Page 130 of Pope's Penance

“Gavel?”Shae’s quiet voice intrudes.

We turn toward her, and Basilisk sucks in a sharp breath from beside me as we get a good look at her.Her midnight-colored hair rests in loose curls with pieces falling along her sharp jawline.The green and honey heterochromia eyes spike with trepidation, still unsure of her place around most of us.They’re the only piece of her that resembles her sisters.Otherwise, she looks just like Cyanide.There’s a scar that cuts through her top and bottom lip from an injury she sustained while in that dead fucker’s captivity.I’ve caught Basilisk staring at it hungrily so many times already.

Birdie and Valkyrie have been careful with Shae.They respect her boundaries, only taking what she’s willing to give them.Her brokenness is strength to them, and it’s proof that she’s a survivor.She has an aversion to touch, just like Bugsy, but allows Basilisk closer than most.

“Yes, little one?”Gavel asks gently.

“Birdie needs you.You too, Cyanide.”

It’s not long after they’re gone that Savior orders us to get into place.I stand under the gazebo, my eyes glued to the doors at the back of the clubhouse as I wait for my woman to walk through them.

Legend stands at my side, tall and proud in his small replica kutte, declaring him my son.

“What do you think, little warrior?You think she’s going to stand me up?”

“Are you silly, Dad?Mama loves you crazy.She’s going to be the most beautiful person here.I bet it.”

I laugh, brushing my hand over his shaggy brown head.“Your mom is always the most beautiful person in the room, son.Never saw anyone more beautiful than her.”

Then I hear it.

The song she plays nearly every day and makes me dance with her to.The one she told me reminded her of our love.

I suck in a sharp breath as she steps out of the door on the arms of my grandfather and her brother.

Her white skirt flows along the ground in layers of that tulle shit.I catch peeks of her bare feet under it with each step she takes toward me.But that’s not what steals my breath.

It’s the motherfucking kutte she’s got on as her top.

Tears spill down my cheeks, and you know what?I’m not even fucking ashamed about it.

This time, it’s not any fucking onions being cut.It’s me being so goddamn in love with this woman that my soul is weeping with it.

I’m this woman’s bitch, and everyone around here fucking knows it.

On the other side of Gavel is my little girl, dressed similarly to her mom.

Today is the day I claim all three of them.

The day I give each of them my last name.

Stepping forward, I hold my hands out, my throat tightening as Gavel and Cyanide place my lady’s palms into mine.

“I think these belong to you,” Gavel says in a low tone.

“They’re mine.”

“Fuckin’ proud of you, kid.”

Gavel steps away as Cyanide clears his throat.“I wouldn’t trust anyone else with them, brother.”

He follows Gavel to their place in the front row of chairs, and I turn my attention to my ladies.

“You both look beautiful.”

“So do you, Daddy,” Lovelyn chirps, causing everyone to laugh.

I squat in front of her and tap my finger against her nose, making her giggle.“Thank you, love bug.Why don’t you go take your place beside your brother?”

---