Chapter 8 – Mason
MASON
After a long ass night working security at Glitz 'n Tass and catching one of the Devils trying to get handsy with one of the strippers, I was ready to go to bed. Ghost had Declan meet him to pick up the trash and transport him to the basement, which is why Pres has called us all in for church this morning. I was already in the bakery picking up breakfast for Ever and Kaylie to drop off on my way back out to the clubhouse when Vincenzo called to tell me her case worker had shown up to make an impromptu visit after she mysteriously received a copy of yesterday’s police report and a tip from an anonymous caller leading her to believe Kaylie was no longer safe with her sister.
This is going to be a busy fucking day.
I grabbed the bag, dropped cash on the counter, called Pres to tell him what was up, and hauled ass to get here. He’s holding church until I can get there, which I’m sure is going to cost me later, but whatever.
I had every intention of coming by the house and talking to Ever about what we are to each other and what our future looks like.
Getting her to understand and accept that she and Kaylie are mine.
What I didn’t plan on was her announcing our engagement.
Not that I mind, since it means I’ll finally get what I’ve wanted all along … her.
It was a shock to hear her say it at first. It only took a second for this wicked little plan to form in my head. I already claimed Ever in church, but I hadn’t quite figured out how to get her to accept the truth about us. We’re meant to be. Period.
Ever just gave me the perfect opportunity to make it all happen when she introduced me as her fiancé.
She might think this engagement plan of hers is fake, but I'm about to make it a reality.
Not only am I going to move my shit in here with them, but I put a date on the wedding, and I have every intention of making this shit happen, today.
“Of course, Mrs. Pennington, you’re welcome to come to the wedding if you’d like to witness the ceremony.” Ever stiffens in my hold.
“I would be happy to attend. Unfortunately, I’m only here for a quick check-in.” Mrs. Pennington says. Her tone and facial expression still tell me she thinks something is fishy, but I’m about to make this whole wedding plan of Everly’s iron fucking clad.
Ever’s face reads like an open book. She’s pissed and a little panicked.
I know she wants to tell me to fuck off but she can’t.
Oh, I’m sure she’s going to have my ass when this lady leaves, but for now, she has to go along with whatever shit I throw at her.
Because this was all her idea, and now it’s my advantage.
“I’ve got Colt and Austin packing up my things at the clubhouse as we speak. I was just coming to deliver breakfast and make sure my girls were awake and decent before the guys started showing up with my sh—stuff at the house.”
Well, I will have them packing up my shit and moving me in as soon as I can shoot off a text.
Everly’s eyes narrow. There’s no doubt she wants to tell me where I can stick my stuff, only she can’t without giving away her little lie.
I dare you.
“You’re going to live here with us, Mason?
” Kaylie runs over, hugging my legs excitedly, sealing the deal.
There’s no way Ever would out herself as a liar in front of Kaylie.
Not after all the times she’s had to punish her for telling stories.
“You can share my room if you want. Winston can sleep on the dresser,” Kaylie whispers.
“But don’t tell him I’m doing it for you. He gets jealous.”
“Oh, I’d never hurt Winston’s feelings like that.
He’s like a brother to me,” I whisper back, rubbing her little head, unable to hide my smile.
I love this kid. “I’m going to be sharing a room with Ever,” I tell her, watching as Ever’s nostrils flare.
She wants to deny this so badly. Her hands are clenched almost as tight as her jaw. It takes all I have not to laugh.
“You mean you’re having a sleepover? But I want to come too,” Kaylie says, disappointed. “I won’t be loud. Promise.”
“First, you should never be quiet at a sleepover. Sleepovers are for squeals and giggles. It’s in the rulebook.
” Kaylie’s eyes widen matching her smile.
“And second, I’m not just sleeping over for a night or two like you girls did for Christmas,” I tell her, glancing up momentarily at Ever then back to Kaylie.
“I’m going to live here forever. We’re going to have a wedding like Jake and Avery’s, only smaller.
Your big sister, Everly, is going to be my wife. ”
“Like Avery’s?” It takes a second for her to register what I’ve just said, but the moment it all clicks together, Kaylie jumps up and down excitedly, turning to her sister. “You get to wear a pretty white dress and carry a bow cake of flowers?”
“It’s bouquet, Squirt.” I chuckle. “And yes. Ever will have whatever she wants for our wedding, within reason. But we’re going to need your help. What do you think about that?”
