Page 50 of Papa's Beloved

It is our turn to order next. They have several delicious seafood breakfast dishes. I order cheesy shrimp and grits and crab benedicts. They serve the eggs over huge crab cakes, no bread. They’re absolutely delicious and worth every calorie I’llhave to work off. My woman insists she’s well enough for the rigorous and often rough sex with both crave, but I know better.

Her body took a bigger beating than she let on. Doc didn’t need to break patient confidentiality for me to see the bruises on her body. I’ve had similar bruises. We fill the nearby picnic tables. They call my name quickly. I ask for a tray and bring back food for the table. Gambit, Everest, Hollywood, and I are sharing a picnic table. Four is all one of the tables will fit. Most of us are on the burly side.

“Everest, thanks for the save,” Hollywood says, as I sit the tray in the middle of the table.

Everest smiles. “I’ve got you, brother. Our siblings like to joke. Not everyone carries cash. If I didn’t bail you out, Papa or Gambit would have.”

I smile. “That’s true. No one wants to piss off the owner. We love their food.”

For the next little while, we talk and eat. I just finished the last bite of crab benedict when my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number.

“Hello?”

“I’ve got your woman.”

“Who the fuck is this?”

Fucker hung up. “We ride!” I yell, throwing, getting up, and running to my sled.

Chapter 37

Nay

It’s been a week since the incident at the hospital. The men have been antsy as hell. They’re planning something, but it’s club business, which means mums the word. I knew that from day one. Long before I became an ol’ lady, I knew that there were things Papa couldn’t tell me. Not because he didn’t want to, but because it’s club business. Me not knowing protects me in the long run. I know that, but I still hate not knowing what’s coming.

I’m meeting the ladies shortly. In true King’s fashion, we’re throwing a tremendous blow out. Members from our allied clubs, our businesses, and a few select civilians are coming over to celebrate and give input into the clinic. Papa did say the clubs are all pitching in to pay for the clinic. Wizard has a few buildings that may fit the bill.

We’ll go look at them next week. Doc, Wizard, Papa, Gambit, Lily and me. Lily is going to provide mental health services for the clinic. Eventually, we’ll need to hire more. I can’t believe the guys asked me to be on the board, along with Doc. We’ll be the founding members of Artemis Outreach.

I put on my lip gloss and check my hair one last time. Satisfied with my appearance, I grab my purse and head downstairs. I’m meeting the ladies in front of the clubhouse.

Stormy and Lucia are waiting for me when I get outside. We’re taking one of the SUVs. Tully is driving. Our men insisted we take prospects.

I look to see Mayhem on his sled behind the SUV. He smiles and waves at us. I get in the back with Lucia. Since Stormy is expecting, we thought she’d ride easier up front.

“I’m not that far along,” she protests.

“Far enough that riding in the back could trigger vertigo.”

“Fine, but I’m buying breakfast or lunch. Whenever we stop after shopping.”

Lucia and I agree. We often took turns paying. Stormy paying this time is no big deal. Lucia or I will snag the check next time.

“Where are we headed?” Tully asks.

“That new marketplace. They have a special Italian store. We can get everything we need for our Italian feast,” Stormy replies.

“Did Wizard get you all of his Nonna’s recipes?”

“Yes. Flea called his grandmother for a few as well,” Lucia adds.

“Flea’s dad was Italian, right?” I ask.

“Yes, his dad was mafia. After he was killed, Nitro’s mom did her best to keep him out of the lifestyle. He has some serious cash coming his way in a few years,” Lucia says.

“Hopefully he’ll get his head out of his ass by then,” Stormy says.

“The injury did more for him emotionally than a tour in the service would,” I say.

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