“That’s not an answer. I want to know why my sleeping in your bed is enjoyable to you. We’re not a couple. We’re not dating. We’re not even having sex. I can handle your family. I ran a ranch with all the men not wanting to take orders from me. What is really going on?” Jenna has walked into the room and is looking around. I walk over to her and put my finger up to her chin and get close to her. I try to keep my eyes on her eyes, but they keep going to her luscious lips. What the hell? I look at her eyes and see she knows what’s about to happen and she isn’t protesting or pushing me away. I don’t hesitate another second. I devour those lips that keep calling to me. I pull her into my arms and my hand roams to her ass. This I remember. This I want more of.

  “Well, well, well, looks like Whiskey isn’t the only one that will have swollen lips from having her mouth devoured.” I look up and Ryder is smiling. I look at Jenna and she does have a just-kissed look and I like it. She’s still gorgeous.

  “Next time knock before you snoop.” Jenna doesn’t pull away from me and I don’t let her go.

  “The door was open,” Ryder says. “I had no idea that you and Dad would be groping each other. This is your guest room? This room has all the things a man could ask for.”

  “No this is my room. I thought your mom could stay in here with me and then Whiskey could have the guest room so she could keep Lurch and Twizzle with her. I think Seal may be around some to.” Ryder looks at me and so does Jenna.

  “Smooth move Dad. You and Seal work at the speed of light. I’m going to need to up my game to keep up with you two. Maybe Max will help a brother out.” Ryder is shaking his head.

  “I need to be at the club soon. Seal and I will help get your stuff in the house and then we’ll be on the road. I’ll be back home late tonight or in the morning.” Ryder laughs.

  “Already letting the little woman know where you’re going to be.” I ignore the little dig, but the thought doesn’t upset me.

  “Your dad is just being considerate. I thought about having a big family dinner tonight, but Eli and Seal are needed at the clubhouse so we’re doing it tomorrow night.” Jenna steps out of my arms and looks at Ryder. “Ryder James Taylor, I respect and love you and your sister. I don’t interfere in your personal relationships and I expect the same from both of you since that’s what family does. If you don’t trust in your family, then you don’t trust anyone.” What Jenna just said clicks in my heads. I reach out to her and pull her back to me and kiss her.

  “Could there please be a little warning when the two of you are going to lock lips? It’s going to take a little time to get used to the PDA and I’m sorry Mom, you’re right. I will respect your decisions.” Ryder look like a teenage boy that just got caught sneaking alcohol. Jenna has raised Whiskey and Ryder to respect each other and her.

  “Thank you, Ryder.” Jenna looks at me. “What was that for?”

  “That was for solving a problem I’ve had in my head today. Thank you.” I let Jenna go.

  “You’re welcome, handsome,” Jenna replies.

  “Ryder let’s get your things in the house, so I can get to the clubhouse.”

  14

  Grinder…

  I text Trapper to get everyone to the clubhouse and let him in on my decision on how I want things to go tonight. It’s the best decision for the club. I talked to Seal about it too and he agrees. Tanker still hasn’t found anything on the surveillance video.

  As soon as I walk into the clubhouse, I see I not only have club business to deal with but a different woman on each side of the club. I’m not here for D.D. or Candy, so I keep walking toward Trapper who is sitting at a back table with Tanker.

  “Are you going to keep walking? I need to talk to you about this family dinner tomorrow night. Lexi is all excited about it, but Liam refuses to attend and why did you invite me with this other woman in your house?” I don’t get the chance to answer D.D..

  “I want to know the same thing. You’ve never let me step foot in your house and now this bitch is staying there, and then I get an invitation to dinner or is it a summons from you?” Candy steps up to us. I give Candy a hard look. Her ass is back in my club. “I also got a call from the courthouse saying you’re filing papers on me for our kids. I won’t stand for it. I also didn’t enjoy my night in county lockup. Is that any way to treat the mother of two of your children?” I have tried the nicer way. I have tried to calm my anger. Fuck that.

