by Chiah Wilder
Three weeks later
Banger stood in the middle of the great room, holding Harley and swaying back and forth as he sang along softly to Sister Christian by Night Ranger. The old ladies chuckled under their breaths as they ran around, making finishing touches to the party the club was throwing for Belle and Banger. Kylie grinned as she walked by her dad, making her way over to Addie to see if she needed any help. Her dad had proven he was nothing but a big old softie, kissing, hugging, and carrying Harley every chance he had, and Belle loved it because it gave her time to rest. Her baby brother had brought a gaiety to the household, and even Emily smiled more than Kylie had ever seen her do.
“Start bringing out the salads,” Addie said while she smoothed down the blue-checked tablecloth on the banquet-sized table. “Emily, if you’re not going to help, then can you please watch Paisley and Hope? Cherri’s in the kitchen warming up her chili, and I’m too busy to keep my eyes on the kids.”
“What about Chas and Jax? They should be watching their kids instead of drinking beer.”
Addie, Cara, Baylee, Doris, and Marlene stared at the young woman for a second, then burst out laughing. “Yeah. Right. Like that’s gonna happen.”
Emily walked over and scooped Hope up in her arms, then tucked Paisley’s hand in hers. “It just seems like the workload for these parties is very unfair. Why do we always have to do all the work? The men in this club need to bring their asses into the twenty-first century.”
“Most men need to do that,” Cara said, smiling. “I can’t tell you how many Thanksgivings, Christmas Eves, and birthday parties I’ve been to where the women planned, cooked, and cleaned up for the event.” She shook her head then placed the rolled napkins with utensils on the table.
“Yeah, you’re right, Cara. I can’t remember a Thanksgiving where Ruben helped me with the dinner. And afterward, all the men are glued in front of the TV watching football while the women tackle the dishes and greasy pans.” Doris pulled her hair back into a ponytail. “It’s just the way it is. If you think too hard on it or try to change ‘em, you’ll go fuckin’ crazy.”
The women laughed, but Emily twisted her mouth. “I won’t put up with that from any man. He either helps with the food and dishes, or he doesn’t eat. Are you with me on this, Kylie?”
Kylie shrugged. “I know what you’re saying, but I don’t think men are going to change. I mean, we do the cooking, and they do the protecting. I love knowing my man has my back and would fight to the death to keep me safe.”
“Your man? Are you holding out on us, Kylie?” Baylee said.
Kylie turned a bright red. Damnit. How could she let that slip out? She shook her head and opened up the large bag of pretzels Cara had given her to put in the bowls strewn across the tables. As she filled each one, she stole glances at Jerry, and each time she did, he met her gaze. How she longed to go over and kiss him in front of everyone. Jerry was right—she had to tell her dad. Jerry had wanted to come over and do it many times over the past three weeks, but her dad had been so happy with Harley and everything, she didn’t want to see him angry.
“How’s Harley doing?” she asked, standing next to Banger.
“Sleeping. Damn he’s fuckin’ cute.”
She smiled and ran a finger gently over her brother’s tiny hand.
“Don’t even think about helping,” Addie said loudly, causing Kylie to turn toward the table that had begun to fill up with food. She saw Belle holding a big pot of something, the steam dancing above it. “I’m not joking, Belle. Give me the pot of beans and go sit down. This is a party for you, Banger, and Harley. We’ve got everything under control.”
Belle began to protest when Banger’s baritone voice rang out. “Woman, come over here. Your man needs you.”
Emily sighed and rolled her eyes while she played with Paisley and Hope.
Kylie moved away when Belle came over, and Banger hooked his arm around her and kissed her on the lips. The couple stood close together with Harley in the president’s arms. As Kylie watched her dad, Belle, and her brother, a wave of longing came over her, and she yearned to be with Jerry in the way her dad was with Belle. She shuffled toward the kitchen to see if the old ladies needed any help.
“You can place this dish on the table,” Cara said as she handed Kylie a huge Pyrex pan. “Be careful—it just came out of the oven.”
Kylie breathed in the aroma. “Smells delicious. What is it?”
