Chapter 19
Chapter
Nineteen
Scarlett
I t’s unusual for me to take a trip to see my dad at the club house. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times I have, and still have enough fingers left of give an insulting hand gesture.
My impromptu visit directly after the explosion had surprised and scared me, but also left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. Although I’ve grown up aware of the dangers that come with club life, death, destruction and mayhem being par for the course, the direct hit they’d taken had shaken me to the core. The loss of Cub was heartbreaking, but I’m no fool. It could have been much worse. I could have lost my dad. The only true family that I have left. And despite our unorthodox life with the secrecy of me being his daughter, I love him deeply, and losing him… I couldn’t bear it.
I had been out of my mind with worry once I’d heard about the explosion, so I’d gone straight to the club, demanding to see him. I was told he was at Stone’s cabin and immediately made my way there. When Stone finally admitted that he was in the downstairs bedroom at the back of the house, the fear that he was severely hurt infected my brain, and I’d forced my way past my need to see him. The shock of walking into room and finding my dad in a compromising position with a woman blew my mind. A woman who wasn’t a club whore. It was a little amusing that she was instantly green with jealousy when he’d put his arms around me, thinking I was competition. However, the way my dad was so uneasy about the situation, obviously at a loss of what to say, I’d stepped in and introduced myself. It was then that I’d notice how he looked at Tenley. I’d not seen that in such a long time. Not since Mom, and it had filled me with a warmth that made me want to shout out with utter happiness.
If I’m not mistaken, my dad may have at last found love again, despite his thought that it would never happen, as true love could only be experienced once. Not true. Not always, anyway.
I’m so intrigued by Tenley, but I’ve had no time to get to know her as Dad had shooed me off the premises as quickly as he could, stating that it wasn’t safe for me to be there. Not quick enough to avoid a blast from my past, though.
On the odd occasion that I’ve seen or spoken to Dad since, every time I try to get him to talk, tell me more about her, he either clams up like an oyster and no number of attempts at prizing more out of him works, or he quickly changes the subject.
The one thing that he has mentioned, that had taken me by surprise, was me moving out of Velvet’s. It’s not something he’d even entertained in the past, but with recent events he was adamant. The sooner I was away from there the better, as the risk of it being the next viable target for the DVI was high.
I’m still not sure if it was coincidental, or if Smoke has pulled some strings, but the offer of a job in the city had come exactly at the right time. The apartment was perfect, not too far from the offices of Vista Legal, where I’d gained my internship.
The only problem is… I get lonely.
At Velvet Reds there was always someone around. The girls, or one or two of the YOMC brothers covering security. Now, it’s just me.
Don’t get me wrong, my neighbors are friendly enough, but passing the time of day when I see them in the hallway, or picking up my mail from the mailbox is as far as it goes. Mostly city workers, too. They tend to keep themselves to themselves.
Thankfully, my work, and raging thirst for knowledge keeps me busy. Knowledge is power, and I’m constantly striving for improvement. To be the best.
Yet today, I need a break from these four walls, and the highly charged, historical child abuse case that I’m using for research. I hope that it’ll help in a major case one of the top lawyers of our firm is prosecuting. The more I get into it, the more I want to track down the pedo, cut off his dick, coat it in shit and sugar, and feed it to him until he chokes on it. Or, alternatively, I’ll end up rocking in a corner a blubbering mess for the victims.
I’m desperate to find out more about Tenley, who turns out to be the stepsister to Stone’s woman, Oriana. I’ve not known of any other women even piquing his interest, let alone sharing a bed since Mom passed. At least not in the way Tenley has.
Leaving the apartment, I drive to the club. Despite my request for Dad to make it known to everyone exactly who I am, he refused but agreed to make a handful of the council aware. So, as I pull up to the gate, I’m grateful that Edge is there talking to a prospect who’s on guard. Without question, he lets me in, and I drive straight to the clubhouse, because if Smoke’s not there, whoever is will be able to point me in the right direction. It’s Tenley that I’m really here to visit, but if he found out I was on the grounds without him knowing, he’d be pissed. So, best make my presence known. Convincing him to let me see Tenley, now that might take a little bit of daughter persuasion.