  “Jenna thinks that we should try and let the children bond as brothers and sisters so they can be a whole family and do family things together instead of me having to split my time between the children. I agree. That’s what this dinner is for. Jenna would also like to get to know both of you so that you three can interact together for the sake of the children. It would be nice to have the family all together on holidays and that includes you two, if you can put the hatred that you have for each other aside for the good of our children. I should have insisted on this years ago, but I didn’t want to put up with both of you bitching at the same time. It’s all coming to a stop.” I know this doesn’t need to be aired here in front of the club, but I can’t stop. “D.D., you treat me like your one stop ATM. We have one child underage still living in your home part-time and the rest of the time she’s at my house. All the extra cash is gone as of this minute. I have threatened this before, but this isn’t a threat, it’s done. You will only be getting child support for Lexi. You need to get a job. If Liam decides to go to college, I’ll pay for that within reason and he needs to get a part-time job. Max has had a job since he was sixteen. It’s time Liam learned some damn responsibility. Lexi has a part-time job so Liam can do the same.” I take a breath and look at Candy. “You can never follow simple instructions. Your ass is banned from this clubhouse for starting shit. You’re a shitty mom. Dixie runs the road with men twice her age. She’s not old enough to date, sixteen remember? How come you say her clothes are so damn expensive but there is nothing to them? Our daughter is fifteen years old. Dixie has been tainted by you. She is a sweet loving child, but your hate and jealousy has jaded her outlook on life. Thankfully Trace doesn’t believe a word out of your mouth. It’s time they come and live with me so they can have some adult supervision. Don’t think I have forgotten you’re trespassing on club property.” I’m so done with these two. “You two can either show up tomorrow night or not. I don’t think Jenna knows what she’s asking for by inviting the two of you at one time, but I have warned her.” I put my fingers together on my lips and let out a loud whistle.

  “The next person that lets Candy back on club property will feel my wrath. If you’re a prospect, then you’re out forever. If a patched member lets her in, then you will deal with the punishment by drawing out of the box. Are each of you clear on this?” I see heads nod in my direction. “We will also be discussing this very subject in just a few minutes.”

  “I belong in this club unlike your other women and you can’t take this away from me. I will be there tomorrow night, but I am not cutting that bitch any slack. She’s where I should be, and she will hear that from me.” I smile at Candy because I can’t remember what I ever saw attractive in this woman.

  “Seal, see this woman to the gate and if she comes back have her arrested and tell them to keep her as long as they can. Then I will take care of her when she gets out.” Seal steps up to Candy and jerks her around by her arm. Candy starts to say something, but she must see the look in my eye.

  “Eli, I will be there tomorrow night, but I make no promises on my behavior toward Candy. That woman is nothing but white trash and she’s raising Dixie to be just like her. Maybe I could step in and help you with Dixie.” I look at D.D. and I know she’s just reacting to what I said about Jenna helping me earlier. All these years, D.D. has wanted our children and the children I have with Candy to have nothing to do with each other.

  “D.D., just give Whiskey, Ryder, and Jenna a chance,” I tell her.

  “Who would name their daughter Whiskey? That’s just tacky,” D.D. goes on and I know she’s going to be just as difficult as usual.

  “She’s the type of woman that wanted my children to have a part of me even if I didn’t know they existed. She’s the type of woman who made mistakes but is woman enough to say she’s sorry it hurt the three of us in the process and wants to make amends,” I tell D.D. honestly.

  “Jenna hid your children from you. How do you know she isn’t just here for money? The boy and girl are over eighteen years old. You owe them nothing.” That’s what it always boils down to with D.D., the money.

