Natalie's Choice Read online

  “You always take care of everything.”

  “It’s what a Prez does. I should have known I’d end up a dad sooner or later. I’m one to a bunch of boys refusing to grow up.”

  She chuckled. “The club adores you, and you love it. You love being the big old daddy.” She gave a little squeal as he moved her so that she was straddling his lap.

  “I know what I like to be a whole lot more than just a daddy.”

  “Oh, yeah, and what’s that?”

  “Balls deep inside you.”

  ****

  Dear Tabitha,

  It’s me again, and I miss you. I hope you get these letters and your dad isn’t throwing them in the trash. Hey, Tiny and Eva, if you are. So, shit has hit the fan again. Natalie got beat up, and I saw her. She looks really, really bad. Her face is all bruised up as if she’s been punched, and the doctors are all worried. So is my dad. We all like her. She doesn’t talk all that much, Natalie. She listens, draws, and cooks. That’s about it. Slash loves her completely, you know. Totally, one hundred percent loves her.

  Not a lot is happening right now. I’m going to school, and I hate history. It’s so boring learning about the past. What is the point of it? We know what’s already happened. Move on already. I want to know what is happening today, and they don’t talk about any of the MC either. MC is totally in my blood, and you should know. It’s in yours.

  There are times I hate writing. I always have so many questions, and I have to wait for the answers, or what you have to say. I don’t know when I’ll get to send this letter. I love writing because it gives me something to do. See, I’m a total weirdo, but if you tell anyone I said that I’ll deny it.

  So here are my questions.

  Have you missed me?

  Did you have a fun vacation in Vegas?

  What’s your favorite topic in school?

  Do you like going to school?

  What’s happening over there?

  Do you have any questions for me?

  Short and sweet.

  Take care, Tabby.

  Love, your Simon.

  ****

  “You stink,” Jessica said, moving to open a window.

  It had been five days since Natalie was brought in, and Slash didn’t want to leave her side or miss a moment with her. He didn’t give a shit how he smelled or what the fuck was going on in the world. Natalie hadn’t gotten worse, nor had she gotten better. The bruising had all come out, and at least with her asleep, she wasn’t in any kind of pain. They gave her some morphine, and it was starting to really get to Slash that she wasn’t waking up.

  “Then leave.”

  “What is wrong with taking five minutes to have a bath or even a shower? Do you even deodorize?”

  “I’m not leaving Natalie.”

  “I’ll be here. I won’t move from this spot.”

  “If you get called away.”

  “I can phone someone from the club,” Jessica said.

  “Not happening. I’m not going to risk it.”

  “What exactly are you risking?”

  “I want to be here when she wakes up, Jessica. If I stink, I don’t care, so long as she sees that she’s not alone. I’m not going to risk her being hurt because no one turned up. It’s just … it’s not happening.”

  “Okay,” she said. She held her hands up. “I was just thinking she’d wake up a lot sooner if the smell wasn’t so bad.”

  Sitting back, Slash glared at her. “Why does Snake put up with you?”

  “Because I’m awesome, and he’s very much aware of that.”

  “I call bullshit.”

  She burst out laughing. “You would because you don’t understand awesome.” She stopped by the door, arms folded, looking so happy with herself. “I never thought I’d see the day Slash would fall for a woman.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Come on, Slash, you’ve been one of the biggest man-whores I’ve ever known. Whenever there was free pussy, you were all over that. Now look at you. You’d rather sit stinking than leave your woman.” Jessica’s gaze landed on the bed, and her face froze. “And doesn’t your woman have the prettiest eyes you’ve ever seen.”

  He looked at Natalie, and he saw at least one eye was open. She seemed confused at first, and as the seconds passed, she began to panic, realizing she’d been hooked up to several machines.

  “It’s okay,” he said. There was a tube in her mouth to assist with her breathing, and Jessica was there as she was a nurse at the hospital, helping to take it out. She clicked a button, and it wasn’t long before several nurses and doctors were in the room. Slash didn’t leave, and watched as Natalie was brought up to speed on everything that had happened.

  She was given some water to help rehydrate her, and he stood back, so fucking happy that she was alive. There was always that risk, he knew, of her falling under and never coming back.

  Finally, as the doctors filed out, Jessica let him know that she’d call Devil and give him the heads up. The hospital would alert the Sheriff, and he’d be there in no time with his questions.

  “Slash,” Natalie said.

  She tried to sit up, and he quickly moved to her side, and helped her. “Easy.”

  “I feel like I’ve been run over by a bus, and it backed up, going over me again.” He cupped her cheek, and she smiled. “You stayed with me?”

  “Do you really think there would be anywhere else I’d want to go?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Her voice was scratchy, and he held the drink in front of her, getting her to sip through the straw. She stopped and leaned back.

  “Do you remember anything?” he asked.

  “I was with John, and then we were surrounded by a bunch of men, and they were goading each other. They started to hit John, and I tried to stop them, and they began to hit me. Nothing … nothing happened, did it?”

  “You weren’t raped.” He took hold of her hand and pressed a kiss to it.

