Page 57 of Papa's Beloved

We’re all leaving in groups. After the attack, no one may ride alone and all the ol’ ladies will have at least two escorts when they leave the compound. It’s not the first time we’ve been in lockdown. Gambit hasn’t made it official yet, but he won’t until they have church.

Still, I’ve been around long enough to know the drill.

Chapter 43

Papa

Gambit called church late last night. We’re officially on lockdown and still throwing a huge bash. Everyone is on high alert. I even asked Detective Stone to hook me up with a few police dogs or retired police dogs to sniff the entire perimeter. Wizard and Blue are installing more cameras around the compound, inside and out.

I’m just out of the shower and getting dressed when my phone rings. It’s Flea.

“Vega and Simmons are here with the dogs.”

Excellent.I didn’t know who Stone was sending or when they’d show up. He’ll be by later for the party. Vega and Simmons are on the guest list as well. All are NOPD and we’ve worked together in the past to rid the streets of dirtbags.

New Orleans has a notorious past when it comes to police and other officials taking bribes.

“Let them through. Tell them I’ll meet them out front in three.”

After ending the call, I hurry through my morning routine and get dressed. Black jeans ripped at the knee, a tight black tee, shit kickers, and my cut. I reach for my shades and keys by the door. Nay put a small decorative table by the bowl with a black crystal skull with the top carved out.

It’s large. Big enough for our keys and shades. My woman is very thoughtful.

I arrive out front a few minutes to see a large SUV parked out front. Vega and Simmons are out front with all black BelgianShepherds. I recognize the breed from the shows Smoke’s showed me. He’s a dog lover.

“Morning Papa. The boys are ready to walk the grounds.”

“Let’s start with the outer perimeter. Blue and Nitro are handling the waterfront part of the compound.”

They nod and we take off toward the gate. It’ll take a few hours to walk the compound.

“Say, Papa, who do we have to talk to about becoming a prospect?” Vega asks.

“Me. You’ll both need a sponsor. I’ll be happy to submit your names next time we have church tomorrow morning.”

“Thanks, man,” Simmons adds.

“Sure thing. We’re always in need of good men.”

“Stick around until late tonight. You’ll get your first real taste of biker life,” I add with a smirk.

“What’s the deal with the bunnies?” Vega asks. “I’ve heard a bunch of different stories.”

“We call ours dolls. They willingly sleep with the patched brothers. We provide room, board and college tuition if they want. They also help clean and cook for the parties. Stormy is in charge of everything. She set it all up and the girls all take turns doing chores. Although as big as we’re getting, I think we’ll need a professional company for the clubhouse and the brothers’ houses.

I took them towards our houses. I have a plan I picked out that I want to run by Nay and get the brothers on as soon as they can fit us in. I want a home with my woman.

Nay

I DANCE AROUND THEkitchen with the rest of the ladies, Everest, Tully, and Trinity. We’d run all the other men out ofthe kitchen. Lizzo’sWorshipis blaring through the speakers. We were all laughing, dancing, and cooking

Trinity insisted on homemade pasta for tonight’s feast. We were all elbows deep in flour and eggs. The pasta needs time to dry. We’re making the dough first. Then the different kinds of pasta we needed for recipes.

The next few hours fly by while we cook, laugh, and fellowship. I feel lighter than I have in a long time. By the time the food is almost ready, I’m hot and sweaty. We take turns slipping out to get ready while the prospects come in and take over. They can take things from the oven, plate, and carry them to the bar.

I hurry upstairs. I volunteered the apartment for the ladies that live outside the clubhouse. I can hear them laughing when I open the door.

Lily spots me first. She grabs my hand and drags me into the master bathroom. The ladies are in various stages of dress. Hands grab at my clothes. Some help me undress while the shower is started and warm by the time my clothes are off. Deedee hands me a shower bonnet to protect my hair.

---