Revenge (Broken Hounds MC Book 2)

by Brook Wilder

  “Technically, yes, but it can wait. I could use a break.” Jeremy beckoned him inside. “Come on in.”

  Jace entered and Jeremy shut the door behind him, heading over to his desk.

  “What is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

  “I was looking for a job.” Jace saw Jeremy’s eyebrows shoot up to his hairline. “Something more permanent than a couple of odd jobs for you. Putting me on the payroll instead of under the table.”

  It took a while for Jeremy to overcome his surprise and, even then, it was still there as he sat behind his desk.

  “You want to become Broken Hounds again?”

  Jace didn’t want to be part of the club again but it was the best option for him and his somewhat broken family. He spread his hands.

  “If it means I can give my child security and safety, then yes.”

  And if it meant ingratiating himself into Jeremy’s books, that made it even better. Jace didn’t have anything to prove other than he could be there when needed.

  Jeremy was starting to look dubious.

  “You’re a drifter, Jace. You don’t stay in one place for long. Staying as long as you have here is unheard of for you.”

  “How would you know?”

  “Dave Schuman has been telling me things. And I have a few friends you’ve bumped into over the years. The pattern’s the same. The fact that you’ve stayed in one place for longer than a month is saying something even if you don’t.” Jeremy folded his arms. “How do I know you’re not going to run?”

  Jace sighed and shoved his hands into his pockets.

  “I’ve got something to stay for now. I didn’t think about having a family at all. Now it’s happening and I’m not one to walk away from my responsibilities.”

  “What about all the other times you’ve walked out? What about your responsibilities then?”

  “I actually tie everything up before I move on. If I can manage it, I don’t give myself responsibilities I can’t handle. There will be a time when someone wants to hang on to me – usually women – but that’s it. It’s not been as big as this, granted, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to run.” He fixed Jeremy with a pointed stare. “I may be a drifter, but I don’t shirk my duty.”

  Jeremy was silent for a moment. Then he sighed, still looking perplexed.

  “I’m not sure if I believe you or not. Especially not after what went on when you and Maddie were kids.”

  Jace had known that was going to come up. And he was sick and tired of being seen as the childhood bully. That didn’t make him any happier about himself.

  “That was when we were children. Immature and full of hormones. I was lashing out and Maddie was the easiest target.” That was the story Jace was sticking to. “I wouldn’t do that now. Never would I hurt Maddie now.”

  That part was true. Jace would never hurt Maddie. Not now.

  “You’d better hope not. Because it won’t just be me who hurts you if you do that.”

  Jace didn’t miss the meaning. The rest of Broken Hounds would be after him. The whole lot treated themselves like family and Maddie was part of that family. Anything happened to her, they went after the people responsible.

  It was startling no one had gone after Drake.

  Finally, Jeremy sighed and sat up.

  “Fine, you can work with Dave. I’ll put you on the payroll.” He made a note on a notepad and then opened up a new window on his desktop. “Do as you’re told, and you’ll get paid well.”

  That had gone easier than Jace had thought would. He felt like a weight had been taken off his shoulders.

  “Thanks.”

  Jace decided it was best to get out of there before he said something he shouldn’t. Knowing him, he would end up putting his foot in up to the groin. He was almost at the door when Jeremy stopped him.

  “Have you spoken to Maddie today?”

  Jace paused. He had tried to stop thinking so much about Maddie, but it was impossible. He couldn’t stop himself. The damn woman was like a drug.

  “I found her at the hospital. She was coming out.” His hand went to his breast pocket, where he had placed the ultrasound. “She gave me a picture of the scan.”

  Jeremy sat up. Now he was looking interested.

  “May I see?”

  “Sure.”

  Jace slipped out the picture and went back to the desk. Jeremy took the photo and sat back staring at it in amazement. Jace knew Jeremy could smile but he hadn’t seen it much. Now that he was seeing it, he was surprised at how much it softened his features. The love in his eyes was strong. This man, the president of Broken Hounds, was a softie inside.

  “My little niece or nephew.” He grinned and passed the picture back. “I’m hoping for a niece.”

  Jace chuckled, trying not to snatch the photo from his boss’s fingers. This was something he was keeping close to his heart regardless of everything.

  “I’m happy either way.”

  And he was. He didn’t care what sex the baby was, as long as it was healthy, and he got to hold the little bundle in his arms. Someone to love him and who depended on him.

  Jace was beginning to realize that he wanted someone to depend on him.

  “So,” Jeremy sat back, lacing his fingers across his stomach. “How are you and Maddie going to manage raising a child? Think you’ll be able to cope?”

  “I’m sure we’ll be fine co-parenting.”

  “Co-parenting?”

