by Amelia Shea
Kase glanced over and found his younger brother mirroring his own reaction. Caden smiled, shaking his head. Kase glanced back just as the ATV’s came into full view. First Jack, then Phoebe close behind.
“How the hell did she get him to wear a helmet?”
Kase chuckled. “No damn clue.”
Jack had broken the helmet law in countless states throughout his life. His Pop was dead set against them. Somehow, Phoebe had gotten him to wear one.
“Is that Jack?”
Kase hadn’t heard her walk up. Marissa wound her arm around Caden’s waist and curled into his side. His brother swung his arm over her shoulder as the two of them stared across the property. Kase expected Marissa to lose her shit. Not from anger, just concern. But instead, she watched, smiling. Once they disappeared into the woods, Marissa pulled out of Cade’s hold and walked to the edge of the house, peeking around the side.
“How long they been at it?” Caden asked.
Kase shrugged. “Few hours, maybe.”
One of the prospects had mentioned the ATV’s earlier. When Kase heard there were two riders, one being a man with Phoebe, he immediately put out his cigarette and dropped his glass to the bar, storming out the back door. Jealousy was an evil and new bitch for Kase.
He’d waited to catch sight, and when he did, a warming of his ice-cold heart filtered over his chest. One look and he knew who the man was. Kase had ridden behind Jack most of his life. In his younger years when he was new to the club, he’d memorized everything about how his Pop handled his bike, from the way he grasped the handlebars to the small detail of how his feet pointed outward. There was no mistaking it was Jack.
He had a brief bout with concern. Jack wasn’t the man he once was. He was more fragile and unsteady. A fall or even a minor crash could do major damage. Was it worth it? Kase had decided it was worth the risk when he caught the expression on Jack’s face. His Pop didn’t have much left, and he wasn’t going to take it from him.
“Need to get him home?”
Kase’s week with Jack had come to an end. They were there to pick him up. Cade glanced over, and then his eyes drew to Marissa, who was waiting on Jack and Phoebe’s return.
“Riss?” Caden asked.
She didn’t turn around, just shook her head. “When he’s done.” Her cheeks jutted up as she grinned with a soft chuckle. “And Jack isn’t done.”
The three of them watched as Jack and Phoebe made their way back into their line of view. For the next ten minutes, they watched in silence until they disappeared again.
“Where’s the girl?”
Marissa settled back and started toward him, smiling. “Are you ever gonna use her name?”
Kase cocked a brow. He had nothing against her name, but when he thought of his niece, he immediately thought of her as baby girl. He sighed. “Cora, where’s Cora?”
Marissa winked.
Caden reached out, taking her hand and tugging her against his chest.
“Probably in the middle of some ruthless tug-o-war between the women, but last I saw, she was in Nadia’s arms.”
Marissa laughed. “Yeah, but Meg was standing over her shoulder. She definitely could have swiped her by now.”
“Not if Macy got in there.”
Kase laughed and walked back into the clubhouse. The women had gone ape shit crazy over Cora. They started throwing their weight around, and somehow implemented the ‘no smoking in the house when the baby was there’ rule. He shook his head as they walked through the door.
“I’ll see ya out there,” he said as they walked toward the main bar and he headed toward his room. Kase took off his cut, laying it on his bed. He ripped off his shirt, tossed it into his bin, and grabbed a clean one. He made his way into his bathroom and washed his hands before putting on a clean T-shirt. By the time he made it back to the bar, everyone was crowded around the bar. He smirked, shaking his head. Macy was a pain in the ass, and stubborn as fuck. He wasn’t surprised to see the baby in her arms. When she glanced up, she lost her smile and groaned.
“No, Kase, I just got her.”
Nadia snorted. “Liar, you’ve had her the longest, Mace. You’re a baby hog.”
Macy gasped. “Not as bad as him.” She jerked her chin to Kase as he walked straight for her.
