Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Francis

My pacing and swearing is upsetting Grace. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see her wringing her hands on her lap. About ten minutes ago, she put Damien in her room with the television on, watching one of his movies so he wouldn't hear me losing my fucking mind. Our relationship has been moving along perfectly. Grace and I are getting to know each other, and finally for the first time in my life, I am letting someone in. Well I'm holding back on trying to explain my powers and we've not gone all the way, we haven't consummated our relationship yet.

Well, we've played and I've gotten her off a few times. Holy shit what an experience. Grace is beautiful but watching her get off, I have no words except it took my breath away. She is kinda pissed that I haven't let her get me off. For that to happen, she would have to put her hands on my body. Just the thought makes me panic. What happens if she is really disgusted? Or worse, started and then not only stopped but decided she didn't need the baggage I bring into this budding relationship. That would kill me, so I'm trying to get in deep with her emotionally before we take that final step. I figure if we are emotionally involved, that might help with the physical stuff and my scars won't scare her away.

"Fuck, Brick, when I called tellin' ya I had seen Grace was in trouble I assumed you would take care of them. I trusted you with my girl's life and you what...talked with them? What's next, a campfire, s'mores, and singing "Kumbaya" with those sons of bitches? I'm losing my goddamn mind thinkin' they were that close to my girl yet again."

Hearing a gasp, I see Grace's hands at her mouth, eyes fixed on me. Trying to reassure her, I give her a wink and a grin, which she returns with a cute shy smile of her own. I haven't been too possessive in front of her as of yet, so if she finds out I have the prospects and my brothers from both parts of my life keeping an eye on both her and Damien, she'll probably be pissed. Not to mention worried. I filled them in about Wrecker and his shit club so they are watching her because my skills only go so far. They go as far as being able to tell when she is upset and scared, or even seeing what she sees when her emotions are high. But that isn't all the time. Sometimes they just shut off and I can't have that when that fuckin' crazy-ass MC and its members decide to continue to show up and harass her.

Like today, I saw those assholes following her to the grocery store. That is why I called in Brick. As we were speaking, I watched them get off their bikes and go into the store looking specifically for Grace. That scared the fuck out of me. Even though she wants very little to do with my club, we have received several invites, including poker runs, family barbecues at the clubhouse, and other family friendly events. Fuck, after this, things are changing. Grace is it for me. She has to allow my family in so she can see how wrong she is about the Grimm Wolves.

They already see that she makes me feel alive. Makes me want to start each and every day with both her and Damien.

"Brick, this Sunday, are ya doing the barbecue at the clubhouse? Yeah, we'll be there, all three of us. See ya then. Thanks, Brother."

Finishing the call, I throw my phone on the love seat then sit next to Grace on the couch.

"Francis, about Sunday, maybe we can take a rain check, you think?"

"No, Grace, not another rain check. If we are gonna move forward as a couple, you have to get to know my brothers. They are my family. I've met your parents and have spent time with them, so now you need to get to know mine. Even if they aren't my biological family, I'm proud to be a part of them. And they proved they have your back, today was proof of that."

"I do get that, Francis. Wrecker said the same thing to me, and look where that got me. Even with him locked up, his club continues to harass and scare the crap out of me. And I worry about Damien as he knows nothing about his father."

"Totally different, darlin'. Yeah, both of us are bikers in an MC, but the Grimm Wolves MC is different. I will never pull you into club business, saying that, my club has made progress and now believes in brothers and their families and they protect their own. Trust me, please, baby, give me this? If we get there on Sunday and you or Damien are uncomfortable we can leave. Please, let's try."

Watching the struggle run across her face, my gut gets tight as I can hear how she is arguing with herself. Some of her fears are right on. Unfortunately I fuckin' get that.

Being a nomad, I don't have the same demands or duties as other club members. Brick gives me a ton of leeway due to my other job at the firehouse. That only goes so far though. It helps that he is in the loop about my spidey skills and he has used them to give the club the upper hand when needed in certain fucked-up situations. But I haven't shared any of this with Grace; I'm being cautious. So caught up in my thoughts, I must not have heard Grace call my name because, suddenly, I feel her hand squeezing my arm. I tilt my head to the side to look into those beautiful hazel eyes and the golden aura surrounding her.

"Okay, Francis, we will go on Sunday to meet your family. I know how important they are to you so I will give them a chance. But I just want to remind you; I have to put Damien first, so if I think anything can harm him, we will leave. I have really strong feelings for you, Francis, so I trust you to protect and keep us safe. Saying that, honey, please find out what I can bring to the barbecue, okay? I can't go empty-handed."

I pull her close to me, hugging her tightly. So tight I hear her gasp for breath. God, this woman is a miracle. A goddamn surprise I never saw coming. Instantly, I feel her body tightening then she is pulling away as I catch her thoughts replaying my conversation with Brick. And I can tell when she puts it together and there is no answer to her internal question.

"Francis, how did you see me in danger? That's what you told Brick."

Fuck, I knew the time would come for explanations but I wish it wasn't tonight. My head is spinning with all the noise coming from her thoughts and concerns. All I wanted was some alone time with her. Now this.

"Darlin', can you call Donna to watch Damien for a bit? There are some things I need to explain to you. Don't want to do it here, would prefer somewhere private. We can go to my cabin and talk."

As I watch her, my head is bombarded with her thoughts and mainly her fears. Finally, she looks to me, worry all over her face.

"Okay, Francis. I'll call Donna; you go explain to Damien that we are going to have a rain check for sloppy Joes. But, Francis, tonight I want it all. No more secrets."

My face shows shock as she gets up, grabbing the phone before dialing Donna. I listen for a minute, and then I get up, heading to the bedroom to speak with Damien.

As I enter the bedroom, Damien looks up and shocks the shit out of me immediately. It stops me dead in my tracks at his bedroom door.

"No worries, Francis, I know you have to talk to Momma tonight. We can do sloppy Joes another night. Make sure though to tell her everything. Like she said, she wants it all tonight."

Shit, how did he know? Was he listening to our conversation? I sincerely doubt that as he looks to be in the middle of one of his books. I look down to see Damien grinning at me. Smiling back at my boy, I realize I have no idea what Damien is capable of.

This is something once Grace and I talk, we will need to explore further for his protection.