Page 42 of Property of Shotgun

“Let me make something perfectly clear, Jade. I’d stand in front of the strongest army in the world, have all their guns pointed at me, and I would still fucking come out standing because no one, no man, no army, no fucking brother, is going to tear me away from you. Even if this thing with us runs its course for you, and you decide down the road that you want to move on with someone that isn’t me. You and those kids will never lose me.”

My stomach drops.

“You would be okay with me moving on with someone else?”

Because I sure as fuck wouldn’t be okay with him being with another woman, but that isn’t a new realization either. Every time the man leaves the house, and I don’t know where he’s going, I get a knot in my stomach.

He lifts his hands to my face, cupping my cheeks.

“No, mama, but I’m a seasoned professional in that area. I’d hate it with ever fiber of my being, but I’d still show up for you. It would twist me inside out, but I’d do it. I’d fucking do anything for you. That, right there, is gospel.”

THIRTEEN

SHOTGUN

“You’re all set.You can check the patient portal in one to two business days for your results, but if anything flags, someone from the lab will reach out to you,” the phlebotomist says.

I roll down my sleeve and thank her before making my way out of the clinic. Outside, I straddle my bike. I reach into my kutte and pull out my phone.

Three missed texts. All from Jade.

Jade: I got steaks from Monty’s. Feel like grilling them tonight?

Jade: Also, I got my period this morning. So after steaks, we’ll put the kids to bed, and then you can watch me get myself off in the shower. Orgasms are good for the cramps, and we both know how much you like to watch me cum.

Jade: In case you didn’t realize it yet, I’m the queen of inappropriate texts. I kind of hope you’re with Biggie and the rest of the club right now picturing me fingering myself in the shower while you’re off doing biker shit.

Me: Biker shit?

Jade: I’m insulted that’s what you responded to first. I thought for sure that would get your riled up.

Me: Sitting on my bike with a hard on. Happy?

Jade: Yes. Extremely.

Me: Steaks sound good. Watching you cum in the shower sounds even better.

Jade: Killian is down for his nap, and Raiden and Legend are playing with the kid next door in the yard. If you come home quick, I’ll take a break from packing up these boxes and suck your cock.

Me: What boxes?

Jade: We’ll talk about it when you get home. Or maybe we won’t. It depends how long it takes you, and how full my mouth is. It’s not very lady like to speak with your mouthful.”

Me: Leaving the clinic now. Gotta make a quick stop, then I’ll be home.

Pocketing my phone, I toe my kickstand. My engine purrs to life and I peel away from the curb. The ride to the cemetery doesn’t take long, and when I arrive, I begin my assent up the hill to Irish’s gravesite with ease, recalling the day of his funeral. The ground isn’t nearly as soft as it was that day, making the trek a fuck of a lot easier. Then again, I don’t gotta worry about Jade’s heels sinking into the dirt with every step I take.

As as I reach the top of the hill, I spot Irish’s headstone.

Duke “Irish” Callahan

Beloved Husband, Father, & Brother

I’ve been here a couple of times since the stone has been set, and every time I see those words, they act as a punch to the gut. Today that feeling is intensified, but oddly enough, I don’t feel any guilt. I don’t know what kind of man that makes me. I’m not even sure I care to find out.

I lay a hand on the top of the stone and take a knee in front of it. I didn’t come here for forgiveness, nor did I come here seeking permission. I came here because I made a promise to Irish, and for nearly two years, I’ve done everything in my power to keep it.

“I know you don’t owe me anything, but I’m not here for me. I’m here for Jade, and your kids. I don’t know what’s going to happen with the club. I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to figuring it out. You made me promise to look out for them. Well, I can’t do that if the club decides my time on this earth is finished.”

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