Page 19 of The Queen's Joker

“How else will I get to know your secrets?” I waggle my eyebrows at him. We get inside, and I make strawberry Long Island Iced Teas. I go heavy on the tequila because I feel a certain way about it. We will pick a place in a few weeks after Tess has the baby, and then my tequila-sexy time with Joker will be happening. I always have had the most fun with Joker and now it will be even better.

He takes a large sip of his Long Island, and I set the pitcher on the coffee table before we both sit on the couch. “I don’t have secrets; you’re the one who has secrets.” He lifts his drink in the air like a mock cheer.

I flip him off as I sip my drink, loving the sweetness mixed with tart. “Oh yeah, and look where those secrets got me. Jack won’t speak to me, but I got a sexy new roommate.”

King makes a mock gag face. “I have known that man way too long, and it’s still pretty weird. But I can see how happy you both are, so it helps the weirdness.” He finishes his drink, refills his, and holds it out to refill mine. “As for Jack, if he doesn’t pull his head out of his ass soon, I’ll help.”

I wave him off and roll my eyes. “Don’t bother, but if you do, let me know. I think it will sort itself out. Speaking of sorting itself out, are things going well with your sexy house guest?”

He points his finger at me and shakes his head. “It sounds like they should finish the remodel in a week, maybe two. She has been shut in her makeshift studio painting away for the last couple of days.” I don’t miss how he frowns down at his drink slightly.

“That’s not what I am talking about, and you know it.” But I take a drink and narrow my eyes. “You’re lucky I am not nosy. But I smell something, and it’s juicy.”

“She isn’t my type; I need someone to help with the business. I work long hours and rarely come home, and with Ace kind of out right now, I’m always in paperwork. Someone to help take that on would be awesome.”

“You fucking romantic.” I scoff and lean back on the armrest, propping my feet up. “Just because that’s what you think you want doesn’t mean that’s what you need. What you need is a second in command for the Clubs to help you. Train one. If you wanted someone to help the business, you could always look at Letha.” I waggle my eyebrows at him suggestively.

He chokes slightly on his drink before clearing his throat. “Oh, fuck no. I mean, no thanks for that. She is beautiful and extremely talented, but I lived with her and Ash. There is a reason Letha got her own room super fast. She likes to argue and enjoys it. My job requires me to argue, yell, and debate enough in my day. I don’t want that when I get home.”

I smile into my drink and think to myself, sounds like you need Ash. He could have also gotten her an apartment below, but he didn’t. We have the space. Plenty of other fish are in the sea if he doesn’t want to proceed with anything. They don’t call me the Queen of Hearts for nothing. The only person I can’t read is myself.

I find myself relaxing and laughing with King, not knowing how much I need a day like this. Maybe without Mother’s shadow on the horizon, I can relax. I always thought the old Queenie was gone, but I believe she was just my happiness. I have found that part of me, and I think everything else will fall into place.

Chapter twenty-five

This is either the dumbest thing I have ever done or the smartest. Maybe it’s a combination of the two; who knows? Either way, I look down at Winnie, who giggles as we ride up the elevator. When the doors open, I motion for her to head out. With my arms full of bags, it’s hard motion to accomplish. Ace had properly threatened me with an inch of my life if anything happened to Winnie on my watch. All traffic laws were followed along with anyone who got close to her at the shelter I practically growled at. Overprotective uncle is now one of my favorite titles. “Ladies first. Let’s get you back to your parents.” Putting the bags down by the elevators, we walk toward Ace’s apartments.

She skips ahead of me, moving faster than I am. “Be careful, Bear.” She is so excited to show what we got on our outing. I’m sure Ace will freak out before knowing it’s Queen’s gift.

Speak of the devil, and he will appear. Ace must have been watching us on the cameras. The second we got through the gates, we were ratted out. Knowing Ace, however, he probably told the person working to let him know. “Daddy!” She runs to him before lifting the puppy like its Lion King. “Look! I got to pick him out! Uncle Joker, let me!” Just like that, my name has been upgraded from Mr. Joker to Uncle Joker. We went to the animal shelter. I have been watching their page. Right before Queen told me about Tess, I saw they closed two puppy mills. One they were using for fighting animals and the other was fluff balls for ladies’ purses. It seemed like the sign I needed. Plus, I have enough time to get the thing potty trained before I pull out my second surprise.

Ace smiles at his daughter warmly before glaring at me. If looks could kill, I would be dead; I only smile as he clears his throat, trying to keep his anger in check. “He is cute. We are going to have to take him back, sweetheart.” He looks back at me before adding, “This is what you needed my daughter for?” His jaw clicks slightly, and I smirk because he stuck his foot in his mouth. You know what they say about assuming.

Winnie senses the tension, and her bottom lip pouts before quivering slightly. “Why? Do you think Aunt Queenie won’t like him? Uncle Joker said I would pick out the best one.” She looks over at the puppy before looking up at her dad. “He is the best one. I think?”

“Oh, no! I’m sorry, sweetheart! I thought he was our dog, and with your new brother or sister coming, the puppy might eat baby toys. You picked out the best puppy. Why don’t you go show Mommy, but tell her it’s Aunt Queenie’s.” Winnie runs inside with the light gray and white American Bulldog. Once she is out of earshot, Ace narrows his eyes. “You did that on purpose, asshole.”

I raise my hands slightly. “Whoa. I thought it would help keep Winnie busy. Plus, I think Queenie will warm up to the idea. If not, I may have to borrow your daughter to help sell her on it.” I shoot a half smile at Ace. “You have to admit… it was a little funny.” I use my thumb and forefinger to indicate a little bit. “Your face. I thought you were about to shit a puppy.”

“You saw the face! Winnie just returned, and I thought I had to break her heart. But seriously, you might need to take Winnie with you. Queenie may kill you.”

“There is a chance.” At that moment, Winnie returns, holding the adorable gray puppy, whose paws seem too big for his body. “What did your mom think?”

“That Aunt Queenie is probably going to kill you.” She says brightly before shrugging and looks up at me with those big blue eyes. “She said I should go and show her.”

I chuckle. “This is a battle I need to face alone. I will call you if I need a backup. Thanks for picking out the best one. Come over after dinner if you want to walk him with me.” I take the puppy back into my arms.

“Yes! Mom! Guess what?” she yells as she runs back into the house, which makes me chuckle. I might not want kids, but Winnie sure is pretty great. At least I get to hang out with this one. Teach her how to kick ass and take names.

Ace smirks at me. “I thought Queenie was bullshitting me with you, wanting to be the favorite uncle. You know she will want to be over all the time now, right?”

“You had a time issue, and I solved it while scoring cool uncle points. Now it’s time to get Queen on board.” I don’t let him answer, and I turn and walk toward the elevator to get the bags of dog stuff. Setting them down outside the door, I walk in with the puppy behind me.

“Boo! This man!” Queen yells at the TV while sitting on the couch, eating popcorn while throwing some at the TV. “Well, there is my man of mystery.” She slurs slightly, and I smile at her. Drunk Queen. I want to taste her lips. I imagine they are a mixture of butter and fruity drinks.

“Have you been drinking without me? Who are we booing?” I raise my eyebrows at her. She had better not be watching our show without me.

“Obviously.” Her eyebrows raise, and she smiles while pointing at the TV. “Lana let Trevor stay! Seriously! Never trust a Trevor.” She scoffs, and now I wonder if I have to kill a Trevor for her. I glance at the TV and the guy looks like a douchebag.

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