Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
O n their way to Mason’s house for the cookout, Parker couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday evening. Especially when cruising the streets on his Suzuki V-Strom 1000. The motorcycle had been one of his splurges a couple of years ago, and he loved the exhilaration he felt and the power beneath him as he flew down an open road. He didn’t get to do that often in the city, but the streets surrounding Mason’s huge property gave him that rare opportunity.
What made the ride even more enjoyable was having Chelsey on the back again, just like old times. She enjoyed his bike as much as he did, and often talked about getting her own. Parker selfishly hoped she never did, though. He preferred her soft breasts pressed against his back and her firm thighs hugging his.
Yeah, having her wrapped around him like she was now added to the thrill of the ride.
He slowed as he approached the guardhouse in front of Mason’s estate. It didn’t matter if the guard on duty knew who you were, they were required to stop you before letting you onto the property. To say security was tight was an understatement. London insisted on it, and there was nothing Mason wouldn’t do for his wife.
When London was a child, her parents were killed during a home invasion. The only way she survived was because she had hidden in a closet. Unfortunately, the traumatic experience mentally crippled her from living in a house. She always lived in a condo or an apartment, but after marrying Mason and their family started growing, they had to get a larger place. Mason had to promise to have around-the-clock security for their home before London finally conceded.
After checking in at the guardhouse, Parker cruised up the long and wide driveway. It didn’t matter how often he visited, he marveled at the size of the house. Mason called this place home, but the structure was as grand as a castle, surrounded by a lush yard that could easily be featured in Better Homes and Garden magazine. Behind the main house was a guest house, and beyond that were oak and pine trees for as far as the eye could see. The property was spectacular.
Parker slowed; glad they were some of the first to arrive. He was hoping that Kenton would also show up early like he usually did. That would give Parker a chance to talk to him before everyone else arrived. The conversation was past due, and to be honest, he should’ve respected Kenton enough to already have talked to him. Parker would’ve wanted that same courtesy if one of his friends was dating his sister…if he had a sister.
But hey, better late than never.
He pulled around to the other side of the house near the four-car garage and parked. After shutting off the engine, he extended his hand to help Chelsey off the bike before climbing off himself.
“Are you okay?” he asked as he stored their helmets in the hard-shell saddlebag.
She’d been quieter than usual today. They’d stayed the night at his place, and Chelsey had seemed fine until this afternoon when he mentioned some of his plans regarding Wolf. She admitted to being worried about him despite his assurance that he’d be careful and that he wasn’t going after his father alone.
“Come here.” He pulled her into his arms and placed a lingering kiss on the side of her head. “What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours? Are you having second thoughts about us being here together?”
With her arms around him, she met his gaze, and the corners of her tempting mouth tilted up into a smile. “Of course not. I’m not ashamed of you, Parker. It’s past time our friends know that we’re together. I guess I’m more concerned about the conversation you’re planning to have with the guys. What if they don’t agree to help you?”
“Chels, they will,” he said confidently.
Even if everyone wasn’t on board with him going after Wolf, he already knew a few of his guys would stand by him. Not only that, but they’d also do whatever necessary to help him gain the freedom he needed. Otherwise, he’d have to remain in hiding.
“Keep in mind, with modern technology, I don’t have to be anywhere near Wolf to destroy his organization. I’m bringing in the guys because, one, I want them to know about my past. And two, because they’re all brilliant in their own way, and I want to make sure I’ve thought of everything. I have no doubt that they’ll have some good ideas to offer.”
He had reiterated his reasons for wanting to go after Wolf now. Yes, Parker still blamed the man for his mother’s death, but it was more than that. He’d been looking over his shoulder for the past fifteen years, and he was tired of it. There was no reasoning with Wolf. So showing up on his father’s doorstep and apologizing about how everything went down years ago was out of the question.
No, this was the only way Parker would ever have a normal life, and since he planned on Chelsey being a part of his future, this had to be done. He wanted her safe.
