by Shyla Colt
“Yes, very good job. She’s going to come and live with us, and take care of you while Daddy works. What do you think about that?”
“Is she nice?” Rocket whispered.
The hesitant tone and fear-laced hazel eyes made Demon wince. Fuck, I should’ve figured that bitch out long before she fucked up our kids. “Yes, very nice. She’s a big sister, just like you’re a big brother, and she has three younger siblings.” He held up three fingers.
“Wow,” Rocket whispered.
“Fwee,” Harley said, waggling four fingers in the air.
Demon smiled. “Almost, kiddo.” He smoothed the hair back from her face.
“What’s her name?” Rocket asked. Demon could hear the curiosity in his voice, but the wary looked remain.
“Her name’s Ardy.”
“Ardy?” Rocket wrinkled his nose. “That’s weird.”
“No weirder than Harley and Rocket. In this case, I’d say don’t throw stones,” Demon said, delivering a wink.
“Awy,” Harley cried.
“Yep, good job, Harley. She should be here any minute.” Demon decided to take things down and keep it private. Pizza for dinner in the hotel room, a treat for the kids, and a laid back environment for Ardy. It let them meet on neutral ground. A knock sounded.
“I bet that’s her,” Demon said. Rocket crossed his arms over his chest and huffed. “Hey, she’s nothing like Natasha. I promise.” Rocket refused to look up at him, and the knock came again. Demon sighed. “You’ll see.” He ruffled his sandy blond curls and walked to the door with an excited Harley on his heels. He opened the door, and Ardy looked up with wide brown eyes.
“H—hi.” Her voice wavered. With her dark hair spilling around her oval face and down her back, she looked like a teenager in the moonlight instead of her actual twenty—three.
“Hi, Come on in.” Demon stepped back from the door with Harley clinging to his leg.
Ardy stepped inside and glanced down at Harley, with her light brown curls, skin the color of coffee with cream, and large hazel eyes. He saw the moment she realized his children were mixed, the same as she was. “Oh.”
Demon smirked and closed the door behind her, giving her a moment to gather. Demon at home was a different breed from the president of the Dueling Devils.
“Hi.” Harley peaked from around his legs and waved.
“Hi, Harley.” Ardy smiled and waved back.
Harley gasped. “She knows my name, Daddy.”
“Yeah, she must be really smart.” Demon winked and turned to Rocket. “Rocky, this is Ardy.”
“Hi,” Rocket mumbled.
“Hi, Rocket.” Ardy knelt down. “My name is Ardy.” She stuck her hand out.
His son’s head came up, and he eyeballed her, clearly unsure of how to take the new adult. Rocket stuck out his hand, and they shook.
“Now that we’ve all met, how about I order some pizza? Cheese and pepperoni okay for you, Ardy?”
“Yeah, that’d be great.” She eyed him cautiously. Her hazel eyes were full of mistrust, and her body remained stiff. A few feet away, she stood with her hands shoved in the pockets of her jeans.
“Why don’t you and the kids get to know each other better while I order the pizza?” He pretended not to watch them as they continued to interact. Harley brought her dolls, already enamored with the new female playmate. There were so few decent role models for her to have, he couldn’t say it surprised him. Not many of the brothers had families, and of the few that had kids, most weren’t married and didn’t see their offspring on a regular basis.
As the night wore on, Harley became Ardy’s shadow, and Rocket thawed slightly. The tightness in Demon’s chest eased. This would work. The Devils were entering a transitional phase, and he needed to know Harley and Rocket were safe while they expanded and he spent more time away.
After bathing and putting the kids down for the night, Demon led her out onto the patio to talk. She shifted her weight from side to side and looked everywhere but at him. “Did you bring your things?”
“Yes, they’re in the trunk of my car. I didn’t know how we were going to do this, so I left them.” She shrugged.
