“I need their help because I want to do something nice for Joy and Kit. As friends.”
Prez, who walked in just after Tank’s question, takes a seat at the bar, brow raised. “As a friend?”
Taking a deep breath I let it out slowly. “I don’t think she’s ready for anything more. Not now, and maybe not ever. But, well, I, shit.” I don’t know how to voice my thoughts.
“But you know deep in here,” Sasha taps his chest, “that she means something to you. Her and her daughter,da?”
My shoulders slump as he voices exactly what I’m feeling. “Yeah. Exactly that.”
Sasha nods once, his piercing blue gaze on mine. “I understand. I married the Pakhan of a Bratva. A Bratva that doesn’t think love between men exists. The timing wasn’t right, neither were the circumstances, but you cannot help who makes your heart sing.”
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. Looking around the room my gaze meets those of my brothers, who all give me a chin lift, an encouraging half smile, or a frown in Jules’ case.
“In that case brother, you can go first.” Marx nods.
Chapter 7
Mad Dog
“Are you sure this is going to work?”
Pops and Rider both look at me like I’m an idiot. And maybe I am for getting caught up with their plans but fuck it, it’s Valentine’s coming up and our girls deserve a treat, even if it makes the men uncomfortable for a moment or two.
“Of course this is going to work. We lay low, let them sweat it out. They’ll either come up with something on their own, or they’ll be so desperate by the time we resurface they’ll say yes to our idea.” Rider shrugs.
“Besides, it’s not like they can’t find us if they actually used their fucking brains and eyes. Shit, they just need to step outside the clubhouse and actually look for us,” Pops says as hereclines in one of the ridiculously comfortable chairs in the kids’ clubhouse.
It’s so plush here, which is good because the kids are running a tight operation. So far they’ve managed to sign all the brothers up for their “Valentine’s special.” Savage kicked it all off when he asked the kids to help him, and he was on to something. He’s provided them with photos of his and Nat’s relationship over the years, and I have to admit, they’re a fucking cute couple. How the hell he managed to get her to agree to be his Ol Lady while he was part of the Death Riders, I have no idea.
“So we just stick to the plan. The kids have everything ready, we just need to make sure everything is in place.”
We all nod in agreement, and my gaze darts to Pops before moving to Rider.
“So, kid, what’s up with the visits to the retirement home?” Pops asks subtly, which is a shock because I didn't think the man could do subtle.
“Oh, just visiting a friend is all,” Rider shrugs, easy smile in place.
“Oh yeah? What kind of friend?”
“Oh, no one you know.” Pops narrows his gaze at Rider, who narrows his back. “If you want to ask me something old man, just ask me,” Rider challenges.
“No, no, just thought it was a little odd that you’ve started disappearing and all. Just happened to drive past one day and see the DRMC SUV outside Happy Glades Retirement Village.”
“Drive past, and not follow?” Rider raises a brow. I give no indication that we were following him. He knows what nosy fuckers we all are.
“Why would we do that?” Pops asks in a fake innocent voice. That man hasn't been innocent a day in his life.
Rider points a finger in Pops’ direction, his gaze narrowed before he swings it in my direction.
“What can I say, we’re old, and like cruising around town.”
“What are you hiding, kid? Is it that pretty girl that turned up to take me away at Lovely’s patch party?” Pops asks nonchalantly, not missing the flare in Rider’s eyes before he hides his emotions, body relaxing in true Rider style.
“What pretty girl?”
Pops’ slow grin knows that he has Rider by the short and curlies and you know what? Rider can keep his secrets. If he has his eye on a woman sooner or later she’ll turn up here, and he’ll need our help. For now we’ll let him think he has one on us, but when Pops’ eyes meet mine we both know the score.Another one bites the dust.
Blanche
