Moving, she was sandwiched between Match and Scythe. I watched in wonder as the three of them laughed and talked. I had never seen anything like it, and was excited she was so comfortable there and around the Brothers. Bull eventuallywalked over, and a collective silence hovered over the group as he introduced himself.
“Hi. Fiona, right? Name’s Bull. Heard a lot about you,” he said, reaching his hand out.
She stood up from her seat on the couch so she could reach him for a handshake. The difference in their sizes looked astronomical that close together. For a moment, I was nervous that Bull’s size might scare Fee, especially after her recent attack. Instead, as she stared up at him while shaking his hand, she started laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Bull asked, arching an eyebrow.
“I’m sorry! I’m not laughing at you, just the size difference… It’s, ya know,inconceivable.”The way she pronounced that last word—with a bit of a lisp—confused me, but then everyone shut up when Bull burst out laughing.
“You found yourself a good one, Bash. I like her,” he said before sitting down in a chair he dragged over from a nearby table.
“What was that?” Charlie asked Fee curiously.
“It’s fromPrincess Bride. We can watch it during the next movie night.”
“Can I come?” Bull asked, and before I had a chance to process that, Fee replied.
“As you wish! Well, as long as you bring food.”
“Done deal, though word has it, you’re a pretty good cook.”
“There are a few dishes I’m good at, but I imagine it would take me a couple of days to prepare enough to sustain you,” she said, looking him up and down.
As Bull and the rest of the group laughed, I looked around and noticed most of the Brothers were staring at Fee with looks of amusement or wonder. A lingering smile was still on Scythe’s face, and Match was pouting at the mention of Fee cooking for Bull and not just him.
The rest of the afternoon went by quickly. It was nearing time to take Fiona home. Charlie and Cara had just taken Fee for a tour of the clubhouse, and they were heading back when Crow decided to finally contribute to the conversation.
“So, Bash, how does Trish feel about all of this? She’s still coming to the cookout next weekend, right?” Crow asked just as Fiona and Charlie rejoined the group. As Fiona sat back down next to me, I pulled her into my side, keeping my arm wrapped around her before bothering to answer him.
“Why the fuck would I know?” I asked, grinding my teeth to hold back from saying anything more.
Crow was always a difficult fucker. With his father being the club founder and president, he had a sense of entitlement that he hadn’t earned. His attitude only worsened when I was nominated as VP. I locked eyes with Scythe, who had a look I couldn’t decipher. There was a heavy silence in the air, and both Bull and Match looked like they were on high alert.
“Well, considering you and her have had a thing for a while, I was just curious if Trish would still come around,” Crow said, his focus purely on Fiona as he said it. I could hear a growl coming from Charlie, but Fiona just held his stare, her face impassive. She looked around and, taking in the tense faces, turned back to face my MC Brother.
“Oh, sorry, was this for my benefit?” she asked, tilting her head to the side. Bull laughed and covered it with a cough before returning to watch the Fiona and Crow showdown.
“Here, how’s this?” Fee cleared her throat, then turned in her seat so she was facing me. Wagging a finger in my face, she gasped dramatically.
“Bash! How could you! I can’tbelieveyou had a life before you met me! You’re a dog. I’ll never look at you the same,” she said on a wail, turning her head and covering her eyes dramatically.
I couldn’t help the smile on my face, but Fiona wasn’t finished. Righting herself, she took a minute to pick imaginary lint off her outfit before she turned back to Crow.
“Was that good enough? I’ve seen some of theReal Housewivesshows, but something tells me you’re the one who knows the most about throwing a tantrum. So how’d I do? Any tips?”
I couldn’t help the belly laugh that escaped me, and soon, the entire group was laughing mercilessly as Crow’s face reddened with fury. Fiona didn’t show any sort of reaction after that, calmly watching him, refusing to back down. He muttered something under his breath before standing up quickly and stalking off.
“Nice to meet you! Looking forward to seeing you again soon,” Fee yelled at his back, before turning to face the rest of us.
“Well, did I pass the test? Am I allowed back in the clubhouse?” she asked the whole group, who once again dissolved into laughs.
“Anytime you want. Door’s always open to you,” Reaper said from behind us. I was unaware that he had watched the interaction.
“I like your sass. Call me Reaper. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Nice to meet you, Reaper. Or should I call you Prez?”
“You can call me whatever you like, darlin’. Frankly, seeing how you just chewed up and spit out my son in under two minutes, I’m not about to try to tell you what to do.” Fiona’s face turned red as she realized Crow was Reaper’s son. Before she could say anything, he stopped her.
