“I’m better than good, East. Do you mind if I call you East?”
“It’s Easton but yeah you can call me whatever you want, cooking me a meal like this.”
Her plump berry stained lips stretch into a sexy smirk. “That so.” Swiftly, her finger dips into the bowl of mashed potatoes. She sucks the slender digit between her plump lips and moans. “So creamy.” Repeating the motion of slipping her finger into the food, she brings her finger to my mouth. “You try.”
“Ready to eat,” Wylla Mae announces before I get the chance.
“Maybe later.” I wink at Alexa. Grudge was right, she has trouble written all over that banging body. The three of us pull out our chairs and get settled in at the table. Alexa offers me my plate first, but I tell her to go ahead and set Wylla Mae up with hers. I can hear her stomach grumbling.
The food is delicious. The meat is juicy and tender. The potatoes are a little lumpy and could use more salt, but overall Alexa did a decent job. Wylla Mae talks nonstop about her friends at school. There’s some boy that’s all the time pulling her hair and stepping on the back of her shoe. Fucking with her backpack.
“The other day he flicked my ear all through our reading group.”
“He does those things because he likes you and don’t know how to go about showing or telling you.” Her eyes narrow into tiny darkened slits at my words. “It’s true. Ask your mom. She’ll tell you. Guys pull off stupid stuff to get your attention even if we go about it all wrong.”
“Mom says men are only good for two things. Lifting heavy stuff and making babies but they aren’t very good at either. That’s why she keeps that pink thing in her drawer by her bed. If you turn it on it vibrates. She goes through a lot of batteries.”
I choke on my bite of carrot and Alexa’s face goes beet red.
“Wylla Mae,” she hisses.
“It’s true. That’s what you said on the phone to Mitzy.”
“It’s not polite to listen in on adults, Lil’ Lady.” I shoot her a pointed look and she shrinks back in her chair. “Or to go through their things.”
“Sorry, Mom.”
“Let’s just…we can talk about it later. Okay? Who wants cheesecake?”
“I could go for a slice. What about you?” I nudge Wylla Mae’s knee as she pouts, folding her arms across her chest.
“Sweetpea?”
“Sure.”
“We can eat in the living room and watch a movie or something. Wylla, baby. Why don’t you go pick us out something to watch?”
“Sounds good to me. Go on now. Listen to your momma.”
Her chair scoots back with a creaking sound and she skitters out of the room.
“Sorry about her. She’s not used to anyone calling her out on her actions. It’s my own fault. I’ve spoiled her.”
“She’s a good kid.”
“You think so? I’m always terrified that I have screwed her life up. I’m not the most together person. I’m sure you know that already. It’s just me. Sometimes it all gets a bit heavy, and I’m not the best at reaching out or asking for help. I felt like I was drowning with no way to break free the other day. So, it means a lot to me that you were there for Wylla Mae when you didn’t know me or her. You could’ve put her off on anyone, but you didn’t.” She pauses. “My life is complicated.”
“Hey. It’s cool. You don’t owe me any explanations.”
“But I do. I mean, yeah Murder knows you, but he put my kid off on you because he trusted that you’d take care of her, and I want you to know that I don’t go around just letting whoever watch her.”
“She kept me company and kept me from doing stupid shit.”
“How so?”
“Any other weekend I’d been chasing club pussy and falling into the same mistakes. She gave me responsibility outside of myself.”
“I know all about repeating mistakes. Just once I’d like to meet a nice guy. One who doesn’t want anything but my company and likes me for me. Not because I’m pretty or give good head.” Her lips turn down and my heart squeezes in my chest for this beautiful broken woman and her daughter.
I never thought much about putting roots down here when I got word that my old man passed away. We never had a good relationship. I came here to tie up his affairs and got sucked into the life he lived. The club he rode with. When Murder asked me if I wanted to prospect, I was sure I’d never make it, but it’s been a year and a few months since I earned my cut. I like it here in Charleston, West Virginia. I like the people. Love the club. The gorgeous mountains.
