Page 17 of Master's Rise
He smiles sending heat scorching through my veins. The man is fine. You’d think being so big wouldn’t look proportional, but his chiseled jaw, high cheekbones and sharp eyes fit perfect. It’s like every feature was measured and tailored by God himself. The dirty blond hair and dimpled cheeks make him look like a Nordic God from one of my old books. It all whizzes through my mind, but he pulls me back in.
“In the city, we had quite a few. This is a new Club and we don’t have the Brothers we did there. The detective and one deputy are it here. Tomorrow we’ll add Brothers at Church more than doubling our numbers.” He’s proud.
That’s a lot of men to add to a small town. I hope Rex is right and they’re better behaved than what we have. “Did all the men follow you from the old Club?”
“A lot, but we have Brothers from other Clubs moving in and Badass Nomads showing. They’re from other Clubs but will only stay on here for a while.”
I nod. “As the word implies, they move around.”
This smile lights his eyes, I like it. “Yeah.” He looks at the men as they stand. “I’ll see you at Church. Raid, meet me and McCabe at the bar. It’s set for three when he gets off.”
“Roger, Boss.” Raid turns my way. “Thanks for the pizza, Seren. It’s better than we’re used to. If it’s copacetic, I’ll take the rest to the back for the Prospects.”
I almost laugh. “That’s fine. Thanks for the manual labor.”
He nods. “It’s all relevant.”
Cort stands up. “Get the fuck out of here already.” I’m glad he’s smiling.
When they walk toward the back, he smiles my way. “I need to take Rex’s dictionary away. He’s doing the word of the day again like when we were kids.”
Rex is cute. I smile but feel he should know why. “He’s doing it for you. It’s to remind you of the Brotherhood you learned with the crows or something like that.”
He laughs. “Fucking Rex. To remind me of what I learned from Crow. He was our President. I was a kid raised in the Club, then his VP. He took me on before I finished school. The man was a little crazy, he went around convincing the older Brothers to vote for me because the Club needed educated Brothers to grow.” His look turns pensive. Something in there touches him.
Rex told me Cort loved the old President. “Sounds like he was right. When Reed died, Rex spent a lot of time with my dad. He became sort of an uncle to me. They were in the navy together so they had plenty of old stories to tell. I think I heard all of them at least twice.” I smile remembering. They had some crazy stories. “When my dad died, Rex stepped in. He’s been that dependable uncle that I grew to love. Over the last year, he’s shared more than ever before. Since you’ve been here, he seemed at loose ends. He wanted you to take over but you weren’t happy and he felt responsible. He never said it out loud, but I could see it and felt it all the time. When you decided to open a Club here, he was ecstatic. Word of the day, the pit thing he’s doing tomorrow and planning your birthday party have made his year. Let him have that.For when we have joy we crave to share:...”
“So we remember them.” He finishes making me laugh. “Thank you. I’ll let him share and remember the moments.”
What a profound thought. “So will I. Sorry for the speech, but I wanted you to know why we’re close.”
He’s quiet for a minute and I see emotions in his eyes but not on his face. “I didn’t know so it helps. Losing so much, in a short time, left me missing shit with my uncle. I’m glad you’ve been here for him when I wasn’t.” Pain strikes him deeply and shows in and around his eyes.
I nod at that, feeling my eyes burn. “Lately Rex has been here forme. I was a basket case when my dad died and he held me up when I needed it.”
He loads plates on the tray I used and we silently work together clearing the table.
Taking my hand, he walks me to the back. “If you need them to do anything else, just let them know. I saw the box of cups waiting to go in the dishwasher. They can help.”
He’s a good guy. Or should I say Brother like Rex says? “I will. Thanks for dealing with Jimmy and lending me help.”
He laughs. “You pretty much had Jimmy handled, we just carted him away. I don’t want to sound condescending, but I’m proud of how you handled yourself. Rex doesn’t seem to know that you can.”
I shake my head. “He’s got it in his head that the men are going to join forces and gang-rape me.”
With a steely-eyed look, he almost growls out, “That’s how I heard it and I’m not sure what the hell is going on with the town, but we’ve got surveillance around the building. Call or make it outside to a camera if you need help.” His whole demeanor changes to fierce with steel underlying his words. I can see him ordering troops in battle.
I nod and try to lighten him up with a salute. “Aye, Aye, Captain.”
He laughs bending toward me. “You’re cute. I’ve never been a captain but think I’d enjoy it with you.”
Whoa! He kisses my lips and walks out. I blow out a breath and my brain starts again. I should have told him,I’d swab your deck. It’s always after you need the good comebacks that they show up. Damn.
“Miss, I know how to run a dishwasher,” a young guy tells me. He’s got a hopeful fresh-faced look to him making me smile. He wants to do a good job for his boss.
“We have to stay together. Alone with the ol’ ladies can get you killed, Brother.” The guy sounds serious with a worried frown to make his point. “Let’s finish this then go to the kitchen together.”
The eager guy looks crestfallen. I put up my hand. “I don’t know your rules so you do what you need to. I’m just thankful I got help.”
