Page 47 of Marx

“Eh, its my house,” Pops shrugs. “I can be wherever the fuck I want to be.”

I stare at him for a moment, before letting him win this one. “Yes. We’re going to put together a date. Is there a nice place around here where we can picnic or something? I don’t want to take her to town just yet, it’s too fucking dangerous.”

“Let me ask the kids.”

Before I can ask what the hell that means he takes off like his ass is on fire, back to Lovely’s cabin and the Girl Gang.

“What the fuck have I gotten myself into?” I mutter to myself.

I kick at the floorboards again, getting the sway going, thinking about all the shit that needs to happen, and in what order so we can all get home safe. I’m not willing to risk anyone. I almost fucking lost Fox and Lovely, I can’t have anyone else on my conscience.

Chapter 16

Lovely

“Let’s get this party started!” Ana whoops, Jr on her hip. “Mama needs a drink.”

She pushes past me in the doorway and heads straight for the counter. Nat gives me an apologetic smile and all my ladies file in through the door. Vi with Juno, Chewy with Laney, Blanche with Tess, Nat with Rosie, Remy, Mira, Kaia, Mama Debs and Pops. Pops is an honorary lady we decided. I mean, it’s not the Girl Gang without Pops, is it?

“Knock knock, do you have space for two more?” An accented voice drifts through the open doorway.

“Yes! Come in, come in,” I wave both hands at Sasha and Dima and we all make room for them in my cabin.

“And one more hanger on?” Mad Dog’s voice drifts through the door as he enters with a cheeky smile.

“Yes, and you too.” I roll my eyes, closing the door behind him.

It’s not the largest space, so it’s definitely filled to the brim tonight, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love having guests, making them feel at home. For some reason it feelsdifferent here than it did at the Keep. There it was an obligation. Here it’s a pleasure.

“What film are we watching?” I call out, bringing bowls of chips, dips and a whole charcuterie board I learned to make from the internet.

Vi lets out a low whistle, “Well, well well, look at little Miss Domesticated here.” I roll my eyes at her and flick her with the dish cloth.

“Let’s put a kids film on in the background and then while they’re busy watching all the colors and sounds, we can catch up on gossip.”

“Yeah, good plan. I don’t feel like we know enough about the new girl yet,” Nat winks at Kaia.

The other woman doesn’t flinch. From what I know of her she’s one tough cookie. We talked for around an hour today before she thought she better see what her twins were up to. I really like her and I think if she gives us, and Judge a chance, it’ll be the best thing that ever happened to her little family.

Dima very helpfully finds some kids show to put on, and the toddlers all make their way to the colorful rug in front of the TV.

“Should we be worried? They’re all staring at the thing like we don’t exist,” Remy mutters.

“Nah, I’m sure they’ll be fine. We’ll counteract it with some classical music or something, right Chewy?” Vi asks.

“I can come up with an easy to follow brain growth routine if you all would like one?”

“So, Lovely, how is Marx?” Pops butts in, saving us from having to decline Chewy’s very generous offer.

I wait for my friends to stop making “ooohing” noises before I say anything. Well, that and I have to get my thoughts straight. “Marx is fine. He said he wants to try to, I guess, date me? He wants a relationship, so, whatever that looks like.”

“And he’s treating you well? No saying shitty things?” Ana asks, eyes narrowed. “Cos if he is, I can get Sasha or Roman to kick his arse for you.”

“As nice as that sentiment sounds, he is treating me well. I mean, we’ve had rocky patches, but I get it. The pressure on him is immense at times. Look how many of us look to him for guidance, or to keep us safe.”

Nat bobs her head from side to side, and Mira shrugs. Remy looks thoughtful and I know she is more like me personality-wise. She spends time watching people.

“I don’t care what he’s got going on. As long as he’s treating you right,” Pops grumbles.

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