“Here,” Dad says, pushing a shot towards me. “Fill ‘em up, Blue. I’d like to celebrate with my son.”
Celebrate, we do. We haven’t done this for a long time. Spent time together as a brotherhood, getting drunk, bonding, and enjoying each other’s company for what seems like forever.
And knowing that the woman I want as mine is only a few feet away only makes it sweeter. That she’s laughing with the Old Ladies at the stupidity that comes along with getting drunk with a group of men you’d lay your life down for.
CHAPTER 5
NORA
Church is interesting, to say the least. I’m not sure why I get so pissed off at Coal for what sounds like a slight towards Nickel. I’m strangely protective of the large, smoking-hot man I’ve somehow become entangled with.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that, for some reason, Nickel thinks of himself as less than his brothers. And I’m sure the video we watch of the operation doesn’t help.
I’m proud that he takes the order for additional training without complaint or pushback. Itgoes a long way toward showing me what kind of man he is.
But I’m worried about leaving him alone with his President. They’re brothers, but that doesn’t mean Coal won’t say something to upset Nickel.
Turns out I have nothing to worry about. They come out laughing about something and head straight for the bar. I’ve been watching, and Nickel is relaxed and doesn’t seem upset. Means I don’t have to kick his President’s arse.
This club is different from what I expected—that they allow their Old Ladies into Church is a point in their favour.
The women are strong. They’re not stuck up their own arses. I like them, which is a first for me. Bee doesn’t count. She’s my friend. We trained together, and sometimes we were in the same trenches. But Jeanie and Thea? I was unsure about them at first, but they quicklyput me at ease. So far, I like all of Nickel’s family, including his mum and sister.
Not that it should matter. I don’t know how long I’ll be here.
The Skulls send me where they need me.
That there is something between Nickel and me isn’t in question. The fire in my belly only grows stronger the more time we spend together—a slow-burning heat that refuses to fade. It won’t be gentle when we finally give in and try to extinguish it. It would be explosive, consuming, and impossible to ignore.
For the first time since my family was murdered, I find myself not in a hurry to move on.
***
It’s late afternoon when the clubhouse door opens, and Maggie and Opal walk in.
They take one look at the men gathered around the bar with raised eyebrows.
We’ve been entertained watching the men get drunk and behave like idiots. It isn’t anything I haven’t seen before. They’re letting off steam from the recent op, and I can’t say I blame them.
Maggie walks over to us and drops onto the couch next to Jeanie. “What brought on the drinking session?”
“Long Church session, and a bit of drama when Coal didn’t think before he spoke to Nickel and offended him,” Thea replies as she takes her daughter, Shea, from Opal. “They made up and are bonding over their stupidity at not being able to use big-boy words. Bee and Nickel now co-own a company. I think that’s it?”
“That about covers it,” Jeanie confirms. “Boys are fecking idiots, but at least no blood is involved this time. Although I bet when Crossworks them in training tomorrow, they’ll wish they’d stopped drinking.”
“They will,” Cross agrees as he comes out of the kitchen. I’ve noticed that he and Blue aren’t drinking. “Don’t cook tonight, Maggie. I’ve ordered pizza. This lot is going to need it to soak up all the booze.”
“Thank you, Cross.” Maggie smiles up at him. “Any idea where Tinman is?”
“In his office,” Bee replies. “He had a few drinks with the brothers, then said he had a few bills to pay. Actually, scratch that. Here he comes.”
Tinman appears in the hallway where the offices are located, shaking his head as he passes the men at the bar and approaches us.
“Hey, darlin’. Everything okay at the cidery?’ he asks, bending to kiss Maggie’s cheek.”
I love the easy affection between the two of them. I’ve noticed the same between the brothers and their women in the short time I’ve been here.
It hits me then. I’ve known Nickel for less than forty-eight hours, but he treats me the same way his brothers and his dad treat their Old Ladies. I’m not sure how I feel about that. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a man in my life. The life I’ve lived doesn’t allow for long-term connections.