Chelsey nodded. “I’m sorry. I know you have to do this, and I’m behind you one hundred percent.”
Parker brushed his lips across hers. “Thank you, sweetheart. I promise I’ll be careful.”
They headed to the front of the house, and before they could ring the doorbell, the door swung open. London stood there with her hair smoothed back into a short ponytail and wearing a red short set that made her look like a college student, instead of a mother of five. Her gaze bounced from one to the other before zoning in on their joined hands. Then she grinned.
“I knew it! I knew you two were a thing!” she squealed and started laughing as she hugged first Chelsey, and then Parker. “Why the secrecy? Why were you guys hiding your relationship?”
“Baby, can’t you let them in the house before you grill them?” Mason said from behind her. It was clear his friend and mentor hadn’t said anything to his wife about them.
After greeting Mason, Parker and Chelsey moved further into the house. The large home with tall ceilings, a double-curved staircase, and high-end fixtures was luxurious. Yet, it was also warm, inviting, and well lived in, probably because of five kids, including a set of twins, under the age of twelve. At that moment, Parker could hear them running and screaming overhead.
“It smells like Aunt Carolyn has been hard at work,” Chelsey said as she inhaled. “Please tell me that’s peach cobbler I smell.”
London laughed. “Girl, yes. She’s been cooking and baking all day. We offered to have everything catered, and you would’ve thought we threatened to kick her out of the house.”
“Did I hear my name?” Aunt Carolyn strolled down the hallway toward them smiling. She was Mason’s aunt, but Parker and all the guys called her Aunt Carolyn.
As usual, she was wearing bright colors beneath her Kiss the Queen apron. Her golden-yellow top paired with white capris and gold flats, along with matching jewelry, looked too classy to be cooking in. Yet, there wasn’t a stain to be seen.
Parker returned her smile and met her halfway down the hallway. He didn’t know how much she knew about his past, but he always felt she knew something. From day one, she’d treated him like a son, and she might never understand how much her tight hugs meant to him. A hug from her felt like a hug from his mother, and he welcomed it.
“Hi, sweetheart,” she said, holding him tightly before pulling back to look at him. “I haven’t seen you in weeks and it shows. You’re too thin. Food is set out around the house, but make sure you come to the kitchen before everyone gets here. I set a couple of your favorite dishes aside for you.”
Parker laughed. Most people had a plate set aside, but she knew that wouldn’t be enough for him.
Aunt Carolyn greeted Chelsey and a few other people who walked in behind them before returning to the kitchen. Instead of following her, Parker and Chelsey moved toward the back of the house where a guest bedroom was located, as well as a den and stairs to the walkout basement.
Parker didn’t recall seeing Kenton’s truck outside, but if he was there, he’d be in the lower level.
“Let’s go downstairs and maybe grab a drink. I have a feeling I’m going to need one before I talk to your brother.”
Chelsey laughed. “It’s not going to be that bad, but to make sure, talk to him while he’s holding KJ,” she said of Kenton and Egypt’s toddler. “He’s calmer then.”
Parker grinned. “Noted.”
He glanced around, surprised no one was in the den watching the eighty-inch flat screen television mounted on the wall. By the sounds of laughter and activity on the second floor, in the basement, and outside, it sounded as if those who had already arrived were spread out.
Good.
Before they made it to the stairs, Parker tugged Chelsey to the side of the landing that was near a secluded corner of the den. A large plant was positioned near a wall that would give them a little privacy.
Chelsey started laughing. “Oooh, what are we doing?” she whispered, a mischievous glint in her pretty brown eyes.
Parker held her against his chest, and her arms went around his neck. “I can show you better than I can tell you,” he said, whispering the way she had. He might not get much alone time with her once everyone arrived. So he nibbled on her top lip, then her bottom one while murmuring, “I love you. I love you so damn much.”
