Page 10 of Puma's Pride

“Getting back on topic.” Alisa says, smirking at our by-play. “If Juan didn’t orchestrate your kidnapping, then somehow he found out about it. That’s why he left the condo. He knew you weren’t coming.”

“Right.” I agree. “Josef has a mole.”

“Are you going to tell him?” Alisa asks.

I nod slowly. “Yeah, I am, because I think it would be in all of our best interests if we weren’t the only ones out looking for Juan.” I lock eyes with Alisa and she smiles at me. I know discovering how close Juan got to her without her knowledge terrifies her. As her father’s head of security, John could have grabbed her and Elina any time he wanted. Which makes me wonder why he didn’t.

“Dad’s talking to Spark about getting more information about Juan and John. Maybe he’ll identify Josef’s mole.”

I nod. “Maybe.” I look at Corinne. “In the meantime, you can’t go back to your condo. Not with Juan out there. You’ll stay here.” When Alisa jabs me in the gut with her elbow, I turn my attention from Corinne to her. I have to stop myself from rubbing the spot. “What the fuck, woman?”

“She isn’t wearing a kutte. You can’t just order her to stay here.” Alisa says, turning from me to Corinne. When I look at Corinne, I can see the argument forming in her eyes. “He’s used to giving orders and not making requests. But he is right. We would very much like you to stay here in the clubhouse. At least until these guys find the man who forced you to make that call. He’s still out there and he knows he can use you to get to Puma.”

I nod my head. “She’s right. You are in danger. So is Mal.”

“If you want to go back to your condo, I’ll station my men outside to protect you.” Trouble offers, causing me to stiffen. I’m about to interrupt, but he continues. “However, you’ll be safer here. Puma’s crew will protect you both. Better than any army.”

Corinne glances at everyone and I can tell she’s feeling trapped and manipulated into agreeing with us, so I up the ante. “Corinne, I’d really like the opportunity to get to know my son. If you stay here, you’ll both be safe and I can spend time with him.”

Corinne sighs, but nods. “You’re right. I want you to know Mal and for him to get to know you. But I need to go back to my condo to get my laptop and pack a few things for us both.”

I smile at her. “Thanks. I need to meet with my crew and then I’ll take you to your place.”

“How about I take her?” Trouble offers. “That way you can have Church and Corinne and Mal will be settled by the time you’re done?”

CHAPTER SIX: ALISA

“I’ll go with you.” I tell Corinne and Trouble. “Let me check with Diego, see if he and Desdemona can watch the kids.”

“I can bring Mal with us.” Corinne protests. I share a look with Trouble.

“It’s safer for Mal to stay here.” I tell her.

“You’re used to doing everything all on your own.” Trouble adds. “This place is full of people who are more than willing to help you and Mal. You’re going to have to get used to accepting help. If you don’t, you’ll hurt their feelings. And it’s really a sad sight when bikers pout.”

His words have the right effect. He has Corinne and I both laughing.

“I hate to say he’s right, but he’s right.” I tell her. “Most of these guys are just big kids and they love having the little ones around so they can play without the ridicule.”

Corinne smirks. “Well, we can’t have that. Ok. I can drive. Are you coming with us or riding your bike?” She asks Trouble.

“Darling, you drive a Mini Cooper. I wouldn’t fit. Besides, we bikers always ride unless we can’t. And it has to be a fucking good reason.”

“We can take one of the club’s SUVs.” I tell her. “There’s more room, so you can bring everything you need. I’ll grab a couple of prospects, so we have some help. Let’s go check on the kids and then we can go.”

Corinne and I find Desdemona and my father playing Go Fish with the kids.

“We’re taking Corinne back to her place so she can pack a few things for their stay.” I tell them.

“We’re staying here?” Mal asks his mom, whooping for joy when she nods yes. “We’re staying here, Elina. Maybe we can watch another movie later?”

“We were thinking of taking the kids outside to the playground.” Desdemona says. “We didn’t want to interrupt your discussion.”

“I don’t want to cause any problems…” Corinne starts, but I interrupt her.

“Start letting them step in and help. I know it’s hard. Believe me. Took me several days before I felt comfortable letting Elina run around without following her every footstep.”

“Isn’t that the truth?” Showtime chimes in as she joins us. “She thought we were all hooligans, ready to corrupt Elina.” She winks at Elina, who giggles.

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