Where We Belong

Chapter 23

Watching the smirk pull up onto his mouth he leaned in and placed a kiss on my lips "No need to be jealous darlin' I'm all yours".

Walking into the clubhouse my eyes met my moms. She didn't look happy, didn't look her normal self. She was curled into my dads side as he spoke to other members. What was going on with her? Ignoring everything around me I walked away from Blaze and went straight to my mom.

"You come to apoligise" My dad asked turning his head so he could look at me.

Swallowing my pride I nodded my head before answering "Yes". Looking back at my mom I noticed the trace of a smile on her lips but I knew something was wrong. "Good now get over here and give your old man a hug". Walking the small distance that stood between us he pulled me into his arms crashing me into a bear hug "I do care about you darlin'." He whispered kissing the top of my head.

Pulling back I gave him a small smile before turning my attention back to my mom "I'm sorry" I croaked hating what I had said to her. I wanted my relationship back that I had with her before we came here. I didn't like that we no longer curled on the sofa drinking wine or how we used to tell each other about our day. I miss my mom.

"I'm sorry to baby. I should have told you" She whispered standing and pulling me into a hug.

"No I shouldn't have said the things I did. I miss you mom and I hate fighting with you. I love you, I always will" Holding her hands in mine I watched the smile shine through her tears.

"I love you too sweety. Now how about you tell me whats been happening with that hunk of man standing over there that hasn't taken his eyes off you since you both walked in".

Frowning at her I turned and locked eyes with Blaze. Feeling my cheeks heat up I quickly faced back to my mom. He was standing with Jared and Tommy but his eyes had never left me. "Nothings happening" I said watching as her eyes squinted. "Some how I don't believe you" She winked. Was the chemistry between us that obvious?

"All I'm going to say is he's a good man and if I were you I'd snatch him up before someone else does" She said nodding her head in his direction. Turning round my eyes fell into slits when I saw a girl curled in his lap like a fucking cat. Clenching my fists I grit my teeth. He promised he wouldn't.

"The only way to stop that is to stake your claim because darlin' he's already staked his. You are beautiful Ava but have you noticed for the first time no ones looking at you? Stake your claim baby I'll handle your dad" Squeezing my shoulder she walked towards the bar.

Stake my claim. How the hell do I do that?

"Stare any harder darlin' you'll burn a hole in him".

"I'm not staring" I snapped my fists still clenched. Hearing Tommy laugh made me want to punch him. "Wouldn't worry about him darlin' he knows how to handle them" He said squeezing my shoulder before walking away. What did he mean he knows how to handle them? Was he doing this on purpose? Letting that girl paw all over him. Was he trying to get a reaction out of me? Glancing back over to where he was standing I took in the girl wrapped around him. She was beautiful, long brown hair and a body to die for. No wonder he wasn't pushing her off. Why was I acting like a jealous girlfriend? I wasn't his girlfriend I didn't know what I was to him.

Heading towards the bar I took a seat on one of the stools. Why did it bother me that he was over there with her and not over here with me. Why say he wasn't going to let them paw him and then let them do it? Stop being a jealous bitch and get a grip. "When do you start at the hospital honey?" My mom asked interupting my thoughts, thank god.

"Going in tomorrow so I'll be heading home soon. Is it still okay for me to stay at dads? its just until I get back on my feet and find a apartment".

"Breath Ava, sweetheart you stay there as long as you need. Theres no rush and your dad and I prefer you staying there, at least we'll know you're safe. I see you still haven't staked your claim" She said changing the subject. I'm not staking my claim. What was the point when he could have that beautiful girl.

"Not going too" I said signalling for Tim to come over. Placing a beer infront of me he smiled before moving onto another customer. "I'm going to finish this and then I'm going to go home. Early rise and all that" I said a yawn escaping my mouth. "He's a good man Ava y-."

"Mom drop it" I said slamming my bottle onto the bar. "If I wanted advice on Blaze I'd have asked for it now will you ask dad if he can get someone to take me home. I'm not in the mood and I don't want to be here". Why did he have to act like this? How did he think it was going to make me feel? Placing her hand on my shoulder she kissed the side of my head "I'm not going to get involved but that girl ain't got nothing on you baby". Of course she would say that she's my mom.

Leaning back against the bar I noticed Cage watching me from the corner of the room. Giving him a little wave I blushed as he winked at me and held up his drink. Shaking my head I smiled to myself, Cage was goregous. Tall and lean and he had the brightest eyes I've ever seen. Turning my attention to my phone I frowned when I noticed a texted from Blaze.

'I'm watching you sweetheart'

'Fuck off sweetheart'

Hitting send I walked through the clubhouse and made my way outside. Taking a seat on the step I looked up into the dark sky. It sure was a beautiful night, another thing I missed was how my mom

and I used to take walks when the weather was like this. Pulling my knees up to my chin I watches the stars twinkle in the sky, what a beautiful view.

"You still owe me that dance sweetheart".

Turning my gaze onto Cage I smiled at him "Do I?" I asked watching him pull a cigarette from his cut offering me one at the same time. "Thanks" I said lighting it up and taking a draw. "You do sweetheart" Blowing out his smoke he came and sat beside me "How you adjusting to all of this?" He asked

"I think I'm adjusting just fine although it would be nice to not have people wanting to kill me" I laughed taking another draw of my smoke. "Or to have people following me around all day".

"You wanna get out of here?" He asked "Come take a ride on my bike I'll show you some sites".

Should I? It's not like Blaze is dying to get my attention and it would be good to get out of here for a few hours but then again I am up early tomorrow. "Come on darlin' I promise I'll have you back by midnight" Shoving on my shoulder he stood up and held out his hand for me to take.

