Deceptive (The Houston Defiance MC Series Book 6)

by K E Osborn

  Dad stops as Mom screams. “Cannon, no!”

  His hard eyes meet mine, his teeth baring at me as he lets me go, shoving me against the chair. “You pull a gun on your old man and expect to still be welcome here at this house, boy?”

  Taking in a large breath of air, I wipe the blood away from my nose which has started to trickle down and stow my weapon, then jump up from the overturned chair. “You think I’m gonna come back after you continue to treat me like shit? I tried, Dad. I came here to make amends, to try and fix this broken shit between us. Now I know there’s nothing here to fix.” I turn to Mom and exhale. “I love you, Mom, but I’m not coming back.”

  She lets out a sob, rushing toward me, but I turn toward the door. “Cannon, stop! Please.”

  “Let him go, Sarah, he’s been dead to us for years.” With those final words from my dad, I walk and don’t look back, making my way to my bike.

  Footsteps pound behind me. As I turn, a body slams into me, and Libertee embraces me tightly. Tears slide down her face as she whimpers, “Please tell me this isn’t the last time I’m going to see you? I need my brother in my life.”

  I pull back, swiping some hair away from her face. “I love you, Tee. Anytime you need me, I will always be there for you. Always. It’s them I’m giving up on.”

  She cuddles into me with a sniffle. “I hate that he treats you this way.”

  “Me, too, but it’s how it has always been. I’m glad he doesn’t treat you the same way he treats me.”

  Her hands grip mine, and she stares into my eyes. “Cannon?”

  “Yeah?”

  “This Billie girl… she really infiltrated the club and did all that bad shit?”

  With a grimace, I nod.

  Tee slowly smiles. “That’s badass. She sounds like she’s intense. I hope she makes you really happy.”

  Pulling my sister to me again, it’s like a weight has been lifted. If at least one member—the most important member of my family—approves, then that is all I care about. “Thanks, Tee. You don’t know what that means to me.”

  She grabs my cut straightening it out. “I think I do… because there’s this guy I like at university, and I want you to not lose your shit.”

  “What? Tee? No! I need to run a background check, make sure he’s okay before you even go on a date with him.”

  She giggles while shaking her head. “You’re so much like Dad.”

  Curling up my lip, I scowl. “Don’t ever say that! But I am serious, Tee, I want his full name and birthdate so I can check up on him before you go out with him.”

  “Jesus Christ, fine. I will text the info to you.”

  Warmth floods me as I lean in pressing my lips to her forehead. “I love you.”

  “Me too. And if you’re serious about Billie, I wanna meet her.”

  I grin from ear to ear. “I’m serious… I’ll let her know.”

  Tee pulls me to her again, and I chuckle, wondering how a man like my father could have made such an amazing little sister. I may have been unlucky with the father I was given, but I sure as hell lucked out with the women in my family.

  Now I just have to hope I can one day include Billie.

  PHANTOM

  The Birthday Party

  With everything that’s been happening of late, it’s been hard to plan for any kind of celebration. But today has been a year in the making. The first baby of this generation’s Walker family made her way into the world a year ago today, and she’s very much a loved part of the Houston Defiance family.

  Baby Sephy sits in her booster chair in the middle of the clubhouse, surrounded by her biker family. I swear this little girl is going to grow up with so many people backing her it’s not funny. Her uncles, Zero and Koda, are standing on either side of her while Prinie snaps candid shots on her cell. Wraith is nowhere to be seen as Thayleah rocks a four-month-old Leo in his stroller.

  The farmyard-themed birthday party is all set up outside. Sadie and Lucas have already ridden the miniature pony multiple times when Texas comes bounding out wearing a clown costume. I laugh at the giant of a man wearing a polka dot-themed outfit with a bright red nose and pale face. His bald head making him more like something from a horror movie. Toddler Kobe turns up his lip and starts crying, jumping into Chains’ arms.

  “Jesus, Texas, my kid has a fragile heart, don’t scare him to death wearing that thing, will you?”

