Page 18 of Unveiled Wishes

“I don’t see any hung by the fire with care,” Flo pushed. I hid my smile so that I wouldn’t get caught in the middle.

“Oh my God, fucking shit. Would you leave me alone?” Meredith screeched towards Flo. She couldn’t have timed that perfectly. No sooner had the words left her lips than Liz became lucid.

“What did I miss?” she asked.

It was the right thing to say because it diffused the frustration in the room. Saying nothing, Meredith grabbed the level and went to work. I waited until she got about ten stockings ahead of me before I joined in, pinning them to the wall.

I was almost done when I felt a hand on my elbow. Looking over, I saw Flo standing next to me with JR in her arms.

“Say nothing. Just nod if you agree. I need a Santa. If I get the outfit, would you do it?” she whispered.

I shook my head. When Sabre and the others were little, one of the wise men would dress up as Santa for the kids. I’d been a newly patched brother then, and I didn’t want to think about how many years had passed.

“Please, Thunder. The kids will love it.”

I still shook my head. I wanted no part in this.

“I’ll have pictures with Santa for JR.” The little traitor cooed as she said his name.

I would do anything for that kid, but I didn’t want to play Santa. My eyes narrowed at her as she went in for the kill.

“My aunt might even smile at you for doing such a nice thing for her nephew.”

“Fuck.” I’d just agreed.

***

Sabre

We pulled into the parking lot of the Old McMillan Place. Grizz was to my right, and Cyph and Count rode behind us. The two of them had worked together to figure out the best way to buy this place for Grace.

When Pretty had told me that the brothers would help with the renovations, I didn’t know what to think. My first thought had been that they’d trusted Grace’s skills to make it profitable. My second was that she’d been able to fit in. I couldn’t be without her. She was my other half, and I didn’t know what I would have done if they hadn’t accepted her. When I’d asked for the official vote, it had been unanimous.

We parked the bikes and pulled off our helmets. “You two ready?” I asked.

“Yeah, should be easy,” Cyph said. “I already greased the wheels, and Count just has to close it.”

“The deal should already be done. You just have to decide if you want to go through with it.” Count ran his hand over the top of his spikes.

I looked up at the building, but all I saw was a money pit. There was nothing to confirm my feeling, but as I stood there, everything seemed old. “Do you think we’ll have to redo the whole thing?” I asked Grizz.

“Not sure. We’ll have to hire out for an inspection and then go from there.” He smiled. “My ass isn’t getting up on that roof unless I have to.”

“Meredith would probably climb up after and tell you how to do it.” Cyph snorted.

“Nah, she would push me off if she thought it would get her home quicker,” Grizz snickered. “Actually, she’s pretty knowledgeable, so it wouldn’t surprise me if she helped. Her ass isn’t going up on that roof, though.”

I had every confidence in Grace, but I also didn’t want the club to accuse me of thinking with my dick if things went sour. They had approved the renovation spending, but I couldn’t help the dread that crept into my stomach. What if we sank more money into this place than it was worth? It had clearly seen better days. “Last chance,” I asked. “Should we walk away from this?”

Cyph laughed. “Do you even know your Old Lady?”

I couldn’t catch the growl that escaped my lips. I pivoted towards him with my hands planted on my hips, feet shoulder width apart. The frown on my face was so prominent that I could feel it sinking into my skin.

He backtracked quickly. “Her little marketing agency generates at least a million for her smallest client, which is a mom-and-pop bakery. When she works for El Sombra Roja, you’re looking at twenty million on the low end. Let’s not forget, she did this all the while playing trophy wife from her kitchentable. I think you’re good.” He laughed some more as he took off running towards the front door with Count.

“I’ve seen Meredith’s designs. I am not sure whose ideas they are, but there were sketches for weddings, corporate events, and holiday parties. They’re not thinking small, Sabre,” Grizz said.

“If it was just me taking the risk, I wouldn’t care. As much as I believe in Grace, I can’t let the club suffer. I needed a Christmas present, and this is what she wanted.” I could be honest with Grizz. He was the only one who would understand.

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