Pal raises his hand. “Any street gangs wanting to cause trouble?”
Thunder is the one who replies. “I’m lookin’ into that. Can’t rule out the little bastards getting too big for their britches. I’ve got meets set up with the leaders.”
Raising the gavel I glance around, but it seems everyone’s said anything they needed to.
“Prez, before you bring that down.” Demon waits until I raise my chin. “Family barbeque Sunday. Best behaviour as Pal’s young girl will be there.”
As Bomber bumps Paladin’s arm again and says, “Interested to see this girl you followed from Tucson. She must be fuckin’ something.” I bring the gavel down. Meeting over. I’ll let Paladin fend off any other witticisms himself.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Moira
Switching on the small hand-held fan, I direct the air toward my burning face. Sometimes it seems this will never stop, that I’ll be going hot then cold for the rest of my life. I know it does end, eventually. But from what I’ve read, I’ve years still to go through.
I get so irritable. It seems as my internal temperature rises, so does the ability for things to get on my nerves. I’m constantly getting angry or overreacting. Right now, I’m getting wound up replaying in my head the conversation I’d had with Jayden at the mall. She seems like a good kid, perhaps a little mixed up about that boy who came with her. While I’d been speaking with her, I’d become sympathetic that she’s not had a chance to be a teenager before. From what I can make out, she’s spent all her time helping with the babies and young children, unable to enjoy the freedom of other girls her age. A situation that pushed her into the sights of the man closest to her age on the compound.
Well, we’ll see about that. I huff as I wipe sweat from my brow. While she’s living under my roof, I’d like to show her she’s got her whole life spread out in front of her. She should be allowed to follow her own dreams, not be trapped in those of someone else.
I’m biased, perhaps. I’d had my goals stolen, saw them disappear in a blink of an eye. Rather than travelling, seeing the world, I’d become pregnant and trapped. I wouldn’t want that for anyone. Not that I’d wish away Demon, just wished he’d come along in my time, and been the son of the man I loved, and not the one I hated.
Jayden’s young, she’s got choices. I want to help her see that. From what she’s told me, she believes she’s tied to a man who doesn’t even attract her.
I pour my undrunk coffee away. A hot drink now is not what I need. Instead I pour a glass of cold water. That lad, Paladin, seems to have been Jayden’s shadow, taking her and collecting her from school, and being her only male friend. She seems to have been brainwashed, or has brainwashed herself into thinking she’s his, set up to be his old lady. I haven’t had a chance to speak to the young man, but I already dislike him. Oh, he said the right things when he’d been here the other night and I’d been shamelessly eavesdropping, but saying the words and what he really means by them are two different things. As for her sister and old man? What were they thinking? Fine, they had to keep her safe, but holding her to the decision she made at the worst time of her life? What fourteen-year-old sets her sights on a man she wants to be tied to forever?
She might be waiting for him. But I know men, and what they get up to. I have strong suspicions he’s not waited for her. He was nineteen when he promised he would, an age when testosterone would have been raging. In a clubhouse full of whores, what young man would have been able to hold back? Nah, her expectations of him are too high, and if I’m right, when she finds out the truth she’ll be devastated. If I do nothing else for her, I’ll make her see her expectations of him are unrealistic.
Hmm. Jayden will be starting school next semester. Plenty of boys there her own age. Hopefully one might catch her eye. She doesn’t want to do what I did, jump into a relationship far too early.
I’ll remind Demon about getting her a car. Girl deserves some independence and some fun in her life. Maybe she’ll meet someone who’ll treat her as she deserves. She’s a pretty kid, won’t take long for the boys to notice her. Yeah, someone else would be better. Someone not connected to a motorcycle club.
Emptying my glass, I rinse it. I’d made certain to get a good look at Paladin when he’d visited, quickly noticing, before me was standing a boy who appeared he’s only just grown into a man, not yet battle-scarred or war-weary. He was quite fair, his hair short, scruff around his chin looked like he was trying to grow a beard but not quite succeeding. His arms resembled sticks, no muscles at all. In all, a breath of wind would likely blow him away. When I’d heard Jayden’s fella was five years her senior, I thought at her age the age difference was too much. But seeing him, they wouldn’t look such an odd pairing.
