Page 13 of Fanatic

Fanatic rolled his eyes and, carrying Danny, marched off.

I followed behind, cackling, and it felt like a weight had lifted from my shoulders. I wasn’t alone anymore; there was someone to share the burden with me, and that was fuckin’ amazing.

Chapter Three.

Willow

To say I was tense as we left my rental was an understatement. I had been staying just on the coast at Loon Point beach in Carpinteria, California. Beach living wasn’t something I’d contemplated before, nor did it really appeal, but it had been a nice break. The drive would take us twenty-one hours, so Fanatic had decided to make a road trip.

Typical man. Mind you, saying that, it was me who went nuts buying snacks and drinks. Fanatic was driving his SUV, which was crammed to the gills as was his trailer, and I had mine. I’d be following him and was dreading the drive home. When I’d fled Rapid City before, I’d just driven from state to state, so a long haul hadn’t bothered me. But now I really longed to avoid it.

What was sweet was, each hour, Fanatic dialled my phone and checked on me, and we stopped every three hours so I could stretch my legs. Danny was quite happy to nap, which boded ill for tonight. Fanatic insisted we pull over in Cedar City, and he’d booked a decent hotel. To my ultimate surprise, Danny downed his bottle and jar of baby food and fell straight to sleep.

It was with relief I woke the next morning and realised I’d slept the entire night. Fanatic intended for us to reach Rawlins in Wyoming next.

Today, Danny stayed mainly awake, babbling happily. I was cheered, listening to my little man even though my stomach was turning itself inside out. Honestly, I didn’t want to go anywhere near Rapid City, and certainly not Rage, not with this ball of anger in my gut.

Fanatic hadn’t commented, but I know he sensed it.

The good thing I knew was Fanatic would let me deal with shit at my own pace. The problem was Dad, Ellen, and my brothers were pushy bastards and wouldn’t. Hopefully, the distance between us, albeit only forty-five minutes, would at least stop them popping over often.

I’d not told anyone I was coming back yet; aware I’d need time to settle. My home with Grey was also a problem. I’d loved our home, but I couldn’t live there now. It had been perfect for our dreams and future family, but even the thought of stepping inside made me nauseous.

Dad would push for me to return, but I couldn’t. The house would have to be sold. Once I got my feet under me and we were settled, I’d consult a realtor. Dad was going to have to accept Rapid City and I were permanently separated!

After arriving at Rawlins, we ate, and Fanatic came to my room. As he lounged on my bed, I got Danny ready.

“Need to talk, babe,” Fanatic said.

“What about?” I asked, doing Danny’s diaper up quickly. Every time cold air touched his parts, he’d piss on me. I’d learnt to be very quick with changes.

“What to expect when we get home?”

“Fanatic, my expectations are very low. I’m not going anywhere near Rapid City or Rage. I want to be left alone and not be pressured,” I replied as I shoved Danny’s feet into his onesie.

And seconds later, Danny yanked them back out and grinned at me. Seriously? Tonight, he wanted to mess about.

Giving Danny his teddy to distract him, I quickly dressed and carried him over to the travel cot I’d been using. Laying Danny down, I dimmed the lights and sank onto the bed with Fanatic. He rolled over, and I snuggled into his side.

“What’s Chance likely to do?” I inquired, concerned.

“Chance will visit, but I don’t think he’ll pressure you. Everyone’s trying to help the Unwanted Bastards and others who are in a bad shape,” Fanatic replied.

“Is Inglorious still drinking?” I asked, worried. The Unwanted Bastard President was a favourite of mine. He’d been devastated when he’d lost all but two members of his MC. There’d been discussions around a merge, but they’d been nixed.

“Nope, Inglorious is too busy chasing his tail and trying to control his woman. She’s laid the law down and turned his life upside down.” Fanatic chuckled.

“Tell me.”

“Nice try at distracting me, but not working. We gotta talk, babe.”

“About what?” I sighed. Fanatic had the bit between his teeth and clearly wasn’t letting go. That didn’t surprise me.

“What do you want to do?” he asked.

“With what?”

“You’ve got maternity leave left, but are you going to return to the bureau?”

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