16. West
16
WEST
“What I don’t get is why they just went all out to beat me,” I tell Harlem. We’re in the gym, he’s a good workout buddy when Tag isn’t here complaining. “Crow bar and everythin’. The back door was wide open. Hell, the front door was wide open, they could’ve just rushed right in, no questions asked.”
“You think it was deliberate?” Harlem grunts as I hit the bag he’s holding.
“Who the fuck knows, I don’t owe nobody shit, got no bad blood.”
“Maybe you just got in the way. Logan’s isn’t the only joint down that alleyway, sounds like you interrupted them, caught them by surprise,” he says.
Of course, it’s likely he’s right, but something just doesn’t sit right with me. Still, I’m probably just imagining it. “Know anything about a snake tattoo around here? Two of them had the same one on their hands.”
Harlem frowns. “Nope, but could just be gang members.”
“Didn’t get a good look when they were tryin’ to beat the shit out of me,” I say. “Like I said, somethin’ just feels off about the whole thing.”
“Rock didn’t get much from the security footage, it was too dark,” Harlem says. “But whoever they were? They didn’t come to play. That van was completely blacked out, plus they had no plates and a driver lined up to grab ‘em.”
“Fuckin’ great.”
“You did good, they didn’t kill you.”
I grunt, smacking the bag with a little more force. “Damn assholes.”
“Still, sniffin’ around outside means they weren’t plannin’ on comin’ in the Whiskey’s front door. What they were really up to, aside from beatin’ the shit out of you, we’ll never know.”
That’s the part that makes me mad. They need to pay.
“Yeah, that’s the part that frustrates me even more.”
A few seconds pass before he says, “So, I hear you and Audrina are bumpin’ uglies?”
I stop my right hook, pausing at his words. “Good news, travels fast.”
“So it’s true?”
“Who’s been spreadin’ rumors?”
“The ladies, and Manny, they all like to talk.”
“They should mind their own business,” I sigh.
“Not like we haven’t noticed you’re more agreeable lately.” Harlem shrugs. “If that doesn’t mean you’re not gettin’ snatch, then I don’t know what does.”
“I’m always agreeable,” I mutter, swinging back to punch the bag once more. “Just because a man is goin’ about his day happily and mindin’ his own business, doesn’t mean anythin’s goin’ on.”
He regards me quizzically. “Uh, huh.”
“Anyway, Audrina wouldn’t appreciate me talkin’ about her as much as Indi wouldn’t, I’m guessin’.”
“You gotta spoil all the fun. We all wanna see Audrina happy,” he goes on. “She’s been through a lot these past few years, and she’s always helpin’ out. The woman never stops.”
“Don’t have to tell me that.”
“I also know all about bad breakups, they’re tough, but I came out the other end. Then I met a beautiful woman who I’ve been tryin’ to knock up ever since, and the rest is history.”
“I’m thinkin’ there’s a point to this story,” I mutter.
“Point bein’, you gotta know your worth, brother, and when you do, you won’t hold back. You and Audrina were made for each other.”
I cock a brow. “A regular cupid, huh? Didn’t know you had it in you.”
“Ol’ ladies change you, some say they make you weak, but I think they make you stronger because you wanna be better for them, ya know?”
I stop, knowing he’s right and also what I have to do. “I wanna claim her at the table. Gonna talk to Cash.”
“Holy fuck, that went from zero to a hundred.”
“It’s what we both want.”
“Jesus fuckin’ Christ.”
“Club needs to know she’s mine, then I’ll feel better about knockin’ someone out who looks at her.”
“That is kinda how it works.” Then he smirks.
“What?”
“So she’s definitely on board?”
I roll my eyes. “Very funny, you can let Indi and the other women know she’s more than willin’, not forcin’ her to do shit.”
“Hey, my ol’ lady doesn't need to hear it from me, I’ll guarantee they’ve already been discussin’ shit in that group chat of theirs.”
“Tell me about it.” The truth is, I don’t give a shit if Audrina shouts it from the rooftops. “I’m also gettin’ her a puppy.”
Harlem laughs. “You’re kiddin’?”
“Nope, she doesn’t know yet, but I’ll pick her up today at Faux Paws, in fact, because I know she likes little dogs, Luna’s gonna tell her she’s already adopted,” I say. “She’s always wanted a dog, and this little Chihuahua is?—”
“You got her a Chihuahua?”
“She’s really cute.”
“Fuck me.”
“I’m not even kiddin’, fits into the palm of my hand. Audrina’s gonna love her.”
“Nothin’ spells true love like givin’ your ol’ lady a puppy, as long as she wants one?”
I shoot him another look. “Of course she wants one, I wouldn’t be just givin’ her a dog for no reason, but if it doesn’t work out, I’ll take responsibility for her.”