I cut the engine, grab my purse and exit the car. My heeled pumps slip on the gravel a little before I regain my balance. Once I get nearer the building the ground levels out from the constant footfall, but I’m still relieved when I get to take the first step up to the front porch. The door opens with ease, and I step inside making a beeline for the common room, knowing that if Dad there, someone will be.
Ginger is behind the bar, elbows planted on the top, her chin resting on the knuckles of her clenched fists. She looks miserable, and I’m pretty sure I know why. With the VP, and now potentially the Prez of the club, off the market, her chances of bagging one of the council members, and ‘Old Lady’ status is dwindling.
“Hey,” I call out to her as I get closer. Immediately she straightens up and plasters a fake smile to her face.
“Hey, Scarlett. How are you? Is everything okay at Velvet’s?”
“As far as I’m aware, it is.” I could fill her in more, let her know that I no longer run Velvets, but I’m not sure I can trust her to keep it on the low. Smoke is determined to keep my connections to the club to a minimum. For now, I’m happy to play along.
“That’s good. Can I get you something?” she indicates to the row of liquor bottles on the shelf behind her.
“No thanks, it’s a little early in the day for me. I’m actually here to see Smoke. Do you know where he is?”
“He’s in his office. Give me a second and I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“No need.” I wave her away. “I know where it is.” I turn away, ready to move.
“But he’s in a meeting,” she shrieks out, panicked.
“Don’t worry. I’ll knock.” I glance back at her and start to move quickly towards the door that leads to the office, ignoring the way she’s chewing on her lip. The concern is clearly written across her face. I’m not sure if it’s for me or for herself. If it is for me, then it’s unwarranted. He’s my dad. What’s he going to do? Shoot me?
When I step through into the hallway that leads to the office, I see that the door is slightly ajar. As I edge myself closer, I hear voices. When I look through the gap, I can see two people stood at this side of the desk. One is Stone, and even though his cut gives it away, I’d still recognize his stance and broad shoulders. I also have a side view of one of the Florida club members, who turned up in town at the time of the explosion. I can’t see the back of his cut, but I’m almost sure it’s Mammoth, due to the fact that he’s one huge motherfucker. His shoulders are way broader than Stone’s. Long dark wavy hair falls loose down his back, and his deep baritone voice bellows loudly in the room, despite him trying to talk quietly. He’s the epitome of tall, dark and broody.
“Jesus Christ. Of course he had no idea.” Mammoth grits. “You seem to forget that he’s putting his life on the line, Smoke. For fuck’s sake, give him a fucking chance.”
“He’s right, Prez,” Stone adds to the mix. “Going behind enemy lines like this is risky. If they…”
“Scarlett!” My dad’s voice booms over whatever it was that Stone was saying, when he catches me watching through the gap in the door. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Oh, yeah, hi,” I push the door open fully and step inside. When I take a better peek at Mammoth, I can see that there’s blood on his face and matted in his facial hair. A glance further down his huge body, shows the jeans he’s wearing are ripped with cuts to his knees. I’d love to ask what the hell has happened, but as you’d need a chainsaw to the cut the tension in the air, I think better of it. “I thought it was about time I got to meet Oriana and Tenley properly.”
“It’s not a good time,” he growls back at me. He gets to his feet and comes around the desk and stands in front of me. “Maybe another time.” Taking my arm, he starts to walk me back towards the open door I’ve just stepped through.
“But it’s a good time for me,” I hit back. I step in closer to him, put my hands on his chest and look up at him with puppy eyes. “Dad, please. I really need a break from sickos, rapists and psychotic killers before my mental health takes a nosedive. What better than a couple of margaritas and female trashy talk. Please, I promise I won’t make a habit of it, but other than the girls at Velvet’s, I don’t really have any girlfriends to hang out with.”
I plead my case, holding my breath while I wait for his decision.
