by Debra Kayn
She peered up at him. Her pursed lips faltered. "Your family's coming tomorrow, on a Friday, and Silver Girls is open to the miners that night...and the next night. I should stay here with the girls."
"I want you with me at the club." He walked her over and sat on one of the benches placed on the sidewalk in front of the building. "The girls are more than able to take care of themselves and I'll be leaving a couple members here to make sure everything stays quiet. On Sunday, all the girls can come out to the club and get to know everyone."
She sat down beside him and gazed out at the street. He waited, but she continued to avoid telling him what was bothering her. They'd gone over the schedule. He had no problems letting Silver Girls stay open. Hell, his dad, Taylor, Rain would enjoy seeing what practically fell into his lap on arrival to Federal.
"I'm not the kind of woman that men take home to their family," she said so softly, he almost missed what she was saying.
Anger coiled inside of him. He'd like to punch every single person who made her feel like she wasn't good enough.
"Bull shit, angel," he said.
"I'll come out to the club for an hour, meet everyone, and then drive myself back to town," she said, rubbing her thighs below her shorts. "It'll be fun, and I'll feel better knowing I'm here if the girls need me."
He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees, and clasped his hands together. They came from two different worlds, and he wanted to give her time to learn how things were done in the club. As his old woman—
He let his chin dip in disappointment in himself. Shit.
He'd made no formal claim on her. It was too soon. She was too different. She'd barely gotten used to having men camp out in the girls' rooms. Much less, have him showing up every night, because he couldn't make himself sleep on the floor at the club when her soft body and sweet smelling bed were here in town.
"I have a lot going on." She licked her lips and rubbed them together. "I didn't tell you, but on Monday, I drive up to the state penitentiary to see my mom. It's just better if I stay here until then."
He turned his head. "You still visit your mom? In prison?"
She nodded. "A couple of times a year. My birthday and at Christmas."
"Your birthday's Monday?" he said, sitting up.
"Yeah. I know it might seem strange to you, but she's my mother," she stated.
He chuckled. "Angel, you have no idea how fucking normal that is in my life. You'll come and stay at the club, and Monday, I'll take you to see your mom—"
"Oh God, no." She stood and faced him. "Why would you want to?"
He laughed, because damn she was sweet. "Trust me. Spending a day letting you visit your mom is not going to traumatize me."
In fact, Risa opening up and worrying about how he'd react endured her to him. They weren't so different. Each of them carried their own past on their back. Maybe it was time, someone helped lighten her load.
"You don't—"
"Sh." He held up his hand and tilted his head. "Listen..."
A low rumble came from the distance, growing louder. He grabbed Risa, planted a kiss on her that she'd remember for the next several minutes, and pulled her off the bench.
She stood dazed and gasping. "What was that for?"
"That, angel, was happiness." He slung his arm around her shoulders and walked to the edge of the sidewalk. "Hang on to me, because you're about to meet my family."
"What?" Her arm went around his waist. "They're not supposed to be here until tomorrow."
He lifted his chin and gazed down the street. Several seconds ticked by, seeming longer than necessary. Finally, he relaxed and grinned. "It's them."
Rain, leading the club, rode ahead of everyone with his wife, Tori, sitting behind him.
Behind him was Kurt's dad, Slade, riding with Taylor, who waved over her head.
Torque and Brandy came next, on a new Harley.
One after another, the Bantorus first riders filled the street. The only ones missing were Jedman, Pete, Bruce and his old lady, Kristen. Rain must've had them hold down the bar and business while they were gone.
Behind the procession two large moving vans with full trailers continued driving past. He held up his hand in greeting. The truck drivers were already instructed to head on out to the club where his men would see to unloading.
A black Mustang came around the corner, honking up a storm, music blaring through the sunroof and open windows. He squeezed Risa to his side, surprised to see Lilly joining the caravan this trip. The little shit must've talked Rain into letting her come along.
The engines cut off. His dad held a hand over his shoulder, letting Taylor off the bike first. Kurt took Risa by the hand and met his step mom halfway. Only when they were face to face, he let go of Risa to hug Taylor.
