Stone: Speed Demons MC

Chapter Nine

Elise

Duchess,

God, I miss you.

I still can’t believe we’re not allowed to phone home. I miss your voice, the way you laugh, and how you get all coy when somebody says something to embarrass you. I miss how I can make you blush, and I definitely miss the little noises you make when I make you come.

The training here is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the sense of satisfaction I get from it is second to none. I’m one of the fittest guys in the platoon. Sometimes, I think that even the drill instructors are impressed, but they just yell that I can do better. They’re probably right.

Things here are settling down. I’ve made new friends. One of them, Isaiah, sends his regards and wishes you well. He’s really helped me fit in, and the basketball games have lightened the mood a lot in the platoon.

I hope college is going well and you’re still into it. I’m glad you’ve got something to occupy yourself with while I’m doing this, Leesy. I hate to think of you at home being sad because I’m off playing soldier and living out my dreams. We all need a dream, or what’s the point of anything?

My next dream is all about you. It’s about coming home and settling down, putting your skills to the test, and helping me build the Demons into something we can be proud of. It’s about getting married, building you a big house down by the creek, and filling it with babies. It’s about waking up to you every day for the rest of our lives and knowing I’m the luckiest man in the world.

It’s all only a few years away, Duchess.

Stick with me, and I’ll make you happy. I swear it.

Yours always,

John.

Since John had left for boot camp, my world had grown a little darker, though the frequent letters helped.

Before he left, he promised he’d call me daily, but I hadn’t spoken to him at all. John’s recruiter had lied to him, because it wasn’t until he got there that my guy discovered he could only make one call home on his first night, and he owed that to his folks.

Instead, John sent a letter to me every few days. Honestly, I found I preferred it, because it meant I could keep his words with me wherever I went. A call would be over in a matter of minutes, but a letter would last a lifetime.

John told me about everything his days entailed, about his friends and even the drill instructors. At first, his words were tinged with regret, but after a few weeks, their tone became lighter, which was a huge relief. I may have felt like I’d lost a limb, but at least I had our family and friends around me, whereas Stone was alone.

Even though college was full-on, and I worked at my dad’s store on Saturdays, I still made time to visit Constance. For example, that morning, I’d seen her at church and gone back to John’s house with her for a catch-up.

I always felt a little closer to John when I spent time around his mom. Connie would tell me stories about all the trouble Stone got into growing up around the clubhouse. I’d lean my elbow on the kitchen table with my hand cupping my jaw, enthralled by every word she spoke.

“He was a little shit without even knowing,” Constance mused, a small smile playing around her lips. “Do you remember Pastor Hinkley?” she asked.

“No, I was too young, but I’ve heard him mentioned. He lived here with his wife and two sons, didn”t he?”

Connie nodded. “John was friends with their younger boy. They were inseparable for years. Two worlds collided there. Can you imagine Bandit’s boy hanging around with the clergy’s son?” She looked at me deadpan. “A few months before they moved up to Big Horn, John was playing at Paul’s house with the new football Bandit bought him for his fifth birthday. My boy loved that ball, it was the first thing he ever asked for and got. Everything was fine until their dog got a hold of the ball and burst it.”

“Oh no!” I exclaimed. “What did John do? Did he cry?”

“He did for a minute,” Connie replied. “Then he went straight up to Pastor Hinkley, kicked his shin, and told him his dog was a fucking little devil bastard.” She pursed her lips. “I couldn’t show my face at Sunday service for weeks.”

I laughed just as Bandit strolled into the kitchen, heading for the fridge. “D’ya remember when the little fucker covered two-thirds of his body in green paint ‘cause he wanted to be just like the Incredible Hulk?”

My mouth fell open. “He didn’t?”

“Yep,” he muttered, grabbing a bottle of beer and opening it. “Thought he was simple for a while, the weird little fucker.” Bandit rolled his eyes and took a long swig.

“Don!” Constance berated. “Don’t talk about our son like that.”

“He was a weird little fucker,” Bandit retorted, shaking his head exasperatedly as he turned to me. “He gets it from his mother’s side. Her brother’s a strange little bastard, too.”