“Stone, are the girls up at the cabin?”
“Sure are. I think it’s an art day today.”
“Wow, that’s great. Sounds like a lot of messy fun.” I add quickly, hoping it’s enough to tip the balance.
“Okay,” Smoke huffs out. “Stone, take her up there while I talk to Mammoth.” His VP nods his agreement. “You make sure you let me know when you’re heading back out, and when you’re back home safe. You hear me?”
“Sure Dad,” I whisper to him, pushing up onto my tiptoes to place a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”
With Stone beside me, I leave the club house with a mix of nervous trepidation, and a bubble of excitement, at getting to meet the two women that could possibly be my friends and biggest allies, when it comes to being an integral part of the club and not a hidden secret.
“Do you realize what you’re getting yourself into?” Stone asks me as we walk the short distance up the hill, to the cabin where he lives with Oriana and Sasha. I still find it quite amazing how Stone has adapted to being a father to his adorable little niece. The beautiful child has the ability to render the grumpy monster of a man into a squishy marshmallow, with a simple batting of her super long eyelashes.
“What do you mean?”
“Oriana and Tenley have a kinda love hate relationship, being stepsisters and all. Believe me, you have no idea what it can be like, if you get caught up in the middle, when they get into it.”
“I’m sure they’re not that bad,” I laugh off his dramatics. Then a thought comes to me. “Has Smoke said something to you?”
“Now you got me puzzled. What you getting at?”
“You. Trying to put me off spending time with Tenley, and your old lady, in case I get to know both your softer sides.” I accuse him. “Did Da… Smoke put you up to it?”
“No, he didn’t, and it’s okay for you to call him Dad when you’re around me, you know. It’s not like I don’t know who he is to you.”
“I know. Just trying to keep it low key like he wants. Less chance of slipping up if I stick to using his club name.” He curls his hand around my bicep and gently pulls me to a stop, turning to face me. The scowl on his face tells me that he’s picked up on the sadness in my voice.
“He loves you, Scarlett. Don’t ever doubt that. He wants nothing more than to celebrate you, tell the world about his beautiful, intelligent and strong daughter. But while ever there’s a chance of you be being targeted because of who you are to him, then it’s not going to change. He’s already sacrificed one great love of his life because of the club, your mother. Losing another would kill him.”
“What about Tenley? How does she fit into his life? Does she mean enough to him that she will also end up being another secret for him to keep?” I ask, trying to get something from him that will validate what I already suspect. That my dad is falling for a pretty news reporter, who had been hounding him for an exclusive.
“I think that Smoke’s concerns about you and Tenley meeting are unwarranted.” He replies diplomatically, a slight swerve in the topic of conversation. “I think all three of you are going to get on just fine. It might possibly be a major mistake, because I think you’ll end up being nothing but trouble, but it will be good for you all.”
“That doesn’t answer my question.” I snigger.
“Let’s just say that if, or when, she’s going to be with Prez and take on club life, you’ll be the one who’ll help her on the way.”
“Jeezee! You really think that?” I shake my head. “Stone, I’ve still got a lot to learn when it comes to life with the Young Outlaws.”
We find Oriana, Tenley and Sasha on the floor around a coffee table, getting extremely messy, painting with their fingers. An array of purple, pinks and blues, along with a dash of sunflower yellow are blotched over the surface of large white sheets of paper.
All three of them look in our direction with wide eyes, laughter still lingering on their lips when they notice us.
“Daddy Gabe,” Sasha squeals, as she jumps up and takes off towards us.
“Wait, wait,” Oriana shrieks quickly getting to her feet. “Let me wipe your hands first.
“Don’t panic,” Stone assures her. “Just don’t get any paint on my cut, Angel. Or Uncle Smoke and the guys will rip the fu-,” he coughs, “fun out of me and make me look silly.” He catches Sasha in his arms, bringing her up against his chest, but Sasha holds her hands far out by her side, making her look like she’s about to take off in flight. He makes up for the lack of her embrace by planting a smacker of a kiss to her cheek, and in return is gifted with one right back.
