“Sure, you want to do it inside? He is ignoring me anyway.” Leigh took one last look at Sleaze before going inside.
“Luc said to ask Charlie if he’d take the couch since he wants Jewel to come home with us. He was mad at me for not asking him if she could stay at my aunt's. She and Lizzy can share a bed if you don’t want to ask Charlie for his room, you could sleep out on the couch.”
Aries sat down on a kitchen chair and let Leigh fix her hair. They didn’t talk, and it bothered Aries that Leigh refused to tell Sleaze her problems. She sure would have been filling his ear and making him help with Lizzy. Leigh was finally done and said she was going to get some clothes and her daughter. She didn’t want to put Charlie out of his room and chose to sleep on the couch.
***
Aries carefully slipped her dress over her head and was thankful she had no zipper. She needed help putting her pearl necklace on and went in search of Charlie.
Sleaze and Charlie were out on the balcony drinking beer. Aries nodded at Sleaze and asked Charlie if he’d help her with the clasp on the necklace. He got right up and helped her. He also wrapped her hand in a new ace bandage, hiding her wound from her aunt’s eyes.
“You look good, real classy and you’re gonna impress Luc’s parents.” He sounded proud of her and Aries kissed his cheek in thanks. She turned and stared at Sleaze with a sour expression.
“Sleaze, Leigh will be staying here with us until she can find a place to rent, I doubt she told you her mother is tired of them living with her and babysitting Lizzy. I don’t know why she couldn’t stay with you, but I need her here anyway.” She walked back into the apartment, leaving him bewildered.
Lucifer was in the closet looking for clothes as she went into the bathroom to put on some light makeup. She didn’t bother with eyeshadow, just mascara, and a lightly tinted lip gloss. She came out of the bathroom to find Lucifer looking very handsome, and he whistled when he saw her.
“Aries, you’re breathtaking. I knew you were the one for me when you walked into the shop. You look so different, all dressed up, with your hair up and in that black dress. I love the way you can go from mommy to a dancer, to a biker babe and now to a society chick.” He looked her up and down and smiled approvingly. He moved toward her and kissed her lips lightly.
Aries quivered and felt herself glowing at his praise. It was nice to feel appreciated and beautiful.
“Lucian, you look handsome yourself. I think we’d better get going; it’s better to be early than late.” She looked at him again and smiled. They did make a stunning couple. She hoped his parents would like her as they left the apartment for her aunt’s house.
***
They made small talk and used each other’s correct names on the way over. As they pulled into the driveway, Aries felt herself getting nervous and although she had said she didn’t want to use drugs, the need to calm down was intense. She looked at Lucian helplessly, “Do you have a valium? I’m scared to meet your parents.”
“You have no reason to be nervous babe; you should have asked me back home for a pill. Have a drink to calm down; I didn’t bring anything.” He cursed to himself; he should have thought to give her a pill to calm down. Aries worried needlessly, but a pill wouldn’t have been a bad idea.
He got out of the car and walked over to open the door for her. He took her good hand and watched as she correctly slid out of the car. She was classly, that was a given. They walked hand in hand to the gate that led to the garden. Jewel saw them immediately and ran over to them. Her long blonde hair was curled, and she wore a beautiful pink summer dress.
“Mommy and Daddy are here finally!” She ran to Lucian and put her arms up for him to pick her up. She leaned over to kiss her mommy’s cheek. “Luc’s mommy and daddy said I could call them grandma and grandpa. I’ve had an aunt but never grandparents.” Her voice was animated and her green eyes shined with happiness.
Aries was shocked at hearing Jewel calling Lucian daddy, but he didn’t seem to be. She made herself smile and look poised. Jewel was a different child since they’d moved in with Lucian. She stopped having nightmares and was barely sucking her pinkie anymore.
Lucian spotted his mother walking toward them and carefully put Jewel down. His face was filled with love as he looked at his mother.
“Mama, this is Arabella, but she would prefer to be called Ara. Honey, this is my mother Anna, but you can call her mama, everyone does.” Lucian looked adoringly at his mother who was holding Jewel’s hand. His father was coming toward them, and Jewel ran over to grab his hand.
