“I see your girl is already making a name for herself in the club. Today, Seal’s bed and who knows who will be next week, and who the hell in their right mind would name their daughter Whiskey. If that isn’t a prophecy of what’s in store for her life, I don’t know what is.” I start to get out of my seat, but Whiskey beats me to it. Whiskey is around the table and drags Candy out of her chair before anyone can say anything. Whiskey drags Candy by the hair over to the family room and then lets her go. D.D. is watching with wide eyes. Whiskey gets in Candy’s face and starts poking her in the chest with her finger. This is what Whiskey does every time she wants them to throw out the first punch. I say nothing. Candy deserves my daughter going full force on her.

  “Who put a chip on your shoulder so big that you think you need to be so damn mean. This is the second time tonight that you have stepped over the line and I’m here to put you back where you belong.” Whiskey is still jabbing her finger into Candy. “You have a problem with my name then address it to me like a damn woman. You sound like a bitter, jealous woman and for what? I am my dad’s daughter. My name reminded my mom of my dad, so I love it. You think you’re the first or will be the last to make fun of my name. I want to respect you and D.D. like the way I was raised to do, but you open that big loud mouth one more time and I will close it for you and by all means know that I am an adult and know how to give an old-fashioned ass whipping.” Eli walks over and steps between the two.

  “Apologize now or turn your ass around and never come back to our home again. I won’t stand for you speaking bad to another child of mine and Dixie and Trace will be staying here from now on.” Candy goes to raise her hand to Eli and before she knows it, Whiskey has her thrown over her hip and she lands on the floor.

  “Lady, my brother and I are both black belts and I can beat your ass before you even know what happened.” I don’t know who is shocked the most, Candy, Eli, or Seal. Seal walks over and reaches for Whiskey’s hand and pulls her to him.

  “You are full of surprises, baby,” Seal tells Whiskey. “I think she sees the error of her ways now.”

  “Alright, I apologize, but my children are not staying in this house with that woman. Do you even realize that you said this was our home? That was always what I dreamed about, us sharing a home together and you giving me your patch,” Candy whines.

  “If anyone is going to share a home, then it will be me. We were married until you ruined it for us,” D.D. says.

  “The ‘we’ I was referring to is all my children, Jenna, and me. This is our home and you need to remember that you are a guest,” Eli says.

  “Does that mean I can move in too? I’m sixteen and from what I’ve been reading up on Texas custody laws, at a certain age the child can pick which parent they want to live with and I’m ready to live with you. Mom is always complaining about money. If I move out maybe she’ll have what she needs.” Eli laughs at that one, but he knows what Lexi has been wanting to move into his home for a while now. Lexi didn’t know how to approach the subject with her mom.

  “Lexi your room is always open and any of my children are always welcome to live with me. I would love to have you here.” Eli looks at me and I give him a warm smile then he looks back to Lexi. “You’ve been quiet tonight, are you alright?”

  “I’m fine, Dad. It’s just surreal that I found my brother and sister. It’s a bit overwhelming. I like Jenna and I don’t know, Whiskey and I just click. I haven’t talked to Ryder much, but Trace has kept him occupied with talking about football. It feels different in your house now. It seems like it’s home and I want to enjoy that feeling.” I step away from Eli and Lexi, so they can finish their talk. I see that D.D. and Candy are putting their heads together by the sofa. I walk that way. I approach the sofa and they both look at me.

  “Has Eli told you about the club girls that service the brothers at the clubhouse? Eli won’t change. He never has. He knocked Candy up and she was spreading her legs for all the brothers. You should go back from wherever you came from. You can’t handle life in the real world. Smiles and platitudes can’t fix what’s wrong with this family.” I smile at D.D.

  “D.D., I would think you were trying to be nice and warn me, if I didn’t know better. Just because I shared a bed with Eli last night doesn’t mean it’s a lifelong commitment. He held me and we slept. No expectations, just comfort. Where that leads us today, tomorrow, or the rest of our lives doesn’t concern anyone else.” I have more to say but I will keep it to myself, so we don’t have another argument.

