Page 75 of The Heart We Guard
I stand and shake my jeans back over my knees and the hem of my boots. “Why not?”
“Because this is about whatshewants and needs. Go, I’ll be fine. I’ll cancel my flight and call my friend who’s expecting me.”
When I push the door open, the club has returned to normal. Well, as normal as it can be, given I just walked in and told them I’m going to be a father with a woman I barely know, yet feel like I’ve known forever.
Jackal looks my way, and I wave him over. As always, Shade comes with him. The two of them move as a pair. Two for the price of one.
“I need to go talk with Ember and Atom, but I’m hoping the two of you can do me a favor. Keep Greer company until I can take her to my place.”
Jackal’s face lightens with understanding. “So, that’s why all the club girls and prospects are currently over there disinfecting the place and changing the sheets.”
“Yeah. Can you keep an eye on her? Get her a drink. Call one of the girls and see how long it’s gonna be before I can take her over there.”
Jackal nods. “On it. You want me to send one of the prospects into town to grab some supplies to stock the place with food and shit?”
“I’d appreciate it.”
“Done, boss,” Jackal says.
I head down the hallway to Atom’s room. When I’m three footsteps away, I hear words are being spoken inside. I can’t quite make them out, but the tone splits the difference between angry and distressed.
I knock on the door, and Atom opens it. “Butcher.”
He keeps the door closed off enough so I can’t see Ember. “Let me talk to her.”
“Now’s not a good time,” he says.
I shake my head. “If I don’t do it now, there’s never going to be a good time.”
“Well, you should have thought of that before you announced you’d knocked up some woman in the clubhouse.”
I think about what Greer said. I could stand here arguing with Atom, but what I really need to do is talk to Ember. “Em, sweetheart. I know you got Atom working as your bulldog, but I really need to speak to you. Just come to the door. If I’m not making any sense in five minutes, I’ll leave.”
The door moves, the action surprising Atom, who wobbles a little.
When Ember’s tear-stained face appears, I feel relief. Guess this is how you make things right. You face them. Head-on.
“Let me talk to you, sweetheart.”
Ember sighs. “Fine.”
Atom pushes the door open the rest of the way, then leans back against the wall.
“Can you give me and Em some space?” I ask Atom.
He shakes his head. “Not going anywhere, Nolan.” The use of my first name catches me off guard. “This is a family matter. Not a club or club security matter. It’s family. And I’m not leaving my woman when she’s this upset.”
“And it’s a family matter that involves pieces of my past that are not for you to hear.”
Atom takes a step towards me, but I stand my ground. He might have a couple of inches on me and a bit more bulk, but I’ll guarantee I’m more than capable of defending myself if I have to.
Ember moves in front of Atom and steps up to his ear, whispering something to him. Throughout the whole exchange, Atom’s eyes are on me.
When Ember steps down again, Atom cups the side of her face and kisses her softly. “You’re sure?”
She nods. “I’ll come find you in the bar.”
Atom looks at me one more time. “Hurt her again, and I won’t have a problem hurting you.”