Connie cocked an eyebrow. “Carry on with your bullshit, and that chili bubbling away on the stove will get poured down the waste disposal.”

Bandit sauntered across the room, hauled his wife from her seat and laid a big, sloppy kiss on her mouth. “You know I think the world of your Charlie.” He nuzzled her cheek. “Even if he is a bit slow.”

Constance rolled her eyes. “You’re such an asshole.”

“Yep,” Bandit agreed. “And you wouldn’t have me any other way.”

Connie giggled like a schoolgirl, rolling up on her toes and kissing his cheek.

My heart swelled watching them.

I hoped John and I would be as happy as his parents were after thirty years of marriage. Their love for each other was beautiful and epic. My parents got along just fine, but their relationship was nothing like Bandit and Connie’s. John’s parents couldn’t be in the same room without touching each other in some way, and their banter was legendary.

Even though some townsfolk looked down on John because he was raised around bikers, I thought he was the luckiest kid in the world. He grew up in a house full of affection and with a dad who showed him the perfect way to love a woman. It meant John would love me perfectly too, and in years to come, our boys would love their wives the same way.

It was a beautiful legacy to leave.

My gaze fell on the wall clock, and my heart sunk inside my chest. “I have to go home. Dad invited Mayor Henderson to dinner, and I promised I’d be home in time.” I sighed, getting to my feet.

Bandit smirked. “Tell Bert I said hi. Remind him about our appointment on Monday.” He touched his finger to his head in a salute and made for the door. “Be back in an hour for that chili, Queenie,” he called over his shoulder before disappearing.

Constance expelled a breath. “That man’s like a dang tornado. He circles through, then turns everything upside down before disappearing again.” She turned to me. “Thank God John’s got my brains and not his father’s.”

“Thank you for the tea,” I murmured, making my way toward her and giving her a hug. “I love coming here. I feel like John will walk through the door any second, and it makes me miss him a little less.”

Connie pulled back, looking into my eyes. “I miss him too, Elise. But he’s halfway through boot camp now. It won’t be long until he gets ten days’ leave.” She smiled. “Bandit can’t go to John’s graduation ceremony. He’s offered to take the both of us to the nearest airport and pay for us to fly to San Diego to support our boy. Do you think you can come?”

My heart soared at the thought of being there to see John at his proudest moment. “I’ll talk to Mom. If anybody can get my father to agree, it’s her. The fact I’ll be going with you will help a lot. You know how strict he is.”

Connie stroked the back of my hair fondly. “He’s a father, Elise. Bandit would be the same if we had a girl. It means he cares, and that’s a good thing.”

“I know,” I whispered through my heated throat. “I just wish Dad could be more understanding sometimes. I don’t feel like he gives John a chance.”

“My daddy didn’t give Bandit a chance,” she told me. “I had to elope to be with him. He’s never spoken a word to me since the day I left. I always wonder what could’ve been, but I’ve had a good life, a life I wouldn’t change for all the tea in China.” She smiled fondly at me. “Your daddy loves you, Elise. Everything he does, he does for you because he wants the best for his little girl. Being an ol’ lady isn’t an easy life, but John loves you enough to change things around for you. He’ll meet you halfway if you meet him there, too.”

My heart soared because Connie was right. John had already told me he’d straighten the Speed Demons out when he took over from his dad. Stone didn’t want to live a life where we constantly looked over our shoulders. He wanted to make the club something we could be proud of. The day he bought the warehouses, he talked about expansion, but not with gunrunning or drug dealing. John wanted to open legitimate businesses and give the men and their families decent lives where they weren’t constantly fearful of being arrested and locked up.

Smiling, I kissed Connie’s cheek. “Thank you. I seem to feel better when I come here.”

“You’re always welcome,” she insisted. “The day John made you his, he also made you mine.”

My chest filled with warmth. “Thank you, Connie. That means everything.”

She patted my shoulder. “Anytime, sweetheart. Now, you better get home. It’s important to toe the line with your dad to stay on his good side. John’s desperate for you to come with me to San Diego.”

“You’re right,” I agreed, grabbing the keys to Bessie from the kitchen table. Turning back to Connie, I cocked my head questioningly. “Same time next week?”

