Satan's Sinners #1: Reid and Indiana

Chapter 7

Indie POV

It was nice to be away from Jack. Doc had me set up with a therapist who would come to our cabin on the compound. I had therapy twice a week for two hours each session, and when I was done, it was Bear’s turn to do therapy. There was an almost immediate change in Bear after being with Kai, Dad and Reid for the past week. He just seemed to be thriving. While I was holding it together during the day, at night I was plagued with nightmares. Nightmares of Bear being pulled away from me, of him seeing me being beaten damn near to death. I woke up, night after night in a cold sweat. Thankfully, it was just me in my room. I didn’t have to sneak into Bear’s room to sleep anymore. After nights, Jack would r**e me when I needed to feel safe, and to know that Bear was safe, I would sneak in there. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to have all the guys around me and Bear, but I knew I needed to get myself together.

Looking at the clock, it was close to 5am. I considered trying to go back to sleep, but decided to get up and get a head start on breakfast. Maybe I’d see if Kai could invite Reid, as a thank you for being so awesome. I headed downstairs and started the coffee pot. I wanted my Banana Foster’s coffee I hadn’t had since getting married to Jack. It was my fifth cup since leaving him, and it still felt surreal. Opening the back door, I walked out into the cool morning air. It was quiet. Peaceful. I took a deep breath, breathing in the stillness and peacefulness of the day that had only been started by the birds, and jumped when I heard a bark. Looking to my left, I saw Reid, standing on his back patio in nothing but gray sweatpants. His dog, Boomer, was jumping on the fence, trying to get my attention, but I was focused on the shirtless man.

I was right. He’s got abs and muscles for days. “Goddamn” I mumbled.

Reid let out a low chuckle. “Sorry. I didn’t think anyone would be up yet. I’m used to starting my day early.”

“I hope that doesn’t mean you’ve had breakfast yet.” I hoped. I even crossed my fingers behind my back.

“Not yet. I’m not much of a cook. I usually just go to the clubhouse or just eat a pop tart. Or cereal.”

I giggled. f*****g giggling? “Well, I’m making a pot of coffee and starting breakfast if you’re interested. You know. As a “Thank You”. For everything.”

“I could be persuaded. Let me put on a shirt and we’ll be over.”

“Okay.” I hurried back inside, and up the stairs. No way was I going to be around a man this hot with no bra on. I needed a bigger shirt on or something. And the old cotton panties that are on their last leg have got to go. I know he won't see them, but that doesn't mean I don't want to feel good about myself. I want to feel confident in myself. Maybe.

“Hello?” I heard Reid downstairs. Tossing on one of my bigger OSU shirts, after switching my underwear to something a bit bolder; black, no lace, and a pair of sleep shorts I had on last night, and headed back downstairs.

“Sorry,” I gave him a small smile, trying not to blush. “I needed to put on something more presentable.” He just smiled at me, making his way over to the coffee cups.

“Coffee?” I nodded.

“It’s banana.”

“Banana?” He said, looking thoroughly confused, and like he wasn’t sure if he trusted my judgment.

“Trust me. It’ll change your life. Allow me,” I smiled, a little bigger this time. I doctored up his coffee with a tiny bit of cream and some sugar. I know he’s not a fan of things “too sweet”, but when he’s got a craving for it, he will indulge himself. I don’t know why I pay so much attention to this man. No, that’s a lie. I knew. I was just choosing to ignore the reason. I got myself my coffee, and started pulling food out of the fridge and freezer. Setting pans on the stove, and getting the griddle set up on the counter.

“Planning on feeding an army?”

“Just you, Kai, Dad, Bear, and myself. So…yeah. A small army.” God that was lame.

He chuckled. “Point taken. Especially with Bear. I think he’s hitting a growth spurt or something. He’s eating everything and sleeping a lot.”

“You noticed too?” I couldn’t believe it. Bear had been playing hard and running and enjoying himself. Learning what it is to be an actual kid. He was playing with a few of the other kids in the compound. I'd been introduced to Prez and Hound's Old Ladies as I'd grown up with the guys. Willow and her friend, Rowan, were both pregnant and married to Prez and Hound respectively. Willow was about three months pregnant, and Rowan was two weeks behind her. They wanted to get used to being around more before theirs got here. I was happy to have people who it felt like I could be at ease around.

“Yeah. Kid’s gonna be shooting up taller than you soon. Where do you want me?”

“Umm…bacon duty? And maybe making the scrambled eggs?”

“Sure. How do you like your bacon and eggs?” He smiled at me again. I liked it when he smiled. It looked like his whole body relaxed at that.

“Cripsy, but not burnt. And I don’t like my eggs wet. If that makes sense.”

He chuckled. It was a beautiful sound. “I think I can manage that. If not, put me on toast duty.” He joked. I laughed at him. It was getting easier to be around people, and with people. It was easier to trust Reid and Leif. I hadn’t seen Edwin in years, but I was hoping he was still the same goofy goober I remembered.

I started on the pancakes and waffles. I added blueberries to a few, and chocolate chips to some others. Most I left plain. But I was having so much fun making breakfast and talking with Reid, I was startled when I felt Bear wrap around my legs, leaning on me and almost knocking me over. Reid grabbed me by the shoulders to keep me upright.

“Woah there, bud. Don’t knock mom over.” Reid tussled Bear’s hair, which was in need of a trim.

“I smell pancakes!” my boy smiled up from where he was clinging to my legs. “And bacon!”

“Yes. Reid and I made breakfast today. Are you hungry?”

“Yay! Breakfast!”

Soon the kitchen was filled with Dad, Kai, Bear, and Reid bringing all the food over to the table. I just stood there off to the side, taking in the moment. I didn’t realize I was crying until Reid froze. Causing Dad to look at him, then follow his line of sight to me.

“What’s wrong, princess?”

“Nothing. I’m just happy.”

Dad wrapped me in a hug, asking if I was sure.

“I just honestly never thought I’d have a moment like this again in my life. I thought I would be stuck with Jack until," I peeked to make sure Bear wasn't paying attention, dropping my voice to a whisper, just to be sure, "he killed me. If Kai hadn’t come when he did…if he hadn’t said he was on his way. I don’t know where I’d be or how much longer I could have fought back.” I mumbled into his chest, not wanting to share everything with the table but also wanting Dad to know that I’m just happy because life is now so much different than I had thought it would be.

“I’m thankful.” I said loud enough for everyone to hear. Dad kissed my head and then sat down, finishing making his plate.

As we were cleaning up, Kai's phone rang. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but then he shouted, “BEAR! It’s here bud!”

What’s here?

Kai and Bear went running towards the backyard. Looking out my kitchen window above the sink where I was doing the last of the dishes, I saw Kai and Bear standing at the edge of the porch, pointing at a group of men with what looked like lumber. Bear was jumping up and down, waving his arms animatedly.

“It’s a tree house. Kai wanted Bear to have one like you two did.” Dad said, grabbing the dish towel off the counter, drying the dishes as I finished washing. I just smiled out the window at my brother. He’s the best uncle.