“Scarlett!” Tenley’s voice quivers in greeting from where she sits. “Are you here to see me?”
“I’m actually here to see you all. I thought it was about time we got to know one another.”
“So, you’re not here to question me on my intentions?” She’s apprehensive, that’s for sure. The hand that is covered in paint has a subtle shake. Her other I can’t see, as her arm is hidden under the table.
“How’s the arm?” I ask, genuinely concerned, as I know she hurt it quite badly when she took a fall during the blast.
“Much better, thank you.” Her mouth curls at the edges, but she struggles to keep eye contact.
“Well, I’m going to leave you ladies to get acquainted.” Stone places Sasha back on the floor, and she immediately runs back to her painting activities, giving Stone the opportunity to grab Oriana around the waist and bring her close. He instantly covers her mouth with his, and holy hell! The kiss is so fucking passionate it steams up the whole room with its palpable heat.
Damn! It gets my heart racing just watching them and makes me feel a little uncomfortable, seeing as Stone has always been like an uncle to me. However, it’s so sweet when I catch him mouthing those three little words to her before walking away.
“Right, I’m out of here.” Stone announces loudly. “Try not to get into too much trouble, ladies.” And with those last words, or warning, he’s gone.
“Oh Lord,” Oriana flings her still paint covered hands up into the air. “Where are my manners? Scarlett, can I get you something to drink?”
“I’m good, thank you.” I slip out of my shoes and place them beside the door before making my way over to where Tenley sits, still on the floor. Even without my heels on, it gives the impression that I’m towering over her. With a straight face and firm stance, I ask her sternly. “So, Tenley. What exactly are your intentions when it comes to my dad?”
The look on her face is priceless. Mouth gapping open, eyes wide, beads of perspiration start to pop up on her forehead.
Oriana looks on, fidgeting as if ready to pounce in order to defend her sister if needed. The tension is mega high.
“Oh my God,” I laugh out loud. “Your faces.” I double up at the waist, unable to control my laughter. “I’m kidding.” After a moment of hesitation Oriana joins in the joke. Even Sasha lets out a girly laugh, although I doubt that she’s fully understood what’s so funny. Mind you, with the cheeky expression on her face, maybe she’s savvier than her tender years would have you think.
Tenley eventually lets out a nervous chuckle, at which I respond by eyeballing her. I point my fingers to my eyes then flick them back in her direction, back and forth making sure she knows I will be watching her. “Although, if you hurt him, I may well have to kill you.”
“Hey, stepsister or no stepsister,” Oriana stands with hands on hips. Thankfully, she’s just finished getting washed up and her hands are now clean. Otherwise, paint disaster. “I’d be right beside you handing you the gun. No one hurts our Prez.
“Spoken like a true ‘Old Lady’” I salute Oriana.
“I ain’t Stone’s old lady.” She sniggers.
“Who are you trying to kid? The way he talks about you, there’s no doubt that he’s totally in love with you. He’s made his claim clear with all the brothers in the club. You are strictly off limits. It’s only a matter of time before you’ll be wearing a ‘property of Stone’ cut on your back.”
“He never?” she chokes on her own words.
“Well, what do you expect?” Tenley speaks up. “He won’t have a single word said against you. Just the other day he shot Smoke down because of something he said.”
“Oh God, what have I done to upset Prez?” she cries out.
“Nothing bad,” Tenley reassures her. “It was some throw away comment about nothing important. In fact, Smoke meant it as a joke, but you know how straight faced he is. Sometimes it hard to tell when he is or isn’t being serious. That’s why Prez was shocked when he bit back so quickly.”
Oriana’s face transforms from worried to relaxed, instantly.
“Uncle Smoke likes you, Mummy.” Sasha jumps to her feet and comes running full speed towards her. Oriana catches her wrist just before she tries to fling them around her legs. “He told me so.”
“He did, did he?” Oriana smiles the biggest of smiles that reach right up to her eyes, glowing with love as she looks down at the little girl who now calls her mummy.