Cage has been nothing but nice to me. Yes he is a major flirt but he's never tried anything and for some strange reason I do feel comfortable around him. So why do I have a feeling its a bad idea? Shoving all thoughts a side I placed my hand in his. Why shouldn't I go and have fun? "Lead the way player" I smirked as he pulled me up.

"How the hell did you find this place it's beautiful" I said admiring the view from where I was sitting. He had brought me to a secluded area where I was now looking over the whole of NewYork. It sure was a beautiful city especially looking at it from here. "I used to come here when I first patched in" He said taking a seat beside me "I was just riding one night and I came across it. I come here to clear my head and get away from it all, just sit and think what it would be like to have a normal life".

This had me frowning, turning my head I looked at him. Didn't he want to be apart of the MC? "Don't give me that look sweetheart. I would die for my club but it is nice just to come out here and sit in the peace and quiet".

"I get it. My job is completly different from yours but in a way I get what you mean". Feeling the vibrations coming from my pocket I pulled out my phone. Blaze was calling me, do I answer it? Deciding to ignore him I turned off my phone and put it away. "What is it you do sweetheart?".

"I'm a doctor" I replied watching the shock appear on his face "Why does everyone give me that look when I tell them what I do? What did you think I did?" I asked.

"What look darlin'?"

"The look of shock. I am very smart I worked my ass off to be where I am today" I huffed folding my arms over my chest. Shoving my shoulder with his he started laughing "It wasn't a look of shock babe it was a look of surprise. I mean your dad-"

"Yeah I know my dads a criminal and I'm on the other side of the law. I made myself into something and I'm proud of what I've become. My dad will always be my dad I can't change that" I said cutting him off. I didn't want to talk about my career and I definatly didn't want to talk about my dad. "How old are you Cage?" I asked changing the subject.

As he was about to answer his phone went off "Hold that thought" He mumbled flipping up his phone and answering it. Trying not to listen in I focused on the view infront of me. "You hungry Ava?" Came Cages voice knocking me out of my thoughts. As the words left his mouth my stomach began to rumble. Giving him a sheepish look he held out his hand and pulled me to my feet. "Guess that gave you your answer?" I laughed as we started walking towards his bike.

"That's the first proper meal I've had since I came here" I said pushing away my plate. "I'm stuffed" Rubbing at my stomach Cage started laughing. "I love a girl that can eat" He smirked pushing his

plate to the side. "You're going to have to take me back there" I said

"Anytime you want to go you just give me a shout" He winked as the door chimed signally someone had come in. Watching the color drain from his face I frowned. "Cage whats-.."

"VP's going to kill you" Jared smirked as he slide into the booth beside us. Oh great just what I wanted. "You know why he's going to kill you right? You don't touch someones old lady dumbass". Glaring at Jared I stood from the booth "I was the one that asked Cage to come here. Now if you'll excuse us" I smiled sweetly at him before grabbing Cages hand.

"Ava he's right" Cage said as he walked me to my front door. "I shouldn't be hanging with someone elses old lady, that shit can get me killed".

"I had fun tonight Cage, thank you" I said completly ignoring what he said. What was wrong with two friends hanging out together? We weren't breaking the law and it wasn't a crime to have fun. "I had fun tonight to but unless I want my head on a plate it can't happen again".

"Well thats a shame" I mumbled turning my back on him and going inside. Closing the door behind me I leant against it listening to the roar of his bike as he spead of down the street. I didn't have any feelings for Cage I wasn't interested in him like that. I guess brotherhood was more important than anything else and I wasn't going to stand in the way. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Locking the door I made my way into the kitchen and turned on the kettle. Washing out the cup I used earlier I dumped a teaspoon of coffee and some milk into the cup and waited for it to boil. It had just left half past twelve and I wasn't the least bit tired. It had been one hell of a day and althought I was up early I couldnt wait to curl on the sofa with my kindle. Hearing the kettle click I poured the water the cup, grabbed my kindle of the table and my my way to the livingroom. Stopping in the hall I thought of a better idea, it was a lovely night it would be a shame to miss it. Pulling the blanket from the sofa I unlocked the door and stepped out onto the porch.

Getting comfortable I pulled the blanket over my shoulder and set my cup on the table. Unlocking my kindle I was flicking through some books when I heard the roar of an engine. As it got closer I couldn't help the feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. Watching the black harley pull into my dads drive I swallowed the lump in my throat. He did not look happy. Picking up my cup I brought it to my lips and took a drink not once taking my eyes of his.

"Been trying to call you all night" He said taking a seat beside me.

"My phone died" I lied turning my attention to my kindle. I knew he knew where I was tonight, why else would he be over here? Not like he cared he had that girl to entertain him all night. Placing my kindle on the table infront of me I held my cup in both hands and waited because I knew it was coming.

"Wanna go grab something to eat?" He asked

Why wasn't he roaring at me? Why wasn't he getting mad? He knows I've been with Cage most of the night so why wasn't he angry?.. and then it hit me. "Yes or no?" I asked trying not to let my emotions get the better of me. Of course that's why he was being nice to me.

"What you talking-"..

"Yes or fucking no?" I yelled standing so I wasn't anywhere near him. He didn't have to tell me I knew what the answer was I just wanted to hear it come from him. Still he didn't answer. "Ha of course that's why you're being nice to me. Get the fuck out of here and never speak to me again".

Everything he told me was bullshit and I fell for it like a sucker. I couldn't really expect anything else, its what he did its what he's always done. "Ava let me explain" He pleaded coming towards me. Holding up my hands I could already feel the tears rolling down my cheeks "You don't have to explain. I get it now please just leave me alone and go back to doing what you do best". Walking by him I walked through the front door and locked it behind me. Sliding down the door I couldn't hold in

the sob that fell from my lips. Ignoring the pounding on the door and him calling my name I got to my feet and went straight to my bed.