We both laugh as Kaylie skips, spinning in circles excitedly all the way to her spot at the table, humming the bridal march as she goes.
“Well,” Mrs. Pennington clears her throat.
I almost forgot she was here.
“As pleased as I am to hear about your recent engagement,”
She doesn’t sound pleased at all.
“It doesn’t answer my questions about yours and Kaylie’s safety.”
“I can assure you they’re both very safe. You have my word and that of all my brothers at the clubhouse.” I mean every fucking word. “They’re already working with the police to find the person responsible for the salon, and her shop will be ready to open with new security in place within a few days.”
“Your brothers?” Mrs. Pennington asks confused.
“Yes Ma’am. My brothers. The club. We own Garrison Security.” I pin Everly with a glare. “The Kings take care of our own, Mrs. Pennington. Everly and Kaylie are mine, which means they’ll have the loyalty and protection of every club member and their families.”
Everly coughs, but it almost sounds like she said bullshit into her hand. While I know she’s worried about the women, and it’strue she’ll have some apologizing to do, the club will protect her and Kaylie. I have no doubt about that.
“We work closely with the police in our town to keep Oakridge from becoming rundown and saturated with drugs or the,” I pause, looking for Kaylie’s little ears. “Riffraffthat sell them.”
“I see. A shame you and your brothers weren’t able to help Kaylie’s mother when she was struggling with her situation,” Mrs. Pennington says, her tone clipped and dripping with disapproval. My eyes narrow on hers.
“I can assure you. I did everything I could for Ms. Greene and Kaylie while I had the opportunity. Unfortunately, somedevilsare too strong to fight alone.” Everly gasps beside me. I grip her shoulder with my hand, squeezing. A silent plea for her to be quiet.
“Hmm.” Mrs. Pennington forces a smile. “Well, then, congratulations you two. I’m going to get going since it seems you have a very busy day ahead of you.” She turns her attention to Ever, who still hasn’t stopped staring at me. “Everly, I’ll let you three get settled as I’m sure it will be a bit of a transition for all of you moving in together. We will reconvene in a couple of weeks as scheduled. If anything else happens, you are to call me right away. Understand? It’s my job to see to the well-being of the child.” That snaps Everly out of it.
“Yes ma’am. Of course. But I’m sure we will be fine. I’ve got the insurance involved and with the new security system, I’m sure we will have everything up and running very soon.”
“Well, I best be on my way then.” Mrs. Pennington grabs her things and walks past us and out the door. The minute Ever sees her car leave. She turns on me.
“What the fuck was that, Mason?”
“Swear jar!” Kaylie shouts, giggling. I smile. That kid is a stickler when it comes to cussing.
I pull out my phone and shoot off a text.
ME: Thanks for the heads-up. I need one more favor.
Parisi: You seem to be racking up quite a tab my friend. What do you need?
ME: A judge to perform a wedding ceremony TODAY. ASAP.
Three bubbles pop up then disappear several times. I look up.
“What was what? You’re the one who introduced me as yourfiancéwith zero warning. How was I supposed to know you weren’t serious? I just ran with yourplanand made it more believable. That reminds me, I need to make some phone calls.” I glance back down at the screen, sending another text off to Pres. ignore Everly’s ranting.
Pres is going to have my ass by day’s end. But I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Ever gave me the perfect opportunity and I’m seizing the son of a bitch.
Let her be mad. She started this, and now I’m going to exploit her little slip-up and make this connection between us permanent.
Good luck running from me now.
That reminds me. I pull up Sadie’s contact and shoot off a text about a couple pieces of jewelry I’m going to need for my girls.
“Who are you texting? For what? Mason!” Ever shouts, stomping her foot.
“You’re cute when you throw a fit, although the last one you threw didn’t pan out so hot. Maybe you should be practicingyour grovel.” I smile. “I, for one, am looking forward to seeing you on your knees.”
