Wrapped in Chains - Nicola Jane Page 0,48

Now isn’t the time to be stubborn and pig headed.”

Her eyes widen. It was the wrong thing to say. “Let go of my arm, now.” I release her instantly and she stomps away angrily. She’s Riggs’ problem now. I have Raven to think about. I ignore the nagging voice in my head telling me that she’s carrying my baby and she's every bit my problem.

“Be careful,” giggles Raven as I steer the wheelchair into the club, catching the wheel on the door frame for the third time.

“I need training plates,” I mutter.

Frankie comes towards us, smiling. “You must be Raven. I knew you’d have red hair.” she says.

Raven laughs. “Take after my grandmother apparently.”

“Why don’t I take Raven to meet the ol’ ladies?” suggests Frankie, and I reluctantly hand over the wheelchair.

I knock on the office door and Riggs shouts for me to enter. “I saw Leia at the hospital. Are you bringing her in?” I ask.

“Cree went to get her and Anna, but I’ve got a feeling they won’t come quietly.”

“Yeah, I mentioned lockdown and she freaked.”

“I’m gonna offer to put them far away from me,” says Riggs. “Seeing as I’m the reason they both left.” I don’t bother to correct him. I like my head on my shoulders. A commotion in the main room has Riggs groaning. “That must be them now,” he mutters, standing.

I follow him. Anna looks pissed as Riggs moves towards her and Leia. “Welcome home, ladies,” he says and Anna looks like she’s ready to punch him.

“You know this baby is due soon. How long am I going to be stuck here?”

“I have no idea,” he mutters. “You can take the floor below mine and I’ll stay outta your way.” I notice Leia smirk at Riggs’ use of my earlier words. “You too, Leia. I had no choice but to bring you back here, but I know you don’t wanna be here, so I’ll try and make it a short stay,” Riggs adds.

“I’ll take my old room, thanks,” snaps Anna.

“Me too,” adds Leia. “I’m gonna go unpack.”

“Actually,” says Riggs and she stops. “I need a favour. We need a favour,” he corrects, glancing at me. “Raven will need medical care. Bandage changes and stuff.”

Leia glares at me and I shrug awkwardly just as Frankie wheels Raven back into the main room. Leia nods. “Whatever.” Then she rushes off towards her room.

“Did you bring Ryan here?” asks Frankie. “He’s the baby’s father, so he could be a target too.”

“Leia’s pregnant?” asks Raven, and Frankie smiles wide, nodding.

Raven stares at me. “Interesting.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” says Anna. “They aren’t on good terms right now.”

I’m relieved to hear it. The last thing I need is that shit here rubbing my face in it. “We’ve made you a room down here,” says Riggs to me and he leads me through to a back room that is usually full of junk. “It’ll be easier for Raven.” I nod and pat his shoulder. I’m grateful that he thought about that.

Chapter Fourteen

Leia

Being back at the club with Chains is my worst nightmare. But just as I thought it couldn’t possibly get any worse, here I am, changing bandages on his ol’ lady. It’s made worse by the fact that I actually like Raven. She’s sweet and kind and funny and beautiful. Damn, I can’t find one fault on the woman. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.

I tap lightly on the door in case she’s sleeping. Her pain meds knock her out. The door opens and Chains’ smile drops. He’s wet, water drips from his hair, and he has a towel draped around his hips. The guy is sex on a stick—a stick I’m not allowed to touch despite wanting it so bad. “Bandages?” I mutter, holding up a pack.

He opens the door wider and I step inside. Raven smiles and pushes herself to sit. “I read the book you gave me. It was so good, I stayed up into the night reading,” she says.

“Much to my annoyance,” grumbles Chains. I try to ignore him as he moves around the room, rubbing his wet hair on a towel and gathering clothes. I carefully unwrap the bandage covering the wound on Raven’s head.

“Everyone needs an Edward in their life.” I sigh wistfully.

“Tell me about it,” says Raven. “The way he cares for Bella is so . . . ” She finishes with a sigh and I laugh.

“Christ. He’s not real, so of course, he’s going to be fan-fuckin-tastic,” grumbles Chains.