Although she might have started off being Sasha’s nanny, it’s blatantly clear their relationship has morphed into something quite special. And with the connection she now has with Stone, from what my dad has mentioned, they have become a strong, perfect family.
“Why don’t you tell me exactly what Uncle Smoke said to you while we give your hands a good clean?”
“But I’m still painting, Mummy,” Sasha grumbles.
“I think that’s enough for today, besides it’s lovely outside, so once you’re cleaned up we can go into the garden and get some fresh air.”
While Oriana takes Sasha off to clean her up, Tenley goes behind the kitchen counter and opens up one of the cupboards. Placing three wine glasses onto the countertop, she then goes to the fridge and brings out a bottle of white wine.
“I have a feeling that I’m going to need this,” she sighs, hooking the glasses between her fingers, her other hand firmly gripping the neck of the bottle.
“Let’s go sit outside and I’ll crack this baby open.”
I follow her down the hallway that leads from the far side of the living area, past the bedroom where I’d witnessed her cozying up with my dad, and out through the back door. Which brings us to a quiet, good-sized patio area. There’s also a grassed space that holds a dual swing, slide and two or three other play items. The area is surrounded by a white picket fence, which I’m sure is all Stone’s doing. Making sure that Sasha has a safe and secure place to play. Beyond the fence is a thick wooded area that’s still part of the overall compound, as the land that comes with the clubhouse is a substantial amount. I know that Smoke originally planned on having this cabin as his home, but when Stone’s situation changed unexpectedly, and he needed a good living environment for Sasha, he had selflessly given it up. The last thing any Prez want’s is to lose his VP, so giving Stone the use of the cabin was a small price to pay.
Now Tenley is on the scene, and the way my dad seems to be all enamoured with her, I guess that the plan he already has for a new smaller cabin for his own use, might have to be reworked to a larger building.
“Take a seat,” Tenley offers, pointing to one of the eight oak chairs, set around an oblong shaped table.
She waits until I take a seat before she places herself directly opposite me. The door swings open and out comes Sasha at a trillion miles an hour, causing a waft of air to brush my skin as she runs past me, making a beeline for a sandbox over near the far fence.
“Wow, she’s full of jumping beans today.” Oriana puffs out air from between her lips before falling into the seat next to me. “Thanks,” she responds to Tenley when she fills the empty glass placed in front of her. “I really fucking need this.” Grabbing the stem of the glass, she brings it to her lips and takes a good, long sip. “Sasha loves building sandcastles, so the good news is, we have a good hour before she gets bored and wants to do something else. She’s a bit of a perfectionist, even at her age.” She lets out a long, relaxed exhale. “Let’s talk.”
The chat goes well once Tenley realizes that I’m seriously not here to give her the third degree, and that I truly want to get to know her and Oriana. With us all now relaxed, thanks to the wine, the conversation flows.
It’s not until Sasha starts to get restless, now on the swings after finishing her sand masterpiece, that Tenley starts to make a move. Sasha has already had me check out her handiwork, but to me it looks like a pile of sand with a naked Barbie sticking out the top, from the waist upwards, circled by a number of colorful building blocks pushed into the perimeter. It was then that I realized that I’m a little tipsy, but it wasn’t enough to stop me. We’d already drunk a lot of wine between us, and I’d already come to the conclusion that I was no longer fit to drive myself home so it won’t hurt if I have a little more.
“Shit,” I giggle when I get to my feet again, now having to hold on to the edge of the table to steady myself. “How did that happen?”
“What?” Tenley smirks. “You mean the putting of a glass to your mouth, and knocking back wine like you’ve just spent hours in the Nevada Dessert, and it’s the only liquid refreshment available?”
“I blame you,” I point a shaking finger towards Oriana. “You should have listened to me when I said it was a bad idea to open that third bottle.”
“Oops!” Oriana looks back at me all innocently, holding the neck of the bottle, and tipping it upside down. Not a single drop falls from the opening. She then starts to snigger behind her hand. “I think we have another bottle in the fridge, should I go get it?”
