Page 22 of Prince of Darkness

“We do?” Carla asks. Pink elbows her in the side. “Oh yeah. Plans. Very important ones that we can’t miss.”

“I’d love to stay and have some breakfast. Since my son has been hiding you from me.” Mom pins me with a look. She grabs the syrup before we head back toward my room.

I sit in the kitchen watching the two of them together. I knew my mom would get along with her, but seeing them together, I’m starting to think she might like Olivia more than me. Not that I can blame her. Olivia is an easy girl to love.

She might come from a different world than mine, but she has a knack for making people feel at ease. Any worry I have about her dealing with the members of the club washes away. She’s not judgmental or stuck up. She also has a backbone. I'm sure that comes from her growing up with brothers.

The only thing that scares me is she’s a bit naïve and too trusting, but those are also the things that drew me to her. She thinks everyone is sweet. Even with Carla and Pink, she’d invited them to have breakfast with us. While they are two of the good ones here, there are a few snakes around. I never gave a shit about that before, but things have changed.

I don’t want Olivia to have to toughen up to stay here. I want to protect that rare sweetness that’s in her. Even if it means cleaning house around here. The men can find pussy somewhere else.

“She’s a sweet girl,” Mom says when Olivia excuses herself after breakfast to use the bathroom. “Maybe too sweet,” she adds.

“Things are going to change. I never should have kept the club.”

“Don’t say that. Things have already changed. Most of your father's crew aren’t around anymore, and the men you’ve brought in are good. They needed a place to stay and some jobs after they left the service.” That is true. “You can make this club whatever you want it to be. It doesn’t have to fit some stereotypical mold.”

“I can’t deal with these parties and dumbasses getting themselves locked up over stupid shit. It’s fucking dumb. There is no reason for all of it.”

“Good, because I’m guessing her daddy is going to have a few issues.”

“You know who her father is?” I have to say I’m a bit surprised.

“I know of him.” She shrugs. “He was a cop, after all, and your father was a dumbass.” An unexpected bark of laughter hits me. “Why are you laughing? You and Archer were dumbasses too. Didn’t he arrest you?” That shuts me up quickly.

“Yeah.”

“I think he did you a favor.”

“That he did,” I agree before I polish off my coffee. “I have to win him over. When he looks at me, he still sees that messed-up young kid. I can’t blame him for thinking I would follow in my father’s footsteps.”

“You’ll win him over. You treat her well, and her dad will grow to love you. The man must have a good heart if he raised that girl. She got that from somewhere.”

“I hope you’re right. I don’t want her hurting because her father and I can’t get along. Olivia is all about family.”

“It will work out. I’m sure of it. Just like if you clean up a bit around here she'll be good at your side with handling the club.” She’s right.

“Would you like to stay for a movie, Julie?” Olivia asks when she comes back into the kitchen.

“I wish I could, but I have plans this afternoon.” I know she’s full of shit unless her plan is to be busy so her son can spend the afternoon getting Olivia to fall for him. My mother is in her glory. I know she’s been itching for some grandbabies.

“It was really nice meeting you.”

“You too, honey.” Mom wraps her in a hug. “We should do lunch soon.”

“I’d love that.” The smile Olivia gives my mom is genuine. A warmth fills my chest, thinking about my mom being there for my girl. I’ll never forget the hurt I saw in Olivia’s eyes when she told me about her own mother. I’ll never understand how anyone could walk away from this beautiful soul.

“I’ll get your number from Jason and text you,” Mom says before she gives me a hug next and heads out.

“She’s really nice. A bit of a badass too.”

“I’m glad you like her, babe, but we got shit to talk about.” I pull her to stand between my legs. “You can’t go walking around the club in nothing but my shirt.”

“I have your boxers on underneath.” She rolls her eyes at me. I grip her ass, lifting her off her feet and into my lap. “You didn’t have a shirt on and don’t forget girls dance topless out there sometimes.”

“Not my girl.” My grip on her ass tightens thinking about anyone seeing her tits. I’d burn this place to the ground before that shit happens. She’s for my eyes only, from now until forever.

“Sexist.” She fights a smile as she says it.

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