Page 13 of Johnny Gun

Startled by her father’s sudden entrance, Isolde gasped and turned. Deacon and a strange man with a goatee and jaw-length brown hair, dressed in full Spawn colors, stood at the doorway.

A much-subdued Gomez released Sydney’s hand. “Nothing’s going on, Deacon.”

Eyebrow arched, Deacon walked in and stood between Sydney and Gomez. “I came to ask about the dinner situation for our guests, and I find you two going at each other. I want the bickering to stop this minute. New information has come in, and I have a shitload of problems to deal with. I expect full cooperation from my family and no headaches from the local brothers. Are you all listening?”

“Uh-huh,” Sydney muttered.

“Yes, Deacon,” Gomez said.

“Everyone, this is Axel, leader of the southern six. You’ll see him a lot. He and two others will stay with us.” Deacon turned to the new guy. Axel dipped his head in silent salute.

“I have room,” Gomez said quickly.

Nodding, Deacon held up his hand. “That’s great, because I’m sending one with you and two with Jax. His place is bigger.”

Isolde’s stomach clenched. Who was going with Gomez and Jax? Not Johnny, please. Not him. She felt Opal’s gaze on her. Her sister gave her an encouraging smile, and Isolde sighed. Smart Opal had guessed her internal turmoil.

“So?” Deacon asked Gomez. “You haven’t explained. What brought you to the kitchen?”

“I…ah. I came to tell your daughtersthatthe guys from the south had arrived.”

Sydney snickered. Deacon sent her a warning look. “I appreciate the effort. But it wasn’t necessary. These are my family’s private quarters, and I keep them separate from MC business. This is nothing new, Gomez. I expect everyone to respect my boundaries. No one’s allowed unless specifically invited by me, Sydney, or Isolde. Let’s not have a repeat of this situation. Why don’t you go meet the guys? I’ll catch up with you outside.”

“Sure.” Thoroughly chastised, Gomez bent his head and left.

“I know Gomez is a little much to take, but he’s loyal. Are you all okay?” Deacon asked. His eyes darted from woman to woman.

“Sure am,” Sydney said.

“Me too, Daddy,” Opal responded.

“Isolde? You didn’t answer.”

Silently, she locked gazes with him. Her dad had a lot on his plate. Should she go for it and pile some more, or hold back about Gomez? After a long pause, she shrugged. “I’m great.”

But he squinted at her. “Really? I’m still your father, and I can read the BS a mile away. We’ll have a talk when things quiet down some.”

“Do you want dinner served at the usual time?” Sydney intervened, coming to her rescue. Isolde sent her a grateful glance.

“Sure. Seven is perfect. Unless your guys are hungry.” He turned to Axel.

Axel exhaled. “We don’t want to impose, but we’ve been on the road for hours. I’m sure the guys could eat soon.”

“I can be ready at six,” Sydney offered. “Can your men wait until then? In the meantime, we’ll put some snacks on the table to tide you over.”

“That would be great. Much obliged, ma’am,” Axel said.

“It’s settled,” Deacon said, moving toward the hallway. “Come, Axel. Let’s finish up the sleeping arrangements.”

Tipping his head, Axel followed Deacon out.

“Well, Sydney, that was interesting,” Isolde said.

“Meaning?”

“I didn’t catch your dislike for Gomez until today.”

“Oh, honey,” Sydney said. “Contrary to what your dad thinks, that guy’s a real snake. Never turn your back on him. He’ll dig his fangs into you when you least expect it. Okay, you heard the man. The guys are hungry. Let’s put some stuff out for them and finish up in here.”

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