Page 70 of Animal's Reformation
Animal shifted his gaze back to her and reached out and took her hand. “Don’t sweat it. It just took me by surprise, that’s all. I didn’t figure you were a biker chick, but I should’ve guessed it by your sassiness.” A deliciously wicked grin spread across his face.
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I didn’t think bikers liked sassy. My dad and his cronies adhere to the women-are-there-to-please-and-not-be-heard school.”
“I know quite a few who believe that, but not all bikers are like that. I like sassy and challenging, and you are both.”
“I have to warn you that I’m not very fond of outlaws based on what I’ve seen over the years, and I’m tainted like hell on men and loyalty since every guy I’ve been with has cheated on me. For some reason, I keep getting mixed up with guys who are like my dad. Go figure.”
“You’re the psych major.” Another quick wink and a squeeze of her hand.
Olivia busted out laughing. “I think that’s why I majored in psychology—to figure out me and my fucked-up family.”
“Good luck with the family part. We all got some fucked-up shit going on with our past and present. The thing to focus on is leaving that shit behind. And to set the record straight—I’m not at all like your dad, and I believe cheating is a fucking betrayal and the worst disrespect in a committed relationship, even if the other person is cool with it.” Animal slipped his hand away from hers and downed the rest of his whiskey.
“What do you mean if the other person is cool with it? You mean like swingers or something? I’m totally not into that.”
“Me neither. Anyway, forget it.”
Olivia was about to say something when the waiter returned with their food. She wasn’t sure what he meant by his comment, but she gathered he was upset about someone’s relationship. Maybe a friend’s or his sister’s? Surely not his parents’. From the expression on his face, she knewthatdiscussion was over, so she cut into her steak and took a bite. It was cooked to perfection and the taste was superb. It had been eons since she’d had such a good quality cut of beef.
“This is fantastic,” she said, picking up her wineglass.
“It’s the best steakhouse in the county,” he replied.
Olivia set her knife and fork down and licked her lips. “May I ask you something?”
Animal looked up at her. “Sure—anything but club business.” He scooped up a forkful of potatoes. “But you know that.”
“Where’s Lucy’s mom?”
His hand froze in midair, hovering just in front of his mouth for a split second before he lowered it to his plate. “In Illinois somewhere.”
“So, you’ve raised Lucy yourself?”
“Not exactly.” Animal’s chest moved up and down as he sucked in a deep breath and exhaled. “Lucy came about after a one-night stand. Her mom—Emerald—and I were both drunk, and she got pregnant. She wanted a relationship—you know the husband, the house, the two cars in the garage. I didn’t even know her—we just hooked up at one of the club parties, so I told her no. I tried to be a part of Lucy’s life, but after she turned one, Emerald took off and moved away from Colorado. I always paid child support, sent gifts and cards, and called to talk with my daughter when she was old enough to speak, but Emerald made it real hard. She was a vindictive bitch and kept Lucy away from me. Anyway, about four months ago, she showed up at the clubhouse and left Lucy in my care. Seems like the guy she took up with didn’t like kids.”
Olivia’s skin crawled while she listened to Animal. She wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “That’s unconscionable! How awful. I feel for Lucy.”
“Yeah … it’s been real tough on her. I try hard, but I’m no substitute for a mother.” Animal motioned the waiter for another whiskey.
“Don’t short change yourself. You’re showing Lucy that you’re there for her and that’s huge, especially since her mom abandoned her. It’s going to take her a long time to trust again because she doesn’t want to be hurt. Lucy’s afraid that you may leave just like her mom did. For her, trusting and getting too close to a person—another parent, a teacher, a friend, grandparents—means risking getting hurt all over again.”
“So what the fuck do I do? I’m never gonna walk away from her. I’m happy she’s with me even if I’m still struggling with being a parent.”
Olivia placed her hand over his and smiled. “Parents struggle their whole lives. No one is born knowing how to be a good parent. There are so many stumbles along the road, but the important thing is that you’re there for Lucy emotionally as well as physically. She needs to feel safe and to know you love and care for her. Believe me, I know. All I ever wanted was for my dad to love me and pay attention to me.”
“And he fucked up big time?”
“Oh yeah.” Olivia took a sip of wine. “And so did my mom, but this isn’t a pity party, okay?”
“That works for me. Have you ever hooked up with a biker?” Animal asked.
“No—the whole thing with my dad turned me off to the lifestyle. One of the guys in my dad’s club—Iceman—wanted to hang with me, and my dad and brother were all over that, but I wassonot interested. He was one step above a Neanderthal.”
Animal chuckled. “I know some of those.” He placed a morsel of steak in his mouth and chewed, staring intently at her.
“I bet you do,” she muttered, breaking off a corner of her bread.
“If you hate bikers so much, why the fuck are you out with me?” He wiped his mouth with the napkin.
