Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club:: Fifteen Bad Boy Biker Books

by Kathryn C. Kelly

  Roxy sighed. Kendall had been doing so good this entire evening. To divert an argument, Roxy smiled at Meggie.

  “Next week dinner is at your place, huh, sugar?”

  “Um, yeah. I’m not sure what’s on the menu, though.” Hearing her husband’s annoyed curse, Meggie craned her neck toward the bar. “I know I’m serving buttered rum,” she added, distracted.

  Outlaw moved to the other side of the bar, away from Kendall and her antics. The girl needed to be shaken until her fucking teeth rattled.

  “We have so much fun at your house, Meggie,” Zoann said with a wide smile. She winked at Roxy. “I vote for holding the dinners there all the time.”

  Laughing, Meggie focused on her sister-in-law. “Save you from cooking and cleaning, right?”

  “Did I say that?” Zoann asked with mock innocence.

  They all laughed as Kendall returned, leading Knox to Roxy. He bent and kissed her cheek, a bemused look on his face.

  “Kendall just informed me that my manners were lacking,” he explained. “I didn’t greet you as I should have.”

  Crossing over Meggie, Kendall returned to her seat and crossed her legs. From her tight smile and tense shoulders, it was obvious she didn’t like Knox.

  “You look lovely tonight, Roxy,” he said without missing a beat, unconcerned at being the center of attention.

  “I wish I could offer you a similar compliment,” Roxy returned. “Since I can’t, I’ll keep my fucking mouth shut.”

  Knox flushed, then crouched next to her. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I…this was unworthy of me. I should’ve shown more respect. It sure got Outlaw’s attention.”

  “Oh, please, asshole,” Kendall hissed. “You got Outlaw’s attention from the first moment you arrived. His instincts are bar none.”

  Knox lifted a brow. “Your husband doesn’t have a problem with me.”

  “Johnnie isn’t required to have a problem with you,” Meggie said coolly. “It’s Christopher’s job to protect his club members.”

  “Protect them from what, Megan?” Knox asked, pouncing immediately. “Certainly not me. A lowly legal assistant.”

  Kendall laid her hand on Meggie’s arm and cleared her throat. “Meggie’s right. Johnnie can kiss your ass in front of the entire club. If Outlaw thinks you’re here to do harm, he’ll know.”

  Instead of helping, Kendall and Meggie were raising Knox’s suspicions even further. To divert his attention, Roxy leaned into him. “Let me say this and then close this fucking subject,” she said, touching his bicep, appreciating the hardness. “He’s the way he is because he’s been betrayed on more than one occasion. He’s street smart. Staying a step ahead is a skill he’s honed over the years to a fine art. That’s what the girls are saying. He distrusts strangers.”

  “I’m sure Brooks wouldn’t have brought me into your midst if he didn’t think I could keep the secrets he’s shared with me.”

  Alarm raced through Roxy as she wondered exactly what the attorney had blabbed to Knox. Did the man have no survival instincts? If he betrayed Outlaw this time, there’d be no saving him. Judging by Kendall’s sudden paleness, she knew it, too. Charlotte Redding might be a selfish bitch who wanted to bend Kendall to her will, but Brooks truly cared for her. If she lost him, it would be a huge blow to her.

  “What has he shared with you?” Meggie asked before Roxy found her voice.

  “Who? Brooks?” Knox asked.

  Also known as Dumb Motherfucker #1.

  “No, Johnnie,” Kendall sneered.

  Dumb Motherfucker #2. No, maybe he was number one. Roxy would debate that later.

  Knox, Dumb Motherfucker #3, grinned.

  “Of course she meant Brooks,” Kendall snapped.

  “Nothing important,” Knox said casually, his eyes burning with gleeful triumph. “At least not to me. He mentioned if he hadn’t betrayed the club, Outlaw, he could’ve lived his days on a golf course instead of being confined to a dark, dingy little room.”

  Meggie’s eyes widened, then narrowed.

  Yes, in damn deed. Brooks was definitely Dumb Motherfucker #1.

  Roxy huffed out a breath, her mind racing to try and correct this disaster in the making. She was pretty sure Knox had recorded the entire conversation. She’d have to report this to Outlaw, for damage control.

  Kendall’s shoulders slumped and her eyes watered.

  Wanting to comfort her and reassure her that she’d do all she could to save Brooks, Roxy stood, forcing Knox to his feet. Another long, intense stare passed between them. Knox knew what a fine motherfucker he was. If he were anybody else, she might’ve given in and let nature take its course. She couldn’t in this instance, though. No matter how she enjoyed prepping and primping. No matter how alive his consideration made her feel.

