Teaching Aleck (The Last Hangman MC #2)(24)

“You two look sickeningly good together.” I can’t help but chuckle. “You deserve to be happy.”

“You’ll have this one day.” Ayd smiles at me and wraps me in a hug.

“Ah, we’ll see.” I hug her back, feeling a bit uneasy.

“Yes! Victory. It’s not a definite no anymore! That’s progress.” She grins sheepishly.

“Shut it, you.” I chuckle.

“Never!” She grins and places her hands on her tummy. “Here, he wants to say hello to his uncle.” She grabs my hand and places it over her tummy and I feel a little kick. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all man, but f*ck if it doesn’t bring anyone to their knees when they feel this.

“This is amazing.” I smile and rub her tummy softly. “I can’t wait to meet this little one.”

“Soon. You’re going to be a great dad someday, Aleck,” Ayd says softly, causing Ant and I to scoff. “What?” She looks between us confused.

“Nothing. Just wasn’t expecting you to say that.” I shrug.

“Sure, sure, you two are full of shit.” She glares at us and pouts.

“Do you want anything from the cafeteria, Sweet Cheeks?” Ant asks Ayd and her eyes light up.

“Hot cocoa and cake!” She grins wide and plants a big kiss on his lips.

“You got it.” He kisses her back. “Want anything brother?”

“No, I’m good.”

“Alright. Take care of my woman while I’m gone.” He narrows his eyes at me and leaves.

“Sit for a minute, Aleck,” Ayd tells me, patting the spot next to her on the bed.

“What’s up mama?” I chuckle.

“Smartass. How are you?”

“I’m good, why?” I look at her confused.

“Because you’ve been avoiding pretty much everybody that’s not hanging out at the compound 24/7. I know you haven’t talked to Charline in weeks, and same for me. I miss you, and well, yeah, I was wondering what was going on. Ant isn’t talking much when it comes to you guys’ problem so.” She shrugs.

“I’m fine Ayd, don’t worry about me. Just been busy with other stuff and club business. I miss you too though.” I rub her hand smiling. I do miss her, like crazy and Charline too.

“I know something is up, and I’ll find out what. You’re lucky Charline is loyal, she hasn’t told me any detail about what you two talked about. Not that I didn’t try, but damn it she’s not letting anything out.” She pouts and giggles.

“She hasn’t?” I look at her surprised. I thought she would have told Ayd. They’ve been best friends for so long that I thought they told each other everything.

“Nope, not a single word, and it’s driving me insane.”

I can’t help but laugh. “It’s nothing interesting anyway. Just why I don’t believe in relationships.” I shrug.

“You’re changing Aleck.” She grins softly.

“What do you mean?” I look at her confused, yet again.

“Well, usually you’d say you don’t want any relationship or anything to do with them. Now? It’s that you don’t believe in them. You’re growing. Soon enough, you’ll realize that you want one with someone. I’m proud of you.” She hugs me shocking me. I hadn’t realized I had gone from being dead set on not wanting a relationship to be open to the idea of having one with Charline.

“Well, don’t get your hopes too high okay? I’ve been doing some thinking and while it might have crossed my mind to have a relationship with Charline, I don’t think she would be able to handle my life and my past. I told her the truth, but left some stuff that I didn’t feel were right to share.” I sigh.

“Hey, it’s okay. At least you opened up a bit, it’s a step in the right direction. If you want Charline, you need to tell her.” She sighs looking down.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing it’s just…she’s been seeing someone.” She looks up at me and my heart stops. I guess I didn’t keep a close enough eye on her.

“How long?” I ask with a strained voice.

“Couple of weeks.”

“Great. Is she happy?” It’s not great, not at all…

“To be completely honest? I don’t think she really is happy. I think she was having fun in the beginning. She only had one other relationship before, and you. Well, not that anything happened with you, but you know what I mean. Then, she met that guy. He seems like a sweet guy, but something is off with him. He seems too perfect. Anyway, I think the novelty of the relationship has worn off and now she’s just in it out of habit and has no idea how to end things with him.”

“Not what I expected. Would have been so much easier if she were happy.” I rub my face.

“I know. You need to make up your mind and make your move if you want her.”

“I don’t want to hurt her. I don’t know how she would react knowing my entire story. How she would feel knowing what I’ve been through and what I’m still going through. It’s a lot to take, Ayd. I just want her to be happy and I don’t feel like I can give her that, that I don’t deserve her. I’m not innocent, I’ve killed people, I was a drug addict and the temptation to slip back into those old habits is still haunting me, every single day.” I take a shuddering breath.