Every once in a while she’d stop what she was doing—whether she was checking on Jude, talking to her daughters or getting pulled into a huddle with the Fury sisterhood—and look for him. Once she located him, she’d give him a small smile.
A smile that held secrets only meant for him.
He would lift his chin only enough for her to notice and she’d go back to doing whatever she was doing still wearing that smile.
He wished this fucking party was over so he could take her home and fuck her again.
But she fit in well with the sisterhood and he was relieved about that. Not that he doubted she would. She pretty much got along with everyone.
It was also good for Jude to feel included in the Fury family. Ozzy was teaching him to play pool. Once the kid mastered that, darts were next on his list of useless skills to learn.
Jude recently asked Shade if he could hang out at the garage so he could learn to work on vehicles. Dutch said he could become an apprentice and he’d teach Jude to turn a wrench just like he taught Rook and Cage. Shade read between the lines. Dutch would be happy to have some free labor.
What Dutch didn’t know yet, was Jude wouldn’t be working for free. He’d make something helping the old man out after school, even if it was only enough to buy more expensive video games.
For the most part, Jude was happy, but sometimes he’d still lock himself in his room and, if they listened carefully enough, Chelle and Shade could hear him crying.
They let him work it out in private. Eventually, he’d come back out of his room and act like it never happened. The only evidence being his still red eyes and nose. They didn’t push him. If Jude needed to talk, he usually went to Josie since she was old enough to understand since she had lost a parent, too, but not too old in Jude’s eyes.
Because of that, Shade had to clue Josie in on a few details but not the complete truth. The pact between him, Jude and Chelle was that no one ever admitted Shade wasn’t his real father. If it slipped, they were afraid Jude would end up in the state’s hands. It was a secret they’d have to keep until he was at least eighteen, if not longer.
Unless Shade found his mother first.
Unfortunately, he doubted Jude’s mother would ever be found.
Shade lifted his head and watched a curvy blonde break away from Stella and Red and head in his direction. The woman had hips and an ass that moved in a way that made it just about impossible for anyone with a dick to not stop and appreciate.
Most of his brothers tried to hide the fact they were watching, since Cassie’s ol’ man wasn’t one to appreciate all of them doing that appreciating.
She stopped in front of him and smiled.
That smile was trouble.
Even so, he’d go along with whatever game she was playing. “Know I love you, right?”
She bumped her shoulder with his. “Doesn’t mean I’m still not mad at you.”
“Been weeks,” he reminded her.
Cassie had broken down in tears the first time she saw him after he got back from Georgia. She had squeezed him so tightly, he thought she would break his ribs.
She plucked at a strand of her long, blonde hair. “I can’t forgive you since you caused a streak of gray. And you drove Chelle out of her mind with worry. We all freaked out. But, yes, I know you love me. Just don’t let my ol’ man hear you say that. I’d give you another bone-crushing hug but I’m sure Judge is watchin us.”
Shade found the club’s enforcer. Of fucking course he was watching. “Good reason to do it, then.”
He grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. The first time Cassie ever hugged him, it had made him stiffen and feel uncomfortable. He wasn’t used to someone being so openly warm and touchy-feely.
But since working with her at the crematorium for so long, he was now used to the way she was. He no longer fought her hugs. He tolerated them.
Right.
He more than tolerated them. He just didn’t tell her that.
When she gave him her signature Cassie-hug, he put his mouth to her ear and whispered, “Know you know.”
She pushed him away, trying to hide her surprise. She failed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lied and pointed to her head. “I’m blonde. I forget things very easily.”
He shot her a look. That was complete bullshit. “Thanks for keepin’ that shit to yourself.”
“Again, I don’t know what you’re talking about, Shade.” She shrugged. “See? I’ve even already forgotten this conversation.” She leaned toward him and whispered, “You could’ve told me. I would’ve helped. Still can, if you want.”
“Got it covered with Chelle and the girls.”
“They’re great,” she said with a big, easy smile. “Seeing how responsible and mature Josie and Maddie are gives me hope for Daisy.”
“Wouldn’t go that far,” he teased. Daisy would always be a handful. She would drive some man crazy when she was old enough.
Thank fuck it wasn’t him.
Cassie bumped his shoulder playfully again. “When are you claiming Chelle at the table?”
This wasn’t the first time Cassie bugged him about it, but he gave her the same answer he always did. “Don’t know.”
“Have you asked her yet?”
Why was she pushing this today? “No, but she mentioned it earlier. ”
A sly smile crossed her face. “Just so you know, we already got her a ‘Property of’ cut so don’t make us rip her name patch off the front and give it to someone else.”
Jesus fuck. The women were taking matters into their own hands. Meddling, what they did best.
“What did you get her for Christmas?” When he didn’t answer, she breathed, “Shade.”
Now he felt like a total fucking piece of shit since Chelle had found his mother and got him her ashes. Gifts and holidays were new to him. He didn’t know what was expected. “Not good with that shit,” he muttered.
“Then good thing we ladies are. Give her the cut tomorrow morning for Christmas. We already have it boxed and wrapped in Christmas paper with a big bow. When you give it to her, ask her if she’ll accept being your ol’ lady and when she says yes—and she’ll say yes—take it to the table.”
Boxed and wrapped? Chelle would know he didn’t do any of that shit.
“That wasn’t a suggestion,” Cassie said in a low warning.
He snorted. “Yes, boss.”
She winked at him. “Now, if I could only make that tall, bearded grumpy-looking guy over there—the one scowling at us—call me boss, my Christmas would be made.”
“Hold out ‘til he does.”
Cassie bugged out her pretty brown eyes at him. “I’m not holding out from all that giant goodness!”
Shade barked out a laugh.
“Good to hear you laugh, Shade. Seriously. I’m going to go hug Chelle and thank her.”
“Don’t you fuckin’ dare.”
She wiggled her eyebrows and walked away.
Fuck.
He quickly scanned the floor again, searching for Chelle’s girls. He found Josie now leaning against one of the pool tables, a cue stick in her hand, a flirty smile on her face as she gazed up at a much taller Ry.