Patriot (Hades Abyss MC 6) - Harley Wylde Page 0,15
the kid, but he didn’t handle puke well, and little Walker had a tendency to only throw up on his daddy. I personally thought it was hysterical. Although, the last time I’d laughed when it happened, Titan had smeared the puke on my cheek, which only made me throw up.
Delilah rolled her eyes and sighed. “Bring your stuff in and set it in the living room. If you happen to buy any wrapping paper in the next day or two, I’ll gladly take another few rolls. If I don’t use them this year, there’s always next Christmas.”
She walked off, presumably to save Titan from their kid, and I started hauling MaryAnne’s presents into their house. When I’d finished, I shut their front door and headed home. Seeing exactly how much I’d bought for MaryAnne made me realize she’d probably want to do some shopping of her own, but I also knew she wouldn’t take money from me outright. I’d have to be sneaky about it.
I sent Galahad a message. If I give you an envelope of cash, will you give it to MaryAnne?
He responded almost immediately. Why can’t you give it to her?
Because I don’t want her to know it’s from me. She probably will want to shop for Christmas presents.
I got a thumbs-up in response and shoved my phone into my pocket before I went into my house. I didn’t know exactly how much cash I had stashed in the small safe in my closet, but I knew I had at least a few thousand in there. I’d put a few hundred in an envelope and have Galahad give it to MaryAnne. She’d accept it from him easier since they were blood, even if he had been a dick to her on occasion.
I heard Christmas music playing when I walked in the door and smelled something sweet coming from the kitchen. I followed my nose and paused in the doorway, smiling as I saw MaryAnne dancing around the kitchen as she mixed something in a bowl. The kitten rolled on the floor with a paper towel, trying to shred it, while Archimedes stood at MaryAnne’s side, eyeing the stove. Jingle Bell Rock played from the radio on the counter, and MaryAnne sang along. Even Hatter whistled a bit while he bobbed his head. Too fucking cute!
Her red sweater had reindeer covering it in a small print, and her dark jeans hugged her legs. She had another fuzzy pair of socks on that were red with white snowflakes. I’d never seen her happier than I had this holiday season. Her first Christmas here, I’d tried to make it special without going over the top. I’d gotten some smiles from her, but this year was different. She’d healed more and seemed less scared. Although, she still didn’t venture outside the compound very often.
She poured the contents of the bowl into a pan, then rinsed the dish in the sink, completely oblivious to the fact I was watching her. The music was just loud enough she probably hadn’t heard the front door. She shook her hips side to side as the song switched to Last Christmas. I loved seeing her like this, so carefree. She’d come a long way since I’d pulled her from the mental hospital.
“What are you making?” I asked, moving farther into the room.
She shrieked and dropped the mixing spoon, spinning to face me. “You scared me!”
Archimedes barked at me before pressing against MaryAnne’s legs. Yeah, it seemed my woman had him wrapped around her finger too. She’d had me on my knees, ready to do anything for her, the moment I’d brought her home. She reached down and patted his head, and my heart warmed at the gesture. My rescues loved her, and she loved them back. I typically didn’t keep the animals I brought home and tended while they healed, but this crew hadn’t wanted to go anywhere.
“Sorry, Little Bit.” I went to her, wrapping my arm around her waist and tugging her against me. I gave her a slow kiss, my lips brushing hers. “What’s the occasion for all the baking?”
“I enjoy it. I know we can’t eat all this, but I thought you could take some of it to the clubhouse for the single guys. I’m sure Phoebe and Delilah are making stuff for Kraken and Titan. And I’ll give some to Galahad, since he’s family. Well, blood-related family.”
I pressed my nose to her hair and breathed her in. “You’re such a sweetheart. I’m sure