Page 12 of Jax & Knox

I'm in the middle of changing Owen's diaper when the knock comes. I freeze. My heart slams against my ribs, ow, fuck, that hurts , and for a second, I can't breathe. My mind goes to the worst place immediately: Justin found us. He's here. He's going to take Owen. He's going to kill me.

"Ainsley?" A woman's voice. Soft. Familiar. "It's Lucy. Can we come in?"

We.

I force myself to breathe. To move. I finish fastening Owen's diaper and pick him up, holding him against my hip like a shield. Then I walk to the door and crack it open.

Lucy is standing there with a bright smile. Behind her are four other women, Tessa, Hadley, Erica, Scarlett, all looking at me with expressions that are equal parts concern and determination.

"Hey girly," Lucy says gently. "We need to talk."

I step back, and they file in. Within seconds, the small room feels even smaller. The women spread out, taking up space with an ease that makes me feel like I'm intruding in my own temporary refuge.

Lucy sits on the edge of the bed and pats the spot next to her. "Sit."

It's not a request.

I sit.

Tessa leans against the dresser, arms crossed. Hadley stands near the window. Erica hovers by the door. Scarlett pulls out a notebook and pen, all business.

"You can't stay here," Lucy says.

My stomach drops. "What?"

"Not like that," Hadley says quickly. "We're not kicking you out. We're moving you."

"Moving me where?"

"There's a cottage on the property," Scarlett says, flipping open her notebook. "Two bedrooms, one bathroom, small kitchen, wraparound porch. It's old, but it's clean. And it's yours."

I stare at them. "I can't⁠⁠—"

"You can," Tessa interrupts. "And you will. You're not staying in a backroom behind a bar with a baby. That's not happening."

"I don't have money for rent," I say quickly. "I can't afford⁠⁠—"

"Who's talking about rent?" Lucy looks genuinely confused.

"But—"

"The club always keeps a house ready," Erica says softly. Her voice is calm, steady, like she's done this before. "Sometimes people need somewhere to land. That's what it's for."

"It used to belong to Old Man Hank," Hadley adds. "He was one of the original members. After he passed, nobody could bring themselves to sell it. So it just... sits there. Waiting."

"For people like you," Scarlett finishes.

I don't know what to say. My throat is tight, my eyes burning. "I don't want to be a burden."

"Honey," Lucy says, reaching over and taking my hand. "You showed up with one diaper bag and a black eye. The only job you have this week is getting stronger. That's it."

"But I need to work. I need to⁠⁠—"

"You need to heal ," Tessa says firmly. "You can barely stand up straight. You think we didn't notice you wincing every time you move? You're not working. Not yet."

"I can help⁠⁠—"

"You will," Hadley says. "When you're ready. But right now, you need to rest."