Page 42 of Jaded Red

The elevator lurches to a stop and the doors whoosh open. The nurses wheel Nadia out and I follow until we reach a set of swinging doors that read NO UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS. “This is where we part, Matt. Feel free to wait in the room behind you or down in the NICU. I will find you as soon as the surgery is over.”

I release Nadia’s hand and kiss her one last time on the forehead. “I’ll be right here waiting for you, Pulchra. I love you.”

Doctor Amber and the nursing staff wheel Nadia through the swinging doors and I stand there feeling helpless and hopeless, wishing there was something I could do.

I’m not sure how long I stand here staring at the swinging doors, hoping and praying everything will be all right when there is a strong hand on my shoulder. I turn and see Aftermath standing next to me.

“Is she going to be all right?”

“I hope so. They didn’t say much, just that Nadia needed a D and C. I don’t even know what that is. How’s the baby?” Guilt eats away at me for choosing to stay with Nadia rather than check on him.

“He’s doing good. His vitals are strong and he’s responding to some tests they ran. He’s small but in very good health. Nadia did an excellent job protecting and nurturing him.” Aftermath answers.

“Good. Good.” I nod my head.

“Are you going to see him?”

“Yes. Will you stay here and guard this place? I don’t want Nadia unprotected for a minute.”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Aftermath crosses his arms over his chest and stands in front of the swinging doors. “If anyone wants in, they’ll have to show credentials.”

“Thank you, Aftermath. With everything else going on, I don’t want either of them unprotected.” I sincerely mean it too.

“Nadia and your son are our priority right now. All of us will stand guard until Josiah is taken out.” Vengeance is strong in Aftermath’s voice. “Go see your son and I’ll keep an eye out here.”

I push the button to the elevator and step inside when the doors open. Once they close, I catch myself in the reflective mirror. I don’t feel any different, but the man staring back at me is someone I wouldn’t want to cross. He’s someone who will move heaven and earth to protect his family. Someone who will kill anyone who tries to take them away.

I find the NICU and see a wall of beefed up, tattooed bikers lined up looking through the window. I smile at all these burly men protecting my little family. I step next to my brothers and they part, letting me see my son.

I rest my hand on the glass and tears form in my eyes. He has a little blue hat on, covering his reddish blonde hair, lying in the incubator wrapped in a blanket. He is sound asleep with his little fist in his mouth.

“Isn’t he precious?” Kensi asks, resting her head on my arm.

“He is,” I respond.

“Have you and Nadia thought about a name yet?” Derange asks.

I shake my head. “We never talked about names.”

“How is she doing?” Kensi asks.

“She’s in surgery right now upstairs and Aftermath is watching the door, making sure she is safe. The doctor is supposed to get me when it’s done.” I keep my eyes on my son. My baby boy. I will move heaven and earth to keep him safe.

The pediatrician comes out to tell me that the baby will be in NICU for a few days while they monitor his temperature and his feeding tube. Once he can eat on his own and can hold his own body temperature, he will be ready to go home.

About a half hour later, Doctor Amber finds me still standing at the window into the NICU staring at my son. Capone, Blayze, Danyella, Monica and Kensi are still here keeping me company even though I haven’t said anything. Capone has updated everyone in the club on what’s going on and they’ll all be here soon to protect my son and Ol’ Lady. With Josiah stalking her, we are not taking any chances.

“She’s out of surgery and in recovery. It was a success. You can go up to see her now if you want.”

“Thanks, Doc.” I look at Capone and he nods his head.

“Go, we’ll look after him,” Capone confirms.

I follow Doctor Amber up to the recovery room and Aftermath is guarding it like a Pitbull. He’s not letting anyone in or out without his approval. He nods to Amber and opens the door like he owns the thing. I follow inside and see Nadia sleeping on the hospital bed. There are tubes and wires hooked up all over her. I don’t have a clue what they’re all for. Something I’m going to have to check up on when I have time. I want to know everything about what she went through. I make my way to the side of the bed and grab Nadia’s hand. It’s cold to the touch.

Nadia stirs a little before shifting her head to look at me. “Matt?” Nadia whispers.

“I’m right here.” I squeeze her hand gently warming it back up.

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