Could I be the man that Alexa needs? Fuck if I know but maybe I could try testing the waters with her. She’s hot and I know she finds me attractive. The kid drives me nuts but in a good way. All weekend I couldn’t wait to be rid of her but once Alexa drove off with her, I felt something I didn’t expect. Loneliness. It crept up on me, and I can’t help but wonder if a family of my own isn’t what I’m missing.
I know Alexa is doing her best. Hell, I was raised by a single mother. I know it is damn hard.
“You want to take this to Wylla Mae. I’ll be right behind you with the rest.”
“Sure.” I take the slice of cheesecake she plated and carry it into the living room suspecting she needs a moment to herself. “What’d you pick?” I hand Wylla Mae her dessert and sink onto the couch. It’s tan leather and I smile to myself seeing the floral printed throw pillows. I remember what the kid said about her mom making things look nice and smell good when she’s happy.
“Corpse Bride.”
“What’s it about?”
Her eyes get bigger than normal and she pauses before taking her bite of cheesecake. “You’ve never seen Corpse Bride?”
“Can’t say that I have.”
“It’s like the single greatest movie ever.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
Alexa enters the room, and I can tell that maybe she was crying. Over what? Hell if I know. What I do know is I hate the sadness I see behind her eyes and wonder what I can do to take it away. I watched my own mother cry one too many times over spilt milk.
The three of us settle in with our cheesecake. Wylla Mae is seated on the floor and Alexa is next to me, knees touching mine. I have to admit I’m enjoying myself. I can’t help but watch the brat. The way her face lights up at her favorite parts and her lips move, repeating nearly every damn line word for word.
“You’re good with her. She hasn’t shut up about you since we walked out of your cabin.”
“You got a little…” I brush my thumb over her lips, and she bites it. Shit. She’s digging this too. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here. I’ve never dated someone with a kid before.
“Maybe you could be good with me too.” She leans in closer, mouth millimeters from mine. I brush her blonde hair back from her forehead and stare into her warm brown eyes unable to read her but sensing she wants me to kiss her.
“Did you see that, East?” Wylla Mae pops up from the floor and looks back at us.
“Yeah. Way cool,” I lie.
“Liar,” she screeches and runs up the stairs.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into her.”
“She’s jealous that you’re getting my attention. I can go talk to her if you think it’d help.”
“No. I’ll go talk to her. I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere, okay?” her teeth sink into her thick bottom lip and fuck me it’s sexy.
I take my plate to the kitchen and grab another beer from the fridge happy to see it’s stocked full of food for the kid. Yogurt, juice boxes, lunch meat, grapes, and string cheese. Back in the living room I sink back down into the couch and sip on my beer, watching the credits to the movie.
A few minutes pass before Alexa returns. “She’s all good. Now where were we.” Moving in close she takes my beer and places it on the end table, leaning across me to achieve her goal. I know this is a mistake from the moment her lips meet mine, but I don’t pull away. I caress her c
heek and thrust my tongue deep in her hot mouth. Both of us lonely. Craving something more and knowing we’ll never find it together. I don’t know what she’s running from but whatever it is, its big.
I pull back and she smiles at me.
“You sure, she won’t come down the stairs?”
“She’ll be asleep in like ten minutes.”
“Okay.” I move back in and kiss her again, but I can’t get into it. I keep thinking every time the house creaks that its Wylla Mae watching us and spying. Alexa doesn’t pick up on how tense I’ve grown. The woman is all into the moment, sliding down to the floor on her knees and going for the zipper on my jeans. She’s eager to prove that she does indeed give good head. I grab her hands before she goes further. “I’m sorry. I keep thinking she’s sitting at the top of the stairs or some shit. It just feels weird to me.”
“Why don’t we take this to my room then?”
“How about next time. I’m in no hurry, sweetheart. I had a great time tonight.”
“You sure? Most men would be pissed.”
“I’m not most men.”