He had never said those words to another woman, and it was like he couldn’t stop saying them to Chelsey. They didn’t begin to express how much she meant to him.
“I love you, too,” she said.
This time when their lips touched, Parker moved his mouth over hers and poured everything he felt into that kiss. Chelsey knew how important she was to him, but he wanted to make sure she felt how much he adored her. Besides that, Parker was determined to make up for all the months that they’d been apart.
My woman.
My love.
My heart.
Chelsey pressed a hand to the back of his head, deepening their lip-lock. His hands slid to her perfectly round ass, and he cupped her firm butt cheeks as their moans mingled. She felt so good, that if he didn’t…
“Son of a…”
Parker startled at the sound of a harsh voice and jerked away from Chelsey, feeling like a high schooler getting caught making out in the hallway. When he glanced over and saw Kenton glaring at him, he groaned.
So much for having a talk with his friend. The man looked as if he was about to murder him.
“What the hell is going on here?” Kenton growled as he inched toward them. “Your ass better tell me why you’re kissing my sister.”
Before Parker could respond, Chelsey charged toward Kenton and pushed against his chest, barely moving him backward.
“Who I kiss is my business,” she said only loud enough for the three of them to hear. “Now, calm the hell down so we can talk.”
Parker moved forward and looped his arm around her waist, pulling her back some. This was between him and her brother. It was up to him to calm his friend down and explain the situation.
“Listen, man,” Parker started, but Kenton charged forward and swung at him.
Damn .
Parker ducked, barely missing getting struck in the face, but he hadn’t been prepared for the punch to his gut.
“Oomph,” he gasped, but out of reflex he threw a punch, catching Kenton in the jaw, and hitting him hard enough to stun him.
The big man shuffled back a little, and before Parker could get out of the way, his friend charged at him. It felt like getting run over by a truck as they crashed to the floor while Chelsey cursed and yelled for them to stop. Instead, they rolled around on the hardwood, each trying to get the upper hand while also dodging punches.
A bit more flexible, Parker eventually managed to scurry out of Kenton’s reach. He hurried to his feet and got in a fighting stance with his fist raised.
If the guy wanted to fight, fine. They’d fight. Might as well get this over with.
But when Kenton got off the floor, breathing hard, he glared at Parker. “How you gon’ be fucking around with my sister?” he barked, then got in Parker’s face. “You have lost your damn mind if you think I’m going to—”
“Enough!” Chelsey roared and shoved Kenton, which again was like pushing against a brick wall. Her brother was the tallest and the biggest person on their team, and the man was unmovable when his feet were planted. “Calm down,” she ground out.
Parker knew Kenton would be pissed, but he hadn’t expected him to go bat-shit crazy and swing at him. When the big man swung again, Parker weaved to the right, and threw a punch of his own, catching Kenton in the chin.
“Daddy! Daddy! Come look! Uncle Parker and Uncle Ken are fighting! They’re fighting!” Mason’s oldest son yelled, excitement pouring through his words.
Parker hadn’t realized the kid was there. He’d come out of nowhere, then disappeared just as quickly, yelling for his dad.
Kenton swung again, this time catching Parker on the side of the head, causing him to stumble back. He shook his head, and when his vision cleared, Mason, London, and Egypt were rushing into the room. There were also footsteps running up from the basement, but before Parker could see who it was, Mason was in his face.
“Are you kidding me?” he ground out and nodded to where the huge plant that was now leaning to the side with a pile of dirt on the hardwood floor. “Look at this mess!”
“He started it,” Parker and Chelsey said at the same time while pointing at Kenton, and then they looked at each other.
When London and Egypt burst out laughing, Parker couldn’t help but join in. Two overgrown men throwing punches had to look crazy as hell. When Parker glanced at Chelsey, though, she wasn’t laughing. She had her hands on her hips while glaring at her brother.
Parker needed to talk fast. “Listen man, Chelsey and I are together. I’m in love with your sister, and you’re going to have to deal with it.”
