“Do you like it?” he asked with uncertainty as she stood in silence, staring at the ring.
“I love it, Knox,” she told him, the truth. Yet, somewhere, she’d read or heard that having such a prominent culet invited evil spirits to enter the ring and put a curse on the wearer.
Logic told her it was just old New Orleans legend, where voodoo queens and ghost legends featured as prominently in the city’s history as real people. But each of Roxy’s previous marriages had failed and she’d prefer not to invite catastrophe into her union with Knox.
She loved him so very much.
“Sweetheart, if you would prefer your own ring…”
The swift kiss she pressed against his lips interrupted him. “No, Knox. It is beautiful. I’m honored to wear it.” He still held her hand, so she pulled free from his grasp, to hold her hand up.
Taking the hint, Knox offered his heart-stopping smile and slid the beautiful ring onto her finger. He stood, and Roxy stepped into his embrace.
“I love you, Knox,” she said, shaking from all the emotion flowing through her. Despite her overwhelming happiness, she couldn’t shake her sense of foreboding.
He kissed her temple. “And I love you, sweetheart.”
“Oh my God, Momma!” Bailey squealed as she rushed up to Roxy. “Let me see the ring.”
Mortician held his hand out to Knox. “About time you make an honest woman out my momma-in-law.”
Roxy had no choice but to step out of Knox’s hold. “We’ll celebrate later,” she whispered with a wink.
He smiled at her.
“We have a wedding to plan,” Bailey said as the other girls rushed up to view the engagement ring.
“Chile, please,” Roxy said. “I’ve been married three times already. There’s no way in hell I’m having a big wedding. All it would be is a big goddamn party. Who the fuck would bring us wedding gifts?”
“You’ve got to have a big wedding,” Bailey insisted, her face falling. “I could help you plan it.”
Mortician winced.
He and Bailey had gotten married in Las Vegas. Although Bailey had never once complained, as a child, Roxy knew her baby had had dreams of a huge wedding.
“This important to Bailey, Roxanne,” Mortician said.
“Ummhmmm.” Roxy gave him an under-eyed look. “I know what the fuck else is important, too, but I don’t see you bending over backwards to give my baby the big wedding she’s always wanted.”
Mortician scowled. “Your ass just had to go there, huh?”
“Sure the fuck did. Keep your nose out my goddamn house and take care of your own.”
“Mama! Lucas!” Bailey cried, then grabbed Mortician’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I wouldn’t change our wedding for anything. I’m perfectly happy with our Las Vegas marriage.”
“Roxanne telling the truth, Bailey?” Mortician asked sullenly, giving Roxy the side eye. “You always wanted a big wedding?”
“What the fuck you mean am I telling the truth, boy?” Roxy snapped. “Why the fuck would I lie about that?”
“Okay, people, this is getting out of hand,” Bailey said through tight lips. “As a little girl, I dreamed of a huge wedding, Lucas. But I was a child, so—”
“So you got every fucking right to want to see that dream come true,” Mortician cut in.
“Even if we do eventually have a “big”—” Bailey used air quotations— “wedding, we won’t do it now. This is Momma’s time to shine and she should do so with a fairytale wedding, the kind she’s always dreamed of.”
“The kind I’ve already had,” Roxy reminded Bailey. She could’ve kept her fucking mouth shut with the way every motherfucker ignored her.
A thoughtful looked crossed Mortician’s features before he smirked at Roxy. “Tell you what, pretty girl, how about we have a double wedding? Then, all your dreams would come true. You’d have your fairytale marriage and your momma would get hers just like you want her to have.”
Bailey’s eyes lit up, while Roxy threw Mortician a look that called him several types of motherfuckers.
“Are you willing to do that, Momma?” Bailey asked, awed.
“For you, baby, sure,” Roxy responded, thinking of ways to seek vengeance on Mortician’s head.
A huge grin curved Bailey’s mouth and she gave Mortician a look of adoration.
Seeing her daughter’s happiness, Roxy supposed she’d let the motherfucker off for his scheming that suddenly had her locked into a big wedding.
Behind them Kendall stood, looking so lovely in her couture gown, on the fringes of the women she both loved and hated. Though she’d come with her husband, Johnnie, Kendall also looked completely and utterly alone, unsure of where she fit in. Johnnie wasn’t around. He’d brought Kendall and abandoned her.