  Ash throws her arms in the air. “I told you.”

  Texas huffs. “It was supposed to be cheerful.”

  I pat him on the shoulder. “More like homicidal.”

  “Damn!”

  “You tried, honey.” Ash pats his arm to placate him while Wraith strides out of the kitchen with Nessie. He’s wearing a bright pink tutu over his jeans and a party hat. Everyone laughs while he pushes a giant cart with the biggest cake I’ve ever seen. A party blower hanging out of his mouth is sounding as he wheels the four-tiered cake over to his daughter, her hands instantly reaching out to grab the rainbow frosting. There’s a giant ‘1’ situated on the smallest tier on top, and he blows into the blower once more, making it squeal that annoying sound.

  Sephy is having the time of her life.

  “Okay, let me put it on video. Wait. And go!”

  Everyone chuckles at Prinie as she figures out her phone, but on her instructions, we all start a raucous round of happy birthday for Sephy. She claps her little hands together happily along with all these bikers, old ladies, and club girls who are singing along just for her.

  When we all cheer at the end, clapping for Sephy, Wraith leans in behind his daughter and blows out the candle for her. Zero takes Prinie’s cell away and instructs her to go with Wraith and the happy family stand together, just as Sephy leans forward, thrusting her tiny fingers into the side of the cake. She squishes them together, the rainbow frosting squeezes through her fingers. Wraith reaches forward, grabbing a huge chunk of cake with his fingers, placing it down in front of his daughter.

  “Wraith!” Prinie snickers out her beratement.

  He shrugs. “What? My baby wanted cake. It’s her birthday, and she gets whatever she wants.”

  Zero shakes his head. “Jesus, brother, she’s gonna have you eating out of the palm of her hand when she’s grown up.”

  Wraith licks the frosting off his fingers with a shrug. “I don’t even care.”

  Cherry moves in beside Zero, placing her hand on her stomach. “This will be us soon.”

  Zero pulls her to him, planting a kiss on her forehead. “But you’ll never catch me dead wearing a fucking tutu.”

  Wraith chuckles. “You wait, brother. Being a father changes you. You do shit you never thought you’d do, right Kevlar?”

  Kevlar nods his head. “Fuck, yeah. Like bake imaginary rainbow cookies and have tea parties.”

  Chains lifts his chin. “Like change clubs and move state so your son can have a life-saving heart surgery.”

  Cherry wraps her arms around Zero tighter while his face pales.

  I think the magnitude of just how much his life is going to alter has just hit him.

  “But fuck, it’s worth it,” Wraith states. “All that time in the hospital with Leo, even the scare when Prinie was pregnant with Sephy.”

  “The kids being locked in the freezer. Goddammit! How terrifying that was,” Kevlar adds.

  “Moving clubs and uprooting our lives… it’s all fucking worth it for your child, Pres,” Chains concludes what they’re all saying.

  “It’s all worth it,” Zero reiterates, making Cherry smile. She leans up on her toes kissing him as my cell beeps. I glance down to read the message.

  Billie: I know I could get in trouble for this, but can you come to the clubhouse gate? I’m here.

  My eyes widen. Fuck. Glancing around, I check to see if anyone else knows, specifically Neon, who has eyes on the gates at all times, but right now, he’s occupied with Shiver, so I make my way stealthily outside and rush to the gate. Opening it, I step
through. “Billie, you shouldn’t be here. If they see you—”

  Her hand comes out, handing me a gift bag. I stop my line of talking and reach out for it. “What’s this?”

  She exhales. “It’s Sephy’s birthday. I feel bad for not being in here to celebrate with you guys, and I want them all to know I’m still thinking about them even if I can’t be here.”

  My eyes meet hers, and I can’t help but smile. “That’s really thoughtful.”

  She shrugs. “It’s not much. I can’t afford a lot, so I made most of what I had. Hopefully, they like it.”