Anna looked at Ara and gave her a welcoming smile. “Your bambina is beautiful; she looks much like you. My son has told me good things about you.” She moved forward and kissed Ara on each of her cheeks.
Ara was nervous and smiled back shyly. “It is so nice to meet you. I hope Jewel hasn’t been annoying.”
Lucian kissed his father on his cheek and pulled him aside so that Anna and Ara could speak.
“She’s beautiful huh, Pop? I’m serious about this one. I want your honest opinion before we leave.”
“I want to meet her, Lucian. Helene has been praising her skills as a mother, and the bambina is sweet. I like her better already than any of the other women you’ve had.” His voice was gruff, and Jewel tugged at his hand.
“Grandpa Tony, you need to meet my mommy. She doesn’t have a grandpa either.” She tugged on his hand as both men smiled down at the little girl.
Helene watched from her chair; satisfied her nieces impressed the Giovanni’s. Lucian came from a decent family and Arabella would have a good life with him, if he didn’t end up in jail. She planned to leave her nieces her estate and had been making changes to her will to tie the money up in trusts that would give them a decent income. She wished she could see her half brother’s face when he found out he’d be getting practically nothing from her estate. She stood up and pushed her thoughts away as she rose to greet her guests.
Ara broke away to and went to kiss her aunt's cheek.
“I need a glass of wine, Aunt Helene; I’m so nervous about tonight. I hope I dressed up enough. I’m not sure how I will cut anything with my hand.” She sighed in frustration.
“I’m asking Mary to bring another tray of hors d'oeuvres out.” Helene went into the house without answering her niece.
Ara moved to the bar that was set up near the house. So far it seemed to be going well, and she was very thankful. She poured herself a glass of wine and watched her daughter interacting with Lucian and his family. Maybe this was her destiny; she sipped the wine and let her mind wander to life with Lucian.
Lucian watched Aries and thought how well she was taking meeting his parents. She hadn’t blinked an eye when Jewel called him daddy, and it had surprised him also. He liked the sound of it, and suddenly he wanted to have children with her. He had planned to knock her up to keep her tied to him, but the way things were working out he was positive she would stay with him no matter what. He made a mental note to get rid of her birth control pills as soon as he could. The idea of seeing her pregnant with his child turned him on. He would adopt Jewel once he married Aries and she’d make an excellent big sister. Having Aries in his life was a good career choice too. She had education, had perfect manners and with Helene Saint James behind her, people who mattered would take him more seriously. He wanted to buy more real estate in Glidden, and he wanted to get the park made in honor of his nona. Aries would be a very good asset to his future. He watched her as his father began to talk to her and turned to speak to his mother.
“Jewel, go inside and see if your aunt needs your help.” The child skipped her way inside to do his bidding.
“Mama, what do you think of Ara? Does she meet with your approval?” He kept his eyes on her face to see what her true feelings were.
Anna watched her husband and Aries talking together and heard Ara laugh. “She is young, but yes for you, I think that is a good thing. She will fit in our lifestyle and from wh
at Helene has said she fits well into yours. Her dancing at your club, I don’t like that. She should be home with the bambina, and you need to have a family soon. Your papa seems to like her; he is laughing. That is a good sign; it’s a shame she isn’t Italian and Catholic. Do you think she’d convert? Lucian, I want to see you married in a church, you promised me that.” She turned her face to look at her son. “Nona Lucia’s ring looks beautiful on her. I had a feeling I’d see her wear it tonight. I will speak to your father later and see what he thinks. Let’s go join them.”
Lucian tucked his arm around his mother as they walked toward Ara and his father. His mama’s approval had sealed the deal as far as he was concerned. If she approved, his father would, and he’d find a way to get Aries to convert to their religion. The thought of dealing with the marriage classes and the time it would take Aries to convert made him unhappy, but for his mama, he’d keep his promise. He hoped Aries would go along with his plans for their future. One way or another, he’d make sure she did. He’d been faithful to her, and that fact amazed him. None of the women who had thrown themselves at him since he’d met Aries had turned him on. She satisfied his every need, and just looking at her, he wanted to make this dinner short and get her and Jewel back home.