Chapter 4
Easton
I file into church and lean against the back wall next to Slater. Prez looks around making sure everyone is accounted for. Satisfied he slams his gavel on the worn wooden table with the club’s insignia burned into the top. A crowned and bearded skull with a motorcycle on either side, the words Royal Bastards MC below it in large block lettering.
“I’ve called you all in today because this shit with the Dry Ridge Sinners isn’t going away. I know they were dormant for some time after that shit went down between them and the Black Rebel Riders’ MC a few years ago, but those sickos are popping back up. More people in our city are dying. They’re selling that shit called Cloud Nine. Fucked up a few of the girls from the Kitty Kat’s Den. Sonja is in the hospital and Bianca was found floating face down in the Kanawha River. I won’t have that shit in my town. You see them bastards, take them down quietly. I don’t want to draw any attention to them, but word is their club is growing again. I put in a call to Grim Jones but he’s yet to return my call. He’s got his own shit to handle, but an enemy of my enemy is a friend. Grudge and Link. Want you rotating shifts at the Kitty Kat. Alexa is still dancing over there.” Prez’s eyes meet mine briefly when he mentions Alexa. “She’s the one who let me know about Sonja.” That’s news to me. I wasn’t aware they talk at all outside of when she needs something.
The meeting continues and after Prez asks to see me in his office.
I follow him, taking my seat across from him. Murder is a big scary ass motherfucker. He’d intimidate the toughest of bastards. He stands at least six foot two inches and weighs a good two-eighty of solid muscle. His beard shows flecks of grey but he’s in his mid- to upper thirties. He became a father while he was still in high school. Him and his Old Lady been together more than half his life.
Prez stares me down but I give as good as I get. I don’t back down from any man.
“Heard you been seeing Alexa. There’s a lot of history there between me and her. Shit I’d rather not get into. So, I’m gonna say this once. That girl is important to me and when I say that girl, I mean Wylla Mae. Don’t get her attached if you don’t plan on sticking around for her. Feel me? Kid has been through a lot. More than her share. Some of that is her mom’s fault. Some of it is mine.”
“I’d never do anything to hurt either of them, Prez. I give you my word. I wasn’t expecting much to come of it, but I like Alexa. I get the impression though that there’s a lot neither of you are telling me.”
“Are you serious about Alexa or are you just fucking her?”
“Been seeing a lot of her. Not sure where it’s going. I’m not seeing anyone else though. I don’t think she is either, but I haven’t asked. I’m not there yet with her. It’s only been a month.”
“I see.” He taps his fingers on the desk then pulls a joint out of the top drawer. “I’m gonna share something with you that few people know, and it doesn’t leave this room. I liked your old man. He was one of my best men. Shit father but a damn good brother. You have his blood and I don’t think you’d turn on me. I trust you. It’s why I took you with me to Alexa’s place and trusted you to take care of her girl. It’s why I personally recruited you to be a Royal Bastard.”
Murder pauses to light up the joint. He takes a hard hit and passes it to me while choking out a succession of coughs. I take two hits while he continues to talk. “About nine or so years ago, Ruthie and I was having problems. She wasn’t happy, and I wasn’t the greatest husband. She kept accusing me of stepping out on her and at first, I wasn’t doing shit. I was faithful though I had every opportunity to tap some strange. You know how the club bunnies are. Sometimes it’s hard to say no. Alexa had been coming around the house with Rochelle for a few years. They were always attached at the hip. I don’t even remember how it happened, but Ruthie had been running her mouth, and I told her if she wasn’t happy then to go to her mom’s for a few days. She said fine and she went. Rochelle was upset and went with her, forgetting she had promised Alexa she could stay over all weekend while her folks were out of town. She showed up and I had been drinking. It’s no excuse, it’s just the facts. She was there and came on to me. I should have told her ass no and sent her home, but I didn’t. She was seventeen and it was a mistake. One that cost me my daughter. The night of the accident Alexa was in the car with her and they were fighting. Alexa had found out she was pregnant. Rochelle wanted to know who the father was, and Alexa told her everything. Rochelle was so upset she wasn’t paying attention to the road. She was crying and screaming at Alexa and lost control of the car. Least that was the way Alexa told it.”