For the time being, Roxy would let her be. Either all her sins would sink into the girl’s head and she’d learn from them. Or she wouldn’t.
“Roxanne,” Knox called, pulling her into his arms and wrapping her in his embrace. “What do you say we get out of here and celebrate our engagement?”
Grinning at his sexy smile, Roxy met his gaze and placed her arms around his neck. She kissed his lips. “I think that’s a wonderful idea, sugar,” she murmured, ignoring the catcalls, hoots, whistles, and hollers.
Knox dropped the mic and grabbed her hand. Roxy’s pussy throbbed, imagining all the things Knox would do with his hands, lips, tongue, and cock.
Val stepped in front of them and folded his arms as Mortician placed his hands on Knox’s shoulders. “Nah, son,” her son-in-law said with a shake of his head. “No hanky-panky ‘til you make a honest woman out of my momma-in-law.”
“What?” Roxy screeched, dropping Knox’s hand and rushing around him to glare at Mortician. “Get the fuck out the way, motherfucker,” she snarled. “You are fucking with my fucking.”
Mortician glowered at her. “I didn’t hear that.”
“You sure the fuck did,” Roxy snapped.
“Roxanne, sweetheart, let me handle this,” Knox implored, tugging her behind him.
“Val, get the fuck out of their way,” Zoann, his wife, ordered. “Or else.”
“No, Puff,” Val braved. “All us fucked you bitches before we married. We doing right by Roxy.”
Zoann and Bailey bristled, glanced at each other, then turned their attention to Val.
“Shut the fuck up, fool,” Mortician grouched. “That’s not getting them on our side.”
“What’s going on here?” Johnnie asked, strolling into the madness.
“Besides Val about to get his face bashed in and his balls cut?” Zoann asked sweetly.
Johnnie smiled. “Yes, besides that.”
“Knox just proposed to Roxanne, Johnnie,” Mortician explained. “Now, they want to go and uh…” He rocked on his heels and scratched the side of his head. “Celebrate…”
“We want to fuck,” Roxy called.
“Love, please,” Knox inserted, throwing her a meaningful look over his shoulder. “I can handle this.” He faced the guys again. “Gentleman, I appreciate your concern for Roxanne’s virtue.”
“I don’t have no fucking virtue,” Roxy huffed.
“Roxanne!” Knox implored.
“Fine, Knox, handle it. Just know what the fuck you’re doing. These boys will have us apart before you blink your fucking eye.”
“Never, my love,” Knox reassured her. “Mortician, Val, thank you for being concerned about her, er, reputation.”
“I don’t have—” Roxy began, pausing when Knox shushed her. She’d let him get away with that shit this time, seeing as how she was overcome with engagement bliss.
“Roxanne is a grown woman. My beautiful fiancé. We’ve lived together for months now. Therefore, we will continue to reside in the same residence until our nuptials. Tell them, Johnnie.”
Johnnie glancing over his shoulder and looking at Kendall surprised Roxy. If he hoped to find answers from Kendall, he was met wi
th disappointment. Her expression was unreadable as everyone else looked between Knox, Roxy, and Mortician in amused attention.
“I actually agree with Mortician and Val,” Johnnie said to Knox, after seeing he’d get no help from Kendall. “You need to move to the clubhouse until after the ceremony.”
“Move to the clubhouse?” Knox echoed on a gasp. “If Roxanne and I were to live apart, which we aren’t, I’d go to my parents’ mansion or rent a hotel room. Not move to that clubhouse.”
Roxy winced at the sadity sound of Knox’s statement, while Mortician, Val, Johnnie, and the girls stiffened.
“You heard me,” Knox went on, joyful at thinking he had the upper hand, not realizing he’d just turned most of the guests against him since they were connected to the club in one way or another. “Furthermore, if you force the issue, Roxanne and I will go to a private island and elope. Not only won’t you be invited, but the big wedding that Bailey wants will be ou—” His voice trailed off as his words caught up to his brain when Bailey’s face crumpled and Mortician growled.
“Hold the fuck on.” Roxy stomped in front of Knox and whirled to face him. “Us living separately until our big day is one thing I’d stand with you on. But not inviting my family? Threatening my Bailey?”