***
The dinner was delicious, and everyone enjoyed the fine food. Helene had hired help to come in to do the serving and clean up so they could sit and have coffee and dessert in the garden. The adults watched as Jewel tried to catch fireflies and when she caught one, she’d bring it over carefully to show them before letting it fly away. The heady scent of roses, Helene was so proud of, and the moonflowers blooming made their time on the brick patio splendid. Aries looked worn out, and finally, even Jewel seemed to be tiring. Lucian nodded to his father and the two men excused themselves from the ladies.
Lucian lit a cigarette before speaking to his father. “So what do you think, Pop? Mama likes Ara and Jewel took to both of you right away.”
“She’s young but seems to be a good mother. I’m more impressed than I thought I’d be. Lucian, this woman won’t put up with you cheating on her. She’s smart; she would be an asset to your future. Make sure you are serious about her. I don’t want your mother getting attached to her and her child, and you fuck it up. The dancing at the club, it bothers your mother and her aunt. From what Ara said she doesn’t plan to stop dancing, she likes to make money. Probably got that from Helene. Not a bad thing, making money. I don’t see this one letting you control her, that will be a problem for you. Go slowly with her. You’ll do as you want, though, you always do. I like her, so I don’t want to hear you’ve hurt her. That thing you asked me about with her ex-boyfriend, it will be handled by one of our own. The less you know, the better. I’m glad you came to me about that matter and not your club. I think you should be taking them home soon.” He flicked the ash from his cigarette and left Lucian to smoke by himself.
Lucian smiled evilly. If his pop had Gunner handled, there would be no blowback on the Devious Jokers MC. Juba couldn’t link him directly to it if he even had an inkling he might be involved. Lucian made sure to keep as much of his other life as private as he could. However, he was sure most of his club had a good idea of his family and who they were. He felt good as he walked back to the patio to collect Jewel and Aries.
Goodbyes and plans for a dinner soon at the Giovanni’s house were made. Lucian carried a tired Jewel to the car as Aries promised to have lunch with her aunt and his mother during the week. It had been a pleasant dinner and Helene, Anna, and Tony watched the couple depart with smiles on their faces.
Chapter Seventeen
Aries said little on the way home. Her mind was spinning with how friendly Lucian's family were. She didn’t understand what had made him go into the MC lifestyle. It seemed to her he could have been anything he wanted. Why he chose this lifestyle bothered her a bit, and she wondered if he’d ever leave it.
Lucifer touched her thigh lightly, startling her. “Aries, so did you like my parents? I know they liked you.”
“They’re very nice; your mother is beautiful and very kind. Your dad seems to be a no-nonsense type of guy. I had a good time, and so did Jewel. She’s sleeping already.” She kept her voice low.
“I’ll carry her upstairs, and you can put her right to bed. So Leigh is crashing with us?” He lit a cigarette and waited for her answer.
“Until she can find a place to rent. I don’t understand why Sleaze doesn’t take care of her. Where was she supposed to go? You have apartments, why don’t you rent her one?” She prayed she didn’t flip his switch into the Lucifer mode.
“Sleaze is strange about her, he loves her, but I don’t get involved with my bro’s personal life. I like Leigh; she’s stood by him always. I don’t know how he’d like her living so close to his place, though. He likes to party, and whatever you see, you can’t tell her. It would only hurt her badly, plus piss him the hell off.” He ground the cigarette out and pulled into the back lot.
A bunch of bikers were hanging out by the grill. Leigh was not among them, but there were some of the girls Aries had seen at Hot Tramps. She was aware they’d be staring at her, and she hoped Lucifer would get Jewel upstairs quickly. Thankfully, he just nodded at them and got the child out of the car and into the apartment. He put Jewel on her bed and left Aries to get her changed and washed up.
