The Four Stages of Loving Dutch Owen - Debra Kayn Page 0,37

his view.

He squeezed the throttle, fighting the urge to flee. Deep down inside of him, he knew there was no chance of escaping. Not his feelings for Marla Marie, and not from the crimes he'd committed.

Part Four

Promise.

Chapter 16

DUTCH SAT STIFFLY IN the plastic chair, feeling the legs threatened to bend under his weight. The position made his ribs ache. He was sure a couple of the bones were broken from the fight he'd gotten in two weeks ago when the fucking guards switched his cellmate, and hierarchy needed proven once again.

Currently, he was roomed by himself because he'd started too many fights. A label he was glad to wear.

He glanced at the door. Skull had promised to bring Marla Marie to the prison. He'd kept her away from his court appearances, afraid it would be too much for her to handle. Instead, he used his weekly call limit to talk with her.

But she was making everyone's life hell back in Bellevue, wanting to see him face to face.

Knowing Rachel and Skull had explained to her about his arrest, the outcome in court, and his sentence, he needed to see her with his own eyes and make sure she was okay.

The guard walked to the middle of the room, standing by Dutch. "You'll have one hour to visit with your loved ones. You will be allowed one hug and kiss when they arrive, then you're to sit your ass down. If you get up, you'll be escorted out of the room. If you continue to show PDA, you'll be escorted to your cell, and future visits could be canceled. If any fights break out, your privileges will be taken away, and you'll have to go in front of the board to have them reinstated. Remember, this is a family visitation. There will be children in the room."

For how much he wanted to see Marla Marie, she shouldn't be here. She shouldn't see him in a place like this.

The door opened, and people paraded in. He kept his focus on the door and ignored the prisoners greeting their family members.

Marla Marie stepped inside and quickly pressed her back against the closest wall, afraid to go near the prisoners. His thighs hardened, wanting to go and protect her, take her out.

He waited until she spotted him and motioned her over. She pushed off the wall as if she would take off running but slowed herself, taking a wide berth around the others.

When she reached him, he stood from the chair. She latched herself to his waist, and he cupped the back of her head to his chest. His throat tightened. All the pain from his beaten body ignored, he took her hug because it was the best damn thing he'd felt in several months.

He cleared his throat. "Sit down, Marla Marie."

She sat down. He reached over and dragged her and the chair closer until she was right in front of him.

"Just look at me, forget about the others in the room, okay?" he said, looking her over.

"It's scary in here," she whispered.

"Ah, it's not too bad. It's just different."

"When can you leave?"

"Rachel and Skull explained everything to you." He leaned forward, holding her hands. "You know that I need to stay for five years."

Tears ran down her face. He wanted to wipe them away but refrained from doing so because he needed to follow the rules. Marla Marie wasn't the only person who came to visit him. Those in WAKOM Motorcycle Club came by each week.

"I'll be twenty-one years old by then. You'll be forty-two."

"That sounds about right." He lowered his voice. "During the time we're apart, you can write letters, and I'll write you back."

"Promise?"

"Promise." He dipped his chin. "But I don't want you coming here."

She shook her head. "I want to."

"This isn't forever."

"It seems like it." Her forehead wrinkled. "Can't I tell someone that you're innocent? I can tell them you were with me or that you were at the clubhouse."

"You know that's not how this works." He squeezed her hands. "I want you to keep going to school, go to your job, and I'll make sure I let Skull and Rachel know how I'm doing. They'll give you the messages."

"But I want to see you."

"You're a kid, Marla Marie. Enjoy your years, and when I get out, you'll be all grown up. Then, if you want to spend all your time with me, I'll let you."

"I hate this." She raised her shoulder and wiped her cheek on the sleeve of