“Is the quickest way to get you fucked up.” The violence brimming in Mortician’s voice matched the hostility on his face.
“Bailey, I’m sorry,” Knox started. “I didn’t mean that…” He looked at Roxy. “Sweetheart…”
Though Knox had pissed her off, he’d also dug a very deep hole for himself. A lot of the bikers already saw him as uppity and having a chip on his shoulder. Now, their impression would be underscored. Basically, forcing Roxy’s hand.
She wasn’t sure if she or her pussy was more disappointed.
She glared at Knox. “I think you living at the clubhouse will be time well-spent,” she told him. “We’ll be living under separate roofs but we’ll still be near each other.”
“No! No!” Knox protested. “Absolutely not.”
“Guess what, son?” Mortician grinned without warmth. “You don’t have a choice.”
“Or what? I won’t marry Roxanne?” He narrowed his eyes at her. “You won’t marry me?”
“Of course I’ll marry you,” she told him, frustrated. “Maybe, just not as soon as we intend to now. You can’t threaten Bailey and then think things will be honky-dory just like that.”
“Bailey’s a grown woman. If she wanted a big wedding, she should’ve opened her mouth and told Mortician. This is about you, not her. It’ll be our wedding day, Roxanne. Not theirs. I want a grand wedding with the focus on us.”
“Listen, Knox. I don’t mind sharing the spotlight.” At Knox’s scowl, Roxy planted her hands on her hips. “There’s nothing wrong with a double wedding, and don’t tell me how the fuck to deal with my baby. Bailey wants a big wedding. This is a way for all of us to be satisfied.”
“No!” Knox managed. “I’m putting my foot down. Bailey and Mortician can get married some other time. This will be your day.”
“I’m about to raise my foot up and stick it the fuck up your ass,” Roxy yelled, losing her temper. “If it’s my day, I should be able to spend it my way!”
“Mama, no!” Bailey rushed to her and hugged her. “Knox is right. I’ve had my day. Your wedding is about you and Knox.” Her voice caught and she cleared her throat. “Don’t argue over this.”
Kendall stepped closer, bit down on her lip. Looked at Roxy. Then Johnnie. And back to Roxy again.
“Say your piece, sugar,” Roxy encouraged.
“Knox doesn’t want Bailey to have her wedding with you because he knows a lot more of the bikers will be in attendance.” Sending him a sugary smile, Kendall shrugged. “In his mind, how would it look with all those bad bikers mixing with his privileged family?”
“That isn’t true!” Knox protested. “And frankly, I’m fucking insulted that you’re even commenting on this. Who asked you?”
“She’s my wife,” Johnnie said. “She can comment on what the fuck she wants to.”
Fuck, this was getting out of hand. If they couldn’t get through the engagement without arguing, how would they ever make it to the altar?
No, she was making too much out of this. Quarreling amongst them was nothing new. It was how they showed affection. She really had nothing to worry about. As long as Bailey was happy, Mortician was happy. Outlaw’s sanity had returned now that Meggie was back and safe. Meggie was dealing with the aftermath of her kidnapping like a trooper. Johnnie was finally getting a grip on his reality with Kendall and learning how to handle her. Kendall was working to overcome all her demons. Everyone else was living their best lives.
She had nothing to worry about, except the here and now.
Deciding to take control, Roxy placed two fingers between her lips and whistled. Immediately, the room fell silent. “Enough!” she said.
“Enough like hell,” Knox said. “Stand with me on these issues—Kendall and your wedding—or I’ll move out myself until our big day.”
Roxy narrowed her eyes. “You fucking threatening me now?”
“What?” Knox widened his amber gaze. “Of course not, Roxanne! I’m just saying—”
“Fuck all,” Roxy finished.
“I’ve had it!” Knox shouted. “You’re either my fiancé, Bailey’s mother, or Kendall’s crutch.”
“I’m all three,” Roxy said. “And if you don’t understand that, kiss my fucking ass.”
Knox scowled at her, then turned and stalked toward the door.
Roxy watched him go, angry in her own right. She’d been married three times before and had four baby daddies. The one man she should’ve married—KP—she hadn’t. She’d be damned if she’d make another mistake.