  Moving forward, I move my hand into the back of her hair. I haven’t kissed her since all this shit went down, but this feels like the right time, so I press my lips against hers. The energy pulses between us, letting me know the chemistry is one hundred percent still here. Her tongue dives into my mouth, her arms wrap around my waist, pulling me closer. It’s like my soul finally relaxes like it feels as if it is home again. Everything is right again. Kissing Billie is everything, and as my world is spinning, I know there is only a few short moments before we’re discovered and Billie being here puts her in danger. So regrettably, I pull back, panting for air.

  Leaning my forehead against hers, I stare into her turquoise eyes and sigh. “I miss you.”

  She sniffles. “I miss you, too, but I’ll see you soon?”

  “You bet your ass, you will.” Leaning in, I kiss her again briefly before pulling away.

  She bites down on her bottom lip, then turns, sauntering off to her car. I wave, then turn and walk back inside the clubhouse, where everyone is none the wiser. Taking in a deep breath, I make my way over to Zero, who’s standing with Neon and Wraith.

  Just the three men I need to see.

  As I approach, Wraith raises his brow. “You got Sephy a present?”

  Tensing, I hand the bag to Neon, who scowls. “Uh… thanks, but pink isn’t my color?”

  Zero cranes his neck to the side. “When was she here?”

  Of course, he’s figured it out.

  “Just now. I met her at the gate. She wanted to wish Sephy a happy birthday. I already know you’re going to want to scan the present, so hence, I’ve given you the bag, Neon.”

  Wraith turns up his lip. “Not sure I want her present.”

  My stomach falls. Billie cannot win.

  Neon grabs his bug checker, running it over the bag while it beeps in a slow, steady rhythm, no indications registering. He tilts his head, then starts rummaging through, pulling out the contents. My soul deflates a little seeing the scrutiny Billie is being put under, but I understand.

  “You know she was coming around?” Zero asks simultaneously while Neon checks each individual item.

  “No. I would have told her not to. But she wanted to show everyone she’s thinking of you all.”

  Wraith huffs as Prinie sashays over. “What’s going on?”

  “Billie brought Sephy a present.”

  Prinie widens her eyes. “Oh, hence, the… well, that was very nice of her.”

  “Was it?” Wraith snaps.

  “Yes, it was. Don’t be an asshole. She’s being nice to our daughter.”

  “All clear,” Neon states, and Prinie steps up to the items on the pool table.

  She picks up a photo in a little picture frame. It’s of the four of them sitting together. A rare moment of Wraith laughing, Prinie’s holding Leo, and Sephy is sitting on Wraith's lap. It’s a candid shot, and Prinie’s eyes well up. “This is beautiful.”

  Wraith picks up a lightbox that’s been carved out of wood with Sephy’s name inscribed with little rainbows painted on it as well. It’s definitely handmade, and I had no idea Billie was so crafty.

  “She’s made this, hasn’t she?” Prinie asks.

  “She doesn’t have a lot of money right now, so she has to make do.”

  Prinie slumps her shoulders. “She didn’t need to do this, but we really appreciate it. Don’t we, Wraith?”

  Wraith picks up another picture—an image of Wraith and Sephy locked in a tight embrace, and next to it are the words ‘Daddy’s Little Princess.’ He rolls his shoulders with a low grumble. “Okay fine… she did good.”

  Smiling, I glance at Zero, whose face is blank of emotion.

  “She just wants you all to know she’s thinking of you. She misses everyone.”

  “Well, we don’t miss her,” Zero grunts, storming off.

  Prinie leans in against me. “I miss her… just a little bit.”

  I pull her in for an embrace. “Thanks, Prin. I just hope with some time Zero will come around.”

  She sighs. “Not likely… he’s stubborn. His ego was hurt. He couldn’t see that something was wrong right under his nose. That’s what’s got him so worked up, more than the betrayal itself. Once he gets over that… well, you never know.”

  “I hope so. It’s only been a couple of weeks, and already I’m feeling the strain.”

  “This is going to last a little longer than a few weeks, Phantom. Billie turned on us and put us all in danger. Zero won’t forgive that without a reason.”

