“This doesn’t feel right,” he whispers. “I don’t know what to do to fix it.” For the first time, I see the lost boy look in his eyes and I hesitate. He wants to talk. I wait a few seconds, but he doesn’t continue, and I lose hope.
I take Willow from him. “It’s not because I don’t love you,” I say, quietly. “It’s because I love you too much. I can’t stay around while we destroy each other. My heart can’t take it.”
Vinn hands me the keys as I stand in the living room, looking around in awe. This place is amazing and situated ten minutes from the clubhouse. “Are you sure?” I ask.
“Yeah. It was standing empty. It may as well go to some use.”
“What sort of rent are you looking for?” I ask warily, knowing this place is out of my price range.
“You’re Riggs’ ol’ lady. This place is rent-free for you.”
I shake my head. “No, I’ll pay.”
“If anyone is gonna pay, it’ll be him. I’m not taking money from you.”
“Vinn, I’ve left Riggs. He can’t pay my rent,” I say, laughing. “The whole point is to get my independence back.”
“Get back on your feet and we’ll discuss it.”
I watch him leave and lock the door behind him, then I let out a breath. This morning, I had no idea this is where I’d end up.
I call my boss and explain my situation. Without childcare, I can’t work, and I don’t want to keep running to the club for help. I want Riggs to see I can stand on my own two feet, and who knows, maybe I’ll learn to be strong again. To get me through financially, I have an account that my ex set up. It’s got more than enough money in it, but so far, I haven’t touched it. The idea was I’d save it for Malia, but this is an emergency and I’ll work hard to pay every penny back once I’m back on my feet.
I’m making dinner when there’s a knock at the door. Cree greets me with a smile. “Riggs asked me to bring Willow’s crib,” he says. It’s a nice thing to do, but it sends a stab to my heart.
“Great,” I say, forcing a smile. He goes back to his van, returns with the crib, and I take it. It’s a travel one, so it pops up easily. “Is he okay?” I ask quietly.
“You know Riggs,” he mutters. “He’s locked away in his office.”
“Look after him for me, Cree.”
“This ain’t forever, Anna,” he says and I smile.
It is.
RIGGS
It was the perfect time to tell her. I could have said the words and it would have explained everything. They were on the tip of my tongue and then she shut me down, and who can blame her? I’ve fucked up so bad, even I don’t wanna talk to me. I stare at my phone, willing it to ring. I’d got Willow’s crib and was stepping out of the club to take it myself, but then Eva stopped me, telling me to give Anna space.
Space. That one little word means so much.
Cree enters the office without an invite and flops onto the chair opposite me. “Well, what a clusterfuck.”
“Helpful,” I mutter. “Are they your words of wisdom for the day?”
“I sat back when Michelle screwed you over. I hated that bitch and I was glad she fucking left. My only regret is not being honest with you back then and telling you what a blood sucking leech she really was. But Anna is—”
“Gone,” I snap, cutting his words off. “I don’t need to hear how fucking amazing she is, brother. I know all that shit. But she’s gone, just like Michelle went. The only blessing is, she’ll take care of my kid and I ain’t gotta lose sleep wondering if Willow is okay.”
“I don’t get it,” he utters.
“You don’t need to. What happened to you hating talking about feelings and shit? Stick to what you’re good at, brother. Be my VP, not my fucking counsellor.”
“Shit, Pres. Ain’t that what I’m doing right now? Being your VP. That’s why I’m here feeling uncomfortable and shit. Telling you you’re an arse. Letting her go is your biggest mistake yet, and trust me, you’ve made a few of those just lately.”
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” I yell.
Cree stands and heads for the door. “Take a look at yourself. This place is falling to shit and you lock yourself away in here. That’s your answer. You’re not leading this club right now, Riggs.”
“Are you shitting me?” I growl. “I cleared the deal with Vinn and Blu.”
“That was all Blu’s doing, Pres. Without him, we would have lost the shipments and you know it. You gotta sort your shit out.” He heads back towards the desk and places a business card down. He slides it towards me. “Call her. You told me she’d sort me out and she did. Now, it’s your turn to get some help cos I don’t know what the hell is going on with you, but shit’s gotta change.”
I let him leave before picking up the business card. It brings a smile to my face. “What an arse,” I mutter, out loud.
I stare up at the building before me. It’s not how I pictured a place like this. I press the buzzer and a female voice asks me how she can help. I snigger, because she can’t help me, but for the good of the club, I’ve agreed to this bullshit. “Finn James to see Eleanor Chapman.”
The door clicks open and I go inside, taking a seat in a small waiting area where the receptionist clicks away at speed on her computer keyboard. Eventually, a side door opens and a female steps out. She’s stunning. Long, wavy dark hair, a pencil skirt with a white
