Page 51 of Rebel

And once again I felt like the asshole.

I needed to see Livvy. She had no clue what was going on, didn’t even know I was her father. Yet. She didn’t knowyet, but I would make sure she did. And soon.

After Diesel left me with my thoughts, I paced around a bit, trying to calm down. Then I headed to the part of the clubhouse where our rooms are. I tried the knob on the door of the room I’d deposited Nikki and Livvy in earlier, but it was locked, forcing me to knock.

And risk Nikki telling me to get lost.

More than a minute passed before Nikki opened the door. She was still in the clothes she wore earlier, red-rimmed eyes stared back at me, tear-streaked face in a pinched expression.

“I need to see Livvy.” I brushed past her, knocking her shoulder as I did.

She grunted and took a step back. Her eyes were wide and full of fear.

“Shit Nikki, I’m—”

She bit her lip and shook her head before she took off into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.

“Livvy, hey how you doin’?” I sat on the bed where she was curled up under a knit blanket.

She looked up, still sniffling, eyes red and lips turned into a frown. “Mr. Rebel, I’m scared.” She threw her little bodyagainst mine and I held on tight as she cried. Her cries turned to sobs and the sound tore my heart to ribbons.

“I know. What happened was very scary but you’re safe, kiddo. I promise.” She hugged me tight, her hot tears dampened my t-shirt. “Me and my buddies are gonna keep you safe.”

“Mommy too?” She pulled back and hit me with eyes so similar to mine that my breath caught in my chest. How had I not seen this?

“Of course, both of you.” I tried for a smile I didn’t quite feel even though I meant the words. I might be pissed off at Nikki right now, but I wouldn’t let anything happen to her. “Don’t worry. There are kids here you can play with, and we even have a dog, his name is Chopper.”

“A doggy?” Her fear was erased instantly, and excitement took over. “Can I meet him?” She turned just as the bathroom door opened. “Mommy can I go meet Chopper?”

“You can. Just be careful.” She wrapped her arms around her waist and stayed where she was.

“I will Mommy, I promise.” She flashed that irresistible smile at Nikki, whose body relaxed slightly.

“You can come if you want.”

“No thanks.” She gave Livvy all of her attention. “Listen to Logan, okay?”

Logan, not dad.Not yet.

“I will. See you later!” She jumped off the bed and headed for the door. “Come on!” Livvy waited by the door and then she took my hand, eyes full of trust as I took her to meet the club dog.

We approached the chubby bulldog who laid sleeping on the floor. “Hold your hand like this so he can sniff you.”

With a giggle, she leaned towards Chopper and pushed the back of her hand against his nose. “Nice doggy.”

Chopper licked her hand and barked a hello.

“He says hi.”

She flung her arms around the bulldog, who was thankfully used to being around exuberant little kids these days. He lapped up the love and attention, licking her face and making her laugh.

I sat close by and watched my little girl fall in love with Chopper, who loved her right back. This was what I missed, watching her be a child and learning new things.

Dammit and my anger returned.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Nikki

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