Page 2 of Cage's Fall

James didn’t force Hawk to install a playground at the clubhouse.

James didn’t force Hawk to listen to Autumn at the family BBQ’s.

I smiled. “She’d love to see you.” And I opened the door, letting it swing open. Autumn glanced up from her tablet, a squeal of delight coming off her lips when she saw Hawk. Jumping up, running to him, hugging him and then peppering for questions. Even Jacob got off his phone to talk to Hawk.

I blew out a long breathe. I could do this. I could single parent two kids.

Chapter Two

HAWK

“Acorn ya cheatin’.” It wasn’t a lie; it was a fact. She grinned at me from across the checkerboard- and that grin caused me to buckle about telling her off. “Guess that’s five to zero,” I said and that grin got bigger on her face.

“Autumn bed time!” Emily sung out and Autumn’s face melted with disappointment.

“But Mom—”

“Don’t even try it Autumn.” Emily was quick to cut her off. “Bed. Now.”

Autumn got up, walking to my side and giving me half a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Night Hawk.” I half hugged her back as she went to run off, pausing in the door way.

“Thanks for letting us stay here Hawk.” Acorn grinned at me, before leaving.

My eyes went to Emily who had just walked into the room. A washing basket on her hip. Couldn’t help but think how much I loved it that she had made herself at home. My eyes ran up and down her, those bare legs, tank top up, showing off her flat stomach and those breasts.

I quickly diverted my eyes and reminded myself that she wasn’t my wife. But fuck if only she was.

I glanced back at her seeing the hand marks around her neck. Normally she would wear a scarf even in summer. Now I knew why. I didn’t even realise I was glaring at her neck, till she moved uncomfortable.

“Um do you have any washing?”

I looked her in the eyes. Getting up, taking the basket from her. “Since you’ve got here all you’ve done is clean. Was my house that bad?”

“No Hawk.” She bit her bottom lip, then looked me in the eyes. “I just can’t sit still, waiting for him to show up any second. Just can’t stop worrying that he’ll—” She paused, her eyes going wide. “That’s his bike.”

I frowned. Then I heard the rumbling engine of the bike. That roar, it could be any one of the brothers. But by Emily’s panicked reaction, she was positive it was James.

“I’ll handle it.” I said and I was slightly annoyed that any member would come here, considering I had made it clear I didn’t want visitors.

Taking my gun from my holster on the back of the chair and putting in the waist of my jeans.

I walked out, and saw James leaning his bike to the side. He was furious. I could tell from here. But I locked the front door after me.

“James.”

“Where the fuck is she!” So he knew she was here. He pointed a finger at me. “You were always spineless when it came to her!”

“Spineless? Me? You’re the one that hits her.” And just like that all the rage I felt towards him, boiled over and I was in his face. Gripping him by his shirt collar. “How the fuck could you put a hand on her? Let alone choke her?”

James sneered in my face. “You think you are in for a chance Hawk? Cause I tell ya now, she’s mine.”

“She ain’t yours.” And I shoved him away from the me and the house. I’d die before he got inside to Emily or the kids. “You fucking choked her!” The disgust I felt even saying those words, sunk in my stomach.

“She deserved it!”

And my fist went flying into him, tackling him to the ground. He got a few good punches in, I got more in though. But it was when he pulled the gun from my waist and pointed it at me, I had to back down.

“Like always. Taking the coward way out.” I spat some blood out on the grass, from taking his punch. “Come on shoot me mother fucker cause that is the only way you’ll get in that house.”

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