Fucking hell. He’s Wylla Mae’s father. Goddamn. What the hell am I to make of this shit? I should have picked up on it. Some of my brothers warned me but I ignored them.
“Ruthie doesn’t know about Alexa and me or that Wylla Mae is mine. And you’ll fucking help me keep it that way. Losing Rochelle nearly killed her, but we found our way back to each other. If she knew I don’t know that she could handle it. She loves Alexa like she loved Rochelle. She thinks I give her money and help out because I am honoring Rochelle, but it’s because I made that kid, and I take care of what’s mine. Alexa though…she wants more. Wants shit I can never give her, but maybe you can be the man she needs.”
This shit is more fucked than I ever imagined. I’ve been fucking around with Prez’s side piece.
“I gotta ask. Are you still fuckin’ her?”
Murder takes three more hits. “Not since you started.” That’s definitely not what I wanted to hear. I should have known. Should have seen this shit coming. “I need you to keep Alexa happy. Distracted. I need her to move on. I’m getting too damn old for her games.”
“And if it doesn’t work out?”
“Then it doesn’t, but it’d be better for us all if it does. Think about it. She’s a fine piece and the kid thinks the world of you.”
Christ on a cracker. I scrub a hand over my face. “So what? I’m supposed to just step into your shoes and take your readymade family.”
“They need you. You’re a good man, East.”
My mind flashes to Wylla Mae. That fear in her eyes. The way she clings to me every time I go over there like I’m some sort of goddamn hero. Then there’s Alexa. Sexy. Tempting. Everything a man could want if she wasn’t a big ball of fucking crazy and so damn wild. If she wasn’t in love with Murder.
When I started seeing her, I thought I could handle her, but I was wrong. Hell, I didn’t even know she was a stripper at the Kitty Kat’s Den until a week ago when she asked me to watch the kid when her sitter canceled.
“Don’t let my history with her fuck up something that could be the best thing to ever happen to you both.”
I’m no idiot. I know he wants her out of his hair. Wants me to take care of the responsibilities he’s neglected. It’s not Wylla Mae’s fault her mother is a cra
zy whore and that her daddy is cheating bastard who won’t lay claim to her. Truthfully, I don’t give a fuck about Alexa, but I do care about that kid.
Speak of the damn devil. My cell goes off with a call from Alexa. “Hey.”
“Can you do me a huge favor?”
“What’s that?”
“Can you go get Wylla Mae from school? I’m at this interview for that office assistant position. I really need this job, East.”
“What’s wrong with Wylla?”
“She got into trouble for punching some kid and they need a parent. I know it’s not your place and I have no right asking. But…East, you’re all I’ve got. If I call my mom, she’s gonna be on my ass about how I’m not a good mom, and I know I’m not the best, but I’m trying.”
“Text me the name of the school and if there’s anything I need to pick her up.” I click off the call.
“What’s wrong with the kid?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
Murder nods and leans back in his chair. “Need anything, you let me know.”
I trade my Harley for my cage, hanging my cut behind the driver’s seat. Figure it’s best not to wear it inside the school. Don’t need them passing judgment on the kid for my lifestyle. I know the drill. I know the way fuckers looked at me when they learned who my old man was. I crank on the heat. It’s getting colder. Too cold to have Wylla Mae on my motorcycle. I’m going to have to park it for winter soon enough. I light up a cigarette, getting one in before the kid gets in my ride. I try not to smoke around her.
Hate to hear her bitch about it.
I arrive at the school, parking in the visitor area. I flick my cigarette to the asphalt and stroll to the door and hit the buzzer. “Easton Reed here for Wylla Mae Neville.”
“You aren’t on the list, sir.”
“Her mother was supposed to call.”
“Just one moment.” Fuck. I scratch the back of my neck.
“Sir, I apologize we don’t normally allow pick up changes over the phone, but the principal is making an exception this time.”
Lady & The Biker (Royal Bastards MC) Page 3
