Page 31 of Misrule
Knox had never been one for PDA, but he just couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself. He’d stroked her hair, caressed her neck, wrapped an arm around her.
She’d sat next to him, as if his touch meant nothing to her, only now responding—with a goddamn pat like he was a fucking dog.
For over a week, he’d suffered through their separation. Not that time apart mattered to her.
“Stay as long as you need to,” Roxanne continued as she stood. “Bailey, lock up once everyone leaves. I’m going to turn in for the night.”
“Momma, are you okay?”
“Fine, baby,” Roxanne said with reassurance. She gazed at Knox.
He swore he saw longing and need. And love.
“Just tired,” she said on a sigh.
“Are you too tired to talk to me about an issue I’m having?” Zoann asked in a small voice.
Val frowned. “Puff, what the fuck going on?” he asked gruffly. “You sick or something? Why the fuck you talking like that?”
“Because Roxy’s tired and I don’t want to tax her,” Zoann answered. “She has a lot on her plate.”
“I’m fine,” Roxanne said, her strong, sure voice leaving no doubt to the truth of her words. “Come on upstairs with me.”
Bailey gave the smallest nods to Megan. If Knox hadn’t been staring at each woman, feeling as clueless as the bikers looked, he might have missed it.
“Mortician,” Megan started. “I made a new drink for you to try. I completely forgot about it and left it at home. Would you like to come to the house and try a bit?”
“Meggie girl, what—”
“Lucas, I would hate for Meggie’s hard work to go unappreciated,” Bailey said quickly. “Why don’t you go and try the drink?”
“Can I try it too?” Digger asked. “Or it’s just for Mort?”
“No, silly,” Megan said with a beaming smile. “I’ve actually made a special snack for you.”
Outlaw folded his arms and smirked at Megan, who quickly averted her eyes.
“Val, Johnnie, come and try the new drink and snack, too,” she said after a moment. “Let’s leave Roxy to talk to Zoann, so she can get the rest she needs.”
Her words seemed to amuse Outlaw all the more. Flushing, she threw him the evil eye and he winked at her.
“Harrington, since all these motherfuckers comin’ the fuck over, bring your ass, too,” Outlaw ordered, grinning at Megan and ignoring Knox even though the invitation was for him.
Megan glared at Outlaw, then sniffed. “Knox isn’t invited,” she said on a sullen mumble.
“I want the motherfucker there, baby,” Outlaw said firmly.
“If Meggie don’t want Knox there, Outlaw, you can’t force the child to welcome him,” Roxanne stated, not in the least offended that Megan had just snubbed him. She nodded to Knox. “Why don’t you go back to the clubhouse, sugar? I’ll give you a call in a bit.”
He wouldn’t make a scene in public, so he conceded with all the graciousness of a Harrington. “Of course, sweetheart.”
Pretending her attitude didn’t hurt, Knox departed the house and left Roxanne in the care of Bailey and Zoann. She didn’t try to stop him or kiss him or evenacknowledgehim.
That cut. Each night apart from her was like a knife wound. His bed, his heart—fuck!—hissoulfelt empty without her. Yet, she was being Biker Mom, instead of his love.
He didn’t say much during the walk along the path. Outlaw led the way, holding Megan’s hand, and whispering to her. Every now and then, she laughed. Digger kept an arm around Bunny’s neck as the two of them chatted with Mortician, while Val and Johnnie walked side-by-side, in low conversation.
Knox walked alone. He wasn’t sure how much more of this he’d take. His first marriage had broken down because of a lack of communication. He and his ex-wife had gotten to a point where all they did was go out of their way to hurt one another. It had been a shock to Knox. Everything in life had always come so easily to him. But marriage had been work. It had been compromising and adjusting to someone else’s needs and ideas.
