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I lean towards him and wrap my arms around his neck. I place a kiss on his lips and smile. “I’d love to.”
He grins. “Great, I’ll go call my guy. Get dressed. Doc is coming any minute to give you another check-up.”
I wait for Doc to arrive. He does his usual tests, blood pressure, weight, etcetera. I insist on another pregnancy test, which he does. “I really don’t think you have to worry, Mae. Everything has come back clear, along with this pregnancy test. You can relax.”
I nod. “Actually, Doc, while I have you here, I was thinking about what you said about talking to someone, a counsellor. I’m still having nightmares throughout the night.”
He packs away his equipment. “I can arrange that for you. It’s a good idea.”
“This is an odd question, knowing what I’ve been through. But am I good to go, in the bedroom area, I mean?” I feel my cheeks redden and look down. “Or should I wait for a set amount of time to make sure I’m healed?”
“Mae, it isn’t an odd question. Everyone handles this stuff differently. Just because you’re not rocking in the shower sobbing doesn’t mean you’re odd. You’re ready to go when you feel ready. It may be wise to take it slow. The first time might bring back memories and it may freak you out, but it’s all normal.”
“I feel like I need to move forward,” I admit, feeling relieved he didn’t judge me.
“As long as it’s at your own pace, you’ll be fine.”
I know Ace won’t ever push me into sex. He won’t lay a finger on me until he’s certain I’m ready. Part of me needs to see if I can do it without freaking, and now we’re official, it seems the next progressive step towards our future together.
Chapter Twenty-Two
ACE
Life has a funny way of completely changing direction. I was settled, not worrying about taking an old lady or playing house, yet here I am with someone I’ve known for a long time, claiming her.
The needle brushes over my skin, but I relish the sting as it pushes ink there, marking Mae’s name into my arm forever. It was unexpected, but it feels right. Nothing has ever felt so certain, and as I watch her look down at her own ink, I smile. My name on her wrist looks good, and it sends a buzz through my veins. She is mine.
“I have to say,” smiles Tatts, “I never thought I’d see this day, Pres.”
“She’s crazy for taking me on,” I agree, “but now it’s written in ink, it’s forever.” Her eyes fix on mine, noting the change in my familiar saying. “Ink is permanent, blood can be washed away,” I add.
“That’s true,” says Tatts, laying the ink gun down and then wiping my arm. “All done, brother.” We shake hands.
I place a gentle kiss on Mae’s lips before guiding her toward the exit. “Let’s get home, old lady.” I smile. The words roll off my tongue so naturally, I wonder if I’ll ever get bored of saying them.
We get back to the clubhouse, and Mae goes to show her new ink to her mum and the girls. I take a seat at the bar, and Hulk hands me a drink. “It’s good to see Mae looking so happy, Pops.”
“Yeah, it is,” I nod, “but you don’t look so happy lately. How’re things with you and Piper?”
Hulk shrugs. We don’t usually do these deep conversations, but he looks so miserable since he found out she’s been seeing Anton. “It’s my own fault. I shouldn’t have treated her the way I did.”
“Have you told her that?”
He shakes his head. “She doesn’t give me the time of day just lately. Always off with him.”
“Then pin her down, so she has to listen.”
“Not my style. Besides, Anton wouldn’t be happy, and I don’t want to cause tensions when things are good between us and them.”
I agree, things are going well between us and the alliance is working out. Money is flowing, and we have a mutual respect for each other to the point where they can come and go from the clubhouse like they’re members.
Scar passes us. We watch him leave, and then I turn to Hulk. “Did you know that he helps at a shelter?”
Hulk laughs. “Since when?”
“Not sure. Mae told me. Some place for battered women, I think.”
“Well, his mum was in a violent relationship when he was a kid. Didn’t she die that way?” I shrug. Scar doesn’t talk much about his past. It’s something I want to discuss with him, but I don’t think he’d appreciate it. Most of the guys are private about that shit. “He’s been gone a lot lately, so that explains it.”
