“Come again?” Coyote snarls.
“Claiming her, brother. I’d intended to do it when she finished school, but after this shit, I’m not waiting any more. Am I giving her the time she needs to heal and get her head on right? Yeah, but she’s doing it here in my house. A house I bought knowing she would love it. Now, you see where I’m coming from?” By the time I finish, I lock eyes with Cara making sure she got where I was coming from.
None of us speak but finally Cara nods her head in understanding at the same time Coyote sighs. “Alright, I don’t like it, but fuckin’ hell if Cara feels safe with you then so be it; however, you fuckin’ hurt my sister, Nerd, and I’ll end you. Brother or not. She’s the only family I have besides my woman and kid.”
“Wouldn’t expect anything less,” I nod, turning my attention to him.
“Good. Then tomorrow, I’ll be bringing Tinsley and Cody out here to finally meet Cara,” Coyote states as he moves pushing me aside so that he is able to hug his sister. “Missed you, kiddo. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Tentatively, Cara wraps her arms around her brother. “Missed you, too. I’m sorry I was so stubborn when school started. I shouldn’t have shut you out the way I did.”
“It’s okay, kiddo. Now I’ll see you in the morning,” Coyote states stepping back from Cara.
“Okay. But we’re supposed to go furniture shopping sometime tomorrow and get groceries,” Cara says softly.
“I’ll call and let you know when we’re on the way,” Coyote grumbles, lifting a hand to rake his fingers through his hair. I know this isn’t easy for him. Shit, if I had a sister and she went through what Cara did. I’d be the same way. It’s why I wasn’t pissed with him for the punches he threw at me. Granted, I gave him just as many.
Soon as the door closes behind Coyote, leaving me alone with Cara once again, I step back into her space.
“Friend?” I ask her.
“Nick,” she murmurs.
“Babygirl, I’ve made my intentions known and you know it. I get you need time and I’m more than willing to give it to you. What I won’t do is be anything but your man. Love you woman and I’m not giving you up. Got me?”
“Love me?” Cara whispers inaudibly.
“Yeah, Cara, man doesn’t do the shit I’ve done unless he’s doing it for someone he’s got feelings for and those feelings got to be more than simply caring,” I say firm but gently at the same time.
“Don’t want to make you dirty by being with me.” If Cara’s words could shock me any more than just now, I would hit the floor.
“Cara,” I murmur, cupping her cheek. “You’re not dirty.”
“But I can feel it. It covers me and I don’t want that to touch you or anyone else. Those monsters, they ruined me and I’m doing my best to come to terms with myself . . .” Sliding my hand along her cheek I cover her mouth to stop her from saying anything further.
“I know right now isn’t easy for you, babygirl, and it’s going to take a while to get you there. But, I’m tellin’ you right now, you aren’t ruined and that filth you think you feel will wear away the longer you’re with me. I’ll make sure of it,” I promise her, meaning every single last word.
Chapter Eleven
Cara
Over the past three months my life went into overdrive. The day after Nerd brought me home, I met Tinsley (she’s the sweetest woman I’ve ever met) and my nephew Cody (he looks so much like my brother). Granted, I’d talked to Tinsley through texts, I was still leery about whether or not I’d like Tinsley; however, we hit it off right away.
I felt bad for missing so much of Cody’s life already but he’s an amazing kid. I’ve started babysitting him while Coyote and Tinsley both work. While watching him, I’d come to the conclusion I didn’t want to go back to school for my psych degree but rather get certified and licensed in childcare. With all the kids within the club, they could use someone they trusted watching their children while working.
When I brought this up to Nerd, he thought it was a great idea and helped me look into what I needed to do to get started.
Nerd and I didn’t go, like he wanted, to get furniture the same day I finally met Tinsley and Cody, instead we went the next. This gave me the entire day to get reacquainted with my brother and his family.
While out we’d gone to two different places to pick out a couch set that we both liked. I always liked the sections that came with ottomans and Nerd wanted something that he could stretch out on and as he put it when I was ready to be able to lay with him while watching a movie. This caused lots of butterflies to flutter in my stomach at this remark.
He’s been more than patient with me and even went with me to group sessions that he’d found for me. Nerd also was able to, with the help of a couple of the ol’ ladies of the club, convince me into seeing a professional. This was someone Rachel had gone to see, and she trusted him. Stoney, however, he didn’t seem to be too fond of the guy. They’d gotten into an argument that led to Rachel storming out with him on her heels. I was in awe when he scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder.
Knowing it was a man, I wanted Nerd to go with me and that is what he did. Sat next to me lending me his strength as I spoke with Dr. Lanston, not once making me feel inferior about what I went through. I’m sure him sitting with me as I talked about my experience, it did something to him, since each night after my sessions he would disappear and I wouldn’t see him for hours. When I did, he was always sweaty and went straight to the shower.
So far, I’d had four sessions, two per week. After the first two, I didn’t really think about this, then the last session and the one I’d had today, I had. Where is he going? What is he doing? Questions keep running through my head, constantly going negative. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about but I still can’t help but let doubt sink in.
Although it’s hard, I feel like I’ve come a long way in overcoming the sickening feelings of dirt covering me. I have Nerd to thank for that
We still hadn’t done anything but sleep next to each other. Not even a simple press of our lips together. It has to be difficult for him. He’s a man and men have needs. The thought of Nerd possibly going out and finding someone to give him the release he needs kills something in me because I know I can’t. I like to think so, only I don’t know how to approach Nerd about what I want.
With my Kindle in hand, I curl up in the corner of the couch and pull up one of my Reapers MC books by Elizabeth Knox. Cleo had gotten me hooked on reading her stuff and I love it. It takes my mind off of everything going on in my life. That and I love the men she writes about.
Lost in the world of all things Zane, I wasn’t paying attention to anything else. So, when the front door slams shut, I nearly jump out of my skin as I drop my Kindle. Eyes wide, I turn toward the entranceway to find Nerd standing there, yet again sweat coating his body.
“Nick?” I call out as he starts to head for the stairs rather than acknowledge me.
“Going to take a shower,” he growls.