Page 47 of Unruly Defender
“We’re having a party, kids,” Yates bellows.“You can’t skip your own late ‘welcome home, slash, we finally settled that shit’ celebration party.”
“The day is still young, Yates,” I shout back before I open the door to our room.
There’s no way I’m missing out on making love with my woman.I’m pressing pause on the whole damn world because there’s nothing more important than sharing an intimate moment with the one you love.The one who opened my eyes and took my hand to guide me into the part where life becomes worth living.
***THREE WEEKS LATER***
“I don’t know if I can do this,” Gracy whispers as we’re standing in front of a large mansion that’s owned by her biological father.
I step in front of her and cup her face.“You’ve been postponing this for three weeks now.It’s time.Besides, you already met him a few times before you knew he was your biological father.You’ve mentioned how friendly and sweet he was and how your mother loved spending time with him.There’s no need to be nervous.Clemente is here, you’ve seen him multiple times after knowing he’s your brother.And I’m right here too.”
“I know I’ve seen Clemente, but it’s not like he killed Spencer.I can’t help but be afraid I will blurt out something about Spencer and rattle off words how I think he should have come back for me and how my mother should have told him about me the second she knew she was pregnant.See?I’m such a mess with all of this.”Her voice cracks up at the end and I know how hard these past weeks have been for her.
She might have been holding up strong but when the dust settles it’s the pieces you have to pick up behind you to move forward.We’ve been doing this together but Gracy has been putting this meeting off for weeks now and it’s not helping either one.
Clemente has called me a few times to ask for my help in bringing them together because his father has been doing better ever since he killed Spencer.He’s excited to meet Gracy and I can’t blame him, everyone loves her.
All the bikers of Unruly Defenders MC love her and go out of their way to make her feel at home at the clubhouse.And that’s another thing, she demanded we’d live at the clubhouse for the time being.
It was something I would have been willing to compromise with because the estate is close by too, but I loved her reasoning since it mirrored my own.The MC needs me—and her along with it—as a visible presence.Building up everything just as the connection between us.The strong foundation is there and we have all the time in the world to make it stronger to rise above.
“We’re all family, Gracelynn.And some might think we’re a screwed up one, but we relish in that shit because at our dinner table there isn’t a limitation of what can or cannot be discussed.So, you throw out what’s on your mind.I’m pretty damn sure your father would rather face awkward questions than to not see you at all.”
Her eyes fill with understanding and determination.“You’re right.We’re doing this.”
“We are,” I agree and ring the bell before she can change her mind.
It’s unnecessary to ring the bell because we already passed security but I’m sure they were watching the cameras and gave us this moment before opening the door.
My suspicion is correct when Clemente is the one opening the door.“Sis, glad you could make it.”
“And I’m glad to see you’re still alive,” Gracy mutters before she shoots him a vicious grin and asks, “How’s your fiancée doing?”
There isn’t a twitch on his face as he instantly replies, “Still breathing and plotting ways to kill me, the usual.”
The corner of my mouth twitches.The deal he made through his uncle to make the cartel Rush was working with back off, is backfiring because the woman he needs to marry turns out to be a temperamental spitfire and quite his match.
Gracy was there when he needed to pick her up from the airport and has been visiting her regularly.As a result, they have started to build up a friendship.Clemente doesn’t even seem phased by the fact Gracy takes his fiancée’s side most of the time when it comes to any argument thrown between them.He’s actually happy those two hit it off as friends.
“Give her my best,” Gracy chuckles and I follow her into the hallway.
Clemente leads us to a large room with a fireplace.The rest of the space is breathtaking but the fireplace is huge.Large enough to burn a body instead of some wood chunks.I rip my eyes away from it and glance around.
Two large couches are placed across from each other with a table in between with a fluffy white rug draped over the granite floor.The ceiling is high and so are the floor to ceiling windows on one side of this space.I count two big green plants and nothing on the wall.It’s a modern interior and yet it radiates no warmth.
“Gracy, Henley,” Stephano’s baritone voice rumbles as he steps closer and holds out his hand for me to take.
“Sir.”I nod and shake his hand.
His attention shifts to my woman, his daughter.
“Gracy,” Stephano says again and takes her hand in both of his.“I’m glad you could come.”
“And I’m glad you killed Spencer.”She gasps at her own words and releases a string of curses as she pulls her hand away from Stephano.
Gracy’s head swings to me and she’s wearing a look that states, “I told you this would happen.”
“I’m glad you feel that way.”Stephano releases an uneasy chuckle and points at the couch.“Why don’t we have a seat and have a little talk, it’s way overdue, don’t you think?”
