Page 53 of Bullet
It’s true. Lainey met Midnight by chance. She became his receptionist, then the nanny to his twin girls. Now they are a happy family, even with all the bullshit they had to go through.
“Colt came to Texas for me and was willing to uproot his life and move back to the place he tried so hard to escape from for me and our little one. It was how I knew he loved me. It’s the reason why I was able to make the sacrifice to move here. I have to say, I don’t mind, though. This place has become home for us,” Kaitlyn adds.
“If my dad says no, he will be banished from the club. That’s if my father doesn’t kill him on sight. Can I ask him to do that for me?” I ask them.
“You don’t have to. Even if you told him not to, he would. That is, if he loves you. Only time will tell. I suggest you take this time to get to know him without the pressure. You’re not the same woman you were two years ago. Let him meet the new Harlee. You need to get to know him, too. See if this is a risk either of you are even willing to take,” Kaitlyn advises.
It’s good advice. The kind my mom would have given. For a minute, I imagine she is the one who said it. It feels good to think about her again and not fall into a hole of despair.
I’m finding that balance between pain and happiness when it comes to her.
“You’re right. I’ll do that.”
“Well, in the meantime, let’s play some Phase 10 while we chat. I feel like kicking some ass,” Lainey jokes.
“Oh, honey, I’ve been playing since I was in my diapers. I’ll wipe the floor with you.” I laugh.
“Y’all don’t even know what you are getting yourself into. Deal the cards.” Kaitlyn tosses the deck my way.
I smile as I look at the two women. I might not have my mother here, but her influence is everywhere.
It reminds me that she is not truly gone.
“I know you don’t like it, but it’s the only way. We need her DNA,” Trigger says.
“Absolutely not. I’m not doing it. It feels wrong,” I tell him.
Wrath speaks up. “We aren’t asking you to fuck her. Take her on a date. Grab her glass before you leave. Or a fork. Or something.”
I still don’t like it. It feels like I’m taking advantage of a sweet girl while betraying the one whom I haven’t even claimed yet. It has my head in a spiral.
“Listen, she already likes you. I have been texting her on your behalf for two weeks now. She thinks you are funny and charming. It shouldn’t be too hard to keep it up. After tonight, you tell her that you think you are better as friends and slowly ghost her. It isn’t a big deal,” Trigger tells me.
I look to Reaper. “If you really want me to do this, I will. I will never disobey a direct order, but I don’t like it.”
He considers me for several long moments. Then he sighs.
“I don’t like it either, but he tried to kill my wife. Given the chance, he would kill everyone here, including Harlee.” I wince as he continues. “He doesn’t care if they are a female or a child. He will destroy this entire club.”
He’s right. We have already seen the lengths William would go to. Especially now that Reaper is married to Natalie, who William views as his property.
Bringing Harlee into this was a low blow, but it was the truth. If we don’t stop him, he will hurt her and everyone else in the club.
“Fine. Where am I meeting her?” I ask.
“Russo’s downtown. She is meeting you there. She claims it’s for safety, but I have a feeling William doesn’t want her dating. I think that’s why she chose Russo’s. It’s more low-key,” Trigger says.
I nod. “Okay. Do I need to know anything else?”
“I stayed pretty true to your background when speaking with her, so nothing that should come up should raise any red flags.Be as normal as possible. Make her laugh and smile. Then snag her glass on the way out. It’s simple,” Colt tells me.
Simple. As if going on a date with someone who isn’t Harlee is simple.
Still, I’ll do whatever I need to do in order to keep her safe. Even date this woman, who probably has no idea what a monster her father is.
Pushing it all from my mind, I stand. “I’ll go get ready then. I assume I need to take a cage. Which one did you pull for me?”
“Hawk pulled the GTR for you. It screams money, and women seem to like it,” Reaper says.
