“Would you willingly risk it with Abriana?” Smokey asked.
“No.”
“Then don’t assume I will. Ava’s too important.”
“This woman has got you twisted up, and you can’t figure out how to ask her to marry you. Don’t you think that is a little fucked up?”
Smokey gripped the steering wheel tighter. “We’re not talking about this shit anymore. You had your chance to help me. That’s over.”
“I’m here if you change your mind. Remember, I’m in a successful marriage.”
“Like you said, one I organized. You didn’t do shit.”
Ugly Beast glared at him and Smokey smiled.
They arrived at the clubhouse with everyone present so he could give them a rundown of what went on tonight.
“I want volunteers,” Smokey said. “To help me protect Ava.”
“You really think Creed will come after her?” Raven asked. “She’s a woman and has nothing to do with the club.”
“He did the first time. Look what I did. I imagine the next time, he’ll take her out.”
Raven sighed. “I’m in. I’ll protect her.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I helped Creed last time, didn’t I? She won’t come around the club and even though she has opened up the bakery to us once again, I can’t bring myself to go inside. Not after what I did. I can protect her. There’s nothing else I can do to make this right, but I can kick anyone who thinks they can get close.”
Smokey thanked her. One by one, all of his men agreed to take turns protecting Ava. This was his club, his family.
After ending church, he climbed on his bike and rode to Ava’s house.
She hadn’t given him a key yet, but the moment he climbed off his bike, she’d opened the front door.
“Welcome home,” she said.
He smiled, pulling her into his arms. “This is the best wake-up call a man could ask for.” He pressed his lips to her, wanting to hold her and to never let her go.
“Whoa, what’s wrong, Smokey?”
He tightened his hold on her. “I’m just glad to see you.”
“And I’m glad to see you, but this is something more. Come on, stop holding back. Tell me what’s the matter.”
Smokey pulled away and stared into her eyes. She was so beautiful. So sweet.
“I … you trust me?”
“Yes, of course.”
“From this day forward, you’re going to have one or more of the guys tagging along.”
Ava groaned. “I know I’m getting close to dropping, but we’ve got time.”
Smokey put his hand on her stomach, crouching down to kiss her. “It’s not about our baby arriving too soon. This is about something more.”
“What is it?”
He ran fingers through his hair. “I don’t want to scare you.”
“You are scaring me. I can’t go around not knowing what’s bothering you. Tell me, Smokey. Now.” She spoke softly.
“I’ve got reason to believe Creed isn’t done. He’s going to try to take you from me.”
“Take me?”
“Yeah. He’s going to try to hurt you.”
“That’s not possible. I’m safe.”
“You’ll be even safer with one of my guys with you. I’ll feel happier you’re living normally with one of my guys.”
Ava rubbed the back of her head and stepped back.
He didn’t like having any space between them.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
“I’m no one,” she said. “Why would this man want me?”
“Because you’re the love of my life, and he knows it.”
“Smokey, come on.”
“No. I can’t. It’s the truth. You don’t believe me, but I’ve loved you long before I found out you were pregnant. I fucked up once. I’m not going to do it again. I refuse to do it again.” He stepped toward her, cupping her face. “I’m in love with you. Creed knows it. He’s going to try to take you from me. I can’t let that happen.”
“I thought I was done with the crying part.”
“I know it’s going to take time for you to believe me, and I’ve got all the time in the world.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “But don’t put your own life on the line. Let me take care of you. Let me keep you safe.”
“Fine. You can … do that. If it will make you feel better.”
“It will. It really will.” He pulled her into his arms, dreading the thought of anything happening to her.
He loved this woman more than anything, and one day soon, he was determined for her to wear his ring.
Chapter Twenty-One
“She’s just going to sit there?” Harlow asked.
“Yep. Just like all the others.”
It had been over a month since Smokey had arrived home and told her his fear of this man Creed.
She glanced over at Raven and quickly averted her gaze. So far, every single day, she’d had a new MC member either sit in her bakery, escort her to the grocery store, and pretty much was a bodyguard to her every waking move.
The only time she was left alone was when Smokey arrived to take over. Having someone breathing down her neck twenty-four seven was proving to be exhausting.