  “Jenna is my ol’ lady so don’t disrespect her by putting your noses in our personal life,” Eli blurts out. D.D. and Candy’s eyes go to Eli. Whiskey and Ryder’s come to me.

  “Whiskey is my ol’ lady and that’s all I need to say about it,” Seal speaks up.

  “You said no one would ever wear your patch if I didn’t,” D.D. says sounding devastated.

  “No, what I said was if my wife didn’t wear my patch then no one would. I have no wife anymore but that could change.” That gets an eyebrow raise from me.

  “I followed you around for years giving myself to you and I gave you two children. This woman hasn’t got a loyal bone in her body and she hid your children from you. Why her and not me?” Candy sounds a little devastated.

  “You don’t want the honest answer to that, Candy. You can’t handle it so let it go. I respect you and D.D. for giving me my children and I don’t want to show you disrespect even if most of the time you deserve it. Jenna and I are together, so respect my choice. If you don’t, then you will face my consequences,” Eli says. No one says another word.

  “Anyone up for dessert?” I ask.

  “Are you kidding? Whiskey made banana pudding. It has my vote.” Ryder gets up and helps gather the dishes off the table.

  “Dixie and I can clean the kitchen. Whiskey and Jenna cooked,” Lexi speaks up.

  “When you’re ready for the trash to be taken out let me know and I’ll take it out,” Trace speaks up to volunteer.

  “Thank you all for helping,” I tell the children. Whiskey walks over and puts out the things we need to serve dessert with. The rest of the night goes by without incident. I know we’re going to make a family out of this group of people. I won’t settle for anything less. We all need each other.

  18

  Grinder…

  I try to be quiet coming back into the house. It has been a long day. After Candy and D.D. left, I had talks with both Liam and Dixie.

  Liam’s attitude toward me and the club was all put in his head by D.D. and self-doubt. He was afraid to tell me something very important to him because he thought I would turn my back on him. In his head, he was hurting someone before they hurt him and D.D. backed that up. I’m glad it’s out that he’s gay. I am a proud dad for him being brave enough to come out to us.

  My talk with Dixie was stressful but that’s because I was trying to contain my anger. I went to the club with every intention of ending Buzzard’s life. I wanted to, and it took everything in me to stop. I would be a shit dad if I put that on my daughter’s conscience. I beat the hell out of the man while my brothers watched. Max was given his chance too since Dixie is his sister. After that, I stripped him of his cut by a unanimous vote. Then we turned him over to the law. Dixie assured me that she wasn’t forced but she was drinking when it happened. Candy had Buzzard over to her house drinking along with Jester. Jester had left already, and Buzzard decided he didn’t want Candy but Dixie instead. Candy didn’t stop it the first time or any time after that. Buzzard will never make it out of prison. I taped his confession in case I needed it, but when we took him to the sheriff’s office, he confessed. The one good thing that came out of it is Candy signed the papers so when Monday gets here the papers will be filed and I will have full custody of Dixie and Trace. We’re moving their things in today.

  I get in our bedroom and I see the clock reads it’s after three in the morning. Jenna looks sound asleep and she is beautiful in the middle of our bed. I know I made the right decision on making her my ol’ lady. She’s the glue that we all need to hold us together.

  I take my shower and brush my teeth before I go back to our bed. I’m being as quiet as I can. I know doing tonight’s dinner and getting through it had to take a lot out of her. She’s looking better, and she acts like she’s feeling better. I just don’t want her to over do things too fast. I want this woman so bad.

  “What are you thinking about biker man?” Jenna asks me.

  “I was trying to be quiet, so I wouldn’t wake you.” I pull Jenna to me and she curls up close to me.

  “I was only napping. I wanted to talk to you.” I smile at that. “If I get the label then I want the goods. I love the cuddling because you don’t seem like the cuddling type but I’m ready for more when you are, and I wanted you to know that. I’m not a woman to beat around the bush. I’m more of the type that takes the bull by the horns.” Jenna sighs. “I also need you to know I’m a woman and I need more. You have been a dream of mine for eighteen years now. I know you have gone on with your life and I’m trying to do that now. You have a way of coming into my life when I’m making life-changing decisions and I made one today.”

