A Very Cerberus Christmas (Cerberus MC)

“Could always hook up with the blonde from Jake’s,” Ace offers.

“No thanks,” I mutter. Do other women even exist any longer?

“What about you guys?” I ask Itchy and Snatch, trying to get the attention off of me. “You ever plan on having kids? I mean adopting or some shit.”

“No, man. No kids for us. Don’t get us wrong, we love playing uncle to all the wonderful kids around us, but we aren’t the daddy type.”

As if on cue, the baby monitor sitting beside Kincaid activates, and the small whimper of one of the girls can be heard through it.

“Nice chatting with you guys,” Kincaid says as he stands. “But my sweet angel is awake.”

“She doesn’t sound very happy,” Snatch says when the whimpers turn into full-on wails.

“The joys of parenthood. Ivy is teething, and it’s as if Gigi feels her pain because she’s fussy and upset too,” Kincaid explains. “See you assholes in the morning.”

We all say our goodnights as he leaves the garage to go take care of his girls.

“You guys looking forward to that stage?” Snatch directs his question to Dom and Shadow.

They both grin.

“I can’t wait,” Dom says just as Shadow says, “Not a chance.”

Shadow looks over at Dominic. “You have no idea what you’re asking for.”

“I spent twenty years in the Marine Corps. I can handle an infant.”

Shadow just shakes his head in disbelief. “Okay, then. When you realize how hard and exhausting it is, I won’t even be an asshole and tell you I told you so.”

“You staying over?” Ace asks Dom as he stands and grabs another beer from the fridge.

“Yeah. Jasmine said Ollie was missing Matilda, so we’re here so they can visit.” He smiles, knowing he’s wrapped around that little girl’s finger, and not giving one single fuck about it.

“You’re going to end up with a litter of damn dogs at that house of yours, if you’re not careful,” Snatch warns.

He chuckles. “Yeah, I think we’re past that. That dog’s stomach is already swelling. But what can I say? Matilda and Ollie love each other. I can’t keep them separated. Griff loves Ollie so I can’t bring him home with us. Besides, Em would never let him leave the clubhouse overnight. So, because my damn dog is head over heels for the dog here, I’m stuck with you assholes tonight.”

“Not stuck with me,” Shadow says as he stands from his chair. “Misty is waiting on a foot massage.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Mak is ready for me to rub her back,” Dom says, getting up from his chair as well.

“Sweetheart,” Itchy says in a sarcastic tone as he stands, holding his hand out for Snatch. “Ready for me to massage your cock?”

“Jesus,” Dom mutters with a laugh.

“What?” Itchy asks with a wry smile. “His feet and back are fine.”

Snatch swats his hand away playfully and stands up. “Only if you do that thing with your tongue.”

I groan because a cock massage sounds pretty damn good right now.

All the married and taken men disappear, leaving just Ace, Skid, and me in the garage. Silence surrounds us for a long time as we drink beer. I’m thinking about Lucy and how much I miss her. Ace’s mind is probably blank because the man has the uncanny ability to think about literally nothing. Skid is no doubt wondering if it’s worth it to get up and go inside to sleep or if he can just pass out in the chair he’s sitting in.

She agreed to attending the Christmas party, but with the way things are going, I doubt she’s going to follow through with that. As the seconds tick away, I can feel her slipping away.

Chapter 13

Lucy

I hate breaking promises, but I must’ve known when I told Micah I’d go to the Christmas party that I wasn’t going to attend because I never told Harley about it. I always do my best not to disappoint my son. I hate seeing his face fall and watching him try to hide his displeasure. Never mentioning it meant I knew deep down I didn’t plan to go.

I feel more than a little guilty about that.

Micah: Okay.

That was the only response I got when I texted him, telling him that I wanted to keep to the Christmas Eve traditions Harley and I have always had. There have been too many changes this year already, and I didn’t want him to have too many more.

I expected him to try to persuade me to still come. I sort of wanted him to, but he didn’t. Is this him doing what I asked, giving me time and space, or is he giving up? Is that what I want? I’m so conflicted and torn, I don’t even know.

I’m worried for Harley, but he seems to be taking everything in stride. He asks about Micah constantly, bringing him up in front of Robbie like it’s no big deal to mention mom’s boyfriend to his father. It stresses me out, making me wonder if I’m the one with the problem and not our child. Robbie has asked on several occasions to meet him, but I keep putting him off. I told him the last time he asked that we’re taking a break. I don’t know why I’m not seeing Micah. My reasoning felt solid at first, but now nothing makes sense.