Chapter 28

 

She said yes... I can’t believe she said yes. She went home to change, but I gave her the address. Coming back to the clubhouse, I had the best feeling in the world. It amazes me the way things work out. My dad made this happen; I know he did. I walk in with a grin on my face when I see Roc.

“What the hell has you smilin’ like that?” Roc asks.  He doesn’t look too happy, though.

“Talked to my mom. She’s comin’ over here to meet everyone.” His smile crosses his face slowly before pulling me into a hug.

“That’s great, brother.” Pulling back, he still doesn’t look too happy.

“What’s wrong?” Roc shakes his head before pulling out a cigarette.

“Don’t want to ruin your happiness, but those Street fucks been pullin’ some shit,” he says. I knew those little fuckers wouldn’t be off the radar for too long. I thought after we took care of that other shit and raised their prices, they’d calm down. Clearly, I was wrong.

“What the hell they doin’ now?” Roc blows out a ring of smoke.

“Well... for starters, they are unloadin’ our products onto another group. Get this, though; the motherfuckers are chargin’ them more than we are!” The laughter that bursts out of me is surprising. I didn’t think it was all that funny, but I will give Marcus props for trying.

“Guess we need to pay Marcus a visit then.” Roc’s eyes meet mine, and I know there’s more to this story.

“What else?” He laughs before pulling the cigarette from his lips.

“They’re sellin’ it to Hell’s Country.” 

As if shit wasn’t funny enough, that just did it.  How the fuck are they even involved with Hell’s Country? Bear should have known better than to deal with them if they were from around here. Which sparks my next question.

“Why are they so far up north?” There’s the main one. Street’s never worked any other area but ours.

“Don’t know. Thought you might.” Shaking my head, I sure as hell don’t.

“I’ll call Bear, see what the fuck is goin’ on around here,” I say.  Roc nods before walking past me. I don’t know why this is even happening right now anyway.

I wander around trying to avoid Everleigh for as long as possible. I don’t want to fight. I don’t want to see the look on her face.

“Fuckin’ hell! Dragon!” Devil yells. I turn around heading toward the sound when I see it.

“Is that dog shit?” I ask, pointing to his boot, I almost lose it. The laughter comes out without me knowing it.

“Fuckin’ dog is shittin’ all over, brother. You bought that bastard!” He snaps. Haylee wanders in with a roll of paper towels looking as cute as ever.

“His name is Max. I’m telling mommy that you called him a bad word,” Haylee says in a matter of fact tone. My eyes widen as she stares Devil down. He can’t be an asshole to a kid; he doesn’t have it in him. Snatching the roll from her hand, he picks the shit off the floor while I laugh.

“Thank you, Uncle Devil.” I watch the look on his face; it’s hysterical.

“Start takin’ him outside more, ok?” Haylee nods with a smile, before walking back down the hallway.

“She got Uncle Devil whipped.” His eyes meet mine before shaking his head.

“She’s got somethin’.” 

***

I called Bear, but he was out on a run. I made sure to tell him that he needed to get back with me as soon as possible. I sit outside enjoying the sunshine. It’s so damn beautiful out here. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

“Can we talk?” She says softly.  I close my eyes not wanting the fight. I just want to enjoy my fucking day.

“I don’t wanna fight, Ev.” I don’t look up, but I feel her hands on my shoulders. The next thing I know, she’s straddling my lap. She lowers her body until I can feel every bit of her. Her hands stay on my shoulders until they slowly slide up to my neck. Her thumbs skim over my neck making me shiver.

“I know... I’m sorry, Dragon. I just—I don’t know what to do.” My eyes finally open, seeing the hurt in hers. I hate that I’m the one that put it there, too.

“I wasn’t tryin’ to hurt you, Everleigh. I know what I want, darlin’. I can’t help what I feel.” I see the tears shimmering in them. I reached up cupping her cheeks.

“I just need you to tell me that you don’t want this. I can’t read your mind, Ev. I know what I want, if you don’t, I won’t push.” I watch her chest rise and fall with the breath she took.

“Meeting your mom and introducing Haylee, it’s all too much. She’s never known a grandparent, Dragon. I don’t want her getting too attached to your family, and then something happens between us.” Has she lost her mind? Is she completely unaware of what we have?

“Everleigh, fuck! Is this about meetin’ my mom or about us?”

Clearly, I’m confused about the whole damn thing! She doesn’t answer, and I wonder where it is her head’s at.I bring her mouth down to meet mine. Caressing her lips with mine, I force her to open up to me.  My tongue finds its way into her mouth, slowly running over hers. Her fingers dig into my neck as I take what I want from her.

“What’s this all about, sweetheart? Talk to me.” I’ve been wrong. I’ve been way too harsh and hard on her.

“I’m just scared, Dragon. I’m scared to lose you. I’m scared that you won’t want me later,” she says. The tears I saw shining, are now falling down her face.

“Ev, I’ll never want anyone the way I want you. You won’t lose me, sweetheart. I’m yours; I want you—I want all of you. We have a son. Haylee is my daughter, no matter what. What else do you need from me?” I can’t breathe when she looks at me the way she is right now.

“I don’t know, Dragon. That’s the thing. I don’t know what I need. I’m so sorry.” Shaking my head, I pull her into my chest as she sobs.

“No, I am. I’m pushin’ you too hard. Fuck, I’m sorry.” Pressing my lips into her hair, I hold her a little tighter.

I just thought Everleigh was looking at things the same way as I was. I assumed she would want the same things as me, but I never once thought I was going too far.

I feel like a fucking ass now.

“I’m sorry, baby.” Whispering into her hair, she sighs into my chest.

We don’t talk anymore. We don’t say anything else as I hold her close to me.