  “I think I passed out from the pain.”

  “Someone called for help, and it stopped them.”

  “I’ve been such a pain in the ass,” she said.

  “Don’t even for a second think that we’re upset about being here for you. You’re part of us, Natalie. We love you, and we’ll take care of you. Whoever did this to you better pray the cops find them first.”

  “You shouldn’t be saying stuff like that,” she said. “What if people hear you?”

  “I don’t give a fuck who hears me. I get my hands on them, they’re going to wish they’d never laid eyes on you.”

  She glanced around the room. “There are so many flowers.”

  “All for you. Lucius stopped by. He said thank you for everything.” He pointed to the gifts. “He brought you those.”

  “Will you call him? Tell him I’m alive and awake.”

  “Yes, I’ll do that.”

  She leaned in a little closer. “Could you also take a shower? I don’t mean to be offensive, but you do stink a bit.”

  “Were you listening to Jessica tell me what to do?”

  “Was she telling you to take a shower?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you should thank her. I heard what she was telling you.”

  Slash chuckled, leaning in close and kissing her head. “Your wish is my command.” He stroked her cheek, and she wrinkled her nose. “I’m going. I’m going. It’s good to have you back.”

  ****

  Even though she was in agony, Natalie was happy. She’d spoken to the Sheriff, who had already gotten a statement from John. He wasn’t in the hospital anymore, but from what she’d been told, he was with the club. She didn’t even want to think why the club was holding John. What happened wasn’t his fault.

  Slash returned from taking a shower, and the musty smell had disappeared from the room. He looked a million times better, and he was also smiling. She loved his smile. It brightened his entire face, and made her melt, seeing him.
>
  He sat in his chair, and when the food came around, the nurses brought them extra so he could have some.

  Natalie was shocked by the sudden flash of jealousy that rushed through her as the nurses flirted with him. She’d never been jealous before, not that she could ever remember, and she didn’t want him looking to them for anything.

  She took a bite of the mashed potatoes, and wrinkled her nose. They weren’t that good. Slash dug in, taking a healthy portion.

  “You haven’t asked about Butler,” he said.

  She paused with the fork poised against her lips. “What?”

  “I thought you’d ask about him?”

  “Why?”

  “You know, him having feelings for you and all.”

  And once again she felt uncomfortable.

  “We all know that Butler doesn’t have true feelings for Natalie. He cares about you, sweetie, but that’s about it. You know that.”

  “Hey, Devil,” she said, smiling.

  He stood in the doorway of her hospital room. “You gave us a fright.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. You really do need to stop apologizing because you really, really don’t need to.” Devil entered the room. “Lexie wanted to come, and she said as soon as you’re well enough, girl’s night. She’s already picked the movie and invited Judi. I get to take care of the kids while you do.” He sat down in the spare seat.

  “I miss her, too.”

  Devil eased back and stared at her. “Did you know any of them?”

  “No. They were just … it was like they wanted a fight. John was there, and he tried to handle them. He gave them what money he had, and they just started hitting him. They were in a group. I didn’t count them or anything.”

  “Then they started to hit you?”

  “Yes.”

  Devil shook his head. “What were they wearing?”

  “Hoodies. They looked like kids, but they could have been college age, I’m not sure. I didn’t even see their faces. They just kept shouting to hit and hit harder. To make it hurt.” She paused, recalling the shouts along with the screams.

  Slash caught her hand and gave it a squeeze.

  “Until we find the ones responsible, you’ll have a guard at your side. One of the brothers will be with you, and I don’t want arguments. All of the old ladies are getting them.”

  “You think this has to do with the club?” Slash asked.

  “Nope. I think this is a bunch of kids who think they’re all big and tough. I want to find them, and with a man with each of the women, I’ve got a bigger chance. All of my contacts are on the lookout as well. I’ve also got Lola going through security footage, and different cameras. She’s trying to find the one near your car that night. A lot of cameras are around Piston County.”

  He leaned across the bed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. It reminded her of what her father would often do when she wasn’t well. “Take care.”

  She watched him leave and turned toward Slash. “Is Butler here?”

  “What?”

  “Is he? Is he sitting beside you right now, waiting to see if I’m okay?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “Then don’t bring him up. Don’t keep mentioning him.”

  From the moment the men had started to hurt John and then herself, she’d been thinking of Slash. Hoping he’d been close, but knowing it was hopeless to think that he was. She stared at him as he finished off his yogurt.

  Hospital food was disgusting, and yet he didn’t complain.

  Whenever she was around Slash, he always made her feel so many different things. Butler, he was her friend, and right now, she felt like she’d been opened up and exposed. She’d been able to keep them at arm’s length, but now she didn’t know what to do. Slash was here, and she hadn’t been disappointed to find him waiting.

  “What are you thinking?” he asked.

  “A woman can never tell her secrets.”

  He laughed. “You can tell me your secrets any time.”

  “I don’t think I should have gone on that date.”

  “I wish you hadn’t, but there’s nothing you can do about that now.”

