Page 47 of Manny

I can’t help myself…

Me

It’s amazing to me how you produced such a well-mannered, adorable child

The gray bubble appears, then disappears, then starts again. Then…

Bandit

He takes after his mom

Guilt hits my chest, even though I’ve nothing to feel guilty about. I know all about his wife, Jill, who died following an accident before Eli was born. Indi still gets choked up about it and one night, she poured her heart out. I know from being around Bandit that he’s a completely closed book. He never talks about anything to anyone, except maybe his sister, but that’s understandable. I also know they both had a brutal upbringing that included violence to the extreme. Maybe I should’ve been a little more thoughtful in my reply about Eli. The son shouldn’t have to pay for the sins of the Father.

Me

Now I feel like a dick

Bandit

He’s all I got

Wow. For him to even admit that kinda shocks me. I’m not one to hold grudges. Life’s too short.

Me

No he isn’t. You have the club. Even those of us not patched in

Bandit

I feel like a dick for saying that. I have anger issues

Me

It’s fine. I don’t need a patch to know I belong to this club

Bandit

So, we’re good?

Me

You owe me a drink, but yeah, we’re good

Bandit

How’s my kid doin’? Made a mess of the kitchen already?

I glance up at Eli, singing away to himself as he washes dishes. He’s not one bit of trouble. Unlike his old man.

Me

He’s an angel. Guess he definitely doesn’t take after you

Bandit

I can be an angel, just not in the bedroom

My heart rate accelerates at his words, not that they’re meant for me. Tough guys like him love bragging about all the pussy they get. Not that I’ve seen Bandit around the clubhouse much lately, or with sweet butts, but they sure as fuck like him. He fits the bill with his body covered in tattoos and those piercing, pretty eyes and perfect face. He’s a stripper, for Christ's sake.

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