Page 39 of Crow's Haven
The minute the bike stops, Scout and Chase unbuckle their harnesses and helmets and bolt towards the chaos. Scout tackles the inflatable first, yelling dramatically as he bounceswildly, pulling Chase right behind him. Crow shakes his head, chuckling softly as he watches them go.
“They’ll destroy that thing if we’re not careful,” he murmurs, amused.
“Naw, those things are made to take all the abuse kids can throw at it,” I tease, nodding at the pile of kids tumbling together, shrieking joyfully.
Adults linger nearby, chatting casually while keeping half an eye on their rowdy children. I recognize a few of the men Crow introduced me to before. There is Siege, Tank, Rigs, and Zen. They wave warmly, nodding in greeting. Their old ladies offer welcoming smiles and congratulate me on getting his property cut. The camaraderie is amazing. I realize how rare this is, how lucky I am to be here, with the brotherhood.
Crow leads me towards the back patio, his hand warm on my lower back, protective and possessive in equal measure. He guides me to an empty picnic table, close enough to watch the boys but quiet enough for us to have our own space. Crow piles his plate with burgers, chips, and fresh fruit.
“Hungry?” Crow asks, settling beside me, close enough that our thighs brush.
“Starving,” I admit, leaning into his side as he feeds me a strawberry. I catch his eye, savoring the intimacy of the gesture.
“You look happy,” he murmurs softly, watching me closely, eyes warm.
“I am happy,” I whisper honestly. “I love how your club brothers come together for something like this.”
He smiles gently, fingers brushing mine as we watch the chaos unfold. Scout and Chase have teamed up with Siege’s kids, launching coordinated attacks on the inflatable castle’s walls. I laugh softly, leaning into Crow’s shoulder, “I hope that thing is insured.”
Everything is going great until I see Roxy slinking around. The club girl moves through the crowd with easy confidence. My stomach tightens, as memories of her earlier warning come flooding back, threatening my peace. She spots us immediately, her gaze lingering pointedly before she strolls closer.
“Crow,” she purrs, her voice deliberately sweet, ignoring me entirely. “Haven’t seen you around in a while. Wanna dance, big boy?”
Crow’s body stiffens slightly beside me, his expression shifting, quiet yet unmistakably firm. “No. I don’t.”
She frowns, her smile faltering. “Come on, it’s just a dance.”
He rises slowly, his movements deliberate, careful, stepping just close enough to speak privately. I tense slightly, wondering what he’s going to say to her. I watch their quiet conversation.
His voice is low but carries enough that I hear clearly. “Listen carefully. I have an old lady now. That means no more talking, dancing, or making out with club girls. See that property cut on her back? That makes her family, not someone you get to intimidate or disrespect. Understand?”
Roxy’s eyes flash with annoyance, mouth pressing into a tight line. But whatever she sees in Crow’s expression is enoughto silence further protest. She nods sharply, turning away quickly, heels clicking angrily on the patio stones.
Crow returns to me, reclaiming his spot without hesitation. He reaches for my hand, his thumb brushing tenderly across my knuckles.
“You okay?” he asks gently, concern darkening his gaze.
“I’m okay,” I reply quietly, heart still racing. “Thank you for doing that.”
He leans closer, eyes serious, fierce with sincerity. “I meant every word, Ladybug. Nobody disrespects you. Not in front of me.”
Warmth floods through me, gratitude and pride mixing sweetly. I squeeze his hand softly. “I believe you.”
He relaxes, eyes softening again as we watch the boys, their joy untouched by adult tensions. Scout tackles Chase playfully, laughter spilling from their mouths. I like to see the boys so carefree and happy.
“You handled that perfectly, you know,” Crow says quietly, nudging my shoulder gently. “Earlier at the school. Now here, too.”
“I just did what felt right,” I admit honestly, watching him carefully. “Your boys matter to me.”
“I know they do.” He cups my jaw softly, tilting my face gently upward. “You matter, too. Don’t forget that.”
The tenderness in his voice makes my heart squeeze painfully, beautifully. I have to tell him.
Now.
“Look, there’s something you need to know about me. I probably should have mentioned it earlier—”
I’m just about to tell him my dark secrets when the boys come flying across the lawn and land in our laps. Since it’s getting to be dinner time, we distract them with food.