"Missed you," Taylor squeezed him tight.
He returned the hug and kissed Taylor's forehead. "I'm glad you came with Dad."
There was more he wished he could say, but he kept it to himself. He brushed the back of his knuckles against the scar running along Taylor's cheek. The flash of pain in Taylor's eyes wasn't lost on him, and the familiar burning in his chest remembering what she'd gone through settled in on him. Someday, he'd kill every Los li member for what they'd done.
"Good trip?" he asked.
Taylor laughed, and he was glad to see he'd diverted her attention from the past. "It was your dad's idea to leave a day early and surprise you. My ass is killing me, and I don't think I'll ever get the feeling back in my thighs."
"You don't know what you're talking about, woman." Slade joined his wife on the sidewalk, grabbed Kurt in a bear hug, and lifted him off the ground. "We're just ahead of schedule, and we stopped for lunch."
"Grabbing a burrito out of a gas station isn't lunch, honey." Taylor grinned, rolling her eyes.
"Hey, Dad." Kurt slapped his dad's back.
Kurt had reached the same height as his dad, but to him, Slade Ramchett would always be larger than life. He'd watched his dad fight for everything he owned, while still loving his family. It was hard to see that his walk was slower, his hair had more gray, and there were a few more wrinkles around his dark eyes.
"Hell of a town, son." Slade gazed at Risa, ignoring the building. "Beautiful place."
Kurt put his hand on Risa's back. She trembled, but her strength had her smiling. He kissed her temple. "Risa, this is Slade and Taylor, my parents."
"Nice to meet you," Risa held out her hand, which both of his parents' shook.
"This is a nice surprise," Taylor glanced between Kurt and Risa. "Are you from Federal?"
"Yes, my whole life." Risa glanced at Kurt and gave him a tight smile.
"Risa was renting the Sterling Building when I arrived. After talking with her, I decided to let her continue if she let me go in on the business," Kurt said, trying to ease the discomfort Risa was going through.
"What kind of business?" His dad asked, stepping back and eyeing the brick building. "There's no sign."
Risa leaned into him. He looked at Risa, giving her a chance to share herself, but she remained quiet.
"An entertainment club for the men in town," he said, letting Risa off the hook.
Risa pinched his side. He held her tighter. She'd have to learn that his family wasn't like the others in town she was used to dealing with.
"You're kidding?" Taylor grinned. "Do you have any poles inside? I always thought Rain should add poles to the bar, but Tori wouldn't let him."
Risa coughed and looked to Kurt. He only grinned. She deserved all the shock she received, because she'd unfairly judged him.
"Um, yes, there's two...we only entertain the men in public within the building, and it's perfectly legal," Risa pulled away from him.
He regretted letting her take the question. Fear made her defensive. However, she had no idea she was safe and could be herself around his family.
Before he could intercept any more enquiries, Taylor said, "I saw a woman one time dance
on a pole and swore I'd learn how. I never did, but it sure looked fun. Can you show me the inside? I'm fascinated."
Risa's back stiffened, her chin came up, and she said, "We're closed right—"
"Yeah, give us a minute." To salvage the moment, he backed Risa up against the building, ignoring his parents. "Look at me, angel."
Risa snapped her eyes on Kurt's face. He tilted his head and gazed up at the sky. Damn, she was something when her temper got the best of her.
He returned his attention to her. "I'd appreciate it if you'd show Taylor and anyone else who wants to see the inside of the building around. They're not going to disrespect you, and they're not here to judge you."
"Everyone judges," she said through clenched teeth.
He kissed the tip of her nose. "Damn, angel, I'd love to take you upstairs and try to ease you back into a better mood, but I'm going to ask you to give me an hour to get everyone settled, and then I promise you, if you still want to ditch me and stay in town for the weekend, you can if you have a good reason. But, you talk to me...no going all silent, because angel, I don't have time to deal with a woman that wants to trip me up every step I take."
"An hour," she said, pushing off the wall.
