His to Save

Chapter 16: Familiar Face

Allison

I have to hide my smile, as I listen to these two bicker like siblings. I know for a fact they aren't, I don't ever remember Grayson having a sibling. Releasing his hand, I turn to face the gorgeous red-haired beauty, holding out her hand to me. I take it, without hesitation, as something tells me there's nothing to be afraid of with her and the two women standing close behind her.

"Yes, the names Allison, used to live here many years ago." I give her a smile as she raises an eyebrow. "Oh, we've heard some legendary stories about the little girl that wouldn't take anyone's shit and was just like her daddy." Her words bring an ache to my heart. "That was me. Now..." I drop her hand and turn back towards the bar. Moving the food around my plate, I am no longer hungry.

The feel of rough skin and body heat of Grayson's hand encompassing mine helps calm my racing heart. "Uh, I didn't mean to..." She pauses for a second before I hear the distinct clearing of her voice. "We umm, love your dogs. They are huge beasts but very friendly. Although they wouldn't allow anyone near your little sister." That has my ears perking.

Turning to face the rest of the room, I lift my chin to search for Lilith and my two babies. "They are in the kitchen now darlin, keeping my wife and some of the other old ladies company." The roughness of Jackie's voice has me looking back at him. My shoulders are sagging in relief. I cannot believe I was so preoccupied I forgot to look for her first thing this morning.

"Hey, it's okay. Don't beat yourself up about this Alley Cat. You know here she is safe, no matter where she is. Everyone here will look out for her." Grayson takes my hand that is held within his, bringing it to his lips he kisses each finger. Causing a heat to grow between my legs, scaring me a little bit, since I've never had this feeling before.

When he drops our hands along the thigh of my leg, I see the three women before us look between the two of us. The blonde standing behind Blossom, has confusion clouding her eyes, while the brunette has a slow smile forming along her own. When my eyes reach Blossom once more, she has one red eyebrow raised, her hip tilted to the side, and her mouth has a devilish smirk upon it. "Interesting." She whispers to herself, though she said it loud enough for us to hear.

"Has she eaten breakfast?" I bite my lip, awaiting for Jackie to answer me He opens his mouth, but before he can say a word I hear the distinct sound of Lilith's screech and giggle as she hollers, "Can't catch me!" From somewhere nearby. I watch fascinated as every man and woman in the room, moves to the side, making a clear path for her and the dogs as they come running into the room.

Lilith spots me right away, and runs right into my arms, as she giggles away. Looking behind her I see Martha and two other older women pace into the room, holding their hands to their chests. Each one smiling full white teeth and all at the little girl in my arms. "Oh you little rascal." I watch a woman with smile lines, and wrinkles along her face point a finger at her.

When her chocolate brown eyes make their way to me, all the memories of her with my grandmother come flooding back. "Oh my goodness. Lizabeth Marie?" I hadn't even realized I said my thoughts out loud until she gives me a slight giggle of her own. "You betchya baby girl. Even though my husband is long gone from this world, well over ten years ago, I stayed with our family here. Taking care of the little ones that come about, and here for the young women that come along. Also, who can forget keeping all these men here in line."

The older woman hasn't changed a bit. Her deep black hair has some greying strands now, but her attitude is the same. She was my father's mother, my grandma Patty's best friend, even though she was nine years her junior then. "Sissy, you, okay?" The small voice of Lilith has me looking away from the one other person in the room, I remember clearly as day.

Looking down at the little six year old in my lap, my brows furrow, "Of course..." Hearing the distinct emotion in my tone, I clear my throat. Trying again, "of course I am Lilly. Why you ask sweetheart?" I watch closely, as he little hand makes it way to my cheek. I watch as she wipes her thumb along my cheek.

"You're crying." She whispers in my ears alone. Bringing my hand to my cheek, I feel the distinct tears that are rolling down. I hadn't realized I was. "I'm okay. I promise." Promptly, I use the back of my hand to wipe away the tears, but the feeling of falling has me giving up on the motion.

"I honestly don't understand why." My voice breaks as I try to get the words out. "I do," The soft lilt of her voice, the touch of her hand along my chin as she lifts my face to hers, has the tears coming more profusely, I can barely see. She scoops my body close to hers, in a tight embrace. Holding me through the emotions pouring from my eyes.

I don't know how long we will stay like this. Her arms wrapped around my body, me crying into her chest, with poor Lilith trapped between our two bodies, but it feels good. For the first time, I don't feel afraid, or worried about the future. Held in the arms of the woman I have so many fond memories with, I let everything I have been through over the years out. This is one woman, who has always been more like a grandmother to me. Guided me, took care of me when my mother was out of it, and watched over me every day and night.

"Let it out little one. I'm here and I will not be going anywhere." There's so much promise in her words. I do just that. I feel Lilith works her way out from between us, only giving Lizabeth more room to cuddle me closer. The soft sound of a man's voice, that I do not recognize, asking Grayson if he made that important phone call yet, brings me out of the moment entirely.

Wiping below my eyes, I look at the man standing on the opposite side of Grayson. He's absolutely filthy, his hands covered in oil, as well as his clothes and cut. His eyes make their way to me, and he smiles a full rotten tooth smile. Causing me to stand from my chair, and move closer to Lizabeth's body. She wraps me tighter into her embrace, as he other arm, holds Lilith close to both our bodies.

I can see tension forming in Grayson's entire body. As I watch him crack his neck from side to side, he glares over at the man that just asked the question. "How the fuck did you hear about that Grease?" That must be the man's club name, and I have to say it suits him perfectly. He doesn't answer the question, only shrugs his shoulders as he nods to Jackie for a beer.

Jackie looks from Grease to Grayson, gouging for permission before he gets to preparing the drink for the man. "I overheard your discussion." This information has Grayson standing from his stool so fast, it falls back onto the floor. The clang gaining everyone's attention. "How the fuck did you overhear that? Unless you were listening to club business at the door." Grayson's voice is in a low, menacing tone as he bends down to be eye to eye with the other man.

A part of me wants to intervene, as this is our first morning here, and I try to keep violence away from Lilith's vision. However, if we definitely stay here, this is going to be our new life. Meaning I know she's going to be seeing a lot of violence throughout her life.