I gasp, stunned by the reveal.
“She’s always been the only one I wanted at my side. So, if you think you coming in here casting shade is going to stop this…you’re dead wrong. I got Psycho’s permission and Stone’s cool with it, so that’s all that matters. I suggest you put a lid on this, before you cause more trouble. You don’t get to divide the club, because you’re drowning in your empathy for the daughter you should’ve been giving tough love to.”
“Don’t you dare try to tell me how to raise my children,” Pixie hisses.
“Lady, I couldn’t care less what you do with Calla. But Bluebell is mine now, and I take care of what’s mine. So, you better watch your step from now on. You understand me?”
She clamps her mouth shut.
Shadow takes a menacing step forward and hovers over her. “I said…do you understand me?”
She looks at the floor. “Yes, Shadow,” she spits the words out.
“Good, now I think you need to head out and cool off.”
“I was trying to save you. Reputation is everything. You come off like a club girl, instead of an Old Lady, and you’ll never have the respect you deserve.” With that last dig, she spins on her heels and walks out of the room.
“You all right, Blue?” Shadow asks.
“Yeah.” I nod. “It feels good to get it out there. Pretending never makes the problem go away.”
“You sure?” Shadow glances at the door.
It’s never a good idea to keep Stone waiting, but I appreciate the effort he’s taking to make sure I’m okay before he goes to handle club business.
“Yes, positive.” I raise up on my tiptoes and cup his face. Those eyes so deadly one minute are now soft and full of something I’m afraid to explore too deeply. “Thank you for defending me.”
“I will always take care of you, girl. You should know that.”
I smile. “It takes getting used to.”
“Better adapt fast.” He kisses me until my knees weaken and I’m hanging onto him for support.
“You named Bolton after me,” I whisper with a silly grin.
“I’ll name the next ones after you, too.” He slaps my ass, then slips off with the stealth and speed that earned him his name.
“Sneaky bastard,” I say, touching my swollen lips. His Harley starts up outside, and I realize that I’m way past halfway to head over heels and completely insane over this man.
This is really happening.
Reality crashes in like a wave and my legs turn to jelly. Next week, we’re having a localized club meeting. The chapters from the surrounding three states will show up, which always makes for one hell of a party. In true Shadow fashion, he’s going to publicly claim me. He’s always been a man of action versus words. My stomach bottoms. Everything will change.
I find myself longing for the support of someone who knows the life from the inside out. Glancing at the clock, I realize Dixie might be home. It’s early enough. I hit speed dial and pray.
“Hey, girl.”
The sound of my best friend since childhood’s voice is a soothing balm. “Dixie.”
“Oh, I can tell by your voice you are in the midst of something. Is it Bolton?”
“No, he’s been good since the fight. Great actually. I think Shadow spooked the bullies.”
Dixie’s laughter rings out. “Yeah, he has that effect on most people.”
“He’s not that bad.”
“Oh, you are so blind. It’s adorable, really.”