He grabbed her hand, pulling her back. "Forgetting something?"
"No," she said, challenging him.
He chuckled, because he wasn't afraid to take a kiss in front of the whole damn world, much less his family. "I think you are."
A huge suffering sigh from her had him grinning. She kissed him quick, glared, and marched over to the door where Taylor waited. He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. Damn, he liked how she walked when she was pissed.
"Got a handful of attitude with that one." His dad reached over and squeezed the back of Kurt's neck. "She reminds me of the old ladies when they get together and decide to try and stand up to the club."
Kurt inhaled deeply, pleased at the comparison. He wanted Risa in his life, though he had no plans for the future. He'd take every day she gave him.
"She's a strong woman," Kurt said. "I'm not sure others see that quality in her, but she blows me away with her ability to live with a fucked up past."
"She's your business, so I won't pry, but I'm here for you if you need an ear." His dad gave him one more squeeze before letting go. "Keep your eye on the club and don't lose track of what you've built."
"Right." He nodded, knowing his dad was right. "Have you heard from Lee? I've left a couple messages since I got here, but he's not returning my calls."
"He phoned Taylor last week. He's down in California staying with Lagsturns MC." His dad paused. "He said he's fine, but will be there for a couple of weeks. I don't know what the hell he's doing, but I'm going to find out."
"Lagsturns? What the hell." Kurt lowered his voice. "What's going on with them?"
"We haven't heard a word, and that's bothering me. All updates have stopped coming in." His dad lifted his chin in Rain's direction. "Prez is thinking about sending a couple of riders down to Cali when we get back."
"Good. Let me know what comes out of it, and if you need any help." Kurt inhaled deeply, not liking the sound of Lee anywhere close to Lagsturns MC.
Rain approached him, holding on to Tori's hand. Kurt stepped forward, happy to see the man who gave him a start, and gathered Rain in a man hug, slapping his back. "Damn good to see you, prez."
"You too, son." Rain held Kurt's face between his hands and studied him. "Still in one piece, that's good."
"Yeah." Kurt saw past the stern glare and cocky stance to the man he'd admired his whole life, to a man who'd raised a daughter and a wife in the best possible way, within the Bantorus MC.
Rain continued to look at him, until Tori wiggled her way between them. "My turn."
Kurt laughed, kissing Tori's cheek. "I'm glad you came too."
"You or Rain couldn't stop me." Tori flipped glasses atop her long, blonde hair. Her eyes, misty and tired, blinked up at him. "Proud moment for us all. The next generation. Bantorus is expanding, and everyone's happy."
Uncomfortable under the praise, Kurt gazed over Tori's shoulders and shook his head in amusement. Lilly, Rain and Tori's twenty-year-old daughter, hurried down the sidewalk in heels as if she were born to strut.
Before he knew it, Lilly leaped at him. He caught her around the waist, gave her a hug, and set her back on the sidewalk. "You get my men in trouble again, and this time I won't protect you."
Lilly flung her long, golden hair over her shoulder and crossed her heart. "That wasn't my fault, I swear. Sawyer can't hold his liquor."
"You're not supposed to be drinking," Rain muttered. "You're underage."
Lilly raised her brows and blinked dark eyes that Kurt swore hid every thought of hers from his view. "I can in a few months. I only dared them to see who could drink the most. I was the judge, and really, Dad, it was spring break. You should be happy that I was staying on Bantorus property. Girls my age are usually going to Fort Lauderdale or hitting the west coast."
"Hell..." Rain tipped his head and gazed up at the sky. "Save me from daughters."
Kurt enjoyed watching Rain squirm, and had to admire Lilly for being unafraid of pushing the boundaries. Overprotective, Rain kept a tight rein on his daughter...except when he wasn't. Lilly had a way of finding trouble.
He looked around the circle of family members and said, "While you guys stretch your legs after your ride, I'll go in and set things right with Risa—"
"Who?" Lilly asked.
"The owner of Silver Girls." Kurt grinned, enjoying not telling her more.