“No!” both I and Tenley shout out at the same time.
“I think you’ve had enough.” Tenley walks around and removes the bottle that Oriana’s now swinging from side to side before it flies off erratically.
“Party pooper,” Oriana fires back at her stepsister.
Despite me having my share of the delicious vino, I have noticed that Tenley has mostly nursed her glass throughout the conversation, and has only topped it up the once. Which can only mean that both Oriana and I, have had the lion’s share. Damn! I’m way over the limit and Oriana is in no fit state to be in charge of Sasha either. Oriana is now slumped down in the chair. If she slides down any further, she’ll be on the floor, and is struggling to keep her eyes open.
Sasha, now bored with the swings, comes running towards us but Tenley is quick off the mark, stepping between her and her Oriana, so she can’t see the state she’s in.
“Hey Sash, let’s go wash up, and you can have some TV time. Would you like that?”
“What’s up with Mummy?” she asks, trying to see past Tenley.
“She’s tired, that’s all. So, I thought it would be nice to let her have a bit of a nap.” Tenley explains. “So, TV?”
“Okay,” she replies, heading off towards the house, seemingly placated. “Can I have cookies?” I hear her ask Tenley as they enter the house.
Before Tenley closes the door, she gestures back to me, her hands moving fast, directing me to move Oriana into her room.
Tenley must have more faith in my current ability than I do, because my head is spinning, and my body is swaying. However, I guess I’m not as bad Oriana.
I wait until the door is firmly closed before I suck in a deep breath, grab Oriana under the arms and pull her to her feet.
“What... what’s going on?” Oriana slurs. “Where’s Sashhhhsssa?”
“With Tenley.” Now on her feet, I put her arm around my shoulder, and although not the easiest of maneuvers, I do manage to walk her towards the door. “I’m going to get you somewhere comfortable so you can sleep it off.” I use the wall as a support while I get the door open, holding it back with my foot while I move us both over the threshold. Thankfully, Tenley’s bedroom door is ajar, so a quick push with my hip we’re in. A few more steps to negotiate and I’m able to drop her onto the bed, her body bouncing she lets out a soft ‘harrumph’. When her back hits the mattress, her eyes fly open.
“This isn’t my room,” she mumbles, her head moving from side to side taking in her surroundings. She grabs the collar of my cotton shirt, and pulls me nearer to her, my face hovering above hers. For a moment I think she’s going to kiss me but instead she whisper-shouts.
“This is the room where Stone fucked me for the first time.” She looks right, then left as if checking no one else is listening. We are the only ones in the room. “Lots of times to be honest, but don’t tell Tenley. She might get the ick sleeping in the same bed if she found out what freaky things we’ve done in it.”
“I won’t,” I assure her.
“Pinky promise?” She holds up a hand, little finger jutting out. This girl needs to get out more, she’s spending far too much time with the kid.
I go to do the only thing I can, even though I feel like a total dick. I hook my little finger with hers. Before I manage to do it, her arm falls to her side, and she leaves me hanging. A soft snore escapes her slightly parted lips. She’s out of it.
For a moment, I consider laying down beside her, taking advantage of the comfortable bed and chance a quick nap myself, but then I remember what she hinted about her sexcapades with Stone, and I shudder.
I’m not na?ve. I know that Stone’s no angel, but he’s also like an uncle to me. So, the visual of him, my dad or any of the club brothers in the act of coitus is a tad disturbing. I’ve grown up being around these guys, even though they had no idea how I truly fit into the YOMC family.
I step out into the hallway and go in search of Tenley. I really need to be heading home but driving my car is out of the question. The sound of the TV and Sasha’s giggles point me in the right direction.
Tenley has her phone to her ear, and is in the middle of a conversation but beckons me over to her using her free hand.
“Yeah, but Scarlett needs a ride home.” I wait while she continues. I guess she’s got me covered. “Yeah, I get that. Okay, I’ll let her know.” She cuts the call.
“Was that Smoke?” I enquire.