  She dragged her attention back to the matter at hand. “Come on, sugar,” she said to Kendall. “Let’s get the food on the table. We’ve socialized enough.”

  Fee got up and went to Kendall, sitting on the arm of her chair and whispering to her, while Meggie squeezed her hand. Zoann was glaring at Knox. Even Bunny and Bailey sent the man evil glares.

  The show of solidarity satisfied Roxy. These girls stuck together when it counted. They had the foundation for a rock-solid, long-lasting sisterhood. They just needed a little tweaking.

  Roxy clapped her hands together. “Dinner in five minutes.”

  Misery darkening her face, Kendall stood. “We can adjoin to the dining room. I’ll set everything out.”

  “I’ll help,” Meggie volunteered.

  “Yeah, me, too,” Zoann added.

  “We can all pitch in,” Roxy reassured them. “Why don’t you gentlemen take your places at the table?”

  “I’ll run up and see if Ella needs anything,” Bunny said, referring to Kendall’s nanny who was watching over Matilda, Ryder, and Lou while Diesel, Outlaw’s adopted son, helped with the older kids.

  Kendall raised her hands. “No. I can do this. I’ll be fine. Everyone, take your places.”

  “Since when you serve us dinner?” Val grumbled as the women stood and the men joined them.

  Johnnie reached Kendall’s side and frowned as he took in her woeful expression. “Shut the fuck up, Val.”

  Val settled his arm around Zoann’s shoulders. “You said it yourself, John Boy. You like it to be at Outlaw’s because…”

  “Of the way Meggie cooks,” Kendall hissed, her sadness clearing as well as all the friendliness she’d exhibited to Meggie, shooting daggers at her, Val, and her husband.

  “You, motherfucker, workin’ on my last goddamn nerve,” Outlaw snarled just as Meggie yelled, “Omigod, you’re a moron, Johnnie.”

  “Why is this becoming such an issue now?” Johnnie demanded. “Admiring Megan is nothing new. To say it is, creates unnecessary drama.”

  Outlaw stalked to Johnnie. “You know why the fuck the shit an issue now? Your bitch actin’ like she got a fuckin’ brain in her fuckin’ head, but some of the bullshit she do your goddamn fault. My girl the one fuckin’ bitch Kendall can’t fuckin’ stand.”

  “That isn’t true!” Kendall screamed, laying her hand on her belly. “You fucking asshole. I don’t hate Meggie.”

  “Well, you don’t fucking like her,” Zoann said sarcastically.

  “You the motherfucker that turn your bitch against my bitch,” Outlaw went on as if neither of the girls had spoken. “I been tellin’ her for fuckin’ ever she ain’t Megan. She ain’t ever gonna be Megan. But I think I been tellin’ the wrong motherfucker. You the motherfucker need to realize Kendall ain’t Megan. She fuckin’ Kendall.”

  “Jesus Christ!” Johnnie snapped, his eyes frosting. “What the fuck is wrong with you people? Kendall’s on her medicine, so she needs a role model. Is it so bad that I’ve used Megan?”

  “Yes!” everyone yelled.

  “This is just what I’m talking about, Johnnie,” Kendall said tightly.

  Roxy stepped forward, inserting herse
lf between Outlaw and Johnnie, facing Kendall. At the moment, she wasn’t sure if Brooks or Johnnie claimed the top spot as a dumb motherfucker. Maybe, it was a tie. Both of them acted as if they didn’t have a fucking brain, especially where their wives were concerned.

  “Hold on, sugar. Let me try to explain shit to this brain dead motherfucker.”

  “Excuse me?” Johnnie spat.

  He turned an angry glare on Roxy. A moment later, Knox settled himself next to them, close to both Outlaw and Johnnie, as if he was offering his protection.

  “Don’t explain anything to Johnnie, Roxy.” Kendall lifted her chin. “It’s a lost cause.”

  “It isn’t!” Johnnie fumed. “I didn’t say fuck all about Megan.” He pointed to Val, looking as if he’d rather fuck him up. “He did.”

  “Wait!” Val said in a loud voice, holding up his hands, glancing uneasily at Zoann. “Kendall, what the fuck you feeding us?”

  Folding her arms, she sniffed. “Braised kale and carrots. Lentil soup and seven grain bread.”

  “I rest my fucking case,” Val grumbled. “I don’t even know what the fuck that shit is.”

