Page 63 of Bleed Me

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Even though it was a suicide—a cowardly exit from this world, according to most members—many sister chapters came for the funeral. It was long and hard for me, but the beginning of Sapphire’s recovery was even harder. She wasn’t just mentally exhausted but physically sick.

Justice and I rolled over, waking up to Saph throwing up in my bathroom. The door was shut as Saph was trying to be quiet. Such a kind soul.

I tried to get up out of bed, but Justice told me, “My turn,” and crawled over me.

“Babe, this is my mess. Not yours.”

Almost to the bathroom, she glared over her shoulder. “Am I not a part of you now?”

Raising both my hands, I smirked. “Easy, Tiger. Easy.”

After Justice slipped into the restroom and shut the door, I heard Saph, “I’m so sorry.”

“For what, God being an asshole?” I heard Justice wetting a cloth. “Ya know, if men had to puke every time they knocked a girl up, overpopulation wouldn’t be such an issue. What the fuck was God thinking? I may never know.”

Laughing in my—now our—bed, I smiled at the ceiling. I couldn’t remember doing that before. It was a small moment, but a good one amongst all the tragic ones.

Because times were so uncertain, I stayed by Saph’s side. That’s why she quickly understood what was happening. She may have been a bunny but was no idiot. “How long had he tried to get me pregnant?”

“Four months.”

“No wonder Lynx thinks—” Her tired eyes drifted shut. “The baby is yours, isn’t it?”

To get her some Vitamin D, we were walking around the Pasture. “No way of knowing for sure without a test, but—” I couldn’t ignore my gut. “I think so, sweet girl.”

Blindly, she leaned against a playground for member’s kids. “I hope it's yours.”

I wondered if my kid would ever get to enjoy this play yard. “I’m sorry Brat left you. I know you loved him.”

Her forehead laid against the cool metal bar. “I’m starting to think we don’t know shit.”

“Can't argue with you there.” I grabbed her arm since she looked unsteady. “You need to sit?” I helped her to a picnic table after she nodded. “Justice has you a prenatal appointment tomorrow morning. You know her and research. He’s the best Austin can offer.”

Her eyes widened. “I don’t have insurance for that?”

Sapphire was scared that she would be pregnant and homeless, but Lynx, whether I ended up being the father or not, was assuming responsibility for the child. In his office, he told me, “It was one of mine who deceived her. Bunny or not, she was under my protection. She had a job and fulfilled her side of the arrangement. I will hold up mine.” He also had told me, “She can’t stay here, Giver.”

“Dude!” My chest seized. “That could be my kid!”

“Easy, brother. I hear ya loud and clear. Now I need you to hear me.”

As I listened, it became even more clear why we all followed Lynx’s lead with ultimate trust. He was looking out for all involved, especially an innocent child. The Barn—the biker life—was no place or circumstance to raise one. He also felt it was best to not let enemies know the baby was a Stallion, at least for now. “No one is permitted to use her real name. I want Saph to reenter the civilian world as a single mom who happens to have a biker visiting often.”

I was permitted to know her legal name for hospital reasons, but that name wouldn’t cross my lips unless absolutely needed. The trouble the club could bring Saph was still a mystery to me, but I trusted Lynx. If he said these precautions were needed, so be it.

Lynx added, “Giver, after the baby is born, and if it’s confirmed to be yours, you can take over responsibilities. You, Justice, and Saph can decide for yourselves what you want. But heed my warning. You have no intention of marrying Saph.” I shook my head to confirm his statement. “That can leave the baby and Saph exposed if the wrong people were to catch word. Feel me?”

Until we knew more, Lynx arranged for a gated apartment not too far away. He bought Sapphire a dependable used car—chosen by Justice because it had topnotch ratings—and gave her a monthly three-thousand-dollar allowance, after paying all her bills and food expenses, medical bills included.

Standing in a furniture store, Saph pointed at a couch. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s the ugliest couch in this joint, Saph.”

“What?” she squeaked before plopping down on the most hideous white couch that had so many pink flowers it looked like a bunch of fairies puked all over the atrocity. “You don’t think it is the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen?”

Justice’s eyes popped into my mind. “Umm, no.” Then I realized Saph was finally smiling. I couldn’t help it. The couch was revolting, but I found myself saying, “Maybe it's a strong second?”