  “Considering I have seen her bank records, she could buy every property that this town has to sell and more. Whiskey and Ryder were also part owners in a very large ranch they had together. They both had money saved before that from working a job every day and going to school. The ranch they sold was in the high seven figures. None of them are hurting for money and they could retire right now and never worry about money again. Are you getting this D.D.? They aren’t here for my money. Jenna is stocking my house with food tonight. Don’t go putting your weaknesses on them. Their home looked like one of those high-and-mighty houses in one of those damn magazines you used to keep on the tables at our house, but they left it with most of their furniture to come here to be with me and their family. Just cut them some damn slack. You need to leave. I have church and you have never liked the clubhouse.” D.D. can’t deny I have just spoken the words she was thinking. I don’t give her a chance to respond. I know she’ll leave on her own. She thinks this place is beneath her. Her family may have money, but they have no loyalty, and they cut her off years ago.

  “Church, now!” I yell. I look at two of the prospects behind the bar. “You two guard the door and make sure no one gets in and we aren’t disturbed.” I don’t give anyone the chance to stop me again. I head straight to the open doors and I don’t stop until I have the gavel in my hand. I watch all the brothers file into the room. Trapper takes his place beside me. Seal and Bogie are taking up weapons and cell phones. Max closes the doors and locks the bolt. I notice some of the members aren’t even in attendance. I pound the gavel.

  “I have a lot to discuss so let’s get on with it.” I look at Trapper. “I want you to make note of each member not here. This meeting was set a week ago for a vote and it was stated that it was mandatory to be here. Unless there’s a damn good reason for Buzzard, Jester, and Buckshot to be gone, then they are each fined as stated in the bylaws.” I hear a few of the members grumbling under their breaths but not loud enough for it to be considered disrespectful. “Dom, how is your woman doing after the drive-by?”

  “She had the baby checked out and they’re both good,” Dom answers.

  “Baller how are your children and woman?” I ask.

  “All is good and with Seal’s help we have the house back to normal.” I watch Baller as he answers. I stand up and start to pace. “That’s good to hear.”

  “I want to get the vote on the diner. We all know the diner has been in the red since we acquired it. Do we agree to sell to Jenna, or does it need to be discussed?” I look around the table.

  “I think we should go into a partnership.” Max surprises me.

  “Why?” I ask back.

  “We could reduce the price and go into an even partnership for profits of the sales. That gives us a legit business for the clubhouse. Jenna is going to make it a success with Whiskey and Ryder’s help. Once it’s a success that will look good for the club. The Deacons of Peril MC isn’t hated like it once was and with a new business that is completely legit, it will help us fit in even better. Can anyone that has met Jenna think she can’t make this diner a success? She thrived in a damn community that couldn’t stand her because she was a single mom. Do you think she can’t win over the slimy son of a bitches here? As soon as she starts banking here, they’ll know what she’s worth along with Whiskey and Ryder and they will be kissing her ass.” Max has a good point.

  “I won’t use Jenna and the kids, but we can make them a business offer. If she doesn’t accept, then she can find another building and go it on her own. I’m good with the idea. What does everyone else think?” I look out at everyone.

  “I think Max could be on to something. It never hurts to have friends in the right places,” Trapper adds.

  “I agree too,” Seal says.

  “Me too,” Tanker speaks up.

  “Does anyone disagree? Speak your mind now.” I wait, and no one speaks up right away.

  “If she doesn’t agree, can we give her the original option? That’s a lot of money,” Eagle asks.

  “Jenna may wait for that. She drives a hard bargain. The way she handled the sale of their ranch was amazing. I think we take the hardline and wait for her reaction.” I think Jenna will take the offer. Whiskey and Ryder will be the ones to convince. “Any more discussion?” No one says anything.

  “The vote is on not selling but going into a partnership with Jenna Taylor and our two children.” I look around the table. “All affirmative votes raise your hand.” I watch as every member’s hand raises. I bang the gavel. “I will set up a meeting with the Taylor’s and the club within the next week. Any other business at hand besides the drive-by? We will address that after everything else is taken care of. Eagle, how are our numbers?”