  “Cuz you a stupid motherfucker,” Outlaw barked, “that don’t know when to shut the fuck up.”

  “Roxanne, what you got to say?” Mortician asked.

  “Yeah, Mama, do something,” Bailey encouraged.

  First of all, she needed silence. Otherwise, her words would fall on deaf ears. “I can’t do a fucking thing if all of you keep running your mouths,” she pointed out.

  “Shut the fuck up, assfucks,” Outlaw ordered. “Let Roxanne talk.”

  Instant silence fell. Roxy wondered if Knox was taking note of this. Outlaw had control of each and every situation he found himself in. Knox was looking at the judge, jury, and executioner. He needed to bow out before he was taken out.

  But she couldn’t even warn him since Outlaw suspected he was bugged. Of course, if he were out of his clothes, she could always tell him.

  Fuck, if she wanted him the fuck out of his clothes, she didn’t have to use a fucking excuse. She just needed to guide him in that direction.

  “Roxanne, you fuckin’ plan on talkin’ to-fuckin-day?” Outlaw growled.

  Clearing her throat to cover her embarrassment, Roxy returned to the matter at hand. “Johnnie is right. He’s always pushed Kendall to act like Meggie in the house. I don’t know where the fuck you motherfuckers been at. You let him do it, sugar,” she said, pointing at Kendall. She raised up her hand and started ticking off fingers. “First. You were so busy resenting Meggie because of him and other reasons—” Mainly, Meggie had Outlaw— “you couldn’t set your husband straight. He’s your man.” Finger number two. “Second. You needed to open your fucking mouth and tell him he’d be missing a few fucking teeth if he kept trying to turn you into another bitch.” Finger three. “Third. He needs to realize who the fuck he’s married to. You’re not Megan. On the other hand,” she added at Kendall’s self-righteous nod, “he’s not Outlaw.”

  Tension spread in the air at that and Roxy swore she heard teeth gritting. She didn’t want to cause trouble, but this had to be said. The bullshit Kendall did by the bar a little while ago was uncalled for. She didn’t even like Outlaw. Roxy knew that for a fact. She needed to check herself and stop fucking with him.

  “Fourth. You demand respect. He’ll give it to you. And doing the shit Charlotte tells you to do. Getting into shit you shouldn’t. Fighting with the girls. None of that is getting his respect. His attention? Yeah.” The wrong kind, though. “Be a grown fucking woman, Kendall, and take control of your life. Handle your business.”

  “I don’t know how,” Kendall said, near tears.

  “Yes, you do,” Roxy insisted. “You know what your mama did?”

  “God, yes! I can’t—”

  “Stop saying you can’t,” Roxy commanded. “So you can do everything opposite that she did. Part of your problem is you’ve been such a raging bitch because Meggie enjoys being at home, you can’t bring yourself to learn anything about running a house. Cooking, looking after your kids, and keeping your house up, don’t make you any less of an independent woman.”

  Wrinkling her nose, Kendall poked out her bottom lip.

  Roxy shook her head. “Stop being a fucking snob,” she snapped.

  “Stop talking to my wife like that,” Johnnie warned.

  “Or what?” Knox demanded, drawing everyone’s attention.

  “Fine,” Roxy agreed, appreciating Knox’s quick defense of her. “I’ll talk to you like that, Johnnie. Stop being a dumb motherfucker.”

  Anger flashed across Johnnie’s face and Roxy lifted her chin.

  “I can always put you out, Roxanne,” he said coldly.

  “Put me out, motherfucker,” Roxy said, taking offense. “I got a fucking house to go to. I don’t need to be in this bitch.”

  “Where? As I see it, you’re living off your daughter and son-in-law,” Johnnie spat.

  “Johnnie, son, shut the fuck up,” Mortician ordered. “Roxy there because we want her there and even if she was living off us, you don’t have fuck to say about it.”

  “I’m leaving,” Roxy said with as much dignity as possible. The words were unworthy of the man she thought Johnnie to be. She’d never known him to be so condescending and mean-spirited. “I don’t mooch off anybody. If you think I’m living off Mort and Bailey, then you don’t think I belong here.”

  “No, Mama, wait,” Bailey called. “If you leave, I’m leaving.”

  “That’s not necessary, baby. These are your friends.”

  All the girls raised protests, begging her to stay. She shook her head.

  Outlaw glared at Johnnie. He looked as if he wanted to blast Johnnie to hell and back, but thanks to Knox’s presence kept his peace.