“Wow, a regular boy scout now, bud.”
“You should see the tiny thing, even your heart would melt over her.”
“Stell’s been on my case about adoptin’ an animal, but since I’m still tryin’ to knock up my ol’ lady, I don’t think right now is the best time to get a dog.”
“They can co-exist,” I say. “Not that I’d know with babies.”
“Ever wanted any more?”
Harlem knows about my and Priest’s story, and I missed out on him growing up through no fault of my own.
“Of course, I just never found the right woman in time. I’m thankful for Priest, but I missed out on everythin’, and that’s a hard pill to swallow sometimes.”
“What about you and Audrina? Is she too old?”
“I guess not technically.” I frown. I don’t want to disclose what Audrina told me about her not being able to have more kids because that’s private. “Though it would be harder in her late forties, it depends on a lot of factors.”
“Still, you never know.”
I laugh. “Not plannin’ on anythin’ like that, right now I’m just enjoyin’ spendin’ some time with her. I spent a year bein’ a hapless fuckin’ idiot because I was tryin’ to give her space, in the meantime, Lace signed her up for a goddamn datin’ app.”
He gruffs a laugh. “I hate those things — not that I’ve ever signed up on one before Indi, but Stella was always tryin’ to get me to do it.”
“I deleted the app off her phone.”
“Nice.” He gives me a fist, and we bump.
“Only regret is not askin’ her out sooner,” I tell him. “Thought I could skate under the radar, be there for her because she was still impacted after her divorce. I should’ve manned up earlier, but here we are.”
“Shit happens, and the nice guy doesn’t always get the girl if he waits too long.”
I grunt a laugh. “You sayin’ I’m nice?”
“Not sayin’ anythin’ of the sort, but it’s Nevada’s mom. We all love her, wanna see her settled and happy,” he says.
“Appreciate that, and I’d cut myself before I ever hurt her.”
“Also don’t wanna see your lifeless body thrown out into the Bayou, either,” he adds. “I mean, Nevada’s cool and all, but he’s a wildcard.”
“No chance of that, not goin’ anywhere, don’t plan on hurtin’ her.”
“You gonna start hittin’ like a man instead of a little girl?” Tag’s voice booms across the room.
“Oh great, the fun police has arrived,” I mutter as Harlem chuckles.
“Pussy got you whipped already?” Are his next thoughtful words.
I give him a look. “Don’t tell me Luna’s let you out of Faux Paws early? She said she had a list of jobs for you, and you weren't goin’ anywhere till you’d done them.”
Harlem barks out laughter. “Where do you think he just came from?”
Tag is as pussy whipped as they come, so he has no room to talk. Most of us are scared of Luna because she’s one heck of a hurricane when she wants to be.
“Fuck the both of you,” he mutters. “I’m here, ain’t I? No noose hangin’ around my neck.”
“Yeah, that’s what you tell yourself,” I chuckle. “But you’re as fucked as the rest of us.”
He narrows his eyes. “You finally fucked Nevada’s mom?”
I take a deep breath. Tag is one of the biggest and most solid of the men in the club. Not as tall as Harlem, but wider and built like a brick shithouse. I don’t wanna get punched by him, but I’ll also go postal on his ass if he keeps talking like that.
“You wanna say that again?” I challenge.
He snorts. “Gettin’ touchy, huh? Must have it bad. Wondered how a fox like her was single this long, now I know why. You guys been fuckin’ for a while and sayin’ she works for you as some kinda cover-up."
“That’s elaborate. I’ll remind you that she does in fact work for me, and we’ve only just got together.”
“What took you so long?” He gives me a chin lift. “Dick still workin’ then? Must be a relief.”
Harlem chuckles. “Someone’s in a great mood today.”
“Works just fine, kept my ol’ lady up for the better part of a week, and she’s got no complaints,” I throw back.
Tag cocks his head. “Ol’ lady? You claimin’ her?”
“Need to take it to the table, but yeah.”
Tag slaps me on the back. “Nice goin’, glad you finally found your balls, old man.”
“Fuck you.” I shove him, but he barely moves. Even if I know it’s true, admitting it to Harlem isn’t the same as admitting it to Tag.
“Leave him be,” Harlem says. “Not like we didn’t know they were gonna end up together eventually.”
“Bring her on the run on Sunday,” Tag barks. “She should know what she’s gettin’ herself into beforehand.”
“Think that ship sailed a while back.” I punch the bag again as Harlem grips the sides. “If she can survive being Nevada’s mom, it should be a walk in the park with me.”
Harlem nods. “Said a mouthful there, brother.”
I’d like to bring her on the run. That’ll send a message. I punch the bags for a little while longer, switching with Tag because I need to go shower and get ready for Audrina’s surprise.
