“What are you doing?” Lauren asks.

“Just making sure I’m not dreaming.” I reply, looking forward out of the window.

“Dork.” Lauren laughs. When we park outside Franky and Laura’s home and make our way inside. Drew is already waiting for me, and I notice she looks a little quiet. I guess I’m not the only nervous one. Laura and June welcome us in and let us know that they will all be in the back room when we have done. Then I notice Laura giving Drew a harsh look, before leading June and Lauren through the house.

“What was that about?” I ask Drew when we’re alone.

“I told her about my tattoos last night.” Drew admits.

“And she’s still pissed?” I ask.

“Yeah, I feel bad for dad though.” Drew admits. “He’s in the dog house too because he told my mum that he already knew and stood up for me.”

“At least you weren’t alone.” I assure her.

“Yeah I guess, but I just feel bad for him.” She frowns to herself, probably running through what was said last night.

“Well, you have us here today with you.” I let her know.

“Thanks.” She smiles. “Shall we go and meet my dad then?”

I nod my head, starting to become nervous all over again and Drew wraps her arm around her.

“Relax.” Drew reassures me as we make our way through the house. When we get to Franky’s office door, we find it already open and Drew knocks on.

“Come on in girls.” I hear Franky’s gruff voice and my belly fills with comfort. Franky is a big man who would look terrifying if you didn’t know him. When I first met him I was so scared but when I got to know him I just saw him for what he is. A giant teddy bear. He’s a gorgeous man and it’s no surprise that his children are just as good looking, but I don’t think of him that way. To me he’s become the father figure I always wanted.

“Hello girls.” He walks over, giving us warm hugs and guiding us over to the large corner sofa.

Wow, this room is huge. I have a quick look around and see that it looks a lot like the one in the clubhouse, just more friendly and cosy looking. I guess that’s down to Laura.

“So dad, what shall we talk about?” Drew asks.

“Eager beaver.” Franky laughs and looks to me. “Did you look at the building Tasha?”

“Yes.” I smile. “It’s perfect.”

“I told you she would like it.” Drew smiles excitedly.

“Well, that’s settled then. It’s yours.” Franky reveals with his arms spread wide.

“What!” Both Drew and I shriek.

“I already bought it.” Franky laughs. “If you didn’t like it I was going to use it as something else.”

“Don’t you dare!” Drew shouts. “That’s our building.”

“The only thing to do now is go down there and plan how you want things set up.” Franky thinks over.

“Thank you Franky.” I smile. “So much.” I feel tears build up and Franky grins. “Come here girl.”

He spreads his arms wide and I fall into him embrace. A few tears fall and I hear Drew follow.

“Come on Drew.” Franks laughs and holds out his free arm.

Drew launches herself beside me as we cry in happiness. It’s not long until we look at each other and laugh. Franky lets us go, rolling her eyes. “Women.”

“Really Franky.” I say again. “I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

“It’s no problem.” He shakes his head. “I look after my family, and you’re family Tasha. Don’t you forget it.”

“But what about paying you back?” I ask.

“You’re not going to.” He simply answers.

“What?” I ask, shocked by his answer.

“Think of it as a club investment.” Franky explains. “The club will take 20% from the earnings and what’s left it split between the two of you.”

“Thank you.” I say again feeling a little overwhelmed.

“There’s no need to thank me. You don’t have to be blood to be family.” He kisses me softly on my forehead and I have a strong sense of belonging.

“So I guess you two are going to cost me a lot fitting this whole building out.” Franky jokes.

“You bet!” Drew laughs.

“Better get your card out!” I add and Franky lets his head drop in fake pain. This man really does love taking care of his family and I’m truly honoured to be included in that. It’s a good job Franky and the men before him have looked ahead and made sure the club has money. Between investments, bars, clubs and now a salon, they make more than enough to support everyone and much more. Drew and I get up from our seats after letting Franky know what kind of style we want and what we need to get us started.

“You going to see your mother?” Franky asks.

“Yes.” Drew frowns. “Even though she’s being a bitch.”

“Watch your mouth!” Franky scolds. “Don’t talk about your mother like that.”

“Sorry.” Drew replies. “It’s just she’s still giving me the cold shoulder.”

“Give her time.” Franky advises. “She’s stubborn, but that woman loves you like no other.” Franky gives us one last kiss before letting us go.

“You not coming?” I ask him.

“Are you crazy?” He laughs. “That woman is evil when she’s pissed at me.” Laughing at him, Drew and I leave to join the others. I feel so relieved now that’s over and I feel so stupid for even stressing over it.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” I say as I jump in the air like a child.

“I know right!” Drew squeals. “My dad is the shit.”

“That he is.” I agree.

When we find Lauren again she’s sat with Elise who is listening to Laura and June chatter on about the hardships of the biker life.

“The older you get, the harder it becomes.” June adds.

“Oh yes!” Laura agrees. “It’s such a stressful life and you girls need to realise that before you have babies.”

Lauren chokes on her drink and Elise pats her back, covering her smile. “How did it go?” Lauren asks us as we sit down. I know that she is honestly interested, but I also know that she’s taking the topic from where Laura and June were taking it to.

“Amazingly.” I reply.

“Then we need to celebrate.” Elise adds.

I look over at Laura and June and see that June looks happy enough, but Laura is frowning over at Drew. I take it she’s still not happy with her daughter.

“Hello Natasha.” Laura comes over to give me a welcoming hug.

“Hey Laura.” I reply.

“Devlin told me that he bumped into you at the gym yesterday.” Laura starts.

“Oh.” I stutter, slightly shocked that he would have told his mother that.

“We have a gym room here, so if you ever need to work out again you’re welcome to come here.” Laura offers. “I don’t like the thought of you in that dirty club gym.”

“Thank you.” I’m happy; I didn’t want to go back to the gym at the clubhouse.

“Have you girls thought about taking self-defence lessons?” June asks.

“Mum!” Elise moans.

“No she’s right!” Laura nods. “You need to know how to take care of yourselves. You should ask one of the boys, they all know how to protect themselves.”

“Oh god.” Drew whispers beside me.

“No, she’s right.” I add. “After what happened, I would love to know how to defend myself.” Lauren gives me a small smile, nodding in agreement to what I just said.

“I agree.” Elise speaks quietly. “I don’t want to go through that again and if I could learn how to try and prevent that, I would definitely take the chance.”

“I’ll tell them to get right on it.” Laura insists.

“I can do this weekend.” Drew offers and all the girls agree.

“Erm.” I clear my throat. “I can’t do this weekend.”

Lauren looks puzzled, and as I look around, so does everyone else. Why does it confuse everyone that I would have plans?

“What’s happening this weekend?” Lauren asks.

“I have a date.” I reveal and immediately everyone leans into me wanting to know who it is and where we are going.

“Who is it?” Laura asks, looking very excited. My throat becomes very dry and I’m nervous to reveal who I’ll be out with. I look to Lauren and see she looks very smug. She knows and my face burns making Lauren quietly laugh.