Free Brute: The Valves MC by Carmen Faye

will leave directly. Don’t want to make you feel bad having to say goodbye.”
     
    I expended my arms and hugged him tightly, locking his face in another kiss. I wanted to give him a piece of me until we would see each other again. He patiently took everything, accepting my terms of release. With a big smile that seemed strange to me, he blew me the cutest kiss and walked backwards out the door.
     
    He seemed sad, even after our passionate meeting. His smile, although genuine, seemed to be framed by blues. His happiness was tinted somehow and, by the proxy that couples shared, mine was, too.
     
    Lost in thought, I waited until I heard the front door close and I got out of bed. I used the same guest bathroom to clean up, then I proceeded to make breakfast for me and Ginger. I would be waking her up soon and I felt in the mood to surprise her. I decided we’d do a picnic today. With lots of tea, as Ginger seemed to love drinking so much.
     
    Scrambled eggs and pancakes ready, I set the table in a hurry and went for Ginger. It was getting rather late and I was surprised she didn’t get up by herself by now. I found the bedroom door open and, looking in, I saw the bed empty, comforter thrown as if someone had just left. I smiled, walking towards the bathroom.
     
    “Honey? Are you up already?” I called, knocking gently on the door. When I didn't get a response, I started to feel my body tensing. I knocked again, calling her name louder. “Are you in here, baby?”
     
    Finally, I pushed the door open and found no one. At this time, panic ensued and I started searching for her in a frenzy. Where has she disappeared? Did she leave by her own accord to her place? I was sure the house was locked anyway.
     
    I went through every room, starting back from the kitchen, afraid something bad might’ve happened. I pushed the guest room’s door open and didn’t see anything, at first. I was too panicked to see straight but something in the corner of my eye made me look again.
     
    And there she was, cuddled up under the unfolded comforter, sleeping like a little angel. I started crying and ran to her, hugging her tiny body tightly.
     
    “Oh, baby. You scared me so much! I thought I’d lost you, baby, I did. I couldn’t bear it…” I mumbled, choked with tears.
     
    Ginger stirred from her sleep and rubbed her eyes, confused. “It smells like daddy. I wanted to sleep here,” she said and my mind stopped to a halt.
     
    I pulled back a bit, unsure if I understood what she was saying. I didn’t want to. I couldn’t manage such a situation.
     
    “Did daddy sleep here last night? He should’ve kissed me goodnight,” she followed, visibly upset by the possibility.
     
    “No, baby, he didn’t sleep here last night. He would’ve hugged you if he did, I’m sure of it,” I tried to comfort her.
     
    “But it smells like daddy. He was here. I know it. And he didn’t hug me. Was I a bad girl? I shouldn’t have had so much ice cream in the evening; Daddy doesn't like it.”
     
    She was crying now and I felt broken inside. How could I tell her the truth? And even disclosing it wouldn’t make her happier, as he father did avoid seeing her this morning. But how could I explain to her that it was precisely because he loved her that he had to keep our relationship in the dark; because he loved me, we had to hide until something come of our future.
     
    What would be our future?
     
    The realization made brought tears to my eyes and I sat close to her, cuddling her tiny body into mine, crying together. I felt her stir after some time and I knew she was looking at me.
     
    “Why are you crying, Mommy?”
     
    The shock of her words, the sight of her puffy face and the sound of sadness in her voice rendered me unable to do anything but cry harder. I pulled her even closer and tried to whisper, “It’s not your fault, baby. It’s not your fault.”

 
    CHAPTER TWELVE
     
    “This is delicious!” Dawson exclaimed, mouth