  Gripping her shoulder, I nod. “Thanks, Prin. Thanks for understanding my side and putting shit into perspective.”

  “We’re friends, right? Friends stick together.” I pull her in for another hug. “Look, I’m gonna do all that I can to work on Zero for you. In the meantime, keep her away from the club. Don’t let her antagonize Zero, okay?”

  “Got it! Thanks for helping, Prinie.”

  “I can tell she means something to you…” She exhales heavily. “I just want you to be happy.”

  “I believe she can make me happy…” It’s my turn to exhale heavily. “I just don’t want it to come down to me having to choose.”

  She widens her eyes. “We won’t let it come to that. I’ll work on Zero, but it’s gonna take time.”

  “I’m willing to wait. For Billie, I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

  Prinie smiles. “You’re in love with her.” It’s not a question but a flat-out statement.

  “Yeah… I think I am.”

  BILLIE

  A Couple Months Later

  The last couple of months haven’t been easy. Trying to adjust to my new life without Rage controlling every aspect has been quite a change. A good one, sometimes a testing one, especially when it came to getting a job. But I have fallen into a new career that suits me, and I’m fucking good at. One I don’t have to lower myself and my standards to do. One that makes me feel empowered like I can fight for what I believe in, and that I’m doing the right thing for once in my life.

  Bounty hunting was something I never knew women could do, but I figured with my fighting skills from being in the MC, I’m tough enough to take on hardened criminals when they skip bail. I’ve been working on my self-defense techniques with the help of Phantom and some classes I’ve been taking to get me to that next level. I have a guy named Santiago who’s pulled me in under his wing and is teaching me the ropes. He has a team of women working for him as bounty hunters, and I’m his newest recruit. The other women in the firm are great, tough as old boot leather, but good at teaching me everything I need to learn, although I have a few hidden gems up my sleeve anyway.

  It’s awesome to be bringing in an income that is all mine. I’m loving this new gig, and I am good at it too. I don’t have to share anything with Rage or the Heathens. I get to put all my money into the new apartment that Phantom helped me get, which I owe him for. He paid for the first six months of rent, but I am paying him back every red cent with each job I get paid. I am a strong, independent woman, and I don’t want to owe a man anything ever again.

  Phantom and I haven’t found it hard to keep our relationship going over these past few months. We know we have a strong connection. The hard part is finding time together. The club is demanding of him, and I’m constantly working. It somehow makes the time we do have together all the more special. If I could go to the clubhouse, it would make things easi
er, but Zero is still standing strong on his stance.

  I get it.

  I need to bide my time.

  I hurt them.

  All of them.

  I’m damn lucky Phantom is still willing to give me the time of day.

  So, for that, I’m thankful.

  Looking at myself in the mirror, I see the woman before me.

  The Billie reflected back is in stark contrast to the girl I knew a few months ago—the nervous wreck and shell of a human.

  This Billie—the one with the pink hair to represent my mood change—is ten pounds heavier, but most of it is muscle tone. I appear healthier—not just skin and bones—with a nice glowing tan. All around, I look and feel better. With the weight of Rage removed from my life, it’s like I can breathe again. Like I’m free to be the woman I was always meant to be.

  A gentle knock on my door has me smiling from ear to ear as I spin and walk over. I open the door to Phantom standing there, all leather and sex appeal. I can’t help it, I step forward, sliding my arms around his neck with a great big smile. “It’s so sexy when you show up looking like this.”

  His arms wrap around my waist holding me to him. “This is how I always look?”

  Waggling my eyebrows, I nod. “I know, and you’re sexy as sin.”

  Phantom leans in, planting a kiss on my lips. That tingle, that fire burning deep inside of me, just like it does every time he kisses me, is raging. But regrettably, he pulls back, searching my eyes. “If we don’t leave, now, I’m gonna end up pushing you back inside this apartment, and we won’t be going anywhere.”

  I slide my finger under his cut seductively. “Would that be such a bad thing?”

  He groans. “You’re evil, woman. Now get your things. We need to go.”