the details,” I finish, before they all scurry out, besides Bane.
“I assume Harlow is safe staying where she’s at?” he inquires.
After letting out a deep sigh, I reply, “That’s our only hope, brother. We couldn’t possibly get her back here and with the others in time. Plus, she’s with two of the most loyal and well-trained members we’ve got.” He nods.
“Think I’m gonna give her a call, but I don’t want to alarm her so I’m gonna keep this as quiet as possible. I will however be alerting Shade and Stretch, unless you’ve already done so?”
“They got the group text along with everyone else.” I look down at my cell to see that they’ve texted back with some vague questions. “You might wanna fill them in first. They need to be on high alert. That would be the one thing I’d reiterate, which goes without saying once you inform them.”
“I know the drill, Pres,” he rebuts, leaving the room.
I’ve already put PeeWee on notice, but I need to call and inform him to bring Bella here so she can be escorted along with the other old ladies and children to safer grounds.
After being informed that Bella was taking her sweet time soaking in a bubble bath, PeeWee assured me he would put the pressure on her and have her here shortly.
Leaning against the frame of my door, I sip on a whiskey-filled glass, allowing its warmth to temporarily comfort me as it slides down my windpipe. I watch as Pyro kisses Shara and her small bump. Fox as he holds and loves on Novalee and his infant daughters. Sandman as he holds Aria tightly, rubbing her large, pregnant tummy. Edge comforts a weeping Talia while they both coo and love on their new son, and lastly, my Outlaw. She’s afraid and I can sense it, but much like her father and her mother, she holds her chin high, never letting it show. She’s a natural born leader and I couldn’t be more proud of her than I am now. Merc is holding Mel playing a game of pattycake as he, too, keeps a stiff upper lip. My eyes shift and I catch Rory coming down the stairs, walking straight up to his sister. By the looks of it, they seem to be accepting each other nicely as friends while they transition into the role of siblings which I know will take some time. Hell, I don’t even know my boy, but my protective instincts have already begun to kick in.
Bella
“I’m hurrying,” I bellow out from behind the bathroom door as I slide one foot into the leg of my jeans. “Stop the banging already. I can only go so fast.” I haven’t lived my life as an old lady, and while this isn’t brand new to me, it isn’t something that’s routine just yet either. I was told a light lockdown, so I proceeded to abide and draw myself a full, soothing, bubble bath; one I originally planned on spending some time in. But, no, once I began the grueling process of shaving, I was abruptly interrupted and being rushed to get out so I could be brought to the clubhouse. I know things in this lifestyle change on a whim, but I couldn’t stop mid-shave. Plus, it was only an extra five minutes or less.
“No more time to waste, Bella. We need to get moving, now,” PeeWee continues demanding.
“Just one more minute,” I impart as I am now fully dressed and running the brush through my hair. One last close-up in the mirror and I decide this is good as it’s gonna get. Ugh, why do I feel like I’m headed straight for my punishment? Perhaps I am, and if so, I suppose it’s what I deserve. Carrying the weight of my decision for so many years has grown tiresome; especially now that it’s no longer a secret. “Your day has come, Bella. Time to face the consequences of your actions,” I whisper to myself before twisting the knob, pulling the door open. “Ready.”
“Finally. Another minute wasted and I have no doubt Pres will have my head on a platter,” PeeWee supplies.
Rolling my eyes behind him, I let out a heavy sigh. While a part of me is a bundle of nerves, the other knows it’s time I reap what I’ve sowed.
Chapter Sixteen
Rogue
Approaching me quickly as he walks down the stairs, Gunner is changed, he’s now in jeans, boots, a T-shirt, and his club cut. This man is literally