Connie gave me a decisive nod. “Absolutely.” She fell into step behind me as I walked out the back to where I’d parked the truck. “But remember, I’m here if you need anything, Elise.”

Smiling, I craned my neck. “I know. Thank you. Dad goes to the country club tonight, so I’ll talk to Mom about San Diego.”

Connie crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the back door. “Tell your momma she’s welcome here for a coffee if she has any questions.” She gave me a knowing look. “I’ll make sure Bandit’s busy that day.”

I opened the driver’s door laughing, jumped in the seat, and lowered the window. “I’m sure she’ll love that,” I called. Then, with a final wave goodbye, I started Bessie and drove her past the clubhouse and onto the main road.

During the drive home, my stomach leaped at the mere thought of going to San Diego with Connie.

Being with John for one of the most pivotal moments of his life was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss. He was putting so much of himself into boot camp and doing it solo, so I desperately wanted to be there to support him in all the moments I could. Also, I ached for him and couldn’t wait to hold his face in my hands and tell him how much I loved him.

Mom would get it. She’d been talking to Dad and trying to get him to see me as an adult. My parents got married at my age, but instead of trusting me to be responsible and to look after myself, my pop still saw me as a five-year-old girl.

I’d always been a daddy’s girl, so when John came along and I transferred all my hero worship onto him, my dad must’ve felt the loss. But wasn’t that how it was supposed to be? Wasn’t Daddy meant to show me what a man was, so when I met one, I didn’t settle for less than I deserved?

A frustrated sigh escaped me. It was clear I couldn’t keep avoiding the conversation with Dad about John. As much as I’d stopped needing his approval, I still yearned for his understanding, and deep down, I hoped one day, Dad would see John the same way I did.

I knew I had to take the bull by the horns and have an awkward conversation. My dad needed to accept that John was my endgame.

My stomach flipped with nerves as I turned into my street and pulled up behind Dad’s car on the driveway of the white craftsman-style house I’d been raised in. As I got out of the truck, my gaze fell on the white Mercedes-Benz parked on the street right outside, belonging to the mayor.

I winced slightly at how Dad would react if I tried to hash things out when he had company. He’d never forgive me if I brought up John in front of Mayor Henderson.

My shoulders relaxed, and I turned and walked up to the front door. “I’m home,” I called out loudly as I went inside.

“In the dining room!” Dad called back.

Smoothing down my dress, I made my way through the door to the dining room, which was joined to the kitchen. We usually ate on trays, watching TV, so Dad must’ve been out to impress if he’d asked Mom to set the table.

Fixing a smile on my face, I opened the door to the dining room. “Hi, everyone. Sorry, I’m late—” I froze when I saw who sat at the table. On one side of Dad sat Mayor Henderson, but it was the man who sat on his other side who made me nervous.

“Elise,” Robbie crooned, slowly getting to his feet. “You look beautiful.” He walked toward me, taking my hand and kissing me on both cheeks.

I had to stop myself rolling my eyes. Nobody in Hambleton greeted each other like that. Robbie was so pretentious it made me want to gag.

“Hi, Robert,” I said coolly, before turning to his father. “Hello, Mayor Henderson,” I greeted with a more genuine smile.

Robert Senior stood and took my hands in his. “Elise,” he greeted. “You get prettier every time I see you.”

My dad preened.

I felt my face redden. “Thank you, Mayor.” I pointed awkwardly toward the kitchen. “I’ll just go see if Mom needs any help.” Then, completely ignoring Robbie, I fled.

An uneasy feeling prickled through my stomach. Since the incident at the creek, I’d only seen Robbie a couple of times and never alone. I couldn’t help feeling a little blindsided. Dad hadn’t mentioned he’d be here. If he had, I would’ve made an excuse to stay with Connie until he left.

Entering the kitchen, I paused when I saw Mom stirring a boiling pot on the stove.

“Thank God you’re here,” she cried, her tone full of panic. “I burned the chicken, so I’ve had to improvise with steaks. Can you whip up your peppercorn sauce while I mash these potatoes?”