“Eggplant parmesan. I made it for one of the barbecues last summer and all the guys wolfed it down, not realizing it was eggplant. It was too funny. They thought it was chicken or something. You know, if I would’ve told them it was eggplant, they would’ve made a face and not tried it. So for the members, it’s chicken parmesan.”
Kylie laughed. She loved that Cara always brought a tasty Italian dish to family parties. She placed the dish on the table just when Addie went over and turned off the music. “Food’s on.” The sound of barstools and wooden chairs scraping against the floor filled the room as the brothers eagerly made their way to the food table.
Kylie grabbed a plate and stood in line, then turned around when she felt someone’s leg brush against hers. “Hey,” Jerry said huskily. Tingles ran through her. “You cook any of this?”
“No.” She licked her lips.
“You’re gonna have to cook for me sometime. You know how to do it, right?”
She nodded, then placed a large scoop of potato salad on her plate. “Do you?”
“Nah. The microwave is my stove, and the phone is my cook.”
She giggled “Do a lot of takeout, huh?”
“Yeah. Am I gonna see you later?” he whispered.
She nodded. “Try the chicken parmesan. Cara made it, and it’s so good.” She smiled mischievously. He took a large portion.
Kylie was thrilled that Jerry was sitting at a table with Axe, Baylee, Jax, and Cherri. Since the old ladies were there, her dad would be cool with her sitting with Jerry. Everyone talked, laughed, made toasts to the new parents, and ate too much. Kylie looked around the room and was filled with a deep sense of family, loyalty, and closeness that only the MC could provide. They were a family who struggled, cried, laughed, and partied together. Each of their worries was shared by the whole club. When Kylie was in danger, they all jumped to help her. The enormity of their love and respect for one of their own always blew her away.
After they’d devoured all the food and the women had washed and put away the dishes, some of the brothers played pool while others sneaked off to have some fun with the club whores who’d been relegated to their rooms. Club girls and old ladies never shared the same space at the same time. It was just the way the Insurgents’ world worked, and everyone knew their place and respected it.
Jerry sidled up alongside Kylie. “Where’s your dad?”
“I saw him go out to the back porch. He’s probably smoking a joint. Why?”
He grasped her hand and pulled her behind him to one of the small rooms off the hallway leading to the back porch, closing the door behind them. “I wanna talk to him.”
The hard edge in his voice made her stomach lurch. “You can’t be serious. Now isn’t the right time.”
“When is the right time? You’ve been telling me that for too long. You’re not gonna tell your dad, are you?”
“Of course I am. I told you I’d do it. I know my dad better than anyone. You have to trust me on this.”
“I get that, babe, but I’m the man and I have to tell your dad. I love you and want to be with you. You love me and want the same thing. It’s simple.” His gaze lingered on her mouth. “Give me your lips.”
Before Kylie could say or do anything, Jerry captured her mouth with his and kissed her deep, her insides melting as they always did when he kissed her. He crushed her to him, his hands cupping her ass, and she forgot that her dad was only about twenty feet away. All she could do was feel: tingling nerves from his touch; butterflies fluttering in her stomach; soft, warming str
okes.
“I’m so in love with you, Kylie. I can’t fuckin’ stand it anymore.” Jerry sucked her neck gently.
“I love you too,” she murmured.
The door flew opened and Ethan and Jack stumbled back. “We didn’t think anyone was in here. Whatcha doin’, Kylie?” Ethan asked.
“Just hanging with my friend. You know Jerry, right?”
Ethan scrunched up his face when he looked up at him. “Sure. I thought he was your boyfriend.”
“No. Why would you say that?”
“ ‘Cause I am.” Jerry put his arm around her shoulders.
“See?” Ethan turned to Jack. “Isn’t this the room your dad told us the baseball and mitts were?”
“I think so.” Jack said, his eyes darting around the room.
“They’re in the small room in the gym downstairs. You know where it is, Jack,” Jerry said.
“Oh, yeah.” His face lit up. “Come on, Ethan.” The boys rushed away, their footsteps loud on the stairs.
