There are several topics on the floor today. We need to bring in some new blood. Finalize this merger for the new charter. We are having a going away party for Uno once he is released from the hospital. I like the dude but I’m not sorry to see him leave Melissa’s life. He is a complication I don’t need getting in the way. He’ll only hurt her. He’s never going to truly walk away from Stephanie and not with her giving him the son he has always wanted. Tiny Leone left behind a daughter who is young, insanely wealthy, and without protection. The girl isn’t our responsibility, but things have taken an interesting turn. Stephanie, Uno’s ex-wife, is now the head of the Leone Cartel. Hades has basically told Uno that he is to take her back and be our inside man, forcing him to Texas. I didn’t tell Melissa this because I couldn’t. It’s club business.
Reaper and Harley are finally getting married. Rebel Black had no choice but to give his blessing once he was given the head of Tiny Leone. He’s also gaining a new daughter-in-law. One of his sons is being setup to marry Ainsley Leone, Tiny’s daughter. That’s a whole other story and not mine to tell. We all hated the man, but we all agree that the girl can’t be left unprotected. We can’t get away from this business with the cartel, so we might as well get control of the situation.
Boogeyman grins at me. I know something smart is about to leave the fucker’s mouth. “Quit dreaming about your sister and cast your vote.”
“Stepsister,” I remind him.
“What’s that saying…the closer the kin the deeper in.” He chuckles, and all the guys bust out laughing.
“Fuck you.”
His hand comes down on my shoulder and he leans in close, his furry lips brushing my ear. “I would but I’m not into kissing cousins.”
“Asshole,” I mutter.
“You know how to make your stepsister jealous? Plow your cousin.” Cupid jabs at me and I shove my chair back.
“Enough,” Hades’ growls at all of us. “Besides, haven’t you ever heard, put her to the test, incest is best?”
“I hate all of you pricks, but aye, I am for giving Terror the garage.”
“Then it’s settled,” Hades’ announces, adjourning the meeting.
Chapter 5
—Melissa
“Grab that bag for Mommy.” I point to the pink and white polka dot bag that has some diapers, wipes, and a nursing pillow for MaryAnn inside.
“Otay.” The bag is nearly bigger than him as he lifts it with both hands.
We’re stopping by to see MaryAnn now that she is home with the baby. Her birth was a few weeks early so her little girl was kept in the preemie ward at the hospital for two weeks. I think Sara said MaryAnn decided to name her Emerson Hope. Since Jimmy had a cold, I wasn’t going to take any chances going to visit them in the hospital. I know how delicate the baby’s immune system is right now. And after Justin and his lung issues I would feel terrible if her baby became ill from us passing along germs. We get out the door and as I am locking it, I get a text from Shawn.
Shawn — What are you and little dude doing tonight?
I stare at the message not wanting to respond. We haven’t talked since the laundry room incident. He was helping me out by putting my wash on while I got Jimmy to bed and when I went to check on the load, there he was with Carmen on her knees right where anyone could walk in and see. I don’t know if It was to make me jealous or if he thought I wouldn’t find out. Either way the scene left me feeling confused, angr
y…hurt, but most of all jealous. I didn’t want her touching him but that makes me a hypocrite. I was seeing Justin and it isn’t like I haven’t told Shawn several times that he should move on. So what’s my problem?
I shove my phone back in my bag without answering him right away. I don’t want to encourage him but at the same time I want the attention. I’m selfish and needy as much as I try to pretend that I am independent. The drive to MaryAnn’s doesn’t take long. I’m so excited to meet her little one. I get Jim Jam out of the car and he takes off racing and runs straight in without knocking. I catch up to him and Cupid has him in a headlock giving him a noogie.
“I’m so sorry. Jimmy, you know better than to go barging into someone’s house without knocking.”
“He’s all right,” Cupid says with a grin. “MaryAnn and the baby are in the nursery. Go on in and this squirt can help me in the kitchen. I was just about to fix my evening snack of milk and cookies.” My little guy stops squirming at the mention of cookies.
“Thank you,” I mouth at Cupid and move through the living room. MaryAnn has been busy decorating and getting things exactly how she wants them. They finally sold Cupid’s other house, the one his ex-wife committed suicide in. I can’t blame them for not wanting to live there. That’s bad energy.
The door to the nursery is open. It’s gorgeous. The baby’s room is decorated in pink, white, black, and gold with a Paris theme. MaryAnn is seated in the glider nursing. I gently tap on the door and she smiles up at me and waves me in.
I put the gift bag down next to the changing table and sit cross legged in the floor on the white fuzzy rug. “You are still glowing.”
“You’re just being nice. I am so tired. This one is up every two hours like clockwork for feedings. But I am very happy.”
“Good. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Speaking of deserving.” Her brow arches. “Have you talked to Uno?”
I nod with a slight frown crossing my face. “I went by the hospital. We ended things on good terms. His path is taking him to Texas and I am just settling into a life here. I can’t fault him for wanting to be a good dad. It sucks but it is what it is.”