Heading for the cupboard, I grabbed a pan and put it on the stove before going into the pantry for some peppercorns. Glancing at Mom, I murmured, “I didn’t know Robert Junior was coming for dinner too.”

Her gaze slid to me, and she grimaced slightly. “The mayor called an hour before he was due and asked if Junior could come along. Mrs. Henderson’s out of town.” Her lips thinned slightly. “I really don’t know what your dad sees in that boy.”

I looked at Mom sideways. “I do. Dad’s turning into a snob.” I turned to the counter and started grinding the ingredients for the sauce.

“Elise, you shouldn’t talk about your father like that,” Mom replied softly, though her lips twitched slightly as if she was holding back a smile.

“Will you talk to him, please, Mom? Ask him to back off. He knows how I feel about John.”

Mom nodded thoughtfully. “I think it’s needed. He’s being pig-headed, and he’s gone too far today.”

My shoulders slumped in relief. “Thanks, Mom.” An idea formed. While I had Mom onside, I could ask my other favor. “Umm, there’s something else… Connie asked me if I’d go to John’s graduation ceremony with her. Bandit can’t leave the club, so he’s offered to pay for us to fly out to San Diego together. There’s more chance of Dad allowing it if it comes from you.”

Mom cocked an eyebrow. “You’re asking a lot, Elise.”

“I know,” I agreed. “But you know what Dad’s like when it comes to anything related to John.”

“You’re eighteen now,” she insisted. “You need to start standing up for yourself. The longer you allow your father to control everything, the more he’ll do it. I’ll talk to him about Robbie, and I’ll back you up about San Diego, but you’ve got to approach him about it yourself.”

My heart sank, because even though I knew Mom was right, it didn”t make the prospect of approaching Dad any easier. All my life, I’d been trained to be an obedient daughter, so the thought of breaking free of my dad’s control now made my stomach churn.

What was the alternative, though? Pretending to be the same girl I was at fifteen, for my dad’s sake, was weird. He had to accept that my life was my own and let me go at some point.

And now was as good a time as any.

Within minutes, the food was cooked, and I’d finished making the sauce. Mom and I carried all the dishes into the dining room, and after Dad said grace, we started eating.

The men’s conversation mostly revolved around the town and planning until we’d finished eating. Mayor Henderson mentioned the Thanksgiving party he was thinking about throwing for the town.

Dad sat a little straighter and said, “Elise. Maybe that’s something you could help with?”

I shot Dad an incredulous look. He knew I was already busy with college and work. His stare flicked to Robbie, and it dawned on me what he was trying to do.

My eyes narrowed on him. “I couldn’t possibly. I’m busy with college and homework, plus, helping you at the store takes up most of my weekends.”

“She’s right, Jerome,” Mom interjected. “I’d rather Elise concentrate on her studies. It’s her first year, and I don’t want her to take on too much.”

Dad looked thoughtful for a minute. “What about if I hired some help?”

“You said you couldn’t afford to,” I said accusingly. “That’s why you don’t pay me.”

Dad had the good grace to look ashamed. “I already pay for your college, Elise.”

“Exactly,” I shot back. “And I’ll work in the shop so you can save money in other areas.”

A few seconds of silence fell over the table, and then Mayor Henderson cleared his throat. “I must say, Elise. I’m impressed by the way you want to help your family.” He glanced at Robbie. “The day my son got his law degree so he could eventually help the people of this town was one of the proudest moments of my life. The day he runs for Mayor will be another proud moment.” His gaze came back to me. “Robbie tells me that you’re doing an office management course?”

“Yes.” I smiled. “I’m learning all aspects of running an office. My college course even covers human resources and bookkeeping.”

“Impressive,” the mayor said, turning back to Robbie. “Maybe someone like Elise would help keep the office running smoothly. God knows we’re useless at keeping records, and your mother isn’t interested.”

My forehead furrowed. “Emmie Dixon helps you, right?”

“She answers the phone and does some filing,” Robbie replied. “But she’s not formally trained. Plus, she’s a gossiping old—”

“Emmie’s great,” Mayor Henderson interjected, shooting Robbie a warning look. “She keeps us ticking over, but eventually, we’ll need to employ somebody who we can trust to take on more responsibilities. Maybe that’s something you’d be interested in when you graduate?”