He couldn’t fucking deny it. He was, and when he came in, he trumped any motherfucker holding her. He reached out his hands, and Macy rolled her eyes before carefully slipping her into his hands. With the exception of Trevor, he had no experience with babies. He was a kid fucking magnet, which even he couldn’t explain. Saint’s daughter, Cia, Rourke’s niece, Emme, and Hades’ little girl, Allie, had a severe case of hero worship when it came to him. It was unexplainable to everyone around him.
He curved Cora in the curve of his arm and smirked. The talking commenced, and they spent the next two hours hanging out in the bar waiting. During which time, the women had backed off, knowing Kase would only give Cora up when he was damn ready, and it wouldn’t be anytime soon.
Nadia placed a drink in front of him. He grabbed the glass and caught Caden’s stare from across the bar. A small smiled played on his lips. It wasn’t the first time he’d caught Caden watching him with his baby girl. There was an ease about Caden and his stare. Kase cocked his brow.
“Thank fuck she looks like Riss.”
Caden shook his head, laughing. “Always gotta be the asshole, Kase.”
Yes, he did. It was another hour before Jack came back. Kase watched as he made his way in, walking straight to Marissa. His clothes were dirt dusted and slightly disheveled. But all his focus on was the light in his father’s eyes, the color in his cheeks, and the ease marking his features.
The past few months, his father’s demise had been swift. Everyone was prepping for his death. It would be the end of an era for Jack Reilly. It never set well with Kase how his old man would go out. The strongest man he knew would fade as he had for the last few years. Kase pushed off the seat and ambled through the bar, making his way to his dad, who had his arm hooked over Marissa’s shoulder.
“You had fun?”
His Pop sighed. “Haven’t felt that free in ages.”
Kase stopped mid-step. Phoebe gave his old man something no one else could. She gave him his old self. Marissa smiled as she caught sight of Kase. She maneuvered around Jack and came forward, smiling.
“Let me have her, baby-whisperer.” Marissa winked. She reached over, taking the baby from his arms. She glanced over her shoulder at his dad. “You ready, Jack?”
Her jerked his head, still grinning. “Let me get my shit.” He passed, and Kase watched his old man disappear down the hall. Would this be the last time? Fuck!
A warm hand rested on his wrist, and he glanced up to see Marissa staring at him. Caden stood behind her, grasping her shoulders.
“We’ll take him home, and next week I’ll bring him back. That work for you?” Caden asked.
Kase jerked his chin. The two of them were making it easy on him. He was going to take it. Words were never his thing unless he was doling out orders.
Jack appeared, saying goodbye to the guys. Even the new prospects who never pledged under Jack’s reign were showing respect. The way it should be. Jack made his way into their circle.
“Ready?” Marissa asked, curling the baby into her chest.
Jack nodded and then glanced up at Kase. His brows knitted. “Don’t fuck it up, Kase.”
What the fuck?
Jack pointed to the right, and he knew exactly who he was referring to. Kase bit back his retort. The last man he would be taking women advice from was his own father. He caught Caden covering his mouth, clearly amused. Fucking asshole.
“Hey!” Jack snapped, gaining his attention. His eyes perked, and he raised his brows. “You don’t deserve her.”
Caden snickered, and Jack turned on him. “What the fuck are you laughing about? Your ass doesn’t deserve Coll. Ya tricked her, knocked her up, and now she has to sta
y with your sorry ass.”
Kase smirked and eyed Caden, who was glaring at his Pop.
Jack slapped Kase on the chest, gaining his attention again. “You do what Cade did.” Jack nodded. “Knock her up before she realizes she can do better than you.” He pointed at Kase. “It’s good advice. Fucking take it.” Jack straightened his shoulders and shot up his arm. “See you bastards later.”
Kase watched him walk through the room as though he was royalty. Motherfucker earned it. Marissa leaned close, kissing him on the cheek, and followed behind Jack. He didn’t miss her amusement in the whole scene. She was thoroughly enjoying being Jack’s golden child. She earned it.
Kase sighed and turned to Caden, who was laughing. “Still want him next week?”
Jack Reilly hadn’t been a model father. But for Caden and Kase, he’d done right by them. He did the best he could. It was enough.
Kase slowly nodded. “Yeah, I want him.”