  “Yeah.” Jace knew that wasn’t what Jeremy wanted to hear, but that was the best even Jace could hope for. He shrugged when he saw the confusion. “I think, once we’re focused on raising our child, we’ll be fine.”

  “I see.” From the tone of his voice, Jeremy didn’t. He was disappointed. “And what about you two?”

  This was a conversation Jace didn’t want. But this was, potentially, his brother-in-law. He wouldn’t let it go until he got the answers he wanted.

  “She doesn’t want anything to do with me, Jeremy. She’ll let me be in the baby’s life, but she doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

  “She’s still adamant on that?”

  “Yes, she is.” Jace took a deep breath. “I’m not bothered, though. I screwed up with her and I understand that she still hates me. We’ll leave it at that.”

  Jeremy shook his head, his face turning into a scowl.

  “I don’t like this at all.”

  “Well, I won’t be able to change her mind. If that’s what she wants, fair enough. She’s the mother.” Jace turned towards the door. “I’d better get in the shower. I stink.”

  Maddie would be fine raising a baby on her own, but Jace knew he hadn’t been honest with Jeremy about being all right with Maddie being a single mother and sharing custody. He was bothered, and he wanted more.

  But Maddie didn’t. He would have to swallow that bitter pill and get on with it.

  Chapter Eight

  Maddie had enjoyed the pasta bake with Beth, but now it was getting late and she was hungry again. Now the anti-sickness tablets were working, she was suddenly very hungry and craving more garlic bread. Beth hadn’t even raised an eyebrow when Maddie ate the entire stick at dinner.

  So now she was working away on a lasagna, just to stop the hunger. It was going to backfire on her during the night when she needed to stagger for the bathroom, but Maddie was willing to risk it. She would rather throw up than suffer from hunger pangs.

  The baby needed all of what it could get.

  The lasagna was nearly ready. The garlic bread had already been cooked and Maddie was snacking on it as she pottered around the kitchen, cleaning up after herself. She placed the things she had used into the sink, ready for washing. There was another load of washing that had magically appeared out of nowhere. She was ready for an evening in and a day off the next day, which she was going to use to sleep.

  Suddenly eating and sleeping were all she wanted to do.

  The lasagna was moments away from beeping in the oven w
hen there was a knock at the door. Maddie tensed. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Finding her gun on the coffee table, Maddie went to the door. After the Wild Leopards unexpected visit, she wasn’t taking any chances.

  A quick glance in the peephole told her that it wasn’t a Wild Leopards member. But it wasn’t Beth or Jeremy.

  What was he doing here?

  Quickly debating with herself, Maddie unlocked the door and opened it. Jace was standing on the doorstep, now dressed in black jeans and a black shirt open at the neck. He had freshly showered and shaved.

  He looked good. Really good. Why did he have to be so attractive? Maddie swallowed.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Can I come in?” Jace held up his hands in surrender. “I’m not here to fight.”

  Maddie didn’t think he was going to fight, but she was still unhappy with him. He didn’t have a right to lay a claim on her. But he seemed to have come here in peace and Maddie could work with that.

  She also couldn’t find it in herself to turn him away right now.

  “Okay. But on condition I keep my gun out.”

  Jace’s mouth twitched in a smile.

  “After what I did today, I don’t blame you.”

  Maddie grunted and stepped to the side. Jace entered and Maddie gasped as his arm brushed across her breast. Her nipple tightened, and she could feel it rubbing uncomfortably against her bra. From the glint in Jace’s eye, he knew exactly the reaction he was getting from her.

  Biting back a growl, Maddie shut the door. She stepped around Jace, being careful not to touch him, and went into the kitchen.

  “I’m just making dinner.”

  “This late?”

  “Yes, this late.” Maddie raised her eyebrows at him. “I’m a hungry pregnant woman. I think I’m allowed.”

  Jace chuckled.

  “Fair enough. What are you making?”

  “Lasagna.” Maddie paused. She decided to take the plunge and extend a small olive branch. “You can stay, if you like.”

  Jace grinned.

  “An extra sprinkle of cheese and you’ve got me.”

  Maddie folded her arms, making sure he saw the gun.

  “I wasn’t making it for you, Jace.”

  “Sorry.” Jace backed down and nodded at her. “That would be lovely, thank you.”

  Maddie grunted and put her gun on the counter. Then she pushed the plater of garlic bread over.

  “Help yourself. It won’t be long.”

  She fetched another plate and cutlery just as the oven beeped. Maddie turned to see Jace getting it out the oven and placing it on the hob. Then he took the plate, knife and fork from Maddie without a word and set it out on the counter before taking a chunk of garlic bread and munching on it.

