Page 19 of Unruly Defender
I start to sputter but she just shakes her head while wearing a smile, freaking mischief dancing in her eyes.“Just hear him out, sweetheart.Remember what I told you.”
“I remember what you told me, but I feel like a freaking marionette.Everyone is trying to pull my strings their way and I have no other choice but to ride the waves others create while I can’t seem to get my own life on track.And I am trying with Henley but the whole being betrayed thing?That’s not a knife in the back leaving a scar, it’s one huge gaping wound that asshole Rush is rubbing salt in and it’s still wide open, unable to heal.He doesn’t trust anyone, and even the slightest turn makes him doubt stuff.”The words leave my mouth and they ring hard in my own ears and it makes me come to a conclusion.“You’re right.He needs me.He needs a friend, and I like him.”
Maggie stands and closes the distance between us.She places her hands on my shoulders and softly says, “He does need you.I know he might be difficult to be around at times, believe me, I married his father, remember?But he’s loyal and honest.You need him as much as he needs you.”Her hands tighten on my shoulders and she pulls me into a hug.“You’re young and free, sweetheart.Do what feels right.”
My throat closes up, and in this moment, I miss my mother even more but I’m thankful to have Maggie in my life.Her kind words and loving arms are just the thing I need to see through the obstacles in my life.Even if she’s biased with Henley being her son, she’s also there for me.
She pulls back and gives me a smile and it makes me mutter, “It’s a good thing my mascara is waterproof.”
Both of us snicker and Maggie gives me a little push.“Go on, he’s waiting outside.”
I tell her goodbye and give Finn a quick hug before I grab my purse and head out.Henley is on his phone and is right next to Yates.Both of them are sitting on their bikes.My heart skips a beat by the way Henley looks, wearing a leather cut with patches on it.
Eyeing one of the patches as I walk closer, I can tell there are two skulls merged into one, a human one and a bull one.A rose sits slightly behind the skulls on each side, and everything is held together by two daggers.
“I almost didn’t recognize you there,” Henley grunts right after he ends the call.“All dressed up as my old lady.”
Yates chuckles and slaps him on the back.“Nice touch, man.Very smooth way to claim your woman.”
Old lady?Claim your woman?I’m about to question him but my phone starts to ring inside my purse.Digging deep, I grab hold and see it’s Clemente calling.
“Hey, Clemente.I’m in the middle of something, can I call you back?”I ask.
Clemente didn’t even seem to have heard one word I told him.His voice barks in anger, “Is it true?You’re his old lady?I thought I told you yesterday to be careful and not get involved with him, Gracy.”
There’s that term again, old lady.
“Clemente,” I sigh.“I have no clue what you’re talking about.And I absolutely don’t appreciate receiving a call from you where you’re throwing words at me in anger, so either explain in a normal way or I’m hanging up.”
Henley is standing in front of me and leans in to whisper words on a hot breath right next to my ear, making goose bumps erupt to run wild across my skin.“You were right, darlin’.And I’m taking that step, even if the future is unsure.The whole craving part was what hit me.And since I’m taking back what belongs to me, I’m also taking what should belong to me.You.My old lady.”
“Did you hear a word I just said?”Clemente says, suddenly sounding very tired.
“Sorry.Someone was distracting me.But to answer your question...yes, I’m Henley’s old lady.”
Whatever that might entail because I’m not completely sure what comes with this title.I’ve seen movies, series, read books, and the old lady term did swing by as the name they give the girlfriend, wife, married biker style, whatever.Besides, when you get thrown into stormy waters and someone throws you a lifeline that makes you feel safe and gives you something solid to hold onto...you grab hold and rail that sucker in.And that’s exactly what I’m doing.
“Walk away, Gracy.I’m sending a car over and you’re moving in with me or I’ll get you an apartment.I want you out of there.Now,” Clemente growls.
My eyes widen slightly and I see Henley reach for my phone.Still standing close to me, I’m positive he heard what Clemente just said.But I’m the one he threw those words at and I’m beyond pissed.
“Look, Clemente.Yesterday was the first time I saw you in almost nine months.You seemed to have known for a while now that I am your half-sister.I just found out.I’m not holding a grudge because you didn’t tell me the second you knew.Well, maybe, but my point is...don’t act like you’re my big brother and I suddenly need to be protected.And I most certainly won’t move into your house or live in an apartment you supply.I have a fat bank account myself and don’t need anything from anyone.”
“You don’t understand,” Clemente says, his tone now filled with concern.
“No, Clemente, you don’t understand.”I take a deep breath and tell him, “Family is supposed to have your back no matter what decision you make.You of all people should understand the value of making your own decision, with the restrictions and obligations of the familia.And even if you think a person is making a mistake, it’s still theirs to make and find out for themselves they’ve fucked-up.”
“Okay, Gracy,” Clemente groans.“I have a feeling there’s little I can refuse you, so I’ll have your back.But rememberI’myour family now andI’mhere no matter what.Tell Henley I’ll get it done.And you call me when you need me.”
We exchange our goodbyes and I end the call but keep staring at my phone.I’ve always liked Clemente and as he mentioned with the not being able to refuse me anything...he always did say he had a soft spot when it came to me.But I thought it was because his father was a good friend of my mother.I release an unfeminine snort at the thought of the head of a mafia family having a soft spot for me.
“Everything okay?”Henley murmurs and places his finger underneath my chin to make sure I connect my gaze with his.
“Everything is overwhelming and now you add this whole old lady thing to it too.What does it all entail?This old lady thing?Are we a thing?And why am I mentioning to you that Clemente said he’ll get it done?”
“It’s something between me and Clemente, nothing you have to be worried about.And you being my old lady means I claimed you, you’re mine.You could say we’re a thing but being my old lady has a lot more weight to it than two people being a thing.I’ll explain later, for now we need to go.I’m heading to the clubhouse and I need for you to come with me, okay?”
“Why do I feel like you’re not giving me a choice?Are you getting bossy already?Is that how things are going to be between us?”I grumble, wondering what exactly I signed myself up for by agreeing to be his old lady.