“Yeah. He’s sending Stone up in your car, so he can drive you home.”
“Doesn’t Stone need to be here for Sasha? I’m sure Smoke can take me. Or even one of the other guys.”
“I’ll take care of her.” Her eyes quickly flick towards Sasha, who is quite happy watching a kids show and demolishing the cookie that she’s gripping in her tiny fist. “Scarlett, your dad is tied up, which means that if he can’t take you himself, then it has to be Stone. He trusts him more than anyone else. Of course, he’s going to call on his VP to ensure that you get you home safely, especially with all that’s going on at the moment.” I can’t deny that I’m a little disappointed that it’s not Dad. I feel like I hardly get to see him, and with the amount of liquid courage I have inside me right now, it would have been the perfect opportunity to find out exactly how deep him and Tenley are. Although, thinking about it, Dad is the king when it comes to dodging questions on his personal life. Chances are I’ll get more information out of Stone.
Speak of the Devil. The sound of the door opening, then slamming shut, rings through the house.
“Where is she?” he asks when he comes in and, after scanning the room, doesn’t see Oriana.
“Daddy Gabe,” Sasha squeals and comes running towards him. With a dip down he scoops her up onto his hip, her little legs coming around his body, arms hooking around his neck. “Mummy’s sleeping. She drank too much of that special juice. You know, the one I’m not allowed because its only for grownup people.”
“Yeah,” he tickles her under her chin. “It makes children sick. Even adults need to be careful not to drink too much.” Sasha’s lashes flutter quickly, her mouth dropping into an O shape as concern for Oriana hits her. “Don’t worry, baby girl. She’s going to be fine once she’s rested up some.” A kiss to her cheek puts a smile back on her face. As soon as he places her feet back to the floor, she goes off like a firecracker, zooming back to watch her program.
“Where is she?” Stone asks again.
“In my room.” Tenley captures his hand before he gets to move way. “Go easy on her, Stone. She rarely gets a chance to let her hair down these days. I made sure that I stayed sober so I can watch Sasha.”
“Hey, I’m not mad. I only want to check on her.” He pats the back of Tenley’s hand to reassure her. “I’m pretty bummed that I missed seeing her drunk, though.” Laughing, he starts to walk away but hollers over his shoulder. “Give me five, Scarlett and I’ll take you home.”
Once he’s safely down the hall and out of ear shot, I take advantage of the limited time I have left with Tenley.
“Think hard, Tenley,” I address her. Her eyes switch from where Sasha is now dancing along with the characters on the TV show to me. She doesn’t ask what I’m referring to. She knows.
“Look, Scarlett, it’s early days. Too early to know what Smoke and I have, or the longevity of it. We’re still getting to know each other.”
“But I do know him. I’m his daughter.” I counter. “Since my mom passed, he’s not once, to my knowledge, shared a bed with another woman. That part of his life is sacred, and he wouldn’t share it easily. Yet I walk in to find you cozying up with him. I won’t lie, it took me by surprise.” I hit her with a steely glare. “I hope this isn’t just some crazy-assed plan to get a scoop for the tabloid you work for.”
“Now you’re being ridiculous.” Tenley hisses back at me and fires a venomous glare, that easily rivals my own. I have to give her kudos for standing up for herself, that’s for sure. “I don’t know what to say to you Scarlett, other than things got crazy, and it just happened. But to think for one minute that our actions were premeditated by either of us, quite frankly, is insulting to us both.”
The air around is charged. Each of us waiting for the other to speak.
“Don’t break his heart,” I warn her, but in a soft tone.
“What about my heart?” she replies with a similar subtle voice. “What you don’t know is the reason I’m here is because I’ve been working with the club.”
“What do you mean?” I scowl at her.
“I went undercover, got close to Dunne so I could try to get information. So, tell me Scarlett. When it comes to matters of the heart, how can I be sure that Smoke is not going to cast me away once this feud with the DVI is done, and I’m the one being played?”