Caden smiled, slapping him on the back. “See ya on Sunday.”
Chapter Fifteen
Phoebe stared out her back door at her yard with her phone against her ear. This is good news. If it was so good, then why was there a giant pit in her stomach? She rocked back on her feet, waiting for some of the excitement on the other line to rub off on her. Nothing.
“Why are you so quiet, this is amazing.” Tory chuckled. “Full asking price, all cash, and a short close. God, why couldn’t all my deals be as easy as this one?”
Phoebe cleared her throat. “It’s great, I know. A little unexpected, though. I figured it would sit on the market for a while.” It was all happening too fast. She had no plan for when it actually sold. Where would she go? Kase immediately popped in her head.
“Let’s be thankful it didn’t. Are you around in the next few days? I’ll stop over, and you can sign the papers.”
“Sounds good.”
She hung up and started to the kitchen when she heard the bang.
The hard knock on her door could be only one person. She stared back at the wooden door, unwavering in her steps. It wasn’t until after Jack left that she considered the possibility Kase would be upset with her for taking him out on the ride. She staggered forward, biting her lip. Indecision was the worst. Her best line of defense would be the playful approach. She strolled toward the door and opened it.
“Hmmmm…” She glanced up at the ceiling. “I don’t remember requesting a booty call.” She gazed down, taking in his solid stature. There was no way of telling what he was thinking. Kase proved to be the hardest person to read. She gripped the handle and opened the door completely, waving her hand in a grand gesture for him to enter. His scowl was locked in place as he walked through her door, narrowing his gaze as he passed.
When she closed the door, she found him staring at her. His heated gaze was causing a slight shiver down her spine. She hadn’t thought of anyone else other than Jack when she suggested the ride. Not Kase or his brother or anyone else, just Jack.
She spread out her hands. “You’re mad at me, I get it.”
He seemed caught off guard, and his temple twitched. He folded his arms, which seemed to add height to his already empowering stance. “Do ya?”
His tone seemed off, and he lacked the menacing glare he usually sported when he was angry.
“He was fine, Kase. He didn’t get hurt.”
He remained silent. She would rather have him shouting. At least she’d know his level of anger. Was this the calm before he exploded?
“I’d rather live a short and full life than a long and unhappy one.” She shrugged. “Quality over quantity.”
“Is that your decision when it comes to my dad?”
“No,” she whispered. “But it’s not yours either, Kase.”
He jerked his gaze, and she settled back a step. The usually angry Kase was easy to handle. However, this was personal, it was delicate. Humor and teasing weren’t going to work, and this time, she didn’t want it to. For all the time she’d spent with him, he only allowed small snippets of his emotion to show. Going against everything she said she wanted and thought she felt, she did want more with him. The little he did show her had her craving more.
“I stayed close to him, and if things got outta hand, I would have stepped in.”
He snorted. “You think you woulda been able to settle his crazy ass?”
She raised her brows. “I did get him to wear a helmet.”
Kase sighed. “I’ll give ya that. Surprised the fucker knew how to put it on. Think that was the first time he’d ever put one on.”
“I won’t apologize,” Phoebe said.
He slowly angled his head, reminding her of how intimidating and deadly Kase could appear. He circled the couch. Her heart leaped to her throat. It wasn’t exactly fear, but anxiety of what he’d do next. Unpredictable bastard. She backed into the wall, not even realizing she had been moving. She may have come to an abrupt stop, but Kase didn’t. He pressed his chest against her breasts, caging her in. He lowered his head, and she gazed at him.
This would be a good time to apologize. It probably was, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. She wasn’t sorry. She flinched when his hand rose, gripping her neck. It was firm but not tight. His thumb strummed her throat, scratching against her skin.
“You gonna strangle me?”
“Should I?” He cocked his head, and the corner of his mouth curled.
“God, I can’t tell if you’re mad or not.”
Kase shook his head. “Why would I be? Pop had a good time, and with his days numbered, I ain’t gonna take anything away from him. When he came back to the house, he was on a high.” He jerked his chin. “You gave him that.”
