Page 30 of Johny B

“No, he didn’t, and it’s okay for you to call him Dad when you’re around me, you know. It’s not like I don’t know who he is to you.”

“I know. Just trying to keep it low key like he wants. Less chance of slipping up if I stick to using his club name.” He curls his hand around my bicep and gently pulls me to a stop, turning to face me. The scowl on his face tells me that he’s picked up on the sadness in my voice.

“He loves you, Scarlett. Don’t ever doubt that. He wants nothing more than to celebrate you, tell the world about hisbeautiful, intelligent and strong daughter. But while ever there’s a chance of you be being targeted because of who you are to him, then it’s not going to change. He’s already sacrificed one great love of his life because of the club, your mother. Losing another would kill him.”

“What about Tenley? How does she fit into his life? Does she mean enough to him that she will also end up being another secret for him to keep?” I ask, trying to get something from him that will validate what I already suspect. That my dad is falling for a pretty news reporter, who had been hounding him for an exclusive.

“I think that Smoke’s concerns about you and Tenley meeting are unwarranted.” He replies diplomatically, a slight swerve in the topic of conversation. “I think all three of you are going to get on just fine. It might possibly be a major mistake, because I think you’ll end up being nothing but trouble, but it will be good for you all.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.” I snigger.

“Let’s just say that if, or when, she’s going to be with Prez and take on club life, you’ll be the one who’ll help her on the way.”

“Jeezee! You really think that?” I shake my head. “Stone, I’ve still got a lot to learn when it comes to life with the Young Outlaws.”

We find Oriana, Tenley and Sasha on the floor around a coffee table, getting extremely messy, painting with their fingers. An array of purple, pinks and blues, along with a dash of sunflower yellow are blotched over the surface of large white sheets of paper.

All three of them look in our direction with wide eyes, laughter still lingering on their lips when they notice us.

“Daddy Gabe,” Sasha squeals, as she jumps up and takes off towards us.

“Wait, wait,” Oriana shrieks quickly getting to her feet. “Let me wipe your hands first.

“Don’t panic,” Stone assures her. “Just don’t get any paint on my cut, Angel. Or Uncle Smoke and the guys will rip the fu-,” he coughs, “fun out of me and make me look silly.” He catches Sasha in his arms, bringing her up against his chest, but Sasha holds her hands far out by her side, making her look like she’s about to take off in flight. He makes up for the lack of her embrace by planting a smacker of a kiss to her cheek, and in return is gifted with one right back.

“Scarlett!” Tenley’s voice quivers in greeting from where she sits. “Are you here to see me?”

“I’m actually here to see you all. I thought it was about time we got to know one another.”

“So, you’re not here to question me on my intentions?” She’s apprehensive, that’s for sure. The hand that is covered in paint has a subtle shake. Her other I can’t see, as her arm is hidden under the table.

“How’s the arm?” I ask, genuinely concerned, as I know she hurt it quite badly when she took a fall during the blast.

“Much better, thank you.” Her mouth curls at the edges, but she struggles to keep eye contact.

“Well, I’m going to leave you ladies to get acquainted.” Stone places Sasha back on the floor, and she immediately runs back to her painting activities, giving Stone the opportunity to grab Oriana around the waist and bring her close. He instantly covers her mouth with his, and holy hell! The kiss is so fucking passionate it steams up the whole room with its palpable heat.

Damn! It gets my heart racing just watching them and makes me feel a little uncomfortable, seeing as Stone has always been like an uncle to me. However, it’s so sweet when I catch him mouthing those three little words to her before walking away.

“Right, I’m out of here.” Stone announces loudly. “Try not to get into too much trouble, ladies.” And with those last words, or warning, he’s gone.

“Oh Lord,” Oriana flings her still paint covered hands up into the air. “Where are my manners? Scarlett, can I get you something to drink?”

“I’m good, thank you.” I slip out of my shoes and place them beside the door before making my way over to where Tenley sits, still on the floor. Even without my heels on, it gives the impression that I’m towering over her. With a straight face and firm stance, I ask her sternly. “So, Tenley. What exactly are your intentions when it comes to my dad?”

The look on her face is priceless. Mouth gapping open, eyes wide, beads of perspiration start to pop up on her forehead.

Oriana looks on, fidgeting as if ready to pounce in order to defend her sister if needed. The tension is mega high.

“Oh my God,” I laugh out loud. “Your faces.” I double up at the waist, unable to control my laughter. “I’m kidding.” After a moment of hesitation Oriana joins in the joke. Even Sasha lets out a girly laugh, although I doubt that she’s fully understood what’s so funny. Mind you, with the cheeky expression on her face, maybe she’s savvier than her tender years would have you think.

Tenley eventually lets out a nervous chuckle, at which I respond by eyeballing her. I point my fingers to my eyes then flick them back in her direction, back and forth making sure she knows I will be watching her. “Although, if you hurt him, I may well have to kill you.”

“Hey, stepsister or no stepsister,” Oriana stands with hands on hips. Thankfully, she’s just finished getting washed up and her hands are now clean. Otherwise, paint disaster. “I’d be right beside you handing you the gun. No one hurts our Prez.

“Spoken like a true ‘Old Lady’” I salute Oriana.

“I ain’t Stone’s old lady.” She sniggers.

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