Page 9 of Relentles
“I know, babe. It’s Bailey, you, and Alexia.”
Her marriage to Alexia’s father devastated K-P, although he knew she had to move on with her life. She couldn’t wait for him forever. Before Alexia’s birth, Roxanne was divorced. He’d felt guilty at his relief.
Although Rack set him up, K-P hurt her because he hadn’t been able to explain all the used fucking condoms and the two naked girls in his room. He’d also smelled like perfume and pussy.
No matter how drunk he’d gotten celebrating his birthday, he knew he hadn’t fucked those women. He wasn’t a blackout drunk. He’d gone to his room and fallen asleep, wishing he was in New Orleans with Roxanne and regretting not flying her out.
A scream and then gut-wrenching sobs tore him from dreams about her in his arms. He sure the fuck wished she’d stayed in his fantasies because reality turned into a nightmare.
The chaos brought Rack to his room. The motherfucker saluted him and smirked.
“Logan and me flew her out as a birthday gift, courtesy of Sharper.”
She hadn’t visited often because of those two. Then, some of the women made her feel completely unwelcome, leaving her unsure of any of the girls.
It was an a-grade SNAFU. It was also the nail in the coffin for any chance he had with Roxanne.
For a while, she’d completely shut him out. When he visited Bailey, her mother opened the door. Six months after Bailey’s first birthday, Roxanne married another motherfucker and ended up pregnant with Alexia. She hadn’t moved on out of spite. It was out of devastation. He’d dragged his fucking feet about proposing and he’d repeatedly put off going Nomad.
Three months after he received news of her marriage, Pearlene revealed Roxanne filed for divorce.
“My baby lovesyou. I told her she couldn’t hide her pain behind another relationship. She moped all through her courthouse ceremony. She moped for six goddamn weeks until he got tired of it and left. She’s still fucking moping.”
“Why didn’t she call me?”
“One, she’s a stubborn heifer. Two, you’re a cheating motherfucker. Three, she got pride. Four, call you to say what exactly?”
Instead of leaving, he’d waited for her. The moment she saw him, she burst into tears. They’d tried to reconcile, but it didn’t last. But it was Rack’s treachery that started K-P on his quest to bring down the club.
Now, he cocked his head to the side, taking in every inch of her face. Wide, teary brown eyes. Adorable nose. High cheekbones. Heart-shaped lips made for kissing.
“Talk to me, babe.”
Lips trembling, she folded her arms and lifted her chin. “I’m expecting again.”
K-P shoved aside the murderous jealous swirling in him. As much as he loved her, there were any number of reasons hewasn’t good for her. Even if he left the club, he had a fucking target on his back. If hediddisappear to escape without taking Roxanne, Bailey, and Alexia, they would be in danger.
“I’m happy for you.” His gaze dropped to her belly. “When’s it due?”
“In six months.” She sniffled. “I don’t ever want to see Earl again,” she said, referring to Alexia’s and—K-P assumed—the new baby’s father. “Mama was sick, and I took the girls to spend the weekend with her. I got tired of hearing her swearing she was dying every ten fucking minutes, so I came home. He was fucking the neighbor’s wife! I ran that bitch with a broom and tried to stab him. He got the jump on me and threw me on the heater grate in the hall.”
“He didwhat?”
She swiped at her tears. “Oh, fuck him. Beef jerky dick motherfucker. I’m just lucky he didn’t hurt me or the baby. I’d just found out, too. Fuck him,” she grumbled again. “I’ll stab that bitch yet.”
Opening his arms, K-P smiled when she ran into them. Before he left Louisiana, he’d do more thanstab that bitch.
For the time being, he’d just enjoy Roxanne, and his Bailey and Alexia because as long as the real titles, deeds, wills, instructions, birth certificates, charters, bylaws…the list was endless…were never found, those most at risk would remain safe now and forevermore.
Act One – Subterfuge – Jana
“Jana, darling, your aunt is here.”
“Auntie Seri?”
“Yes, love,” Mommie answered. “Are you up to going downstairs?”
Jana nodded, drew her knees up, and turned to her side.
