Chapter 27

 

 

Michael

 pull up to Chris's tattoo shop and park my car, shutting it off. It’s been a long week, and I had an appearance at my old high school today, just a quick speech in the old auditorium. The whole “I turned my life around, and you can too” lecture. It was part of the agreement to approve me joining the racing team that I would give this speech around the country.

I’m actually happy to do it. Even if I don't necessarily feel like a positive role model, I want to be.

Morgan turns her head to look over at me from the passenger seat, her large eyes looking sadder than normal. “So, are you going to be with her?”

I told her Dani is pregnant yesterday when I snapped at her for getting irritated with me being obsessed with my phone. I’ve been trying Dani every other hour or so, praying she'll give me a chance to apologize.

It’s been going straight to voicemail for a couple of days.

“If she’ll let me.”

Her lips purse as she looks at the shop that looks a little less busy than normal, but it’s still packed.

“You don't have to be with her just to be with your kid, you know? My parents tried that, and it was a fucking disaster.”

“Morgan, I love Dani. I have for a long time.”

Her pained expression sends slight remorse through me, knowing she thinks she has feelings for me. “Yeah, I know. I don't understand how she doesn't.”

“I've never told her.”

“Yeah, well then, she's blind because I've seen the love you have for her since that first day I saw you with her.”

She doesn't say anything else and just climbs out of the car, going inside the shop. Her brother, Jay, is working tonight, and she's crashing with him for a while in the apartment above the shop.

I recognize Jax's car parked a couple spots down and then see Shriller's unmistakable GTO and decide to go in and say hi.

When I walk in, I see a few people getting tattoos and then notice Chris working on Shriller's bicep in the back. Jax and Phillip are sitting around watching as I make my way back to them.

Jax notices me first and stands to greet me. “Holy shit, it’s Michael Monroe! First place rookie, pissing off all the old-timers! The one to watch, motherfuckers!”

The other guys chuckle, and I shake my head at the nonsense coming from his mouth, but can't help the smile on my face. “Thanks, Jax.”

He takes a seat, and Shriller nods his head to the free chair next to him, which I take as he pats my shoulder with his free hand. “That was a fucking great race, kid.”

They are talking about the race in Kentucky a couple days ago. I won, but didn’t fucking care. My mind was on Dani and the fact that, even though Cash was there, Dani wasn't. And he didn't stick around to chat either.

When I confronted him before the race, all he would say was that I needed to give her some time and do better when she gives me another chance.

Fucker was smirking like he knows something I don't, but he's clearly wrong.

I don't think she’ll ever forgive me.

“Thanks.” It’s barely a grunt as the door dings and Levi walks inside.

I watch Phillip's eyes darken when he looks over at Chris.

“Forgot to tell you, Nat, Levi, and the baby are here for a visit.” Chris finishes the tattoo as Shriller examines the artwork.

Phillip stands from his seat just as Levi joins us. He completely ignores his oldest brother and turns to Chris, “I guess I’ll see you in a few days, then.”

“A week.” Levi grins cockily.

Phillip’s eyes narrow with a hatred I don't fully understand. His shoulder checks his brother's as he leaves, and Levi takes his spot.

Chris huffs and starts to clean up as he looks at Levi. “You two are going to have to get your shit together. Especially with you moving here.”

“No shit? You’re making the move to Kansas?” Jax seems pleasantly surprised.

Levi grins and stretches his legs out in front of him. “Yeah. All the other Adamsons are here, and Nat really wants out of California.”

“Nice, man.” Shriller bumps fists with him

Levi nods his head at me. “That was a damn good race the other day. Giving Cash a run for his money. I like it. Fucker needs to be knocked down a peg.”

“Yeah, all you racers could use that.” Chris grins, giving his brother shit.

Shriller laughs, addressing Chris, “Pretty sure it doesn’t just apply to racers in this group.”

Chris laughs and agrees.

It’s surreal to me that Chris and Shriller actually hang out together and genuinely seem to like each other. “You two are just fine with each other now? How do you do it?”

Chris turns to look at me, his expression saying I’m the crazy one. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

It’s something I’ve wanted to ask for a while, but I’ve been trying to lay low and just be present and not make waves. I’m starting to get more comfortable being back home and not trying to be a dick. “Well, you’ve fucked each other's wives.”

Chris and Alex dated for a while. She's the one that introduced Chris to our family and Amy, Chris's wife, screwed Shriller years ago. A secret I unleashed during one of my low points.

Shriller scoffs. “We’re both fathers now. Don't have time to hold grudges. It makes you grow up, real fuckin' quick.”

My brow furrows as I realize he smirking at me. “You guys know?”

Jax chuckles. “Of course, we fucking know.”

No secrets in this family ever, not that I told Brooke and Dylan not to saying anything.

Jax stands and slaps my back. “So, what are you gonna do?”

I feel all their eyes on me. All the men I admire the hell out of are fathers now. “I don’t know. She won’t take my calls.”

“Oh, come on, man.” Shriller sits in the chair next to me. “You know what you have to do.”

Jax’s face brightens with a large smile. “It’s grand gesture time. Or at the very least, just tell her the truth, that you’re scared shitless.”

Chris nods. “Truth can't hurt.”

“Women want strong men. Not pussies that can't handle their shit. I can't go there and tell her I’m fucking terrified. She's the one carrying the baby.”

“Which makes her the strong one. How the fuck they do that, I’ll never know.” Levi adds his two cents that makes us all grin.

Jax's massive hand rests on my shoulder. “Women like the truth, no matter what it is. They want to hear about our feelings. And for the love of God, man, don’t fucking ever question the paternity. You know that kid is yours.”

Levi shakes his head at that. “Fuck, man.”

Clearly, they all heard the entire story. “I know. I seriously fucked up. I get it.”

Jax continues imparting his wisdom. “And never tell a strong woman what's best for her. She's not stupid or naïve. She knows you’re an asshole. She loves you despite your flaws.”

“She's stubborn. She'll take me on, whether it destroys her or not.”

“Yeah, they all do. God bless ‘em.” Shriller smiles. “Do what you need to do, what you know deep down in your soul you need to do. And don’t ever look back.”

Jax nods his head to Shriller. “That was fucking beautiful, man. I’m tearing up.”

Shriller chuckles and walks to stand next to Jax. “Thanks, buddy. Your speech was pretty good too. Not as deep, but you’ll get there.”

I roll my eyes at their ridiculous bromance. But also, I’m so fucking thankful to have them in my life.

They’re right.

I know exactly what I need to do.