Page 36 of Rebel

I nodded and pointed to the backyard. “You know the deal.”

“Don’t leave the yard,” she repeated and took Sophie’s hand, guiding her through the house and out the back door.

“Thank you,” I told Grace while I made a fresh pot of coffee. “But you don’t know me and you shouldn’t give up your Saturday for me.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve been where you are, in need of around the clock security. Despite having people around constantly, it can feel lonely.”

I sighed and poured two mugs. “It’s not the loneliness, as a single mother I get used to that. This is a constant fear that makes it impossible to do anything, think or eat, or focus on myshow.” I hadn’t been myself for weeks now and it was starting to take its toll. “I just don’t get it.”

“I know but trust me when I tell you the guys will figure it out. They don’t take too kindly to anyone who threatens women or children.”

I shook my head. “This isn’t Logan’s fight, and I don’t want harm to come to him or his club. Or any of you.”

Her eyes held a knowing expression. “Seems to me like you’re a part of that now too.”

“What?” I shook my head. “No, it’s not like that.” Was it?

Grace laughed. “Trust me when I tell you that it is exactly like that.” She rolled her eyes affectionately. “Rebel gave everyone shit each time a new woman got tangled up with one of his brothers. He was worried it would put the MC at risk and bitched about it, according to Maverick anyway. But he came through for each and every one of us. Now we all get to laugh, give him shit, and come through for him.”

Instead of answering, I redirected. “It’s odd to hear him called Rebel. When I met him, he introduced himself as Logan.”

Her brows dipped and she leaned in with a friendly expression. “How did you meet him?”

“Oh. Um, I assumed he would’ve mentioned it.” I told her about meeting years ago for the first time. “And then we ran into each other again at the same festival, when he got between me and the bikers who are determined to make my life a living hell.”

“So you’ve known him for years?”

It was my turn to laugh. “No, there was a misunderstanding, and we hadn’t seen each other in about six years until a few weeks ago.”

“How does Livvy’s father feel about a handsome biker hanging around all of a sudden?”

Her question put me on edge. Was she just being polite or did she suspect something? She’d seen Livvy, so maybe she’d put the pieces together faster than Logan had? “He’s not in the picture. It’s always just been me and Livvy.”

Sympathy flashed in her eyes. “So, what are you planning to do today?”

“Livvy’s birthday is coming up and I figured we’d buy some party decorations and favors.”

“Or we can take care of that online, save some money, and then have a girls’ day instead. The choice is yours.” Her smile was mischievous, and I had a feeling I could really like this woman.

But I couldn’t. She was in Logan’s world and as soon as he found out about Livvy, he’d hate me, and I would never get to see her again. So I nodded politely and vowed that I would enjoy today and appreciate the gesture, but I wouldn’t get attached.

The same way I wouldn’t get attached to Logan.

Chapter Sixteen

Rebel

“You like this woman.” Diesel never danced around a subject, he just wasn’t built that way, so I wasn’t surprised that he brought up Nikki while we waited for Sheriff Cross to show up.

I looked at my Prez and my friend. We’d been through hell together several times and had each other’s backs more times than I could count, but we didn’t do touchy-feely shit. “Who, Nikki? Sure I like her. She’s a likeable woman.” I more than liked her, but I didn’t know what the fuck that meant yet. More importantly, I wasn’t ready to even think about it.

Diesel laughed. “Going through a lot of trouble for a likeable woman.”

I shrugged off his digging. “She doesn’t deserve this. The Blood Fangs are assholes.”

“So are we.”

“Maybe so, but they’ve gone too far.” My hands bunched into fists the moment her tear-stained face popped into my head. “I’m doing exactly what any of you would do.”

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