Page 31 of Jaded Red

Calypso, Iris and Allure, from our sister chapter Royal Harlots, are present today too. There is something niggling in the back of my mind about Iris when she narrows her eyes at Derange. I push it away for now to explore later.

Tiny is even out here and has the patch bunnies swooning all over him as he soaks up their attention. I roll my eyes. He was shot, yes, but he will use it for as long as he can. The only ones missing from the group are Exleigh and Syvannah. It might be too much too fast for them, but I’m sure they’ll come around.

A little while later, the twins, Jaxon and MJ, have all their presents opened and scattered all over the backyard. The prospects, Seth and Bones, have the hot dogs and hamburgers all cooked, the sides are set out and everyone is enjoying each other’s company. I’m nursing a beer and Nadia is curled into my side on one of the Adirondack chairs placed haphazardly around the backyard.

Looking around the open land surrounding us, I spot Capone, Danyella and Nina sitting on one of the picnic tables. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve seen him relaxed. Nina is getting a lot older now and I know, even though she loves all of us like Uncles, she is going to need her own space soon too.

“Pulchra,” I kiss Nadia on the head and she releases a deep sigh. “I need to speak with Capone for a hot minute. Will you be OK here?”

Nadia almost rolls her eyes. “Why wouldn’t I be?” I raise an eyebrow. She knows I’m asking because the last thing I want is for her to feel rejected after the way her father treated her. “Yes, Red, I’ll be fine. Do you biker thing and I’ll take a nap from the good sex and great food coma I find myself in.”

Nadia smirks and I narrow my eyes. “Good sex and great food? Woman, you have that backward.”

Nadia turns in the seat and whispers in my ear, making my jeans tighten and a shiver runs down my spine. “Then prove me wrong, later.”

“Oh, I plan on proving you wrong for the rest of your life, Pulchra.” I kiss Nadia hard and deeply, leaving her breathless and me uncomfortable. That plan backfired on me a little bit. Nadia stands up with my help and I follow. I help her sit back down and place a chair cushion under her head.

Nadia looks up at me with tired eyes and a bright smile. “Love you.”

I lean down and kiss her softly on her plump lips. “Love you, too. I’ll be back in a little while.”

I make my way over to Capone and kick my head to the side, telling him I need to speak with him privately. Capone kisses Nina on the head and Danyella on the lips before strolling my way.

“What’s on your mind, Red?”

“I was thinking about something and wanted to run it by you first.” I exhale through my mouth and look at the land surrounding the Clubhouse. “Have you ever thought about expanding this land and putting houses on it?”

Capone follows my gaze. “Yeah, I have.” Then we look around the backyard. All of our brothers and their Ol’ Lady’s, siblings, kids, prospects and friends of the club are laughing, having a good time and enjoying life. “We’re expanding faster than I thought possible. Let’s take it to the table for a vote on buying the land around us and building on it.”

A genuine smile graces my face. “I’ll throw some numbers together for Trigger and have them ready at our next meeting.”

“Sounds good.” Capone nods his head. “Any luck on Lattimer?”

I shake my head, “No, but I’m running a search right now on any Russian ties to strip clubs up and down the West Coast. It’s too quiet Prez and I’m not liking it.”

“Agreed. Does Nadia know about your past yet?”

I frown, “No. I haven’t mentioned it to her in a while. Why?”

Capone sighs before resting his hand on my shoulder. “You need to tell her about Tanya and your time in prison before she finds out on her own.”

“I will. I just need to find the right time.”

“Better do it sooner than later.”

We part ways and I make my way over to my woman with worry on my mind. Capone must know something he’s not telling me. Nadia is chatting with Kensi, Rose and the patch bunny, Pearl. Pearl’s face turns a dark shade of red when I approach. She opens her mouth but I hold my hand up.

“Don’t apologize, Pearl. My woman set you straight so as long as you work on that, I have no beef with you.” I respond to her unspoken apology.

“Thank you, Red.” Pearl looks away with a hint of sorrow in her eyes. When her gaze lands on Tiny soaking up all the other patch bunnies attentions, she quickly looks away. That’s interesting.

Nadia lifts herself out of the chair, smiling brightly. I wrap my arms around her shoulders and pull her into me. I kiss her on the lips and she sighs. “I’m exhausted. Did everything go OK with Capone?”

“It’s all good. Let’s get out of here and get a nap.” I wiggle my eyebrows and Nadia smirks.

“And that’s my cue to leave.” Rose stands up, looking for Jax.

“How long will you two be here for this time Rose?” I ask.

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