“Smoke might be the prez of an outlaw motorcycle club, have this hard persona that everyone sees and a no fucks given attitude, but it’s all fake. Inside he has a huge heart, and when he lets himself love, he loves hard.”
“That maybe so, but…”
“Tenley. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, his body language says it all. He cares for you deeply, even if the stubborn old goat hasn’t let himself fully acknowledge it yet. There’s no doubt in my mind. What you need to ask yourself is, could you see yourself living club life? You’ve done your research; you know exactly what goes on. Like I say, think hard, because if you can’t love him for who he is and what he represents, then you need to walk away now.”
Tenley doesn’t get a chance to respond, as Stone comes walking towards us. He’s all gooey eyed. No doubt from watching his old lady while she sleeps.
“Come on then. Let’s go grab your cage and I’ll take you home.”
The fresh air and short walk to my car is enough to sober me up somewhat, but I still ain’t risking getting behind the wheel, so I let Stone take the driving seat.
“How are you going to get back?” I ask, slipping into the passenger seat while Stone fires up the engine.
“One of the prospects in going to follow us in a club cage.”
We pull out of the yard and silence falls between us.
It’s not until we’re almost at my place that Stone eventually speaks.
“You girls have a good time?”
“We did, thank you.” I turn my head to face him and smile. “How adorable is Sasha?” I coo. “She’s such a sweetie, but I have no idea where she gets all her energy from, and geez, she’s as sharp as a tac.”
“That girl is wiser and smarter than her years, that’s for sure. Has the hearing of a bat and doesn’t miss a single trick,” he smiles. “Can’t deny it though. I was scared as fuck when I first gained guardianship of her. Now, I can’t imagine life without her or Oriana. They’re that special part of my life I never realized I was missing, until they both came crashing into it. I can only hope that I’m good enough for them, because they both deserve only the best.”
“Well, I do know that when it comes to the parenting part, you and Oriana are doing a fantastic job. Sasha is so happy, confident and loving and it’s clear that you both love the bones of her.” The way Sasha runs to him as soon as he walks into the room, and how Oriana’s eyes heat up at the sight of him, it’s blatantly obvious to me that their one amazingly happy family unit.
“Hey,” I swiftly change the subject. “So, Tenley…”
“Don’t make this awkward, Scarlett,” he warns. “If you think I’m going to rat on my prez, you’d better think again.”
“I’m worried, that’s all.” He glances my way, one eyebrow raised, lips pressed tight, not believing my shit. “He’s never acted this way before when it comes to women. At least, not since Mom. Dad lived for Mom, even after she’d passed. I’m sure he got his cock sucked on occasion by one of the club whores, but the way he was, anything more was unthinkable in his eyes.”
“He loved Violet deeply,” Stone confirms.
“Exactly, yet Tenley comes along and he’s all goo-goo eyed over her. In bed with her,” I emphasise on the last bit by turning more towards him and slinging my hands into the air. “What’s that all about?”
“You know how close Smoke and I are, and I must admit, at first it took me by surprise, too., But just watching them butt heads, argue like hell, yet look at each other like want to rip off each other’s clothes, it was obvious to me early on that there’s one hell of a connection between the two of them. Fireworks, Scarlett. Fourth of July worthy fireworks.”
“Wow,” I snigger at his outburst. “I thought you said you weren’t going to give me anything?”
“Fuck,” the scowl lines that appear on his forehead make me snigger some more, knowing that I got the better of him. “Look, I don’t want to disrespect Prez, or Violet, come to think of it, but Tenley is perfect for him, and I’m not saying that just because she’s related to Oriana.” His face softens. “It’s what he needs, and has done for a while. Fucker just need to finally realize it for himself.”
“That’s all I need to know,” I sigh, a soft smile on my lips. “If he’s happy, then I’m happy.” Stone nods his approval.
As I watch Stone climb into the car driven by the prospect, and wave him off from where I stand in the foyer of my apartment block, I can’t help but think that this could be all a little too late. If Smoke had Tenley in his life six months ago, would his reactions to JB being in my life be different? If he’d been all loved up himself.