Letting the boys know has felt like a weight has been lifted, and knowing that Audrina is on board to be my ol’ lady without waiting it out makes me wanna shout it from the rooftops.
There’s still a ton of people at Faux Paws when I pull up, and after about five minutes of searching, I finally find my girl helping a couple of little kids with their newly adopted cat.
I watch her for a second, being attentive and sweet to the children and giving the mom hovering nearby all the information. While I think back to Harlem’s question about more kids, there’s no doubt I’ve always had a place in my heart for a family of my own, but that ship has sailed. I’m happy with where I am and being a grandpa to Jack — hopefully more to come in the future. Just seeing how good she is to people makes that smile on my face even brighter, especially when she looks up and catches me staring at her.
I wait until she’s done, then make my way toward her. She’s wearing a floaty, pink flowered dress with her hair in waves. I love her in dresses. Well, I love her in nothing at all, but we are in public, after all.
“You look pretty,” I murmur close to her ear when she pulls me in for a hug. I want to kiss her, I want to show everyone that she’s mine... so when she pulls back and stretches up on her tiptoes to kiss me softly, I don’t hold back. Her lips are soft and sweet, perfect, just like her.
“Thank you,” she whispers. “I’m glad you came.”
“Of course, but Tag said there was free grub?—”
She narrows her eyes playfully. “Is that the only reason you came? But if you really are hungry, there are some cakes in the ba— ooh! ”
I grip her ass and kiss her again, my tongue finding hers for a brief second, and just like that, I’m hard. Who am I kidding? I’m always hard for her. “Fuck baby, think we could sneak off to the supply closet for a quickie?”
“Stop it!” She laughs, pressing a palm to my chest. “If Asher sees?—”
“Get a room, you two,” Star says, sidling up beside us.
Audrina flushes. “West was just, uh...”
“Give it up.” Star rolls her eyes. “The gig was up a while back and nobody believed for a second you two were gonna be able to stay away from one another.”
“Nice to know everyone has been rootin’ for us behind our backs,” I laugh.
“Ha, you should see the group chat.” Audrina shakes her head. “These women are relentless.”
Star smiles too. “Only because we knew you’d make such a great couple, you’re so cute together. Plus, you’re a total fox, Audrina. You shouldn’t be home night after night, after night, when you’re still young and gorgeous.”
“You do wonders for my ego,” she says to Star, then whispers, “I think one night after night would’ve been enough.”
Star rolls her lips. “We’re happy for you. Nevada was a little protective over you at first, but you’ve been through a lot, and you know how he gets.”
“I know he can be a little overbearing at times,” Audrina says. “But it’s a definite bonus that he likes West, and they get along.”
Her son is her whole world, and I never wanna get in the way of that.
Star gives her a hug. “We just care about you so much.”
Audrina smiles warmly like the angel she is. “I know, and you’re both very sweet. It’s been a rough road, but I’m finally starting to hold my own worth in my hands. Making that shift, seeing and believing that I really am a confident woman who doesn’t have to sit in the shadows anymore, it’s been liberating.”
She’s so articulate. That’s one of the many things I love about her.
“Audrina, do you mind holding Minnie Mouse for a second? Her owner has just arrived, but I just need to grab her paperwork,” Luna says, passing her the puppy. Bella is with her, and I sling my arm around her shoulders.
My eyes meet Luna's, and I don’t know how to keep a straight face.
“Of course,” Audrina says, taking the little bundle as the puppy yawns.
“She’s been such a good girl all day,” Bella tells us. “Even though there’s been a lot of noise and barking, she’s so chilled out.”
“Oh, she’s just adorable,” Audrina gushes. I can’t hold back my smile.
“She’s so tiny!” Star strokes her head with her index finger, then she looks up to Audrina.“Didn’t you say you wanted a Chihuahua?" Yeah, I ran it by Nevada and Star, too, since it is their place that the puppy will be staying in for now.
“I would’ve loved her, but she’s already been adopted, which is awesome, of course. She’s such a sweetie. Luna said she likes cuddles, and she was scared of the shelter, so I’ve been cuddling her for most of the day to get her used to people.”
“She’s adorable!” Bella swoons. Priest is on baby duty, so she came to lend a hand for a few hours.
Audrina is still looking down at the tiny thing. “Isn’t she? Honestly, she hasn’t even made a sound, aside from a little squeak when she breathes.”
Bella tickles her under the chin. “That’s so sweet.”
“I think all these furry animals are making me want to adopt something to cuddle,” Star admits.
“Don’t you have Nevada to cuddle every night?” I laugh.
“Yes, but a dog or cat wouldn’t be as needy as him.”
Even Audrina laughs at that one.
“So far, we’ve had fifty-six adoptions! We’ve only got a handful left, and it’s a rap.” Bella beams.
“That’s fantastic.” I smile. “You all did such an amazing job.”