  “What’s that, darlin’?” I know what I want her to say.

  “I have decided to let my past go. I want to live in the present, in the here and now. I don’t know anything about this claiming and the ol’ lady part is questionable, but for some reason, I want to grab a hold of it and try to make a new chapter in my life. I want you and I want this big beautiful family that we have.” Those are the words I needed. Jenna wants me. I was apprehensive about her walking away again. Now there is no holding back.

  19

  Jenna…

  I see the big smile on Eli’s face. I have unburdened myself from everything I have been keeping to myself. It feels good to get it all out. Now there is nothing between Eli and me.

  “I’ll explain everything about the club life and believe me, ol’ lady is a compliment. The claiming means you are mine and if another touches you I can put him to ground, and if anything ever happens to me then you and our children are taken care of and protected.” Eli stops and then lifts my chin so our eyes can meet. “I don’t know when or why. I just know with everything that I am that I love and need you. I don’t take either lightly. I’m not a man to just spill my guts to anyone, but you make me want to do just that. I can’t promise forever but I can promise you have my heart. I can’t promise we will never fight. That’s what getting to know each other will bring. You’re a strong woman and I’m a stubborn man, but we’ll deal with it. I think the one-night stand with you was the healthiest relationship I’ve ever had.” Eli is being honest with me and it’s my turn.

  “Do you forgive me for what I did?” I ask Eli the same question I have asked before.

  “I don’t think I will ever be able to forgive the time I missed with Whiskey and Ryder. No, that’s not true. I have forgiven the act of doing it, but I can’t forgive the time I lost. I guess what I’m saying is I don’t hold it against you, and I won’t forget it, but I’ll never use it against you. I can also understand why a desperate woman would do what you did. Can you accept that?” I think about it and Eli has come so far in trusting me again.

  “I can accept that for now. I’m still going to work on it.” Eli kisses my forehead. “I have wanted you for eighteen years and I love you.” I reach down and lift the night gown I’m wearing over my head. “I’m not a young woman anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I keep myself in decent shape. My condition requires it. It’s just as a woman ages, things shift. I still need your touch.” I want this man and I’m not waiting any longer. I shove my panties down my legs and then kick them off. I roll us over and I straddle Eli. Eli immediately grabs my hips. I reach down and start pulling on his underwear. His boxers hit the floor in seconds. I bend closer and kiss Eli sensuously and slowly to enjoy the taste of his minty breath. “Do you want this Eli, or do I need to get my vibrator to finish the ache between my legs?”

  “Damn, woman, I’m going to finish before I’m even inside of you if you keep talking like that. It has been a while,” Eli says with a husky voice. Eli rolls us so that he’s now on top of me. Eli bends down and slowly devours my mouth. He’s hungry and demanding. “Are you sure about this, darlin’? I don’t want there to be any regrets between us, only sweet memories that we can build on,” Eli says and my body is on fire with desire.

  “Please Eli. I want and need you right now.” I know I’m breathless.

  “You’re the most stunning woman I have ever laid eyes on. Inside and out,” Eli says as he showers my face and neck with sweet kisses. I need more, then Eli takes my bottom lip and sucks it into his mouth. The feeling shoots straight to my clit. I lift my hips and try to rock against him to get just a little friction. I need this man inside me. Eli runs his hands down my body without leaving a part of me untouched. I arch into his touch. His hands are leaving trails of fire on my skin. Eli isn’t just fucking me, he’s claiming every inch of my body and I love it.

  “I love you so much. Please, Eli, I need you. I need more,” I plead.

  “This is mine,” Eli says as he cups my sex. “Do you understand that?” I nod my head yes. “I need the words Jenna. Who owns this body?”