Egypt groaned at the same moment Kenton started toward Parker again, but Mason stopped the big man with a hand on his chest.
“Knock it off. Am I going to have to separate you two? You guys already freaked out my kid. Throw another punch, either one of you, and you both will find your asses outside on the front lawn. Now clean up this shit.”
“Oooh, Daddy said two bad words,” a high-pitched voice squealed from behind them.
They all turned to find Mason’s youngest daughter, Miracle, standing there with wide eyes and dressed in a pink princess dress and wearing a tiara. “Mommy, did you hear him? Did you hear what Daddy said?”
“I did, honey, and I’m going to have a long talk with your daddy, but what are you kids doing down here?”
That’s when Parker noticed Mason’s other kids, as well as Laz’s daughter, and Kenton’s son. London usually had a couple of nannies helping whenever they hosted parties. Maybe they hadn’t arrived yet.
“Come on. Let’s get you all back upstairs and settled in before everyone else gets here,” London said. She and Egypt ushered all of them back toward the stairs that would take them to the massive playroom.
Standing near the basement stairs were Angelo and Zenobia, each holding one of their twins. And Laz and Journey were huddled next to them.
“Damn, I missed it,” Laz murmured before heading back down the stairs.
The others were looking on, curiosity written on their faces before they turned away murmuring something as they followed after Laz.
“Whatever’s going on here, fix it now ,” Mason said, then trained his gaze on Parker. “After everyone gets here and has something to eat, I want to talk to you and the guys in my office.”
Parker nodded. He had touched base with Mason the night before regarding the best way to pull everyone together. After asking Parker if he was sure about wanting to go after Wolf, and Parker saying yes, Mason agreed to get the guys together later today.
When he walked away, Chelsey reached for Parker’s hand and linked her fingers with his. Ready to face off with Kenton, she opened her mouth to speak, but Parker squeezed her hand to keep her silent.
“Ken, man, I’m sorry. I didn’t plan to tell you like this, but it is what it is. I’m in love with Chelsey, and I have every intention of spending the rest of my life with her.”
Silence pulsed between the three of them until Kenton relaxed his shoulders. “This is who you’ve been pining over? He’s the guy who had you walking around like somebody stole your money?” he asked Chelsey incredulously, then he turned his angry eyes to Parker. “And you… She’s the reason you’ve been acting like a stupid jerk and not hanging out with us?”
Parker huffed out a sigh, not wanting to say too much just yet. “Partly. I get that she’s your sister, and I respect that, I really do. But what goes on between me and Chelsey is between us. You don’t have to like it, but you—”
“She’s my little sister , Parker,” he spat, looking like he wanted to pummel him. “She’s too good for you and every other bastard trying to get with her.”
“I know,” Parker said. He’d had the same thought more than once. “But that didn’t stop me from falling in love with her. She’s an amazing woman, and I’m glad she’s giving me a chance to prove to her that I’m worthy of her.”
“Parker,” Chelsey said, seeming surprised by his words, but before she could comment, he kept going.
He turned to face her. “We all know you’re out of my league, Chels, and I—”
“I am not!” she snapped. “I don’t know where all of this is coming from, but stop it. You are worthy of love just like the rest of us, and that’s what you have with me. I’m in love with you . No one else, and if my lughead of a brother has a problem with that, then that’s his problem. Not yours.”
“You know what? Do whatever the hell you guys want to do,” Kenton said, some of his anger gone. “But Parker, if you hurt her, you’re going to have to deal with me, and next time I will beat your ass.” With that, he headed down the stairs without a backward glance.
“All righty then… that went well,” Parker said, rubbing the side of his head where Kenton had made contact moments ago.
“Yeah, it could’ve been worse,” Chelsey said, and they both laughed.
It felt good to laugh again. The last few months, Parker hadn’t had much to laugh or smile about, but that was changing. Everything was about to change for the better, and he was looking forward to what lay ahead for them.