I mulled his offer over for a few seconds.

By the time I graduated, I hoped to be engaged—or even married—to John. Robbie wouldn’t be a concern when I had a ring on my finger, and I wanted to work, at least for a few years while John built his businesses and I started having his babies.

I smiled my thanks at the mayor. “Yes, it’s something I’d be interested in. Of course, I’d have to run it past John, but he’s already told me to do whatever makes me happy. I think I’d like a career initially, at least while he’s in the Marines.”

The mayor’s face softened. “And how’s John doing at boot camp?” His eyes slid toward Robbie and narrowed slightly. “I’d have loved my son to do a stint in the military, but he wanted to go the academic route. Still, at least Bandit’s son’s doing Hambleton proud.”

Robbie’s face flushed.

“John’s doing great,” I said proudly. “He’s at the top of the class almost every week. Being a Marine is everything he ever wanted.”

“He takes after his dad,” the mayor murmured, eyes glazing over as he thought back. “Bandit was a talented soldier. Vietnam was traumatic for so many. I owe that man my life.” He came back to the present with a start and checked his watch. “Anyway, you ladies don”t want to hear about all that, and it’s time we went.” He rose from the table and turned to Mom. “Thank you for a fabulous meal, Katherine.”

Dad stood. “You’re welcome anytime, Bert.”

Robbie got to his feet, following his dad to the door. As he got there, he craned his neck, looking straight at me. “Elise, could I have a word in private?”

My body stiffened.

“Of course she will.” Dad beamed. “Go see Robert out, Elise. You can speak to him on the porch.”

Fixing a smile on my face, I nodded. I could hardly say no, and if I did, Dad would disown me. Anyway, there wasn”t much Robbie could do or say with my parents in earshot and his dad looking on.

I followed Robbie through the house and out to the front porch, raising a hand to wave at the mayor as he dipped his chin and went to his car. A cold shiver ran down my spine in anticipation of what Robbie was about to discuss. I didn’t want any bad feelings between us—especially when my dad thought so much of him—but I was committed to John.

“I wanted to apologize,” Robbie muttered.

My eyes rounded. “Oh,” I said confusedly. “What for?”

He smiled earnestly. “I know I put you in an awkward position down at the creek that time on your birthday. It’s just that I liked you and would’ve loved to take you out again, but it was unfair, especially when I know you’re with Stone now. I saw Kelly yesterday at that new coffee shop and said sorry for the way I spoke to her. I was just sore, is all, and I don’t take rejection well.” He lowered his eyes sheepishly. “I’m a spoiled prick sometimes. I’ll talk to John when I see him next and apologize. He’s my bud, and I don’t want to lose his friendship over something like this.”

All resentment drained away, and I rested a hand on Robbie’s shoulder. “Apology accepted. Thank you, Robbie. We’ve all been friends for years, and you’re right; it would be a shame to lose that, especially while John’s away. I need my friends more than ever.”

A genuine, warm smile spread across Robbie’s face, and he patted my hand. “Thanks for understanding.” He gestured toward his dad’s car. “I better get going. Dad’s taking me to the country club tonight.” Turning, he craned his neck and asked, “See you around?”

I grinned and lowered my hand, feeling twenty pounds lighter as he jogged toward the car and slid in the passenger side. Raising a hand, I waved as the car took off slowly down the street and disappeared.

Turning for the house, I felt my shoulders slump.

I’d known Robbie all my life, and he’d always been pleasant. Our parents were friends too, so it was much easier to get along with him than not. He and John were also friendly, and with Robbie being the future mayor and John wanting to expand the Speed Demons later, it made sense for them to have a good relationship.

As I made my way back indoors, I felt an acute sense of relief. My chat with Robbie inspired me. While I was on a roll, I decided to talk to Dad about going to San Diego. However, I knew the following conversation would be a lot trickier than the one I just had with Robbie.

Like Mom said, I was eighteen, so it was a case of telling Dad rather than asking for permission. I couldn’t be my daddy’s little girl forever.

It was time to grow up and be the woman John deserved.