Even so, he’s going to have to do something to impress me before I think he’s right for her. I remember what I’d thought when I saw him and my lips press together. I saw someone who, though he hasn’t taken advantage of a young girl yet, definitely wants to. I’ve more than enough reason to hate a man who thinks they’re entitled to something they shouldn’t have. Nah. I’m not going to help push them together. I won’t make it easy for them.
Was her sister out of her mind? Letting them both come here together as though him taking advantage of her was a foregone conclusion.
I straighten the cushions in the already tidy lounge. After the club girls had had a good clean and tidy up, there wasn’t much for me to do. Ah, Jay’s left her cup on the side. I’ll wash that. Damn, I’m burning up again… throw open the window, splash cold water on my face. Take off my cardigan. I’ve got used to wearing layers of clothes. Damn the menopause. No, fuck it!
I stand in the cool breeze that’s blowing in. Hellfire hadn’t come home again last night. He’d called, let me know shit had gone down, but after our heart-to-heart I’d expected things would get better. Looks like I’m going to have to stay used to sleeping alone. Now Hell’s eased my mind on the reason he’s been distant, I’m starting to worry about him. He’s been the prez for twenty years now. It’s a stressful job, and one which is taking its toll. Trouble is, if he steps down, our son is the most likely to step up in his place. Would I wish the same fate on him? Saving the father might ruin his son.
As if I’ve conjured him up, the sound of a bike arriving reaches me with the distinctive sound I’d know anywhere. It’s Demon.
I’m putting on the kettle and checking what food I’ve got in the fridge as the door opens.
“Mom.” Demon walks in, his arms surrounding me in a tight hug. It’s not the first time I’ve seen him since he discovered the revelations, but the first that I’ve had him all to myself. As I stand back, holding him at arm’s length, he starts to fidget. “I got something on my face?”
“Just checking you’re okay.”
He doesn’t pretend not to know what I’m asking. “Truth? Still trying to get my head around everything. But Hell and I are fine, okay?” His eyes soften. “I’m more grateful than angry, Mom. What you both went through? Never had a fuckin’ clue.”
“Do you think it’s possible we can move on? Put it behind us?”
Looking thoughtful, he shrugs. “I’m glad I know. Would rather it hadn’t happened. But it did. Just got to deal with it. Anyway, how’s Pal’s girl?”
“She’s not his girl.” I snarl.
His brow furrows. “What the fuck? That’s not how he tells it. She said anything?”
I shake my head. “Jayden’s only sixteen,” I hiss. “Far too young to be claimed.”
A shrug from my son. “She’s seventeen in a couple of months as I understand it.”
“Still not old enough for the likes of him.”
Demon looks surprised. “That’s her business, surely?”
Placing my hands on my hips, my words come out before I can filter them. “If I hadn’t had had a biker interested in me at that age perhaps I wouldn’t…” My voice trails off.
His face has darkened. “What happened to
you was bad, Mom. But you can’t dislike Pal because of what happened to you.”
I can’t explain my thoughts to him, he wouldn’t understand. If I hadn’t gone to the clubhouse when I was seventeen… I wouldn’t have him and maybe not Hell. Christ, my thoughts don’t make sense even to myself. I settle for telling him, “Just want her to know she’s got options.”
“I think Pal already knows that. Kid’s having a hard-enough time adjusting. He needs his friend.”
“As long as he knows that’s all she’ll be. While she’s sixteen.” And while she’s under my roof if I’ve got anything to do with it.
Demon opens the fridge and pulls out a pack of bacon. “Okay?”
I nod. He busies himself opening the pack. He’s thirty-five, but still always as hungry as any teenager.
“Club barbeque on Sunday. Family one. You coming? We’re all expecting to see Jay. Introduce her to the club.”
“Family?” It’s obviously the one Jeannie had mentioned.
“You know what I mean. Daytime, no live porn shows.”