“Come on,” Jerry said to Kylie, then stepped out of the room, and her heart thumped wildly as she followed him to the back porch.
They caught Belle and Banger kissing, the moonlight streaming through the screened windows, bathing the couple. Kylie glanced at the loveseat and saw Harley snuggled under a yellow blanket in his baby carrier. Banger pulled away and raked his gaze over Kylie and Jerry standing so close together.
“Sorry, Dad. I didn’t know Belle and Harley were with you.”
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on Jerry. “What are you doing back here?”
Kylie saw the apprehension on Belle’s face as she sat down next to her baby. “We just needed some fresh air.”
Jerry took a few steps forward. “Actually, I wanted to talk with you.”
Here we go. Kylie’s stomach was in knots. Banger lifted up his beer bottle. Jerry gripped her hand, and she saw her dad’s beer freeze in mid-air. Shit. Now all Hell’s going to break loose. Damnit.
“What do you wanna talk to me about?” Banger asked, his voice a low growl.
Jerry rubbed his hands on his jeans. “About something very important.”
Banger furrowed his brow. “Go on.”
Jerry fixed his gaze on Banger’s. “I’m deeply in love with your daughter. I’m asking you permission to date her properly. I know you don’t like me, but before you jump to conclusions, you have to know that I would never hurt or cheat on Kylie. I’ll always respect her and give her the life, love, and attention she deserves. She loves me too, and it’s important that you’re okay with our relationship.”
There was a tense, awkward pause. Then Banger stepped forward. “You done?”
“I love her,” Jerry repeated.
“So you both been seeing each other behind my back again? Did you forget about the agreement you made at church ‘bout never seeing or being with Kylie if you wanted to keep your patch?”
“I didn’t forget. I tried, but it was no good. If I have to choose, I’ll lose my patch. Kylie is my life.”
Kylie noticed her dad’s eyes grew wide for just a second when Jerry told him he’d take her over his patch. A warm, fuzzy feeling radiated through her, and she squeezed his hand. “Dad, I know you told me to stay away from Jerry, but I love him. Remember when you told me you wanted me to be happy and—”
Banger turned his hard gaze on her. “You fuckin’ disobeyed me.”
“How can you expect two people who love each other to stay apart? Why would you want to see your daughter miserable?” Belle said softly, reaching out to grab Banger’s hand. He turned to her, and Kylie swore she saw tenderness pushing away the steel in his eyes. “What if someone told you to stay away from me? Would you?” Belle touched his cheek with the back of her hand. “Well, would you?” Banger pressed his lips together and shook his head.
“And grandpa wasn’t crazy about you when you were going out with Mom, but you pursued her anyway, and you guys got married despite what grandpa said,” Kylie whispered, cringing at the way her dad glared at her.
“I’ll treat Kylie like a princess her whole life.”
“Her whole life? What the fuck you talkin’ about? She’s not even twenty yet. She’s not getting hitched.”
“I’m with her until she tells me to go away, and then I’ll still be with her.”
Banger looked at Kylie, and she forced herself not to look away. “You really love him, or is this some crush shit you got going?”
She shook her head. “No, Dad. I really love Jerry. I think I always have.”
He blew out a big breath. “I purposely kept you away from the hardness of this life. I sheltered you so you wouldn’t come and tell me what you’re tellin’ me now. Fuck. I didn’t want you to end up with a biker.”
“How couldn’t I? You were the best mentor and role model in my life, and you were a biker. It’s in my blood, Dad.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose it is.” He ran his hand through his hair. “If I say no, are you still gonna see him?”
She looked down. “Yes,” she said softly.
“Figured as much. I just don’t want you hurt. I want you to be happy and have a good life.”
“I’m happy with Jerry. It’s time I start making decisions about my life. You have Harley to protect and coddle now.”
“I’m here to make sure she’s happy and safe.” Jerry put his arm around her.
Banger shook his head. “I don’t give a fuck if you’re sixty damn years old, you’ll always be my little girl.”
“I know, Dad. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Banger waved his hand. “Come on over here.”