“Well, here we go,” Luna says, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she hands Audrina the puppy care bag and the papers.
“Oh, where’s her new owner?” Audrina looks up.
Luna looks at me, and I give her a chin lift. This is her gig after all. “You are.”
“W–what?” she stammers. “No, I was too late, I didn’t see her until today, I never filled in any paperwork.”
“Nope. Says right here, Audrina Childs.” Luna points down at the papers.
Audrina leans over to check it. “But how?”
“West,” Bella, Star and Luna all chime together.
Audrina’s eyes snap to mine. “You did this?”
A moment passes where I think this may have been a bad idea and I’m going to be the one on puppy duty, but then I see her eyes glaze over instantly. I also didn’t wanna make her cry.
“I… I remember you sayin’ a while back you really loved little dogs, and Chihuahuas were your favorite. I hope I didn’t overstep?—”
She flings herself into my arms, still holding the dog. “Oh, West, this is so... It’s... she’s exactly what I wanted! Oh, my God! I have a puppy!”
“You’re okay with it?”
She pulls back, kissing my cheek and whispering. “I’m more than okay with it, the fact that you remembered the story is touching.”
“I remember everything you tell me,” I admit. “But I was prepared to take her if you’d changed your mind about a dog.”
She presses her lips to mine, and I still. It’s brief, but in front of the girls, it’s sending a message. That I’m hers.
“Thank you.”
“Awww!” The girls all swoon together.
“My heart is gonna burst,” Bella sighs.
“I think I just got pregnant,” Star agrees.
“I knew first that they were gonna get it on,” Luna continues. “Well, maybe a tie with Lace.”
“You really did this for me?” she whispers.
“I didn’t want you to be lonely,” I admit.
“I could never be lonely with you around.”
I smile, looking down at her beaming face and the sleeping dog. “What will you name her?”
“I’ve always loved the name Matilda, or Tilly for short, but that’s Star’s sister's name, which might be weird. I also like Tilbury.”
“Tilbury? Yeah, she looks like a Tilbury.” A tear escapes, and I catch it with my finger. “Happy tears?”
Her eyes meet mine again. “They’re always happy tears with you, Boss Man.”
I drive Audrina to her place so we can set up the dog bed. Yeah, I ended up buying a second set so when Audrina stays over, Tilbuy can come, too.
I don’t even get the truck in park when she’s climbing into my lap. Her mouth is on mine, and her hands roam my body as I grip her ass. “This is the best present anyone has ever gotten me.”
“Really? What about my cock the first time you had it?” I grin.
“Aside from that, obviously,” she breathes.
Tilbury is sleeping soundly in her carry case as we make out, and I can’t keep my hands off Audrina. “My baby can’t wait to get inside?”
“I can’t,” she groans. “I need you inside me.”
“We’re at your place.”
“Asher and Star are out for a little bit.”
I pique an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting we fuck before the kids get home?”
Her pretty face breaks out into a big smile. “That’s exactly what I’m suggesting.” She looks over at Tilbury. “While the baby’s still sleeping, of course.”
I stir, my dick wide awake. “I guess we better get inside then, hadn’t we? Can’t fuck you out on the street.”
She presses her hips into mine, and I groan, my dick straining against my zipper. “West, I... this is so hot.”
“What’s hot is you and that damn dog,” I mutter in between kisses.
Somehow we make it out of the car and into the house. Audrina sets Tilbury down, and my hands immediately reach for her as I push her up against the wall and she gasps.
“Been teasin’ me with this pretty body all day, baby,” I mutter against her lips.
Our tongues collide, and thinking we might get caught in the hallway, fucking like wild rabbits, makes my dick ache.
I cup her face, kissing her with all I’ve got until she cries, “Inside me, West, please.”
I grin against her mouth. “Gettin’ more articulate with your words now, baby?”
She swings her arms around my neck. “Hurry up because we don’t want the kids catching us.”
“Here?” I balk.
“It’s always been a fantasy of mine to screw on the kitchen countertop. I should sanitize it first, though…”
I lift her up, and she yelps as I pin her against the wall with my hips as her legs wrap around me. “Oh, you want a quick, hard fuck, Peaches?”
She reaches between us and grips my cock and I hiss. “I want that beast, yes.”
I chuff with laughter. “Beast?”
“Well, it is a bit of a beast, don’t you think?”
I don’t answer; instead, I slide her dress off one side of her shoulder, pulling it down until her tit springs out. I bend and suck her nipple into my mouth, and she wriggles beneath me.
“Gonna get fucked hard,” I mutter against her flesh. “Teasin’ your ol’ man like this is drivin’ me nuts.”
Her hands fumble at my button and zipper, her fingers brushing my dick as she tries to get me loose. I lift my head. “Need a hand with that?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”