Chapter 2
“I’m so glad we have our own table,” I observed, taking the seat across from Gail. It had become a routine for us every afternoon—a few minutes of relaxation and girl time. I placed a dark pink floral tablecloth over a square table in the corner and added a pretty crystal vase with fresh flowers. The guys avoided it, mostly because I had also put a giant sign up. In case any of the club members forgot, the easel would remind them.
Gail giggled when she glanced at it. “You changed the message.”
“I sure the fuck did.” I shrugged. “If they want to risk it, it’s on them. I will get stabby. This is our spot.”
I’d drawn a big fat cock on the chalkboard, then an equal sign, followed by a knife dripping blood all in colored chalk. I dared any of the Devil’s Murder to try to sit at this table—even the president. Only ol’ ladies allowed.
“It is,” she agreed, reaching for a cinnamon roll. “Bree’s baked goods are my favorite. I’m going to get fat eating all the wonderful food she cooks.”
“You’re not kidding. I keep telling my sister she needs to open that bakery she’s been dreaming about.”
“I don’t know Bree well enough yet, but I’ll keep trying to convince her too.”
Crow brought Gail to The Roost, the Devil’s Murder clubhouse only a week prior. I met her in the middle of the night, thrilled to finally connect with the young woman who was the only living blood relative of the guy I loved.
To get to know her, I set up tea the following afternoon, and it quickly became a special time for me. I hoped she felt the same. Gail reminded me so much of her brother. She had the same gray eyes and smile, an ability to command a room when they entered it, and even the same walk that bordered on a strut.
Crow’s presence was powerful. Magnetic.
Gail was the softer but no less charismatic equal.
She sighed as she stirred honey into her tea. “Austin’s still mad at Talon.”
“Yeah, honey, I think so. It’s gonna take time. Your brother is overprotective of the ones he loves. But you? Finding out he has a sister after all this time? He’s thrilled but also scared he’ll lose you.”
“I guess I can understand that.”
Did I mention they were both stubborn? Almost to a fault?
“He’s known too much loss,” she observed.
“First, his mom. Then Rook. It’s been a lot to handle.”
“And now I’m here, and it’s all chaos.”
“But none of that is your fault. You had no idea about the club, Rook’s death, your brother, or the war with the Dirty Death MC until a few weeks ago. I’m sure you’re just as overwhelmed,” I pointed out.
“I am. But you, Talon, and my brother are helping me through this. I’m glad Crow has you in his life. You’re good for him, Bella.”
“Thanks. That means a lot, Gail.”
“I may be learning a lot about my brother, but I see the way he looks at you. You soften him in the best ways. He can be an ass,” she joked.
“You have no idea. That man is like a bull, all charge and rage when he’s pissed or threatened.” I took a sip of my tea. “One of the things that I love about him is how fiercely he protects and cares about those around him.”
“He’s a good man. Like Rook.” Her expression grew wistful. “I wonder what it would have been like to grow up around the club? Probably crazy.”
“Oh, yeah. He’s told me stories,” I laughed. “I’m surprised he made it to adulthood with some of the shit he’s pulled.”
She smirked at that. “I can imagine.” Gail cleared her throat and set down her mug. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”
“Okay. Go for it.”
“Are you planning to marry my brother? Because I don’t think he could survive without you.”
That wasn’t what I expected her to ask at all. I blinked, and then we both dissolved into giggles.
“Damn straight. He lost his wallet this morning, and I found it on the bathroom sink. I’d blame all the products I have as a distraction, but he’s the one who bought all the lotion, hair care, and skin cream.”
Gail snickered. “He spoils you like Talon spoils me.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “Talon would raise hell on earth for you. I’ve never seen him so affectionate and protective. Funny how we bring out a different side to these men when they fall for us.”
“Yeah. It’s sweet.”
“Who’s sweet? You both talkin’ about me?”
We both turned to see Cuckoo approaching us, stopping when he reached the table. I still wasn’t used to his crazy costumes. Every time I saw him, he wore something different. The guy must have dozens of totes full of props, masks, and clothing. I bet his room was a nightmare.
My gaze slid over him, taking in his newest creation. He wore a black striped prisoner shirt and pants. The sleeves had been ripped off, and Cuckoo’s arms were bare, showing off his dark ink, biceps, and muscled forearms. A prisoner’s number in black block letters stretched over his chest. He wore his cut over the shirt. It sort of worked in an odd way. The bottom of his pants was loosely tucked into black boots.
