Chapter 6
Charlie
T he day flew by all too fast. I had a surprisingly good time. So did Ma, Pops, and the girls. Valentina is mooning hard over Wizard, while Lucia can’t take her eyes off Crab. There’s only a two-year difference between them. Francesca, my fun flirt, teased Tully until his face was red as a beet half the day.
“Are you ready to roll, Ma?”
She smiles at me. “I am. I’ll round up the girls if you round up Pops.”
“So, you’re taking the easy job?”
She smirks at me. “You betcha.”
I do a quick scan of the perimeter. When I don’t immediately spot Pops, I head inside. Wizard gave me a quick tour of the bottom floor when I needed to use the facilities earlier. I hurry through the kitchen to the hall, then into their bar, Lagniappe.
I hear a few whistles and calls. Like sexy mama or MILF . It makes me blush, but I don’t hate it. Pops finds me before I can find him.
“You’re causing quite a stir, Charlie girl.”
“It’s not my fault they all need glasses.”
“Hey, don’t talk bad about my girl,” Wizard says.
Surprising me by putting his arm around my shoulders.
“Your girl?”
“If I don’t claim you, all these neanderthals will start a chest thumping competition. It sounds hot, but it’s not. Not outside of romance novels.”
“What do you know about romance novels?”
“Stormy writes romance novels. Stormy St. James.”
“Does she write the Valhalla Marauders series?”
“She does indeed.”
“Charlotte, I have the girls corralled. Hustle, Hurl, and Honda are escorting them to the van. They wanted time to talk triplet stuff. Whatever that means,” I hear Ma’s voice behind me.
Wizard’s next words floor me.
“Gina, would it be a terrible imposition if I kept Charlie a few more hours? I promise to bring her home safely.”
“Only if you promise not to drink and drive,” Gina replies.
“Cross my heart,” Wizard says.
“Pops, are you ready? I’ll need your help with the girls.”
“I’m ready, Gina.”
Wizard turns to me. “It’s about to get wild. How about we go somewhere for dinner? I know this great Italian place.”
“I’m not dressed for anything fancy.”
“You’re dressed just fine. I’ll grab an extra helmet from the garage and meet you out front.”
“I need jeans and closed-toed shoes.”
“I’ve got some jeans that will fit, and I think we’re close in shoe size. You can see if mine or Tawny’s fit. I’m Athena, by the way,” a stunning Creole beauty says.
“Pleased to meet you, Athena. I’m Charlie.”
Wizard
I’M OUTSIDE THE CLUBHOUSE . Parked in front of the walk. Athena sent me a text to let me know Charlie’s on her way out. I head toward the front door. I’m halfway there when the big doors open, revealing Charlie.
I stop in my tracks. Taking in her curves leaves me breathless and half-hard. She’s wearing black leather pants that hug every curve of her legs, ass, thighs, and calves. To her shapely ankles, where she's sporting boots that look like hooker heels and Harley boots had a baby. They are sexy as fuck and a low whistle leaves my lips before I can think to stop it.
She stops. I tense waiting for her to read me the riot act. Instead, she blushes.
“Thank you. You’re too kind.”
“Bellissima, I’m merely stating the truth. You're Venus in the flesh.”
Her cheeks redden further. For not the first time, I want to find her ex and give him a sound beating. Then thank him for being a stupid mother fucker giving me a chance with Charlie.
“Where are we going?”
“Trust me?”
She nods her head.
“I have a spare helmet waiting for you.”
I offer her my hand. She looks surprised but takes it. I lace my fingers with hers and lead us back to the back bike.
“I borrowed Gambit’s sled. It’s built for two and is more comfortable.”
“What if you scratch it?”
“He’ll kill me.”
She laughs. I’m not joking, but she doesn’t need to know that. Lucky for me, Uncle Wizard is loved by all his children. And I run his wife’s website. He can’t kill me. He can kick my ass, though. And that fucker won’t pull his punches.
I take the helmet off the back of the bike and place it on her head. She has it fastened before I have a chance to.
“Do you ride?”
“I do. I had a little sportster but sold her a couple years ago to cover costs for the girls.”
“He sounds like a real cazzo.”
“He is definitely a dickhead.”
“Let’s forget about him for a little while. Enjoy the ride.”
She relaxes.
“Great idea.”
I get on the sled, then offer her my hand. She mounts expertly, fitting herself against me. Her arms wrap around me.
“Ready?”
She nods. I quickly don my helmet, start the ignition, lift the kickstand, and take off. Crab is at the gate. He opens it, giving me a wink and a salute as we pass him. I can hear her laugh. A sound like I'd love to hear more of.