Dylan fucks anything with a vag in between their legs. I had first-hand knowledge of this, considering I’d walked in on him and two skanks in a hot tub not that long ago. He’d been in the throes of pleasure when I came upon them. He didn’t even see me. So I know he had missed the hurt and pain that it caused for me to see him with those women.
“I’ll have help with Derick. It’s not like I’m moving to another country or state. I’m only moving across town,” I respond, opening my eyes and shoving the last of my things into the box, pushing all thoughts of Dylan from my mind. I want to get this move done and over with before I go get Derick from his uncle.
Lex and the rest of the guys are just waiting for me to let them know I’m ready to load up and head out. I’m sure Lex had sent my best friend in here to talk me out of moving. To say my brother has become overly protective is an understatement. He doesn’t like for me to go anywhere without him knowing where, not since what our uncle had put him and Mackenzie through for years.
Wanting to get this over with, I look over my shoulder to my best friend, “Look, Kenzie, I’m moving on with my life. I finally finished school, have enough money saved up, and can afford to do this for not only myself but my son. I need to do this, and you of all people should understand why.”
“I do understand. That doesn’t mean I like it,” McKenzie huffs.
“I know you don’t. After I get everything straightened out at the new house, why don’t you and I have a girl’s night?” I suggest.
McKenzie rolls her eyes, a smile forming on her lips. “Fine, since it seems I won’t be able to change your mind about moving, I’ll settle for a weekly girl’s night.”
I give McKenzie a smile of my own. Time for me to start moving on and to hopefully find a small amount of happiness for myself. No one can replace the man who holds my heart. That doesn’t mean I can’t at least try to discover something new in my life to shroud the loneliness taking over my bleak life.
My brother places the last box down on the floor in my new living room and straightens to look at me. “I don’t like this,” he grumbles.
“I know you don’t, but it’s my life, Lex, and I need to do this,” I say, waving a hand in the air nonchalantly.
“Anabelle, do you even realize what neighborhood you’ve moved to?” he demands.
“If you’re asking whether or not I know my neighbors, then no. The area might not seem the greatest, but the house is perfect for Derick and me. Please just don’t argue with me on this, big brother. This is happening. You just brought the last box inside for me.” I close the distance between my brother and me. Circling my arms around his waist, I hug him to me. “I promise I’ll be safe living on my own.”
Lex squeezes me to his chest, “You better call me,” he states, releasing his grasp on me. “I gotta get going. We’re playing the next several nights at Outlaw Racks. Since Derick’s at the beach with K-9, why don’t you come?”
“I would love to.” I smile not at the mention of Dylan’s road name, but the fact my brother had invited me to listen to him play. Until recently, I haven’t been able to do much fun. Not with going to school, working part-time, and raising my son. I’ve worked my ass off to get to where I am now, and I deserve a night out listening to my brother’s band playing at Kenny’s bar. “I’ll be there around nine-ish.”
“Sounds good. I’ll tell the boys to hold you a seat,” Lex declares, making his way toward the door. “See you in a bit,” he calls out over his shoulder.
“You got it,” I say, not moving from where I stand in the middle of my living room. I watch as my big brother leaves, closing the door behind him.
I slowly let out a heavy breath when the door clicks closed. I didn’t think once everything was finished, I’d feel a sense of emptiness. The silence of the house is loud, and I need to find a way to occupy my time until I head out to Outlaw Racks later this evening.
My brother’s words circle in my head about him asking me about the neighborhood I’ve moved into. I know exactly what neighborhood I’ve moved to. But I couldn’t afford to move to another area.
This might be High 7’s territory, but it’s only a small part where the Devil’s Riot MC has the rest. As long as I keep my head down, none of them will mess with me.
Or at least I hope they won’t.
Chapter Three
K-9
Walking into the clubhouse, I’m in a foul mood, but try to tamper the anger down. Yesterday I had dropped my nephew off at daycare for Anabelle so she could pick him up from there instead of me bringing him home like normal. Something’s up with her, and I do not like her keeping shit from me.
For now, I have to push it to the back of my mind. We’re having church to prepare for a run coming up, and I need to get in there to find out what’s going on. A few years ago, I was given the secretary patch and wear it with pride. This club is my family. I would do anything for my brothers, just as I know they would do the same for me.
Stepping into the room we hold church in, I take my seat by Burner at the table. Red takes the one next to me. When Twister took the Prez patch and started this charter for Stoney, he designed this room to be just what it is—the room we hold church. On the walls holds images from over the past several years of our brothers. Our club’s logo is designed in the middle of the wall, so when you enter the room, it’s the first thing you see. On the far wall to one side, there’s a TV hooked up that connects straight to Gadget’s computer for when he needs to show us all something without having to pass a bunch of shit around the table.
The door closes when Twister comes into the room. Stalking to his seat, he takes his place at the head of the table, throwing himself into his chair. “Never in my fuckin’ life did I think I would have a child who would be as much of a pain in the ass as my own sister was growing up,” Twister grumbles, letting out a heavy breath.
“Which one?” Badger asks, chuckling.
“You know you can’t say that shit when those three kids are not only Kenny’s niece and nephews, but Izzy’s children,” my VP snorts.
“True, but my fuckin’ daughter is just like raising Kenny all over again,” Prez grunts.
“Try raising Kenny’s daughter. She’s just like her momma,” Horse suggests.
“I’m good. Mercy left for school this morning declaring she wanted a truck when she got older so she can go mudding and stick it to all the boys who say girls can’t drive trucks. Lark didn’t help when he told her that she shouldn’t be doing anything. Not even hunting since that’s his thing,” Twister grunts.
Laughter fills the room. Lark is one of Twister’s two boys, and even as young as he is, he’s smart as hell, along with being a smartass. Twister’s other son, Callum, is the same way, but he’s only five, so he’s still got a few more years before the true smartass in him shows up.
With Twister’s ol’ lady Izzy and his sister, Kenny, who’s married to Horse, my VP, he’s fucked when it comes to having smart ass, sarcastic kids around him. The same goes for Horse. Then again, JC has a lot of promise to him. He’s extremely protective and observant of those around him. We can all see when he gets older, he’ll be a member of this club.