Page 15 of The Crime of Intensity

CHAPTER SEVEN

– KATHLEEN –

“This is embarrassing,” I mutter and want nothing more than to bury my face into Marvin’s chest.

Hiding has never been my strong point and it’s why I move to get out of the car and come face-to-face with my mother who is standing on the driver’s side. While my father was glaring at us, my mom was sporting a grin from ear to ear.

“Nice,” she whispers while I wait for Wrench to jump out of the car.

“A word, Marvin,” my father clips and strides into the clubhouse without looking back.

“Dad,” I snap in an effort to call him back but it’s useless.

Marvin wanders my way as if the man doesn’t have a care in the world.

He leans in and brushes his lips against mine. “I’ll handle it. Like I said, you’re meant to be mine. Nothing and no one in this fucked-up world will tell me otherwise.”

“Okay,” I find myself whispering in return.

I could fight him head-on, but I’d be lying to myself. He annoys the hell out of me and yet the man is also caring, thoughtful, respectful, loyal, and very direct.

He raises one of his eyebrows in challenge when he asks, “You accepting my claim, old lady?”

I jab a finger against his chest and grunt, “I’m still your boss.” Smoothing my voice to a whisper, I add, “Besides being your old lady.”

The corner of his mouth twitches. “Got it, boss lady.”

He spins on his heels and jogs in the direction of the clubhouse.

“That boy has it bad for you,” my mother states and hooks her arm around mine as we follow in Marvin’s direction. “Now, tell me all about how you made that asshole drop to his knees and give you that look of utter worship.”

“Mom,” I groan. “Can’t we discuss something else? Marvin and I came here to talk about a case.”

She pulls me in the direction of the couches where the old ladies of the older generation are sitting, along with Eastlynne and Cosima.

“Later. First, we need to discuss that boy.” Pulling me down next to me she adds, “Let the men talk in church while we get caught up here.”

“She totally means sucking all the spicy details right out of you,” Cosima states.

“Definitely,” Harlene quips. “And we’re all here for it so you might as well spill.”

“Come on, Kathleen, humor us oldies. You managed to snag a lawman who willingly took some steps back law-wise to work under you, moved to your hometown, and switched MCs. The man practically threw his life around just to be with you. Romantic as fuck for sure,” Cassidy croons and sits on the edge of her seat.

A deep sigh rips from me and I grumble, “I’m starting to understand that. At first, he was a major asshole who kept interfering with my shit even when he wasn’t in town.”

“And now he’s still a major asshole, but one who soothes out the annoyance by giving you orgasms.” Cosima chuckles. “Parker was just as annoying and persistent.”

“His father too,” Cassidy grumbles. “A woman can only take so much before she caves and lets the dude eat her pussy.”

“Oh. My. Freaking. Insanity cesspool,” I groan and bury my head in my hands while everyone around me laughs.

My mother bumps my shoulder. “Nothing to be embarrassed about, sweetie. Everyone has sex.”

“Yeah, and if they don’t? That’s just sad ’cause the release of endorphins lightens your mood, even if you just use your fingers instead of riding a Cowboy Biker.” Kadence shrugs. “It’s important for the brain chemicals so you owe it to your mind and body…you know for the sake of your own health and sanity and all.”

“I came here to talk about a case we’re working on, not about sex, jeez,” I huff and stare at all the old ladies surrounding me.

“Oh, shush.” Greta waves her hand. “We might tease you a bit, but we’re all happy as hell for you. Now, why did you come here to talk about the case? It’s the serial killer one, right?”

---