She glanced at her engagement ring. They’d be nothing but happy, Knox said, because of how happy his great-great grandparents had been.
She sighed. The disagreements were just par for the course, she reminded herself. Nothing to concern herself over.
Yet, she knew. She felt shit going sideways. Already Knox had some atoning to do, or she’d give him his ring back and tell him to shove it up his fucking ass.
Maybe, it was bad ju-ju swirling in the air because of superstitions turning into reality. Or, maybe, Knox was just a spoiled motherfucker, who had no clue about how to share the spotlight with anyone else.
Only time would tell the story. Hopefully, it would be a classic romance instead of a chilling nightmare.
CHAPTER TWO
Leaning his head back, Knox rested against his desk chair, still unable to find a comfortable position. He couldn’t believe how his engagement to Roxanne had turned out last night. Of course, he should’ve known better than to propose at one of their functions. It should’ve been a private matter or at a function at his parents’ house.
Those assholes would ruin a fucking funeral.
Instead of stopping him, Roxanne had allowed him to leave. He thought she’d at least apologize. But no. She’d let him leave!
Yanking his limp tie from around his neck, Knox threw it on his desk and growled, the sharp pain of her betrayal sending tears to his eyes. He loved her so much. How could she reject him? She’d torn his heart out.
Kendall’s words came to mind. That bitch! He hated that she wasn’t far off the mark. Better her to say it, though, than him.
The sensor on the entry door chimed, indicating someone had come in. Hopefully, it was only his business partner, Cameron Baptiste.
Knox closed his eyes. He didn’t feel like talking. Cameron would back away if he thought Knox was asleep. Anyone else would, too. He didn’t care about customers. Or clients. Or bad guys.
He wanted to curl into a ball and die. Roxanne had allowed him to leave. She’d made a mockery of their engagement, consenting to a big wedding because of Bailey, not because she wanted to celebrate their love in lavish style.
“Get the fuck up, motherfucker.
”
At the sound of Outlaw’s voice, Knox tensed. He didn’t feel like seeing the man gloat. Outlaw had never liked Knox. As a matter of fact, he’d beaten him to a pulp on two separate occasions.
“I know you a-fuckin-wake, Knox. Your fuckin’ fists clenched the fuck up when you heard my ass.”
The asshole wouldn’t leave until Knox dealt with him. This morning, Knox was in a dangerous mood, so Outlaw had best back off.
Knox opened his eyes, straightened in his chair, and glared at the club president, who stood feet away with his arms folded and an annoying smirk on his face. “Get out.”
Outlaw lifted a brow. “I know your ass in pain, assfuck, but I ain’t know you in so much pain you wanna make me fuck you up.”
“You can try,” Knox sneered. “In my current state, I do believe you’ll be the one fucked up.”
Snickering, Outlaw drew his nine before Knox blinked. “Ain’t talkin’ ‘bout with fists. Ima just shoot the fuck outta you.”
The barbaric asshole would do it, too. He stared at Knox without flinching or blinking or doing anything that would lead Knox to believe he wasn’t a psychopath. Outlaw was just the type of bad guy Knox had thrived on bringing down when he was in law enforcement.
Refusing to be intimidated, Knox narrowed his eyes. “I…” Dare you to died on his lips. Outlaw wasn’t a man to taunt. Knox amended his statement. “I still have friends on the force. My death won’t go unnoticed.”
“My opinion different. Can’t say you fucked up if they ain’t got evidence. You might be missin’ but no motherfucker gonna prove you fuckin’ dead. So you want me to shoot the fuck outta you or you gonna listen to me?”
“Do I have a goddamn choice?”
Outlaw shrugged. “Do you?”
“You know the answer to that.”
For a moment longer, Outlaw stared at Knox, before shoving his gun away, still within hand’s reach. “Before I say what the fuck I need your ass to do, Ima talk to you ‘bout Roxanne.”
“You know, Christopher, I’m not interested in what you have to say about Roxanne. Instead of interfering, why don’t you make up your mind how to talk. Sometimes, you’re proper and other times you sound like a goddamn idiot. Your son talks better than you but even he vacillates between correct English and backward trash.”
Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club:: Fifteen Bad Boy Biker Books Page 455
