The Biker's Fate Chapter 254

Maisie

I AWOKE THE next morning having slept through the night without pain again. Hatch wasn't in the room, so I called the nurse and she helped me freshen up and then get back into bed. Ali and Poppy would arrive in less than an hour and I was looking forward to heading home, even if it wouldn't be for several more hours. Even though I liked the ease of having the pain pump, I couldn't wait to get rid of my IV so I didn't have to drag it with me everywhere.

I was a little confused as to where Hatch was. Normally my guard dog was close in the morning. I smiled when he walked in just as the thought flitted through my brain.

"Hi," I breathed out, surprised by how relieved I was to see him.

"Mornin', Sunshine," he said, sitting on the edge of my bed. "What time's Poppy comin'?"

"Soon." He looked pensive, so I asked, "What's wrong?"

"Besides someone tryin' to kill you and me not knowin' how to protect you without watchin' you twenty-four-seven?"

"My building's secure, Hatch."

Before he could say anything further, the doctor walked in to determine whether or not I was free to be discharged. Hatch stepped over to the window while the doctor did his thing and then as soon as the doctor left, a nurse walked in with forms for me to sign. "I have your scrips, you can fill them here in the hospital or take them to another pharmacy. I'll give you a dose before you go so you have some time," she said.

She removed my IV and informed me I was essentially released as soon as I signed the paperwork. No sooner had she given me all of my instructions, Alison and Poppy walked in, and Hatch and I never got to loop back to our conversation.

"Why don't I grab your drugs while you change?" Hatch offered.

"Thanks," I said as I signed the release paperwork as best I could with my left hand.

Poppy and Alison helped me dress in regular clothes and I realized there was no way in hell I'd be able to do this alone. Poor Poppy was going to have her work cut out for her over the next few weeks as I healed.

I flopped back onto the bed and closed my eyes.

"Are you okay, Mum?" Poppy asked.

"Just tired, love." I smiled. "It's tough work putting on pants."

She giggled. "Only for old people."

"Yes, darling, I'm so old," I droned sarcastically.

Hatch walked in waving a white paper bag right before a volunteer pushing a wheelchair. "Got your stuff, Sunshine."

"Thanks."

"I'm Jim," the volunteer said. "Are you ready, Mrs. Mann? I'll wheel you down."

"I'll get the truck and meet you out front," Hatch said.

"I've got my car," Alison countered. "We can handle it from here."

"I'm comin' with," Hatch said. His voice was soft, but there was no arguing.

Poppy's face lit up. "You are?"

"Yeah, baby girl." He grabbed my bag by the window.

"You're off the hook, Ali if you want to head home," I said.

"No, I've got time. Nicole's taken over things today so I could make sure you were good."

"I'm still comin'," Hatch said.

Alison rolled her eyes, her back turned to Hatch.

"How about you follow us, Hatch?" I suggested.

He frowned, but Poppy jumped in and said, "I'll come with you, Hatch."

"Poppy, you should probably come with us," Alison countered.

"But Hatch doesn't know where we live," Poppy said. "I can show him."

"Would you both give me and Poppy a minute, please?" I asked.

Hatch and Alison nodded and left the room… Jim the volunteer waited while I patted the mattress next to me. Poppy sat on the bed and I wrapped my arm around her. "I'm not sure about you going with Hatch, Poppet."

"Why not?"

"Because we don't know him well and you're a young woman getting in a car with a man we don't know."

She sighed. "Mummy, if he tries to touch me inappropriately, I will tell you immediately. But he won't. He's not a creep."

"Love—"

"Mummy, please. Let me go with him."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"You know you can tell me if you feel uncomfortable."

"Yes, I know." Poppy smiled. "I like Hatch, Mum, and he will protect you."

"I'm not in danger, love."

"I know… because Hatch is here."

I sighed. "Okay, darling. If you feel safe with him, then I'm good."

She hopped off the bed and rushed to the door. Alison and Hatch walked back in and I settled myself in the wheelchair.

"We'll meet you in the parking garage," Alison said.

Hatch nodded. "Okay. See you in a minute."

"Someone's got a guardian angel, huh?" Alison mused as she drove.

I smiled sleepily. "Seems that way."

"Ryan says he's totally clean. His club's clean too."

"That's good, right?"

"Yes, but you just never know with these motorcycle club types… they're glorified gangs."

I sighed. "So far, he's been nothing but a stand-up guy, so I'm going to take him at face value. I like him… so does Poppy, and that means something."

Alison nodded. "Fair enough."

We drove into my garage and parked, Hatch followed in his truck and pulled into my guest spot. Before I got my door open, Hatch was there, virtually lifting me out of the car.

"I can walk on my own, Hatch," I bossed as he wrapped an arm firmly around my waist.

He grinned. "More fun for me, though."

Alison's phone buzzed in the car, so she leaned in and grabbed it. "Alison Lundy. Hi. He did? Hmm. Okay. Either myself or my husband will be there as soon as we can. Thank you." She hung up with a frown. "Merrick got tackled during P.E. He and his buddies were messing around and he did something to his knee."

"I got Maisie if you need to be somewhere," Hatch said.

"You okay with that, hon?" Alison asked me. "Because I'll call Ryan."

"It's fine, Ali. Seriously." I smiled. "You've done so much for us over the past few days. Go take care of your family. I'll call you later."

She hugged me and Poppy and then climbed back into her car, while Hatch helped me up to my condo.

I settled myself in Niall's chair and closed my eyes while Poppy showed Hatch around. A gentle touch on my cheek had me jumping awake. I didn't realize I'd even fallen asleep.

"Sorry, baby," Hatch said with a smile. "I think you should take some meds."

I nodded. "Probably a good idea."

He opened my prescription bottle and handed me two pills. I took them and closed my eyes again.

"You want me to go?" Hatch asked. "Or stay tonight?"

"Stay," I whispered as I succumbed to sleep again.