“Knowing your lot that would surprise me.” I mumble.
“What was that?” Bacon cooked and enclosed in bread, he speaks through a mouthful.
It’s not the first time I’ve shaken my head at him for the very same thing. I content myself with saying, drily, “No need to worry about you getting into a relationship with a woman.”
He stops. His hand in mid-air. “Whatcha talking about? You saying I’m gay? I can assure you I’m fuckin’ not.”
“I’m saying no woman in their right mind would go out with a Neanderthal like you.”
Grabbing the dish towel he goes to swat me. I jump out of his reach.
When another motorbike approaches the house, no one needs to tell either Demon or I who it is. As my old man parks up, Demon asks quickly, his brow creased in concern. “Got things straight with Hell?”
I feel myself blushing. I had. But I doubt Hell would want the reason explained to his son. I settle for telling him, “We’re getting there.”
Hell comes in, Demon finishes the late breakfast he’d helped himself to and leaves. Shortly after, Jayden comes down from her room and joins us.
She’s excited to hear about the barbeque. I wouldn’t have said anything, preferring to keep her away, but Hellfire invites her himself. She’s clearly looking forward to meeting all of Paladin’s new brothers. I stand, my lips pressed tight together. Already feeling responsible for her, the fact she’s going means I have to too. I know all too well the dangers of a young girl walking into the compound. It’s not where I’d be if I had my choice, but there’s no way on earth Jayden will be at that place unsupervised.
Club business is obviously keeping Paladin busy and away from her, so when Sunday arrives, she can’t wait to get going and see him again.
Hellfire takes the SUV; I’m pleased not to be riding behind him on his bike. Things between us are still strained, neither of us knowing how to move forward. We’ve lost something, and while my new knowledge means the obstacles have been identified, I’m not sure how we proceed from here. I can’t stop the menopause continuing its course, and I don’t have a cure for Hell’s problem.
At least there’s something I can do. Despite getting headaches, I’ve started medicating myself again, to be prepared. But even with that, how does this work? Do I ask Hell to take one of those pills? What if he takes one and I’m not in the mood? Do we have to arrange a time and place? Coordinate our schedules? Whatever happened to spontaneity? Seems we need to have another discussion; I just suspect neither of us knows how to approach it. One thing for certain, for us to have the heart-to-heart talk we need, he has to be with me, not at the club.
Jay’s quiet on the short journey. Another thing I lay at Hell’s door. He’s not been around enough for her to get comfortable with him. When we arrive and park, she hangs back, her eyes wide as she takes in the compound. I’ve been to Tucson before, and this is an old converted industrial building, miles removed from the only other clubhouse she knows. I see the brick building through her eyes. It’s bound to look a little foreboding. A far cry from the ex-vacation resort in Arizona. She’d been spoiled there. Though, I suspect, once she gets inside, it won’t be all that different.
Paladin’s clearly been waiting for her. He comes out of the clubhouse as soon as we’re parked, his enthusiastic welcome slightly ruined by the fact a scantily clad Tulia, the youngest club girl, is tearing after him.
“Pal! Wait up. Aren’t you coming to the barbeque? Thought you and I could…”
Pal turns and glares at her. His long strides, her short but more speedy ones, mean they’re both near the car when Jayden steps out. “Tulia,” he says sharply. “Get back inside.”
“But Pal…”
“Pal?” Jayden’s stepped out. Her eyes wide, her nostrils flaring as though sensing a rival. “Who’s this?”
“No one,” he replies sharply. “Just a club whore who doesn’t know what’s good for her.”
The two girls stand, their eyes shooting daggers at each other. I wait, interested to see how this plays out. Jayden’s going to have to find some backbone if the club girls see her as competition, especially if it’s a man they’ve already had.
Paladin steps between them, his back toward Tulia. “Get back inside. I’ve already told you I’m not interested,” he tosses his instruction over his shoulder. “Jay, it’s so good to see you.” He holds out his hand. I inwardly give an exasperated sigh as Jayden reaches out to take it. She trusts him. I wish she wouldn’t.