Kylie slipped out of Jerry’s arm and went over to her dad, who hugged her tightly. Over his shoulder, she saw Belle grinning. Kylie winked at her then kissed her dad on his cheek. “Thanks for being the best dad ever. Harley’s so lucky to have you as his father. And so am I.”
Banger drew back, and Jerry stepped in to fill the space. “I will treat her well,” he said.
“You’re fuckin’ right you will.”
“How long are you guys going to stay?” Kylie asked.
“I’m tired to the bone.” Belle stood up and placed her hand on Banger’s shoulder. “You ready to go?”
“Yeah.” His gaze stayed fixed on Kylie and Jerry. “You comin’ home tonight?”
Feeling funny, she nodded. “I’m not ready to leave yet. I’ll probably be late.”
“You watch her, you hear?”
“Always.” Jerry met Banger’s piercing stare.
Sighing, he grabbed the baby carrier in one hand and Belle’s hand in the other. As they left the room, he looked over his shoulder. “I still gotta decide ‘bout the patch. You disobeyed the brotherhood, and even though you explained why, your loyalty belongs to the club. I’ll let you know.”
“Do what you have to do.”
When Banger closed the door behind him, Kylie whirled around. “They can’t take away your patch! That’s a crock of shit. I’m going to tell my dad not to do it.”
“You’re not gonna say anything, babe. This is club business, and I disobeyed the condition of keeping my patch.”
“I’ll feel awful if this goes badly for you.”
Jerry shook his head. “This has nothing to do with you. Don’t own this. I knew the consequences, and I didn’t care. I only want to be with you. If I had to do it all over, I wouldn’t change a thing.” He pressed her against him, and placed his hand under her chin, tilting her head back. “You’re so fucking beautiful, and you’re mine. Don’t ever forget that.”
She grasped his biceps, digging her nails deeply into his flesh. “And you’re mine.”
“Forever, babe,” he rasped, then devoured her mouth. Kylie melded into him, loving how their bodies fit so well together.
She clasped her arms firmly around his neck, welcoming his hot tongue as it plunged into her mouth, and her body tingled with desire and elation. She finally had all of him, and she was e
xactly where she wanted to be.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
One month later
“If I even catch you looking at another woman, I’ll beat your ass. You treat my daughter with the utmost respect or I’ll fuck you over good.” Banger had his finger in Jerry’s face.
Jerry wondered if he’d gone completely insane asking Kylie to be his old lady. With a father like Banger, he should’ve just headed for the hills. But his sweetie was too precious and lovable, and he was willing to put up with Banger’s scrutiny for the rest of his life if it meant having Kylie next to him forever.
Jerry still couldn’t believe Banger hadn’t kicked his ass yet. He’d been positive that after all the shit with Mark had died down that the president would’ve made Jerry’s suffering his next priority. At first, Banger had given him the evil eye whenever Kylie wasn’t around, but Banger had grown less hostile toward him over time, and Jerry figured he was growing on the president. In about thirty years, Banger may actually like him.
“I’d never disrespect Kylie. You know that, Banger.”
“You’re fuckin’ right you won’t, ‘cause if you do, you’ll have me to reckon with.”
Belle’s voice filtered through the screen door. “Let them get on their way, honey.”
Banger gave Jerry the evil eye for the umpteenth time, then smiled at Kylie and retreated into the house.
Jerry scrubbed his face with a hand. “Fuck. You’re dad’s gonna ride my ass for the rest of my life. Does he ever get over things?”
Kylie flashed him a sly grin. “Nope.”
“That’s good to know,” he muttered with a wry smile of his own. “I won’t expect things to change.”
She laughed. “He’ll soften up when he gets more used to us being together. He didn’t think you were going to ask me to wear your cut so soon.” She pressed into him and whispered in his ear. “I’m so happy that you did. I’ll wear it with pride.”
“I love seeing you wear my patch. The shit Banger’s putting me through is worth it, if I can have you.” He brushed his lips against hers.
She smiled and drew back slightly. “You’re coming to Margo’s barbecue.” As was her habit, she wasn’t asking him—she was telling. He chuckled. She was just like her old man.
