CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
SHORT
The rest of the drive is mostly about the scenery we’re travelling through and how the temperature is higher here than they’re currently experiencing in Georgia. I do warn him that it can get equally cold at night. We talk a little about our clubs and other mundane matters. Rhino’s particularly interested in the club girls, and a sideways look shows him grinning widely as I explain where they’re currently sleeping, and how they’d probably leap at the chance for the luxury of the motel rooms where he, Blitz, and Token will be staying. When he asks whether that will be taking pussy from me, after laughing loudly, I proudly explain I’ve got an old lady, pride in my voice as I think of Bronwyn waiting for me.
He voices the sentiment that, not so long ago, I’d have been totally on board with. That he wasn’t one for being tied down, and couldn’t think of committing to one woman.
All the while, there’s total silence from the backseat, well, apart from Blitz’s loud snoring. At one point, Rhino groans and instructs Token to shut Blitz up, and whatever he does works forone minute, then the man starts snoring again, sounding a bit like a pig in heat.
We’re nearing the clubhouse. I tense a little as I turn into the road that leads to the clubhouse, hoping I’m wrong and there won’t be difficulties among the clubs, and realising I’d left before even finding out what the Texas boys are bringing to the table. If they’re construction experts as well… Fuck. Isn’t there a saying about too many cooks in the kitchen? Probably the same goes for builders. We want help, not hindrance.
Instead of parking the SUV at the shop, I pull up where the bikes used to be parked, knowing I’m not taking up anyone’s space. As I do, I notice Bron’s car off to one side, and my heart leaps knowing she’s here.
Which means Trip must be too. I wince, my hands worrying at my bandana, fixing it in place. This won’t be a good place for him, not with all the additional brothers. With so many Kings, there’s sure to be bedlam, and possibly more than he’d be able to handle. While I’m elated to shortly be seeing my woman, I’m half-wishing she’d stayed away. All the commotion is likely to overwhelm my son. Maybe it will be for the best if I just have a quick word with her, then send them both home to wait for me.
Not until I’ve held her in my arms, though. It’s only been the best part of a day since I’ve seen her, but fuck, I miss her. My dick’s semi-hard at the thought of being inside her again, taking her bare…
Abruptly, I realise I’ve been sitting here like a dick, engine still running, and being distracted, I’ve not even thought to turn it off. I rectify that immediately and realise Rhino and Token are already dragging Blitz out of the car.
Quickly, I exit the vehicle and lead the way to the front door.
Church has obviously finished, and the clubroom’s empty when we enter, but Star’s sitting on a bar stool, flicking through a magazine.
“Now that’s a great fuckin’ sight for sore eyes.”
Star checks Rhino out, obviously not finding him wanting, and preens herself.
Token gives her a glance, and while, as I’ve learned through spending the best part of two hours with him, he’s not one for speaking, his look speaks volumes. It’s as if he’s never seen a girl before, or not for a hot minute. I roll my eyes. Sure, Star is hot, but she’s not that special. Then I remember the way I was before Bron. Club girls in other chapters were far more enticing than the familiar ones we had at home.
“Wh…” Spinning around, I see the sound came from Blitz, but he seems to have passed out once again.
“Just leave him there on the sofa,” I suggest. “Boys out at the barn?” I ask Star.
“Uh-huh,” she replies.
The kitchen door opens, and my heart quickens as Bron rushes out, straight into my arms as if it’s been days since we parted, not just hours. Forgetting our company, I sweep her up and kiss her like a starving man.
“Take it this is your ol’ lady.” Rhino chuckles a gruff sound.
Putting her down, I turn her around to face him, with my arm still firmly around her. “Sure is. Bronwyn, meet Rhino and Token. Oh, and Blitz.” I point to the unconscious man.
I can see her nursing instincts kicking in. She immediately leaves my side and goes to the sofa. “What’s wrong with him?” Reaching over, she raises the lids on his eyes, then her expression of worry is replaced by a knowing glint. “Is he stoned?”
“Drunk and stoned, sweetheart. Found out the fucker doesn’t like flying, and we had to give him something to calm him down.”
Now she’s taking his pulse and concentrating, glancing at the smart watch she wears on her wrist.
Seeing as she’s got it all in hand, I make a request of her. “Bron, can you stay here and watch him? I’m taking these two out back.” As the predicted commotion isn’t in evidence, I’m happy she and Trip can stay here for now.
“Sure, Short. But can you go say hi to Trip?”
Of course, I can. “He alright?”
“He’s had a big day,” she replies. “I think he’s a bit overwhelmed. Trixie’s feeding him cookies, but I think he’d like to see you.”
I fucking knew all this would be too much for him. I use action instead of words, and head for the kitchen. Out of the side of my eye, I see Token and Rhino following. As soon as Trip spies me, he runs over, hugging my legs. I sweep him up into my arms. “You been good for your momma? Did you have a good day, Trip?” There’s no reaction, but I didn’t expect one. Instead, I continue talking to him. “I had to go pick up some friends from the airport. These men are called Rhino and Token.”
“It’s good to meet you.” Rhino might be surprised to see me cuddling a child, but he doesn’t let that overshadow his good manners.