“Scat,” Hellfire steps to my side, slipping the keys to the SUV into his pocket, and scowling at the club girl.
“Whores are going to be at the barbeque?” I question him. They never were allowed in the past, not when the kids were around. But then, my children haven’t been kids for a long time.
“Under sufferance,” Hell replies. “Brothers asked for them.”
“They can’t keep their hands to themselves for one afternoon?”
“They’ve been told to behave.” He nods pointedly at Jayden who’s walking hand in hand with Paladin, the latter talking animatedly. I wonder whether he’s explaining Tulia’s presence, and, whether Jayden believes him.
The sun is shining. It’s a pleasant spring day. I follow my own man around to the back where the grills, set up in the remains of the old furnace, are already emitting aromas which, despite my reluctance to be here, are making my mouth water. Eyeing the picnic tables, the preponderance of males, the smattering of scantily clad females, I uneasily wonder what the afternoon will bring.
Two people I don’t see are Jayden and Paladin. I frown. Damn it. Where have they gone? I should have warned her to stick by my side. Only been here a minute, and I’ve already failed as a chaperone.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Paladin
Fuck these club girls. There are five of them, and each one seems to have trouble understanding when I say no, I mean it. They look on me as someone new, someone they haven’t yet taken for a test ride. My only qualifications are that I’m a biker, and unfamiliar, a challenge. I’ve had to fend each of them off.
I’d been looking forward to Jayden arriving, giving her a tour of where I’m living now, and showing her off to my brothers. She looks fucking gorgeous today, figure-hugging jeans, knee-high boots, and a leather jacket Ella had bought her in recognition of the lower temperatures here. Her long blond hair brushed until it shines, flowing around her shoulders. I’m proud to walk in with her, but hope it won’t be long before I get that scowl off her face.
I was going to take her straight outside, but decide to detour. “Want to come see my room?”
“Oookay,” she agrees, the strung-out word betraying her hesitation.
Damn it. I don’t want her scared of me. Just wanted somewhere where we could talk uninterrupted. I’m also too embarrassed to say anything in case I’m misreading her reluctance. If she thinks I’m going to take advantage, she’s on
the wrong track. Tugging a little on her hand, I don’t give her time to take in the bar area, before leading her to the stairs and then up and along the hall until we reach my room. Oh, shit. I left it unlocked and now the door’s ajar.
As it opens fully, Jay bursts out laughing when she spies a very large feline taking up the middle of my bed. First time I’ve actually been pleased to see Bitch. Her presence has broken the tension.
Quick as a flash, I tell her, “And that, is the only female that’s been in here.”
Her eyes shoot to mine. I’m telling her the complete truth, and can only hope she believes it. “Keep forgetting to lock the darn door. Cat must know who’s got a mind like a sieve. Hey, be careful…”
She’s crossing to the bed, her hand outstretched. Holding my breath, I wait for that paw to strike out, but damn Bitch is actually purring as she starts getting stroked. Jay’s attention on the cat, she asks over her shoulder, “What was that, outside?”
“Fuckin’ club girl not taking no for an answer.” I scowl. “Honestly Jay, sometimes I don’t think we talk the same language.”
Jay giggles.
“It’s not funny.”
“It is. And it’s a compliment, isn’t it? They want you?”
Gingerly, trying not to disturb Bitch and keeping away from her claws, I sit on the bed. “They want to try a new cock. They’re having a competition to see which of them can get me first.” Mace had explained to me. The brothers think it’s a joke and have been placing bets as to how long I’ll hold out. “But no one will, I promise you, Jay.”
When her eyes meet mine, I can see a maturity there as she asks in a serious tone, “How long can you keep refusing, Pal?”
“With you waiting? Forever.”
Stroking the cat, her hands having something to do, seem to make the conversation easier. It suddenly hits me we’re alone. In a bedroom. For the first time ever. “What if,” for a second I wonder if she’s speaking to Bitch, as that’s where she’s now looking. “What if I can never give you what you want?”
Satan's Devils MC Colorado Boxset 1 Books 1 - 3 Page 20