  When was the last time a guy had helped her in the kitchen? Maddie couldn’t remember.

  She shook herself out of her thoughts and found a serving spoon. Jace handed her the plates one by one and she dished up. Her lasagna was looking good and the aroma was making her mouth water. This was going to be a good meal.

  Hopefully, Jace would think so, too.

  They sat at the counter and Jace tucked in. Maddie was slow in her eating, watching as Jace ate half of the lasagna before slowing down. He seemed to be eating it with gusto and genuine delight. That was good; Maddie liked it when people enjoyed anything she made.

  “This is really good.” Jace’s voice was approving. “You’re a good cook, Maddie.”

  Maddie felt her face going red. If that had been Beth or Jeremy, it wouldn’t have been a big deal. But this was Jace, someone else entirely. It felt good to have him compliment her.

  “I don’t cook much,” she admitted as she sipped at her water, “But when I do, I enjoy it. I never liked shop-bought lasagna and you couldn’t go wrong with my mother’s recipe.”

  “You certainly can’t.” Jace took a big gulp of water. “I love lasagna. I haven’t tasted anything this good in a while.”

  That made Maddie feel good. They ate in silence for a while, Maddie realizing that she enjoyed the quiet. There was something about sitting here with Jace that was actually very comforting and calm. It wasn’t awkward at all. Maddie was aware of the spark between them, something she tried furiously to ignore, but she wasn’t nervous. Quite the opposite.

  What was it about this man that Maddie found so homely? This wasn’t right at all. Maddie was confused, and her head was spinning with why this was happening. She lowered her fork.

  “Jace…”

  “I’m sorry about earlier.”

  Maddie blinked.

  “What?”

  Jace sighed and leant his elbows on the counter, staring at his plate.

  “I went a little overboard. There’s nothing between us and I shouldn’t have said what I said.” He glanced up at her. “I’m sorry.”

  Maddie was flummoxed. She had never heard Jace say sorry for his actions in his life. She managed a startled smile.

  “Apology accepted.”

  Jace grimaced and rubbed a hand over his face.

  “But there is something about that man that set me on edge. I don’t know what it is, but my gut was telling me something was wrong. I didn’t like him near you. And hearing that you work with him…” Jace shook his head. “I shouldn’t have got so over-protective. I’m sorry.”

  Maddie sipped at her water. Her stomach felt like it was full of butterflies.

  “I can handle Martin Roberts,” she smiled. “But it is nice to have someone in my corner. Just don’t do it too often, though. I can fight my own battles.”

  “I know.”

  Jace smiled at her and Maddie found herself falling into his dark eyes. Suddenly, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to be sitting there sharing dinner with him. It didn’t feel strange at all. It felt…normal.

  Maddie had been looking for that for a long time. A sense of normality, or a smidgen of it considering who her family were. Jace wasn’t exactly able to give her normality in everyday life but it was close enough.

  Jace looked away, breaking the moment, and reached for his glass.

  “I also came by to tell you something.”

  “Oh?”

  “I got a job.”

  “Really?” Maddie was surprised. “You don’t need to do that.”

  “You want me to contribute to the baby, yes? I can’t do that if I haven’t got money coming in. So, I got myself a job, so I could put money towards the child.” Jace gave her a pointed look. “I’m not a callous man and I won’t be described as a deadbeat to my child.”

  Maddie was surprised he had managed that at all. She didn’t doubt Jace’s ability to get a job but she had momentarily doubted him being able to save money for the baby. Now she was chastising herself for doubting Jace in the first place.

  He was a bad boy, for sure. But he wasn’t a bad person. It just hid a lot of the hurt he was carrying.

  And she had a feeling she knew where Jace had gotten the job so quickly. She narrowed her eyes at him.

  “You’ve got a job with Broken Hounds, haven’t you?”

  Jace shrugged and smiled.

  “I’m an enforcer. Jeremy’s put me on the payroll.”

  Maddie was impressed. Jeremy didn’t give those jobs out lightly and certainly not to new members. She whistled.

  “I don’t know what you said to him, but it must’ve been big.”

  “He’s protective of you. He wants to make sure I do right.”

  Maddie grunted.

  “As long as you do right by the baby, you’ve got no arguments from me.”

  “Fine.”

  They finished their meal in silence. Maddie broke off some more garlic bread and munched on it, watching Jace as he polished off another helping of lasagna. He really did like her food.

  As she watched him, Maddie wondered about Jace. Why did he come back? Come to think of it, why did he leave? He had left for college and never came back, not even for the holiday
s. His father had been killed the summer before Jace left. Maddie had always wondered if that was the cause.

  At the same time, she had been glad he had left. It meant no more tormenting and Maddie could be herself without looking over her shoulder all the time.