtering its release when a hand landed on my shoulder. A small shriek tumbled out of my mouth.
“Sorry. I thought you heard me calling you.” Braylen smiled at me as I regained my composure. “Are you gonna come in to see your dad or stand out here all day?” Her grin never wavered, the sparkle in her eyes telling me she wanted to delve into a different topic but restrained.
When I first visited California to see my dad, he’d already been seeing Braylen. I’d talked to her on the phone a few times but didn’t know what to think of her. Then I met her, and instantly fell in love with the woman. She was kind, funny, and didn’t take any crap from my dad. The added bonus was that she was a hairstylist, having helped me to learn how to deal with my red mess of unruly hair. With her techniques, I was able to quickly master how to tame the thick tresses into sleekness. We’d become fast friends and I respected and loved her like a true second mother.
“I’m just preparing myself is all.” My eyes traveled over her, taking her all in. She was dressed in a cream T-shirt dress, looking comfortable yet stylish. Her hair was pulled off her face in a messy bun, her beautiful features even more prominent with the effortless style. She glowed, her belly growing every time I saw her. I’d keep that thought to myself, however, because no woman wanted to hear how big they’re getting, even though it’s for a good reason. “You look good. Pregnancy certainly agrees with you.”