Leigh wandered in and helped her get Jewel into her pajamas. Lizzy was already fast asleep, and they had to push her over to make room for Jewel. Aries went to change into jeans and a tank top while Leigh headed into the living room. She looked out the window and saw Lucifer was outside with his boys. His hair was blowing in the breeze, and he had a girl hanging too close to him. She felt her temper rise, how dare he fuck around with her upstairs. She pulled on her boots and winced at the pain in her hand. She hurried out of the bedroom and nearly bumped into Leigh.
Leigh put her hand out, “Where are you in a rush to get too?” She looked so sad that Aries almost stopped to comfort her.
“Outside to have a word with Lucifer. Maybe with some of those bitches down there too!” She flung the words over her shoulder as she hurried out the back door. Her boots hit the steps hard, and she stopped for a moment, watching as the chick gave Lucifer the joint they were passing around. Her temples throbbed as she thought of the nice night they’d just had, and here the asshole was hanging out with some bitch. She strutted over to the partying bikers; Lucifer had his back to her. Nobody paid much attention to her. She was furious at the two of them and even more determined to put an end to his using drugs around her and her daughter. She wondered if they had any common sense, the cops were always ready to bust them, and the smell of pot smoke was heavy in the air. What the fuck did they all think? That they could break the law and she and Leigh could lose their children and be alright with that? She would try her best not to make a scene, but she didn’t plan to live like this, and he’d have to make a choice. Even she knew you didn’t shit in your own backyard; Gunner had taught her that. She pushed the girl away from Lucifer as hard as she could, and she fell to the pavement hard, before he turned to look at her. He was high as a kite, and rage built up inside of her even more.
“Babe, I didn’t know you were coming outside to party.” He smiled at her and frowned when he noticed the girl on the ground next to him.
“I came outside to tell you I’m going back to my aunt’s house. I’m sure she won’t mind if I take Leigh with me.” She looked at Sleaze with a girl on his lap and gave him a dirty look.
Lucifer looked confused. “Why would you do that? We just came from there, and you were putting the kid to bed. What the fuck crawled up your ass?”
Aries' foot kicked at the girl on the ground. “She did, I don’t share. Remember what I told you? I was serious; I’ll be back tomorrow to get my stuff.” She turned away from him, her heart hurt, and she was furious. She walked away with her head held high, but she didn’t make it to the steps before Lucifer had h
er by the arm.
“You don’t come downstairs and start shit, babe. Ain’t happening, you leaving, we’ve been through this before.” He was angry, and he pulled the keys to the tattoo shop out of his pocket and held her arm tighter as he opened the door. He pushed her inside and flipped on a light. His eyes ran up and down her body, as he pushed her through the shop to the couch. He pushed her down and sat next to her, still grasping her arm tightly.
“I’m not Leigh; you don’t make a fool out of me. I’m sick of the drugs around my daughter, and you’re going to disrespect me in our backyard? No. I’ve lived like this before, and you’re just like Gunner. Fuck you, and let go of my arm, Lucifer. We’re all done, and I’d say it was nice, but it was a learning experience for me. Reminded me of why I need to stay away from men like you.” She tried to twist away from him.
“Babe, stop. I wasn’t doing shit with that chick. Smoking a joint is doing drugs? What the fuck is wrong with you?” He looked at her like she was crazy. He pulled her closer to him and let go of her arm to grab her chin. His lips quieted her words as he kissed her, forcing her mouth open as his tongue slipped inside seeking hers. It was a brutally rough kiss, and he meant it to be. He felt her going limp against him, and his lips traveled down her neck. He knew how to stop her bull shit, and he mentally cursed himself for letting Sandy get so close to him. Aries was a jealous woman, and he liked that about her. She wasn’t allowed to leave him, and she needed to stop thinking he’d let her go.
Aries tried pushing at his chest, but he was too strong for her. He had her pinned to the couch, and she couldn’t move. She slipped back to doing what she’d done with Gunner. She let her body go still, and she started to count in her head. If she could block out his words, maybe he’d leave her alone. She kept her eyes closed and hoped he’d do as Gunner used to do, give up and walk away if he didn’t slap the shit out of her.
Watercolor Kisses Page 13