He slapped Rain and his dad's shoulder and walked into the building. Lilly squeezed through the door before he could close it.
"Is Ink here?" Lilly asked quietly.
Kurt frowned. "Stay away from him."
"Oh, I am." Lilly shrugged. "I'm only curious, you know, so I can stay far, far away. I don't want Dad to kill him."
"He's at the club outside of town. You'll see him tonight." Kurt gave her a stern look. "You won't have to worry about your dad killing him, because I'll kill him first if he lays a hand on you. Do you understand?"
She crooked her finger for him to lean down closer to her. When he did, she kissed his cheek, and hurried over to Taylor before he could scold her more. He shook his head. She'd always been a pain in the ass to him, and most of that came from her knowing damn well any one of the bikers would bend over backward to make sure she stayed happy. She inherited her momma's sweetness and her dad's power to manipulate.
Kurt's attention shifted to finding Risa. He spotted her on the other side of the room, her shoulders—still stiff and pulled back concerned him. He watched her nibble on her lower lip while nodding her head, listening to Taylor talk. Risa was obviously holding up to the pressure of meeting his family, but if he didn't get her alone and out to the club, he was afraid that tight control she held would snap.
Chapter Fifteen
The loud ruckus downstairs wafted into the upstairs apartment. Risa paced the living room, staring at Kurt in disbelief. He lounged on her couch, gazing back at her with amusement in his eyes.
"You're going to have to talk to me sometime," he said.
She shook her head. How could she verbalize every thought in her head when nothing made sense?
"The guys are waiting for me to lead them out to the club, and I'm not going without you." Kurt hooked his hands behind his head and leaned back, putting his boots on the coffee table.
She pointed at the door. "Go."
"No."
She widened her eyes and spoke louder. "Yes."
"No." He grinned.
"I can't go." She held her hands up in the air at her sides. "They've already seen too much of what goes on here. The miners are downstairs, the girls are shaking their asses, and even your stepmom is enjoying the entertainment."
"Angel—"
"No, don't angel me. Do you know Taylor asked if I'd give her lessons on how to work
a pole? Work a pole." She groaned. "Even that child, what's her name, Lilly? She's down there too. I think I saw her dancing."
"That child is almost twenty-one years old. An adult. She can dance if she wants," Kurt stated.
She scoffed. "She's underage. I have a liquor license, so that means no one under the age of twenty one years old can be in here during business hours."
"Don't worry about it. She's got a fake ID." Kurt stood.
"God, that's unbelievable..." She changed positions with Kurt and sat down on the couch, letting him hover over her. "You can bet Sheriff Colby is outside waiting to come in here and arrest me."
Kurt scooted the coffee table, sat down in front of her, and held her legs captive between his. "Is that what's bothering you?"
"Yes." She shook her head. "No. "
Kurt waited and when she didn't elaborate, he said, "Talk to me."
"Your dad and stepmom...they accepted me, Kurt. I mean, I could tell that they really respected me for what I do and it has nothing to do with why I run an entertainment business, but respect for finding a way to succeed in a small town and fill a need. Taylor told me she admired me for what I've accomplished." She swallowed hard, afraid she'd cry.
Ever since she brought Taylor into the building and Kurt's stepmom talked to her like a real person, taking an interest in what she did for a living and showing appreciation for supporting Kurt, she'd wanted to bawl. Not cry, but lie on the couch and sob into the pillow kind of bawl.
What kinds of people do that? They didn't know her. She could be four kinds of bitch, divorced six times, and murdered three of those exes, while the remaining three sat rocking in the corner of a mental institution.
She leaned forward and covered her face with her hands. "They're going to hate me when they find out the truth."
Kurt removed her hands and held them between his. "Taylor works in a biker bar. My dad works in a garage. Together, they've battled the mafia, a loan shark, harbored my brother and I while shit happened that could've changed their life for the worst. I won't go into all the details, but every member of Bantorus MC has something they've had to do in the name of finding themselves. They do it, because they all want to love themselves and love others. You are not your mother. You do not have to pay for the choices your mother made."