He nodded. Her nervousness ate at him. After the shit he’d seen with his mom and dad, he never could stomach to see a man abuse a woman. Not to say he wouldn’t defend himself from some crazy bitch. He’d just never use her for a punching bag. “Look, I’m not going to hurt you, Ardy. You’re here to watch over my kid’s, period. No one’s going to fuck with you, okay?”
She took a deep breath. “Okay...”
“This isn’t about revenge on your dad; you just happened to fill a gap. You can relax. Hell, you might even enjoy the change of scenery. Georgia is still the south, but we have a completely different vibe from North Carolina.” A small smile curved her plump lips at the corners, and he bit back a moan. It’s been too long since I got some trim if a coy smile is giving me a hard-on. “I figure we can ease them into things. I’ll bunk on the couch for a few days, and once they’re used to having you around, I’ll move to my own room. Do you have any questions for me?”
“Is there anything I need to know—allergies, favorite toys, or routines they’re particular about?”
The awkwardness melted away as they spoke about their common interests. Soon she knew all the pertinent details, and many of his children’s quirks. With her settled in the hotel room, he couldn’t help but hope the luck in his personal life was looking up. It seemed like one shit storm after the other over the past five years. If they weren’t in the middle of war, he was neck deep in baby mama drama that just kept getting worse. Now there seemed to be a lull. They were working on a peace agreement with a neighboring motorcycle club, referred to as the M.C., and making new deals to bring in money. It was a good time to be a member of the Dueling Devils.
Chapter Two
A knock sounded on the door, and Ardy took a deep breath. Demon had given her fifteen minutes to get ready. Today, she’d meet the rest of his crew. She wiped her sweaty palms on her shirt, smoothing it down over her hips. I can do this. Heart hammering in her chest, she walked to the door and opened it.
“You ready?” With his shades covering his eyes and a white t-shirt spread taut against his muscular frame, Demon was a modern day James Dean.
“Y—yes I’m ready.” She nodded.
“Good, I hate it when a woman takes forever. The kids are going to be driving with Danielle. So, you’re coming with me.”
“I’m sorry, what?” she croaked.
He smirked. “Ever been on a chopper?”
“A few times. I just wasn’t expecting it.”
“Riding in on the back of my bike will warn people off you faster than any word of mouth.”
“Oh.”
He laughed. “We need to get you up to speed on a few things, sweetheart. It’s been a long time since we had such an innocent among our ranks.”
His laughter took years off him. Like this, he was almost approachable. She stepped out of the room, ignoring the voice screaming in her head that she wasn’t ready, and locked the door behind her. All of her identification was in a small satchel she carried across her shoulders. He glanced down at her and frowned. “I can’t let people take advantage of it. My men are good guys, but the road can be long and lonely, and you’re fresh meat,” he said. The words brought home the seriousness of her situation. Most times, she pretended it was just another babysitting gig to make money. The meeting would make it very real.
She ignored the stares of the townspeople she’d grown up with as she followed him to his bike. The massive machine was almost as intimidating as its owner. Black and shiny with a Dueling Devils emblem on the tank, it screamed powerful. He handed her a matte black helmet and tilted his head to the side. “You know how to get on?”
“I know at least that much,” she said dryly. God, this guy probably thinks I’m an idiot.
“Just checking. Better to assume than have you bust that pretty l
ittle ass of yours.”
Heat filled her cheeks and spread up her neck. She cleared her throat.
“Should I have said butt?”
“No, ass is fine,” she whispered.
His white teeth caught the sunlight, and she was reminded of a wolf—beautiful, masculine, loyal, yet deadly when challenged. He swung his leg over the side of his bike and mounted with the grace of a dancer. One with his bike, he exuded a confident competence that said he could handle anything thrown at him. His large hands were calloused and tan, a laboring man’s hand, like her father’s. She climbed on behind him, using the peg to boost her body up and get her leg over before she sank down on the seat behind him.
“Not bad for a newbie. Soon enough it’ll be like breathing air. Wrap your arms around my waist and hold on tight.”
She licked her lips and encircled his waist gingerly.
