Page 24 of Under the Influence

“Better management how?” I ask, feeling protective of Duke.

“I have no VP. Most clubs spread out responsibilities. With the Blood-Red Suns, I’m in charge of the planning, money, alliances, everything. Your family’s club can handle losing Court. He isn’t their only leader. If I go down, there’s no one to run anything.”

“Why would you go down?”

Duke kisses my forehead and insists, “Edith, that’s not a real question.”

Exhaling deeply, I shrug. “I can’t think sensible when you make my body go wild. I know people feel lust all the time. I grew up on the homestead, where even my great-grandparents acted like crazed whores for each other. But I’ve never felt lust, so it’s making me crazy.”

“Never?” Duke asks, clearly putting some shit together.

Under the gaze of a sexy grown man with plenty of experience, I’m momentarily ashamed of my virginity. Then, I remember I’m Edith Mooney! That means I refuse to stick any random dick inside me!

“Never,” I say, meeting his gaze with my unflinching one. “You know I’m picky.”

Duke’s lips pull back into a slow, sexy smile. “That you are.”

“Wanting someone like this is new for me. So is keeping secrets,” I mumble, and his smile fades. “Do you actually think my pa or uncles will break the deal because we’re dating?”

“You’d know the answer to that better than I would.”

“Blowing off the alliance would be dumb, and my pa and uncles are shrewd men,” I insist. “Besides, Val wants Lola. He came by the homestead today and told everyone how he was in love and we had to behave. Val won’t walk away even if my pa and uncles get angry at you.”

When Duke considers my words, I can see how he still doesn’t trust Val. His hesitancy makes sense. To outsiders, my Mercer cousins can seem like dipshits. West and Val are always wrestling and showboating. Tuesday dances around, even when there’s no music playing. Their Mercer confidence can come off as stupidity. Duke wouldn’t know Val was smart or loyal based on the goofy garbage my cousin shows people.

Wanting to reassure Duke, I explain, “Val was going to be the Rawkfist club’s future VP. He’s groomed for leadership. I know he talks a lot and sounds like a guy version of Tuesday, but he isn’t dumb or weak. He’s also picky. Well, not about where he sticks his dick. But he wouldn’t go gaga over Lola unless it was the real deal. He wasn’t raised to put every hot woman on a pedestal. But when the men in my family find their dream girl, they go all in.”

“As much as I need a solid VP, I find myself more worried about Lola’s heart. She was ready to marryanyoneto protect the club. But apparently, she already had a thing for Val. She acted weirdly protective over him today. This thing is real for her, too.”

I swoon over how much Duke cares for his daughters. He’s all wrapped up in their lives like I am with my family. I doubt I could ever fall for a man who half-assed fatherhood.

“But the reality is Rawkfist can pull out of the alliance without Val losing Lola,” Duke says, seeming burdened. “It’s not like I’d make them break up. Hell, even if I wanted to be an asshole and insist Lola ditch Val, she wouldn’t listen. She’s got stars in her eyes.”

“Then, maybe you don’t need to worry so much,” I mumble, wondering if Duke has stars in his eyes over me.

Like my pa, Duke doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. Of course, I know Pa-Donovan is crazy about Ma-Journey because I see them in their quiet moments. But they don’t act that way when they’re around other people.

Meanwhile, Auntie Poppy and Uncle Emmett are always making a show of sneaking off to have sex. Then, there’s Auntie Justice who can’t go an hour without reminding everyone how she’s super horny for Uncle Court. Even Queen Meemaw Christine and King Peepaw Jared get wildly inappropriate in public from time to time. I’ve also seen my great-grandparents humping against the side of homestead houses.

In contrast, my parents aren’t showoffs. Sure, they hold hands, hug, kiss, and are all-around affectionate. They’re just subtle about it.

Duke’s the same way. That’s why when I look at him right now, I can’t tell if he feels for me what Val does for Lola. There are no declarations of love in front of an audience. No dancing around to celebrate finding his dream girl.

Normally, I detest drama for drama’s sake. But what I wouldn’t give right now for Duke to throw a little Earlham crazy into the mix. Then, I’d know we are on the same page.

DUKE, AKA A MAN WITH A WEIGHT ON HIS SHOULDERS

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Edith is a difficult woman to read. She’s the kind of beautiful that feels delicate and in need of protection. Yet, she’s the daughter of a dangerous man.

The Rawkfist club business isn’t hidden from her. Like Lola and Clover, Edith is aware of what her dad and brothers are up to when they leave late at night.

I suspect her virginity is what’s throwing me off. She isn’t naïve or fragile as much as inexperienced and fussy.How many men has Edith dismissed in her quest for the perfect man?She didn’t care enough about them to push for more. Walking away from them was easier. With me, the power has shifted. She cares how things between us play out.

Edith studies me before asking, “Do you think your family will disapprove of me?”

“Why would they?” I ask and then add, “Do you mean because you’re only a few years older than Lola?”

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