“Can I be the flower girl, Sissy? Please. Please. Pleeeeeaaasse? I’m really good at it,” Kaylie pleads. A smile breaks through Everly’s scowl. It’s the first sign she might be softening to the idea.
“Of course you can, baby.” Everly cups Kaylie’s face. “Who else would I have do the job? I mean, you’re a seasoned professional. Now go finish your coloring pages. I’ll be in to color with you in a few minutes.”
We both laugh as Kaylie skips, spinning in circles excitedly all the way to her spot at the table, humming the bridal march as she goes.
“Well,” Mrs. Pennington clears her throat.
I almost forgot she was here.
“As pleased as I am to hear about your recent engagement,”
She doesn’t sound pleased at all.
“It doesn’t answer my questions about yours and Kaylie’s safety.”
“I can assure you they’re both very safe.
You have my word and that of all my brothers at the clubhouse.
” I mean every fucking word. “They’re already working with the police to find the person responsible for the salon, and her shop will be ready to open with new security in place within a few days. ”
“Your brothers?” Mrs. Pennington asks confused.
“Yes Ma’am. My brothers. The club. We own Garrison Security.” I pin Everly with a glare. “The Kings take care of our own, Mrs. Pennington. Everly and Kaylie are mine, which means they’ll have the loyalty and protection of every club member and their families.”
Everly coughs, but it almost sounds like she said bullshit into her hand. While I know she’s worried about the women, and it’s true she’ll have some apologizing to do, the club will protect her and Kaylie. I have no doubt about that.
“We work closely with the police in our town to keep Oakridge from becoming rundown and saturated with drugs or the,” I pause, looking for Kaylie’s little ears. “Riffraff that sell them.”
“I see. A shame you and your brothers weren’t able to help Kaylie’s mother when she was struggling with her situation,” Mrs. Pennington says, her tone clipped and dripping with disapproval. My eyes narrow on hers.
“I can assure you. I did everything I could for Ms. Greene and Kaylie while I had the opportunity. Unfortunately, some devils are too strong to fight alone.” Everly gasps beside me. I grip her shoulder with my hand, squeezing. A silent plea for her to be quiet.
“Hmm.” Mrs. Pennington forces a smile. “Well, then, congratulations you two. I’m going to get going since it seems you have a very busy day ahead of you.
” She turns her attention to Ever, who still hasn’t stopped staring at me.
“Everly, I’ll let you three get settled as I’m sure it will be a bit of a transition for all of you moving in together.
We will reconvene in a couple of weeks as scheduled.
If anything else happens, you are to call me right away.
Understand? It’s my job to see to the well-being of the child. ” That snaps Everly out of it.
“Yes ma’am. Of course. But I’m sure we will be fine. I’ve got the insurance involved and with the new security system, I’m sure we will have everything up and running very soon.”
“Well, I best be on my way then.” Mrs. Pennington grabs her things and walks past us and out the door. The minute Ever sees her car leave. She turns on me.
“What the fuck was that, Mason?”
“Swear jar!” Kaylie shouts, giggling. I smile. That kid is a stickler when it comes to cussing.
I pull out my phone and shoot off a text.
ME: Thanks for the heads-up. I need one more favor.
Parisi: You seem to be racking up quite a tab my friend. What do you need?
ME: A judge to perform a wedding ceremony TODAY. ASAP.
Three bubbles pop up then disappear several times. I look up.
“What was what? You’re the one who introduced me as your fiancé with zero warning.
How was I supposed to know you weren’t serious?
I just ran with your plan and made it more believable.
That reminds me, I need to make some phone calls.
” I glance back down at the screen, sending another text off to Pres. ignore Everly’s ranting.
Pres is going to have my ass by day’s end. But I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Ever gave me the perfect opportunity and I’m seizing the son of a bitch.
Let her be mad. She started this, and now I’m going to exploit her little slip-up and make this connection between us permanent.
Good luck running from me now.
That reminds me. I pull up Sadie’s contact and shoot off a text about a couple pieces of jewelry I’m going to need for my girls.
“Who are you texting? For what? Mason!” Ever shouts, stomping her foot.
“You’re cute when you throw a fit, although the last one you threw didn’t pan out so hot. Maybe you should be practicing your grovel.” I smile. “I, for one, am looking forward to seeing you on your knees.”
“Excuse me,” she snaps. “I am not groveling for you.”