  “Roxy, if you leave, you’ll ruin my dinner party,” Kendall said. “I want you here. Please, don’t go.” She shifted her weight, looking distinctly uncomfortable. “I need you here.” She glared at Johnnie.

  At that, Roxy capitulated. Awkwardness had dampened the enjoyment of the evening. This was the reason Meggie had kept silent. Even Outlaw had merely moved away from Kendall’s annoyances rather than make a scene. She suspected he did it for Johnnie rather than Kendall. Not that it mattered. They were all adapting in consideration of family.

  “Okay, sugar. I’ll stay.”

  “You will?” Kendall asked in surprise. “I-I mean, your own daughter asked you not to leave and you turned her down. I’m nothing to you.” She frowned at Bailey. “Aren’t you jealous?”

  “No, Kendall,” Bailey said softly. “I know my mother loves me, so I don’t mind sharing her with all of you. She’s our mom now. And you are something to her. You’re one of her “babies”,” she explained, using air quotations.

  “Val, can I talk to you in my office?” Johnnie asked casually, not giving the man a chance to reply. He grabbed him by the back of his T-shirt and manhandled him away.

  “Fuck, John Boy! I was just pointing out the obvious.”

  “Shut the fuck up,” Johnnie snarled, disappearing down the hallway.

  “Be right fuckin’ back,” Outlaw said, heading in that direction.

  “Yeah. Me, too,” Mort added. “I just remembered I need a fuckin’ smoke and Red don’t like me to do that around her.”

  Knox looked at Digger. “What about you?”

  “My ass hungry. Let them do whatever the fuck they have to. I’m ready to fucking eat.”

  “You’re always ready to eat,” Kendall told him. “I’m surprised you aren’t as big as a house.”

  “That’s low, Kendall,” Digger grouched. “I do more than eat. I fuck, too.”

  “Obviously,” Kendall said with a sniff. “Bunny wouldn’t be pregnant otherwise.”

  A yelp and a loud thud greeted them. Knox frowned, gazing in that direction.

  “What’s going on?” he asked.

  The girls all looked at each other, their stares bla
nk.

  They needed to check their bullshit while Knox was present. Val’s ass beating could’ve waited. This was adding fuel to Knox’s fire, stoked by Brooks opening his big mouth.

  Roxy hooked her arm around Knox’s. “Don’t worry about them. Let me show you to the dining room so we can get ready to eat.”

  When the men returned, Val had an ice pack on his nose and a cut lip, obviously from having his ass kicked, although Knox couldn’t prove that, since no one admitted anything. As usual. As a matter of fact, they went on as if nothing had happened.

  Even Johnnie and Kendall seemed to have moved past whatever battle they had going on. Megan and Outlaw were wrapped in one another, but, somehow, still engaged in the overall conversation, dragging themselves away from their private dialogue that made her blush and giggle and Outlaw rumble with laughter, to offer comments. Every now and then Mortician fed Bailey food, and she returned the favor while Zoann and Val shared private jokes after an initial discussion that seemed quite serious. Knox picked up on Digger being the prankster of the group, with the way he’d lean down and hold conversations with Bunny’s belly. No one left Fee out, even though she was there alone. A teenage boy had joined them, as much a part of this crazy family as the rest of them.

  The kids sat at a smaller table. Like his father led the adults, CJ ruled the kids.

  Despite Outlaw’s claim that he didn’t like Knox—despite Knox behaving like a tool and putting himself above them—the man included him and the others followed suit.

  There were no diabolical plans of torture and murder. They talked about a range of topics; the men—brothers—teased each other mercilessly amidst a lot of cussing, laughter, eating and drinking.

  Roxy more than held her own. Not that Knox expected anything different from her. She was as formidable as she was beautiful and the women deferred to her. She was like a den mother, fiercely protecting her cubs.

  Once dinner ended, they all convened back to the den, but this time, the men and women sat together to continue the conversations that had begun at the table. Diesel, the boy, once again ushered the kids away.

  Knox sat on the sofa next to Roxy, breathing in the scent of her perfume and feeling the vibrations of her laughter. A bout of guilt hit him. She’d invited him to spend time with her because of her overwhelming attraction to him and he was using his sex appeal against her. More than that, though, Outlaw had moved on from the ass beating he’d given Knox, accepting him into the fold, even forgiving him for not considering this event worth the effort of a shave. Because of Knox’s ability to fool him, Outlaw had relaxed and now trusted him.