  “We paid the note off at the bank early for the last expansion. All monthly allotments will be paid at the end of the month. Everyone has paid their dues and all monthly utilities paid. The clubhouse is stocked on food and booze. It’s time to decide on the expansion of a room with everything Tanker could need. It will also be where we keep up with all the surveillance feeds. Seal has agreed to do the work and we will pay for his workers’ time and his usual fee since it’s club related. We need to vote by the end of the month so Seal can work it in his schedule and not miss that much other work. He has bills to pay too.” Eagle always knows the bottom line of everything.

  “Anything else?” I ask Eagle. He shakes his head no. “We vote on the budget next week after the talk with Jenna.”

  “Any other business at all? The next part is going to take a while, so I want to be sure we have covered everything else.” I look at all the brothers and no one says anything. “Let’s get started then. Dom and Baller, do you have anything to add since last night? Anything at all come to either of you?”

  “There’s nothing else I can add but I need to say this. I hate to even think about what has been going through my head most of the day. There must be an inside person or at least someone leaking information about us. How did anyone know that Tinsley and I were going to be at Baller’s eating, or anyone would be at home? Baller hasn’t been around the club very much for the last few months, and we didn’t get invited over until two hours before we had to be there. Baller and his woman are usually on his bike and gone. He can tell you the rest.” I know Dom’s pissed. He’s barely making sentences that make sense.

  “Dom’s right. Tish and I were supposed to go out for a ride in the hill country. It would have been a late ride, but the kids wanted to come over and cook hot dogs outside. I saw Dom last night as I was leaving the clubhouse and invited him and his woman over to join us. It was all last minute. My exes have become friends and they were going out to a club for a few hours and thought some dad-time was a clever idea. Those bitches hardly ever let me see my kids, so I was looking forward to it. Then it all went to hell when bullets started hitting the house. We had just come inside, or it would have been a hell of a lot worse.” I watch Baller as he talks. I nod at Trapper.

  “Tanker has watched the surveillance feed from one of your neighbors and from the angles his cameras were set, it didn’t show shit. We’re still looking for more cameras from your neighbors and he’s going to see if he can hack into some city cameras.” I stop and watch Dom and Baller. “Baller, I almost did you a disservice today. I won’t apologize because I thought I was doing what was best for the club. You see, brother, you’ve been acting off. You act like you just don’t give a shit about life or the club anymore. A lot of brothers are acting that way. Three patched members skipped a mandatory church, today. This was a planned meeting and they could have followed protocol and called Trapper, any other officer, or me today but they were just no-shows. I know our pockets aren’t getting lined as well as they used to with cash, but we all still make a good chunk of money each month. We are legal and we don’t need to worry about the cops knocking on our doors anymore. We have quit having family cookouts and get-togethers. I know I’m responsible for part of that, I have been preoccupied, but I have always said to call me on my shit when I screw up. The last thing we let go was Sid and his shady protection runs. He wasn’t taking care of his end of things and each time we were taking on more risks. If we would have kept giving in to him, he would have kept making bad business decisions and we would have ended up in a war with someone. Is that what we want to go back to? The blood baths between us and different clubs, between us and the cops, and between us and the mafia. We walked away from that with a vote. It was a unanimous vote. I know we don’t have a lot of ol’ ladies in the club or wives but a lot of us have kids and if we want to keep this club going to pass to our sons, then we need to get back to brotherhood. We are a family and we need to act like it.” I stop and a lot of the brothers are nodding their heads. “Baller, I was going to have security cameras installed in and around your house to make sure you had no shady dealings that brought this down on you, but someone made me realize today that a family can get through anything together as long as we respect, trust, and love each other. I want that back in our clubhouse. I trust you Baller and I’m here to help in any way I can to find the person responsible for shooting up your house. I’m still having security cameras installed at your house and everyone that has a woman or child will get the same treatment including myself.” I wait for that to soak in. “I think Sid is responsible for what happened. Has he been in any contact with either of you or anyone here?” Baller stands up.