Page 71 of Healed

“I’ll be fine, Vienna,” she said quietly, swallowing heavily. “Do what you need to do.”

I continued staring at her for a few long seconds, seeking any hidden emotion in her eyes before eventually nodding.

“Whilst they’re busy, I’ll tell you about the time Dante and Vienna kidnapped one of my groomers, and Vienna tortured him with a sock.”

I walked out of the room, shaking my head.

“She’s going to explain the whole sock situation, right?” I asked Dante as we stepped into his office and geared up. “Like, she’s going to explain that the sock acted as a weapon and a packed lunch box?”

“Vienna,” Dante sighed. “There’s no explaining you. And knowing Rachel, she’s not even going to try.”

Chapter 20

Gabriella

The kitchen was quiet once Vienna and Dante left.

Vienna seemed to take most of the energy with him, and we were left with the reminder of why all this was happening—and, more importantly, why I was here.

It had been easy to slip into their life, to pretend I was welcome here. But the reality was that I was an unwelcome houseguest. Someone they were offering their protection to. And this had reminded us of that very thing.

“Rachel, I’m really sorry,” Ant began. “I know I said I’d watch Axel today, and Gemma was really looking forward to it, but—”

“Ant, honestly, don’t worry about it,” Rachel waved him away. “The club comes first, I know that. And you know that spending time with Axel is an open invitation. Come by and see him anytime. You do what you need to do.”

Ant nodded his head. “You guys got everything you need?”

“Please,” Rachel scoffed. “I know how to take care of my own.”

Ant chuckled in return and said his goodbyes.

“On that note, I’m going to head back to my room,” I said, pushing myself to my feet.

“You don’t need to,” Rachel protested. “I was thinking we could take Axel to the park. Heather will be bringing Bee home at lunch. We could make a day of it. Picnic at the park, show you around the place. Maybe—”

“I appreciate the offer, Rachel. I really do.” More than she would ever know. “I just…”

How could I word it to her? How could I express that no matter how welcoming she was, I knew I would never truly belong?

It hadn’t escaped my notice that Chris and Trent had avoided coming over for breakfast, when Vienna had always said everyone came here. It hadn’t escaped my notice that not many of the old ladies were here, either.

Hell, even the other charters had eaten elsewhere. And sure, there were plenty of cafes and places on the compound for them to eat, but I couldn’t help but think they were doing it because of me. Because of what I had done.

Some betrayals were just too big to forgive.

“I get it,” Rachel said quietly. “You might not believe that, but I do. Take whatever time you need. It’s an open invitation.”

She placed a kiss to the top of Axel’s blonde hair before scooping him out of the highchair.

“Our home is your home, Gabriella. Please don’t feel you need to seclude yourself in your room. I’m going to take Axel for his bath, and then we’re off to the park. Stay here, have something to eat, and process your thoughts. Come find us if you change your mind, but it’s fine if you don’t. Just… don’t hide away. Promise me.”

“I… I promise,” I sighed.

And then she was gone, dragging a still hungover Steph with her.

For a few minutes, I did exactly as Rachel said.

I made a cup of tea. I made toast. I sat at the table and tried to clear my thoughts.