Page 13 of Raven
Raven
Holding Sydney in my arms was exactly like I’d imagined it. She tucked perfectly against my chest as we stood in the kitchen. When she pulled away and looked up at me, I hoped she was done fighting me, but something told me this hellcat of a woman would keep me on my toes for years to come.
She sighed and lowered her arms from my waist and took a step back. I allowed her the space she seemed to need as she retook her seat. Uncertainty was written across her face as she took a swallow of juice and blew out a breath.
“My mother tossed me away when I was eight, and Uncle Billy raised me,” she began, and I retook my seat, extending my hands across the island, offering her some comfort. She slipped her hands into mine and continued to speak. “He did the best he could with me, but he was a confirmed bachelor and having a kid running around was tough for him.”
I nodded, remembering the times he rode to Rapid for a few days to hang out with my father. He seemed stressed and under pressure, but I never knew what the cause was. I had questions, but now wasn’t the time to ask them. Now, she needed me to listen.
“She was in and out of my life for almost ten years, and the last time I spoke with her, I told her to leave and never return.” Sydney lowered her head, staring at the granite island below her. “I couldn’t continue to let her to cause chaos in our lives. Uncle Billy was almost done raising me and he didn’t need his sister bringing more drama to his front door.”
I had to ask, even if it wasn’t my business. “Where’s your mother now?”
She lifted her glassy eyes and replied, “She died last year.”
I couldn’t remain seated as I saw a tear fall down her cheek. Standing, I rounded the counter and pulled her against me as she buried her face into my stomach. I felt her sniffle against me, and I worried she was going to start coughing again. Reluctantly, I pulled back and grabbed the box of tissue on the island and placed them beside her.
She took one and wiped her eyes as I pulled my chair next to hers and sat down. Sydney blew out a breath and forced a smile onto her face. “Have you changed your mind about me?”
Lifting her hands into mine, I placed a kiss onto the back of both and shook my head. “You did what you had to do to protect yourself, and I could never blame you for that.”
“I should have given her a chance, but she was always more interested in men and drugs than she was me.”
She shrugged at the reason her mother abandoned her and I hated to admit it, but I was glad the woman was dead. No one should feel unwanted or unloved, and I’d spend the rest of my life making sure Sydney knew how much I cared for her, and how much I wanted her in my life.
“Where is Billy?” I asked and she gave me a real smile.
“He’s riding his bike through Mexico, living the free life he always wanted,” she responded.
“Good for him, I guess.” I said, then carefully inquired, “Do you feel like talking about the reason you live in a tiny trailer in an unsafe park?”
Sydney shook her head and gently pulled her hands from mine before she crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s my business, and once it’s finished, then maybe we can discuss it.”
I went to open my mouth to object, but closed it, knowing we weren’t at the point of spilling all our secrets onto the table. ButI would be monitoring the situation and waiting for an opening to uncover why she was working herself sick to pay off a debt.
My phone chimed from the side counter, and I stood and retrieved it. Joel had checked in with me while Sydney was sleeping and let me know he’d cleared our schedule for tomorrow in case she wasn’t feeling better in the morning. He may have made a joke about finally getting the girl and I told him to watch his mouth. He may be one of my oldest friends, but I would still pop him in the mouth for disrespecting my woman.
I was curious about what he wanted now.
Joel:The shop is locked and I pulled the gate closed, but one of your brothers is parked outside along the fence. Is there something I should know?
I typed out a response quickly.
Me:Just making sure no one tries to get inside with the custom Harley locked away. I’ll have to come by tomorrow to deliver it to the customer, so Roughstock send a prospect to watch the shop tonight.
Joel:Gotcha. Tell Sydney I hope she feels better. We missed her today. You . . . not so much.
I sent him the middle finger emoji and placed the phone back onto the counter before I returned to a curious Sydney.
“It was Joel. He hopes you’re feeling better soon, and he wanted me to tell you the guys missed you today.”
“Really?” she asked, and I retook my seat.
“Why is that so hard to believe? The guys love you, baby. You’re awesome.”
She smiled and asked, “When are you taking me home?”
I wrinkled my forehead and ducked my head at her question. What I had done while she rested may blow up in my face, and piss her off, but I felt it was necessary, since she was my woman now.