A chain hung from his belt loop, and he’d attached several shrunken head props. His face was painted with Halloween makeup like a demented clown with blood splatter on the cheeks and forehead. He finished off the look with a headband that appeared to show a knife through his skull. Handle on the left and the end of the blade on the right. It wasn’t a cheap one either. Almost looked real.
He grinned as we stared, exposing bright white vampire teeth. It seemed to be a favorite item. He wore them often.
“You do attract attention,” I murmured.
He wiggled his brows. “In more ways than one.”
Gail tilted her head, tapping her chin with a long, manicured nail. “I believe that’s the best costume I’ve ever seen.”
He slapped a hand over his heart. “Gail Holmes. You just made my heart melt.”
She snorted. I rolled my eyes.
“I think you should ditch Talon and ride with me, darlin’.”
“I think he’d probably kick your ass if he ever heard you say that.”
Cuckoo seemed to think it over. “Damn. It’s tempting to see if he’d try.”
I shooed him away from the table. “Scoot. You’re interrupting girl time.”
Cuckoo reached for a cinnamon roll, and I swatted at his hand, too late to prevent the theft. He winked as he backed away, taking a massive bite.
“You’re an ass, Cuckoo!” I shouted, gaining a few chuckles from the guys around us.
Gail shook her head. “He’s a handful.”
“You just wait until he meets his mate. I’m going to have so much fun.”
“We both will.”
Later that afternoon, I stuck my head in the kitchen, looking for my sister. Two club girls were cutting up veggies and boiling pasta. They split the chores, including cleaning, cooking, and shopping, although their primary duty involved pleasing the members, specifically the single guys in the club.
Since my arrival, I hadn’t seen anyone cheat and hoped I didn’t. I didn’t think I’d be able to keep my mouth shut, and that could cause trouble. For now, I didn’t dwell on it.
“Anyone see Bree?”
“She’s outside at the picnic tables.”
Of course. I should have checked there first. “Thanks.”
I found Bree in the shade, sipping on lemonade. Her long hair was piled high on her head in a messy bun due to the scorching temperature outdoors. This summer had already reached record highs. I joined her, taking the empty lounge chair on her right.
To her left, Lucky Lou sat in his new red scooter. They weren’t talking, but I had the impression that they enjoyed the solitude. It wasn’t the first time Lou sat with her outdoors or in the kitchen while she baked. They shared a connection, one that Bree needed after all the trauma she’d endured.
Lou was a kind, patient, and cantankerous older man who liked to shake things up a bit when he visited. The only exception to that was his visits with Bree. He knew what she needed to heal, and he gave his time, support, and unflinching aid to her recovery.
“The breeze is cooler than yesterday,” I announced, crossing my feet at the ankles. “It’s risen from the lower levels of hell to the highest tier of hell.”
Lou snickered.
Bree’s lips quivered with amusement. “I think you’re right.”
“That means we need more lemonade. I’ll go rustle us up some.” He winked before pulling back on the lever with his hand, prompting his scooter to creep toward the entrance to the clubhouse.
“Those cinnamon rolls were to die for this morning. It’s the best batch you’ve made to date.”
“Thanks. I added a little more vanilla to the dough.”
“They were perfect.”
She turned her head, catching my gaze. “I’m okay, Bell. Really. It gets better every day.” Her hand lowered, and she rubbed her growing belly. “This baby doesn’t know how he was conceived, and it doesn’t matter. He’ll know love and grow up with two parents that would do anything for him.”
I didn’t know if I could do it. How the hell did you keep a baby after rape? “He’ll have wonderful parents. Raven already loves him.”
She smiled, laying her head back. “I want to start that bakery, but I don’t know how I’d get it going with the pregnancy.”
“Well,” I began, swinging my legs over the chair and resting my feet on the ground, “I’ve got an idea who your partner should be. She’s got fantastic taste and small business experience. You should seriously talk to her about it.”
Bree laughed. “Well, sis, I thought that was what we’re doing. You sell jewelry. I’ll sell all the yummy treats.”
“We can call it Bling & Bake!” I exclaimed.
“Uh, no.” She snorted. “That’s awful. It sounds like an edible shop.”
Damn. It did.
“What about Buttery Baubles?”
“Sis, we need to work on this.”
“Yeah, you’re right.”