Page 15 of Puma's Pride

“I would. And I would like to help, if I can.” Corinne offers.

“We can always use more help.” Desdemona smiles as the guys come back in carrying plates and bowls of food. Mal and Elina set the table while Diego and Puma set down the food.

“Corinne has offered to help us with the charity event.” I tell Puma, who frowns at the news.

“That’s good. We can use the help. This is a big event for us.” Diego says when Puma doesn’t speak up.

I look at Puma, who avoids making eye contact with me. He’s staring at his plate as he eats, with a few glances at Corinne as she discusses the event with Diego and Desdemona. I want to ask him what he’s thinking, but a glance at the kids has me deciding to wait until we’re alone.

Puma watches Mal and Elina arguing about which Marvel film is the best one while the rest of us discuss all the tasks that still need to be done for the event, including the tedious financial tasks. I may be an expert in party planning. While Desdemona is the art expert. We both struggle with tracking expenses and following up on donations.

“I can help with the financial tasks.” Corinne offers. “It’s what I do, so it wouldn’t be a problem. I can even help you find companies willing to match your contributions.”

“That would be amazing.” Desdemona gushes. “We definitely need the help and if we can earn even more money, we could help so many more people.”

As we discuss some companies that Corinne thinks will support our efforts, I notice both Mal and Elina drooping. I nudge Corinne with my foot and nod at the kids. She glances at them and grins at me.

“I think these two are ready for bed.” She says as she stands up and grabs her dish and Mal’s.

“I’ll get the dishes.” Diego offers as he takes the empty plates from Corinne. “Why don’t you bring Corinne up-to-date on the event?”

“And I’ll take them.” Puma adds, rising from the table. In a simple move, he has both kids resting in his arms, their little heads on his broad shoulders. I see my future in that image until I glance at Corinne and notice the wistful look on her face. “I’ll read to them and get them to sleep.” Puma says as he leaves us.

We do as the men suggest and sit pouring over the details of the event. After several yawns, Corinne pushes away from the table. “I should go check on Mal and get some sleep. Today has been exhausting.” She pauses for a minute. “Can you give me directions…”

Desdemona laughs as she stands up. “I’ll show you. It can be a maze, but you’ll figure it out soon enough.”

I wish both of them a good night before heading to the bar to grab two beers, one for me and one for Puma. As I head for Puma’s room, I hear his rumble and move toward the sound. Glancing into Mal’s room, I see her engulfed in Puma’s arms. His chin resting on her head. I feel my heart crack as I take in how stunning they look together. I’m of average height, but Corinne is several inches taller than me. She’s a much better match for Puma’s height. When you add in their coloring, they look like a masterpiece sculpture ready for display at the finest museum.

“He’s an amazing kid.” Puma murmurs to her. “You did a wonderful job. I’m sorry, I wasn’t there to help.”

“I don’t blame you. I always felt like I should have done more to reach you.” Corinne tells him.

“I’m here now. You won’t be alone again.”

His words, and the warmth in them, break me. With a hole in my chest, I leave them alone. Ever since meeting Puma, I’ve been walking a tightrope. Terrified of falling in love with him, but unable to stop myself. I’ve pushed him away so often. Not once did I consider he might find a new love, or an old one. I also never considered how much it would hurt when he did.

I consider going to my room, but decide against it. Part of me is afraid he’ll find me and the other part is afraid he won’t come looking. I should be happy for him. He has the family he’s always wanted. A family that is all his.

I push open the back door and step outside. The air is cooler but still warm enough that I won’t need a jacket. Good, because I don’t want to go back inside to get one. Since we use the area for barbecues, we have several picnic benches spread out. I move to the furthest one and take a seat on the top, settling my feet on the bench. Opening the bottle, I take a long swig and wish I had brought a bottle of whiskey instead.

Glancing at the sky, I revel in the night's quiet. It’s the calm I need for my chaotic mind. Juan is back, and that thought alone is enough to make me want to crawl under the table and blubber. Will his attack on Corinne and Mal be the final straw for Puma? Will Puma want me to leave? Juan knows I’m here, which makes it stupid for me to be outside. If he ever found me…

“Alisa.” His voice sends a jolt through me. How did he sneak up on me?

CHAPTER NINE: PUMA

I carry the little ones to the playroom so they can pick a book for me to read to them. But instead of crawling into the castle to select one, Elina pulls me over to the couch.

“Can you tell us the story of the biker princess?” Elina asks. I smile at the little girl who owns my heart just as much as her mother does. She takes her spot on my lap.

“Maybe Mal doesn’t want to hear that story.” I tell her, looking over at my son, who climbs up on the couch to sit on my other leg. Good thing I’m a big guy. They both have plenty of room to get comfortable.

“I want to hear it.” Mal says. “Elina says she’s a biker princess and since I’m your son, I’m a biker prince.”

“That’s true.” I say, thinking about the story I made up for Elina when she first arrived at our clubhouse. It was a story about a beautiful and charming little girl who captures the hearts of a group of rough bikers. Maybe it’s time to revisit the story and include a biker prince.

“Once there was a small but great desert kingdom. It was ruled by a strong and dashing king named Puma. Puma was a fortunate man because he had great friends, but he was still lonely. One day, a beautiful queen came to visit with her daughter. The king and his followers soon realized that the queen and the princess brought something they were all missing. Joy. Soon all the knights in the land bowed before the Biker Princess because she brought so much happiness to their world. But the Biker Princess had to carry a heavy load, keeping all the knights happy. She needed help, but not just anyone could take on the task. It had to be someone very special. One day, a young man escaped from the clutches of a terrible ogre in order to find the King and warn him of danger. Because this young prince risked so much to help the King, he proved he was a true Biker Prince.”

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