Page 74 of Bound by Family
“It’s nice. Can tell you did it, though. Coop can’t coordinate anything.”
I chuckle. “Thanks. That’s why the shirts with jeans. Can’t go wrong with that.”
We move to the living room, and an awkwardness settles around us. We ended on good terms. Well hell, maybe not.
She takes a seat on the couch, and I opt for the chair.
“So, what’s going on?” I ask.
She smirks. “Direct. I like that.” She shakes her head. “You need to come around the clubhouse with Cooper. You’re his, and you need to make that statement to the club.Everyoneat the club.”
“Oooookay,” I say, not really knowing what else to say.
“Coop told me about your momma. I’m sorry about that, hon. It sucks, but you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. After all, Coop’s damn picky, and he wouldn’t make that mistake.” I sit, listening and taking it in. “In Ravage, you need to make your presence known as being Cooper’s. There are a lot of greedy bitches out there who will do anything they can to get their hooks in him.” She laughs. “I heard what you did to Tina. That shit’s priceless.”
Hell, I still can’t believe I punched a woman.
“You need to show everyone that you’re by your man’s side every step of the way. That means coming to the club on the back of his bike. That means helping out in the kitchen when we have get-togethers, which I will tell you is often. You’re the next generation of the Ravage MC ol’ ladies, and you set the precedence for everyone who follows you. Younger, older, it doesn’t matter because you’re in. They will look to you for guidance.”
“But I don’t know much. My parents kept me pretty far away from the club life. I only went to Sinisters for barbecues and stayed mostly with my mother.”
“It’s not like that here. You’ll see when we have our first one. You chip in, help out, and let your man know that you have his back at all costs. You also make sure you know when is enough, especially in front of the brothers. Ravage has a code they live by. They respect us, but we are not members of the club. Your man is, and you need to show him that respect.”
Memories of my mother float through my head. I can hear her saying those exact words to me when I was young and learning.
“My mom told me the same thing, but you saying them helped me remember.”
She places her hand on mine and gives a little squeeze. “Life is tough. There’ll be ups, and there’ll be downs. It’s how you handle them that makes all the difference. You love my boy?” I nod. “And that’s what matters. Love. Love is what binds us all together. We have that, we’re strong. We lose it, we’re weak. Ravage is never weak, and we never back down. You need to make sure that your position is said loud and clear. And bitches like Tina, you’ll take down if needs be.”
“I get it. We’ll make it a point.”
“Good. Now tell me about these units and what kind of money they could bring in.”
On this, I blow out a breath, get my computer, and begin to explain. Two hours later, we are laughing as Cooper walks in the door.
“Mom? What’s up?” he asks, tossing his keys on the table by the door and coming my way. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me tightly to him.
“Just hangin’ out with your woman. But I’d better get going.” She rises from the chair, grabs my hand, and squeezes. “You’ll make a good ol’ lady. Stick with me, and I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”
“Mom, I don’t think that’s a good idea at all.”
Princess puts her hand on her hip and looks up at her son. “I know you’re joking right now because, if you’re not, I’m going to have to lay you out in front of your woman.”
He laughs. “That’s the shit I’m talkin’ about. Bristyl’s good; let’s keep her that way.”
Princess laughs. “You should have gotten a job as a comedian, boy. Good? You’re around Ravage now, everything is going to open her eyes.” She moves toward the door. “See you two at the clubhouse next Sunday night for dinner. Oh, and maybe we’ll take a go-around in the ring.”
My breath catches. She can’t be serious.
Cooper gives me a squeeze as I answer, “We’ll be there, but not in the ring.”
“We’ll see.” Princess leaves.
“Care to tell me what that was about?” he asks.
I turn in his arms. He’s so damn handsome he takes my breath way knowing he’s mine. All mine.
“She’s just helping me out and giving advice. I’m not sure about the ring thing, though.”