Kase lowered his head only inches from her face. His nose skimmed the tip of hers, his hand spread across her neck, and the pads of his fingers dug into her skin, sending a sparked chill down her spine. His breath fanned over her face when he stepped closer, pressing her back into the wall even more.
When she jutted her chin, he clamped his hand, keeping her from moving. His hand skated around her waist, under the back of her shirt. The coarse, rough skin grazed over her back, and she closed her eyes. They were so close, pressed against each other, she could feel her erratic heartbeat against his.
She flickered open her eyes to see him close as his lips skimmed her mouth softly and slowly. A warm heated rush prickled over her skin. The dominant, passionate Kase was what she had come to expect from him, and she loved it. But this, right here and now, his lips grazing over hers, gripped in his hold, which was firm but gentle, it was almost too much. Her efforts to deepen the kiss were combatted by him slowing it down. His fingers drew into the back of her hair, angling her head where he wanted her, and she obliged. She’d do anything he wanted as long as he didn’t stop kissing her.
He hoisted her up, and her legs immediately wrapped around his waist. Her main focus had been the kiss, though she was aware they were moving. She flicked open her eyes when she felt herself being lowered. The mattress curved under her back as he lay her down. Kase angled himself over her, bringing his lips to hers again.
“Kase.”
“No more talking,” he whispered.
****
Kase stretched his arms over his head cracking his back. The manual bullshit labor was better suited for the young prospects. His age was catching up with him. Or maybe it had to do with being up until two o’clock making Phoebe come. He rolled his neck and started inside the warehouse.
“Too fucking early,” he muttered.
He’d left her place at seven, stopping by the clubhouse for a quick shower before coming down to the shop. Their business had really taken off, which meant more hours on his end. He wouldn’t complain, but since the arrival of Phoebe, he’d been less eager to leave the sexy woman naked in bed.
He grabbed the inventory list, signing off before handing it to Dobbs, who was set to drive it in. The rotating schedule made it easier for the brothers to plan. Some took mor
e jobs than others. Dobbs and Gage were on the higher end, whereas Trax had scaled back since Chey got pregnant.
Not only was the club business expanding, so were the families.
“Alright, I’m out. See you bastards in a few days,” Dobbs said, slapping Kase on the back and heading out the door.
He glanced up at the clock. It was almost noon, which meant another few hours at the shop. He followed Gage through the back doors to the floor. Just as they breached the door, he heard the bell ring out from the front door. With Gage directly in front of him, Kase’s view was blocked. He shifted to the right toward his office. As the boss, he had payroll to cover before the end of the day.
“Tell me you brought lunch, and I’ll marry you right now. Swear on my life, I’ll get ya on the back of my bike, and we’ll drive over to city hall.”
The familiar giggle had Kase backing his steps. He grasped tightly to the papers in his hand.
Phoebe stood center in the shop, her sundress skirted around her thighs and her long blonde locks pulled to one side with the strands dangling over her chest. Fuck me. She approached Gage, who was behind the counter, with an easy smile and her eyes glimmering. She hadn’t seen him from where he stood.
“I do have lunch.” She twitched her nose and pursed her lips. “For Kase.”
Gage groaned and slammed his hand on the counter. It was all for show and had the intended effect. Phoebe laughed. She reached out, grasping his hand. “Next time, I’ll bring you something, I promise.”
Kase inched closer to the counter, and her gaze immediately locked on his with her lips twitching.
Gage turned around and glared at Kase. “This is bullshit.” He arched his brow. “Next woman to walk into this town is mine. I’m calling fucking dibs now.” He stalked around the counter, stopped next to Phoebe, and jerked his chin toward the bag in her hands. “At least tell me it’s some vegan shit I would hate.”
Phoebe scrunched her nose. “Cheesesteaks and onion rings.” She bit back her smile.
Gage shook his head. “You’re dead to me.”
Kase, who usually held back his amusement, snickered. Watching the playful banter between them, her and his brother, affected him in a way he wasn’t accustomed. She was relaxed in his element among his brothers.