“You’re going to have to hold on tighter than that.” He reached back, cupped her elbow, and gave it a gentle nudge. She responded, tightening her grip. “There you go.”
The beast roared to life beneath them, and she gasped as the vibrations traveled through her body. The bike began to move, and she leaned against him, allowing his broad shoulders to block the wind. Her hair flew out behind her and, for a moment, she let her mind go blank and found freedom. The hum spread through her body, and she breathed in the fresh air. With the long hours she’d been putting in, free time had gone out the window. At this moment, work schedules and money troubles were a thing of the past. She closed her eyes and remembered the girl with dreams of leaving Denton, having adventures, and discovering herself away from family and the small town that liked to pigeon-hole.
They entered the town, and he weaved his way to an area behind a massive white tent.
“This is set up to advertise for our shop. We do everything from overhauling and custom work to tune-ups.” Demon removed his helmet, and she did the same. “Pretty much everyone you need to know right away will be here. I had them come in early to give you time before we open for business.”
“Sounds good,” she said.
“Don’t be nervous. I gave them the rundown, and despite the exterior, we’re really not that scary unless you fuck with us.” He winked.
Then we won’t have any problems.
He put the helmets away in his saddle bag and offered his hand to help her off. Nerves came back full force. She wiped her hands off on her shorts once more and followed him around to the front of the tent. The flaps were down, but she could hear the buzz of conversation and laughter going on behind the scenes. Like a child who’d wolfed down too many sweets, she placed a hand on her aching stomach. He pulled back the flaps and revealed a bustling room full of vest—wearing men, and a few women.
“Don’t be shy, go on in.” Demon placed a hand on the small of her back and carefully guided her in. Warmth spread up her back. She shuffled inside, and he stood close behind her. A loud whistle pierced her ear drums, and she cringed. All movement in the room came to a halt.
“Now that I have everyone’s attention, this is Ardy. She’ll be watching Harley and Rocket from now on.” Demon applied pressure to the small of her back, steering her the way he wanted her to go. Despite the arrangement, he made her feel safe. The only known factor in a room full of strangers, she deferred to him.
Fifteen minutes later, her mind was stuffed with names. New information leaked out her ears, and her head hurt. “Demon, why don’t I take the poor girl to get something to eat before the shop opens and it get’s even crazier? This is a lot to take in.” the petite blonde, Danielle, said.
Demon paused, and Ardy held her breath, silently praying he’d agree.
“Sure. I bet the kids are hungry too. Harley, Rocket, go with Dani and Ardy to get lunch.”
“Yes.” Rocket cheered, jogging over to stand beside them with Harley at his side. The two tiny beings happy and thriving among such a rough—looking bunch of people created a stark contrast that blew her mind. She’d never thought much about the bikers beneath the surface, what they did when they weren’t taking care of business. Suddenly, the velvet curtain had been pulled back to allow her to see the great wizard, or in this case, flesh and blood men.
They meandered around talking about merchandise, prices, and specials they wanted to push. Still dazed, she barely registered Demon telling the kids to be on their best behavior, and Dani guided them out of the tent.
“You doing okay?”
“Huh?” Ardy turned to look at Dani.
“I said, are you doing okay? It’s a lot to take in at once,” Dani said, smiling.
“Yes, it is,” Ardy said, allowing her stiff limbs to relax as they walked down the crowded strip toward the food mecca in the center.
“You’re taking it all in stride considering,” Dani said.
“No offense, but why are you being so nice to me?” Ardy said.
Dani paused. “I love these kids, and they deserve someone who’ll do right by them. Demon too, though he’d kill me if he knew I said that. You seem genuine. It’s a breath of fresh air we could all use.”
Ardy narrowed her eyes. “I sense there’s a story there.”
“There is, but it’s not mine to tell.” The blonde shrugged. “You know how it is.”
“No, but I’m learning. I mean, you can’t live in this town and be completely ignorant, but I’ve never been close to anyone who knew the inner workings.” Ardy smiled sheepishly.
