Page 47 of Property of Scythe
And we still have a festival to run. No psycho killer was going to stop us. The Kings bow to no one.
“Mila will be staying in our room,” I warn Lottie as we load the Hummer. “It might get a bit crowded.”
“It’s okay. I understand, and she needs to be with us.”
This woman is an ol’ lady, and she doesn’t know it. She’s fucking perfect. Loyal. Fierce. Loving.
She fucking hit that clown with Boomer’s Hummer. She’s fearless when she’s trying to protect the ones she cares about.
I want my property patch on her back, and I want her in my bed. I need her, and I think Mila does too. We’ve both fallen for this woman.
Lottie Bishop is ours. I’m going to prove it.
Chapter 15 Lottie
Idon’t know what I was expecting when Scythe told me we’re staying at his clubhouse instead of his home, but it isn’t a barn. And I mean ahugebarn. It’s more than a rustic wooden structure; it’s a fortress.
As we drive up, my jaw drops in shock. We have to be let in because the property is fenced in, and the gate is the only way in or out. I’m told the prospects and a patched member are always on the grounds, and they patrol the whole perimeter. Scythe waves as we pull through, followed by Hangman who’s driving Scythe’s truck.
I open my door and slide from my seat, taking in the beast of a building in front of me. It’s shaped like a horseshoe. As we enter, I see the bar along the back wall. In the center, there are tables with matching chairs. To the right, several pool tables. To the left are leather sofas, chairs, and a couple of coffee tables.
It’s the décor that’s both surprising and warm: the rustic wood fixtures, plenty of light, and a few plants. Framed art adorns the walls, and thick braided rugs cover the hardwood floors.It’s homey. I’m not sure what I think a biker clubhouse looks like, but this isn’t just a place to party. It’s a home.
“Do you like it?” Scythe asks as he pauses beside me.
“I do. It’s beautiful.”
His dimple pops as he grins. “Glad you think so.”
Scythe takes my hand and pulls me into the center of the room. It’s crowded with bikers. I see a few kids and women. The place is packed with members, and I’m guessing family.
“You know why you’ve all been called to The Barn. We’ve got a crisis on our hands, and the club needs to lock down. This is your home. We’ll defend it by any means.”
Fists pound nearby tables and the bar.
“But there’s good news to share.” He glances at me, all smiles. “This is my Lottie. My ol’ lady. If she’ll have me.”
The air fills with an expectant pause, and I feel my cheeks heating with a blush. Everyone is looking at me. “Um, yes?”
There’s an explosion of laughter and fists pounding the tables again. I don’t know what to make of this, and I just giggle. I’m nervous but also flattered.
“It’s okay, baby. You’re family now.”
Mila jumps up and down and throws her arms around my waist. “Are you my mommy now?”
The humor dies as we all realize Mila makes a connection that’s delicate. I don’t want to say the wrong thing. Scythe looks like he’s about to choke on his emotions, so I kneel in front of Mila.
“That’s a really tough job, but if you want, I’d like to try.”
Tears shimmer in her eyes. “I want you to be my mommy. She left and never came back. You never miss school. And you hold my hand and hug me, and when you say my name, it’s with love.”
She’s so intuitive and intelligent. I would be honored to be amother to her. I didn’t know how much until now. “Oh, Mila.” I can’t help the emotion that sweeps over me, almost like a tidal wave.
Scythe kneels beside us. “You just said her name with love again.”
“You’re okay with this?”
“It’s what we both want.”