  “I never wanted to hurt you,” she said. “I don’t want to come between club brothers.”

  He touched her hand once again.

  The moment he touched her skin, she felt like she was on fire for all the right reasons. She loved his touch and couldn’t get enough of it.

  “You won’t.” They stared at each other for the longest time, neither of them saying anything more. “Eat your food. You’ll need your strength.”

  Chapter Five

  It was time for her to go home three days after waking up, and Natalie had finally looked in the mirror and winced. She looked a mess, and couldn’t believe that not only had Slash been so attentive, he’d not even seemed to notice that her face was messed up.

  “I’m ugly,” she said.

  “You could never be ugly. Now stop being a big baby and put a beautiful smile on that face. No one wants to see a miserable bitch,” Slash said.

  He picked up her bags, and took her hand, pulling her against him. She didn’t fight him, wrapping her arms around his waist and staring up into his eyes.

  She didn’t deserve this man. Even after all this time, he was there, at the hospital with her. He was the first man to offer to take her home, and the only one she trusted right now.

  “The bruises will fade in time. They’re already fading, and it won’t be long before I can see both of those beautiful eyes that you try to keep hidden.”

  She chuckled. “I don’t try to keep them hidden.”

  “You’ve always got your head in a book, or sketching. I rarely get to see those eyes.”

  She’d change that.

  “Come on, let’s take you home.” She kept hold of his hand as they made their way out of the hospital. No one stopped them. According to one of the nurses, the club had taken care of all of her medical bills, so she didn’t have to worry about a thing.

  Even though she ached all over, she was glad to be going home. Slash put her bag in the back, and she lowered herself into the car, trying not to jolt or shock anything with any kind of force.

  He climbed behind the wheel and started up the car.

  “I don’t suppose we can take it easy heading home? I don’t think I’m going to be such a great passenger,” she said.

  “Ah, no problem at all, babe,” he said.

  They pulled out of the hospital, and there was that customary speed bump. He went over it so slowly that several cars beeped at him. She closed her eyes, but Slash wouldn’t be budged as he moved over it. There was no pain at all, and she looked toward him. “Thank you.”

  “All you’ve got to do is ask and you shall receive. Here. You’ll be wanting this.” He handed her cell phone over to her.

  Opening it up, she saw several missed calls and messages from Lucius.

  Dialing his number, she waited.

  “It’s about time you called me,” Lucius said.

  “Thank you for the gifts. They were really sweet.”

  “It’s the least I could do. Do they have any idea yet who did that to you?” he asked.

  “Nope. No idea.”

  “Do you need me to come back?”

  She looked toward Slash. “No, I’m okay here. Unless you’re ready to come back.”

  “I’m not coming back to Piston County, Natalie.”

  “You’re not. What about Roxy?”

  “I can’t come back.”

  She nodded. “I get it.”

  “I’m really pleased you’re well, sweetheart. You’re too sweet to be in any kind of pain.”

  She chuckled. “I don’t know about sweet.”

  “I tell you what, I know who I’ve got my money on winning your hand, and it’s the man right beside you. Slash deserves you. He loves you, honey. I saw it when I came to visit. Butler’s nowhere to be seen. He doesn
’t deserve you. Any guy that really wants you is there for you, no matter what.”

  She gritted her teeth, refusing to cry right now. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me. Just think about it. Also, start carrying around a gun. It’s time you learned how to shoot.”

  “I already know.”

  “You do?”

  “My dad made sure I knew how to shoot a shotgun, Lucius. I can take care of myself.”

  “Well, now, you better tell Slash to keep you because otherwise screw them, you’re mine.”

  This time, she giggled. “Goodbye, Lucius.”

  “Goodbye.”

  She hung up the phone.

  “Do I need to worry about you shooting my ass or something?” Slash asked.

  “Nah. Lucius said it was time for me to learn to shoot, but I already know how. I used to have to use Daddy’s shotgun often. He used it to go out into the fields to scare the birds away from the feed. It never really worked, and I could never shoot them either.” She shrugged. “I don’t like hurting anything.”

  “Did he say anything else?” he asked.

  She rested her head in her hand and glanced over at him. “That I should pick you.”

  Once again Slash smiled. “See, I knew there was a reason why I liked him.”

  “He also said that you’re on a countdown if you don’t win me yourself because he’ll take me. I think he’s got a thing for women who can shoot guns.”

  “Well, damn, that is hot. You do know how to shoot?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  Slash glanced over at her. “I think I’m safe from him.”

  “Yeah, he’s not coming back to Piston County.”

  “Do you ever think of leaving?”

  “Sometimes. My memories here are not bad. It’s home, you know. My dad would want me to be taken care of.”

  “The club will always take care of you, Natalie. Don’t ever doubt that.”

  “I won’t. I love the club as well.”

  They pulled into the main drive of Lexie and Devil’s house. She’d already caught sight of all the bikes and some of the cars.

  “I think it’s safe to say this is the worst-kept surprise welcome home party,” he said. “Are you ready to go inside or would you like me to drive around a little more?”