  “You do Eli. You have for eighteen years.” Eli positions himself between my legs and I feel his massive erection. My body is alive with anticipation. I feel the tip of his cock slide inside me. I grab Eli’s hips tighter and pull him to me and Eli plunges deeper inside of me. I tremble with a need that consumes me. I cry out as he fills me completely. Eli makes slow deliberate strokes. He’s staring into my eyes and I hold his gaze. I see the emotion he is feeling, and I know this is much deeper than two people finding ecstasy. We are making our way back to each other. I slip my legs up around his waist and wrap my arms around his neck. I can’t wait. I need him to feel the same things I am. I need to see him let go like I am. I move my body with his and I feel it when he has reached the point that he has no control. I work my hips at a faster pace, and he is matching me stroke for stroke. I don’t even feel my release coming. It hits my body and I feel more pleasure than I have ever felt in my life and Eli continues to pump inside of me until I feel his body go limp. I swivel my hips again to make sure he enjoys every second. I’m out of breath and I peek a look at Eli, and he has a smile on his lips.

  “I’m never letting you go again. You’re mine, and you’ll be in my bed every night. If you decide to buy a farm, then do it, but you will be in my bed every night. Are you clear on that?” Eli says in a voice that I am sure few would argue with.

  “I just want to shower and sleep. The rest can be handled when we get up.” Eli grunts.

  “No. I want you to sleep with me inside of you. We can clean the mess later and don’t try to argue with me.” Eli smacks my ass.

  “We didn’t have the sex talk. I can tell you I have not had sex with anyone since you. I can also say I went through early menopause in my forties.” I didn’t even think about this before.

  “I haven’t been with anyone for a while now. I will call the doctor and get tested to be safe. I’ll use a condom until we get the results. Now let’s get some shut eye. Love you.” I’m not sure I can sleep like this, but I’ll try. Eli pulls me close.

  “Love you more,” I say to Eli and that’s the last thing I remember.

  20

  Grinder…

  I wake up and feel rested. I reach for Jenna, but her side of the bed is cold. I get up and grab a shower and brush my teeth. I get dressed for the day and walk out our door and toward the kitchen. I check the time and I see it’s lunchtime. The bar is set up with more food and I see the girls are set up in different areas of the family room.

  “What are we eating today, ladies?” I ask.

  “Mom has the boys grilling burgers and she’s frying up some home fries and sweet potato fries,” Whiskey says.

  “She let us all help her. I know how to make coleslaw now,” Dixie says with enthusiasm.

  “I worked on the baked beans,” Lexi says.

  “That’s a lot of food,” I tell them.

  “We have a big bunch to feed. The leftovers I will put into dinner. We’re having baked fish. Everyone needs to balance the good with the bad,” Jenna says smiling at me. I walk over to her and give her a kiss.

  “I love you,” I tell her. I’m not hiding my feelings from anyone.

  “Love you too,” Jenna says back. The back door opens, and Ryder, Trace, and Liam walk in. Liam looks happy.

  “Ryder showed us how to grill burgers,” Trace says excitedly.

  “The hard part is making sure they’re done.” Liam laughs.

  “You’re so right brother.” Ryder laughs too.

  “Where’s Max and Seal?” I ask.

  “They said they had some things to take care of. I fed them some pancakes and told them to come back for brunch, but Seal said they had work all day, and they would be back tonight.” Seal is catching up for the lost day yesterday.

  “Let’s sit and eat. Buffet style just like last night.” I am the first in line. We all have our food and Jenna sits by me at the table and Jenna makes sure that Liam sits at the other end of the table like Max did last night. She lets my boys know they are respected by her. I like that. I like that a lot. “What are everyone’s plans for the rest of the day?”

  “I thought that Ryder, Whiskey, and I could go and look over the diner. Get some measurements. See what equipment needs to be replaced and what we can still use,” Jenna answers.

  “I need to discuss that with you. The club has a different offer for you, and we need to talk about that next week, so we can pitch it to you.” Jenna looks at me skeptically.

  “Does that mean that we’re not going to be able serve food there or does that mean you want to speak of the business end of things?” Jenna asks.