“It’s more common sense than anything. Don’t run your mouth, start shit you can’t finish, and keep the club’s business inside the club. We operate under the family first clause only. The club is our family.”
“I can get that.”
Dani smirked. “Yeah, from what Demon told me, I can imagine you would.”
The familiarity touched a nerve and her eyes widened. “Are you and him?”
“Oh no.” She shook her head. “We’re both second generation, raised together in the Dueling Devils. We’re more like brother and sister than anything. The thought of getting into bed with that asshole makes me sick to my stomach.”
Ardy gasped.
Dani laughed. “Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy, and he’s a pretty piece of flesh. I’ve just been around and seen too much.” She shrugged.
“I get you. I never could understand what girls saw in my baby brother, Liam.” Ardy rolled her eyes.
“How do hot dogs and fried sound for lunch?” Dani said loud enough for the kids to hear.
Rocket and Harley cheered, and Ardy found herself pulled into the special brand of magic children possessed.
They ordered a combo and opted to eat in the bench area set up. Ardy soaked in the information Dani provided between bites of food. By the time they polished it all off, Ardy felt a lot less apprehensive.
“You sit here and marinate while I take the little monsters to the bathroom.”
“Dani?”
The blonde paused and glanced over her shoulder.
“Thank you for everything. Life is a whole lot less scary with you around.”
Dani winked. “I like you, Ardy.” She nodded and disappeared into the crowds.
“Funny how things change. You sure as hell aren’t on your high horse now, are you?” a masculine voice said.
Ardy turned around and rolled her eyes. Brad. Being the mayor’s son, he was used to getting everything he wanted, which meant the chocolate brown-haired boy with brilliant hazel eyes didn’t taken rejection well.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Ardy said, refusing to meet his gaze. She’d learned a long time ago the best thing to do with bullies was ignore them.
“Please, everyone’s talking about how your daddy pawned you off like some kind of whore.”
Her head snapped up, and she saw red. “What did you call me?”
“I bet you’re wishing you hadn’t turned your nose up at me now, aren’t you? I could’ve helped you out of this pickle. Instead, you had to go to these savages. Their kind
of filth will never rinse off.” Brad sneered, making a mockery of his cupid’s bow lips.
“As usual, you’re off the mark. What I’m doing is nannying, and I’d never come to you, Brad. You only want what you can’t have.”
“Uppity bitch.” Brad spat the words out like poison, but she’d grown used to ignoring it.
“I’m sorry, was that supposed to hurt my feelings?” She gifted him with a bored expression. His face turned red, and he took a step forward. She opened her mouth to rip him a new asshole, and her words lodged in her throat. Demon stood behind him. His lips were pulled into a straight line, and his eyes practically smoldered.
“Is there a problem here?” The rumbling voice made her want to hide underneath the picnic table. Did he hear the entire exchange?
Brad tensed and slowly turned to face Demon. “No, no problem at all. Just a misunderstanding.”
“Not what it looked like to me,” Demon said. “I don’t like it when my people are fucked with. You might want to remember that for future reference.”
The blood drained from Brad. “Look, man, I wasn’t trying to disrespect you.”
“No, just her, right? ‘Cause it makes you feel like a real man to harass a woman?” Demon scowled. “Run back to your daddy while I’m feeling forgiving.” Brad glared at her before he turned on his heel and stalked away. “An ex of yours?” Demon asked.
She grimaced. “I’d never have such a lapse in judgment, that’s his problem. He wants what he can’t have, spoiled prick.”
“Figures. I know his type.” Demon shook his head. “Weak people with power like to lord it over others because they know deep down they ain’t shit.” The venom in his words made her look at him with fresh eyes. That was the voice of experience.
“It’s okay. I could’ve handled him. I’m tougher than I look,” she said. He glanced at her and arched a brow. She laughed. “Well, when I’m not so nervous.”
“I told you no one would hurt you,” Demon said.
