CHAPTER THIRTY Unexpected Visitors

Cole—

“Did you have a good trip, baby?”

Angel rolls her head on the headrest and meets my gaze with a serene smile. “I had a wonderful time, honey. God, it was so good to get away and have some time, just the two of us.”

“I totally agree.” I rest one wrist on the steering wheel and take her hand, kissing the back. “I’m all for alone time with my beautiful lady.” I glance at the clock. It’s almost noon. “We should be home soon.”

“Thanks for the side trip to Monterey and Carmel. It was beautiful.”

“It was.” I kiss her hand again. “You know I’d do anything to make you happy, don’t you?” My expression turns serious, my smile disappearing.

She studies me. “Of course, I do. You’ve been so good to me, Cole. I hope you know how much I’ve loved our life together. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

My phone goes off, and I look at the screen before putting it to my ear. “This better be good, Crash. I said no distractions on this trip.”

“It’s big, prez. And you’re not gonna like it.”

He’s talking in a low voice, and everything in me goes on alert, my body straightening in my seat. I’m well aware of Angel noticing my reaction. “Talk to me.”

“Shades is here. Showed up at the clubhouse unannounced about fifteen minutes ago with his ol’ lady in tow.”

“What the fuck’s he doing here?” I hear Crash blow out a long sigh.

“He’s lookin’ for his daughter.”

“What?” I bark.

“Seems she flew out to be with Brayden.”

“Where is he?”

“Brayden? I don’t know. I tried him earlier, and his phone seemed to be out of range. I asked Kyle and Rafe to go over to his place and see if he was home, and that’s when they spilled the beans. Seems they rode over there Saturday morning, and she was there.”

“Fucking hell. I’m going to kill that boy. Tell Shades I’m on my way. We should be there in about forty-five minutes. Make them feel welcome.”

“He’s pissed, Cole.”

“I’m sure he is. Let me track down Romeo and see if Juliet is with him. Gotta go.” I disconnect and glare over at Angel. “Your son is an idiot.”

“Cole, now don’t be that way.”

“Did you hear all that? Shades’ daughter flew into town Friday to be with Brayden.” I pause and study her. “Did you know about this?”

“I had no idea, but while we’re on the subject, right before our trip, TJ came to me and told me he’s been worried about Brayden. Said he’s slipped into a deep depression over this girl. Said he’s been hitting the bottle pretty hard, and it’s all over this girl I knew nothing about.”

“Hey, don’t give me that look. I didn’t know about it until they showed up earlier than expected. I thought they’d finished the job, but come to find out, Shades sent them all packing when he caught Brayden with his daughter.”

She sighs. “Well, they obviously have feelings for each other. Why is that so wrong?”

“Because her father can’t stand me, for one.”

“And why is that?” I hear the condemnation in her voice.

“He’s got a long list,” I grumble, dragging a hand down my jaw.

“Maybe you should do something about that.”

“Maybe we should find our son and give Shades and Skylar their daughter back.”

“My God, she’s not a possession to be collected. You men are being ridiculous.”

“Tell that to her father. I dare you.”

“Oh, you dare me, do you? I will. Watch me.”

I chuckle for the first time, the stress wrapped around my chest easing a bit. “I’d love to see that, darlin’. You give him hell for me.”

“Oh, you don’t get off Scot-free either, mister. You’re going to fix things between the two of you. You’re brothers, for God’s sake. You need to work your shit out.”

“Men don’t act like that.”

“Men don’t talk, that’s the problem. Well, that ends today.”

“Oh, Christ.” I slump against my door and hit the gas, barreling down the highway to what’s sure to be a fucking blowup of major proportions. I try Brayden several times and finally, the call goes through, and he picks up.

“Hey, Dad. What’s up?”

“Don’t play stupid with me. Is she with you?”

“Um, is who with me?”

“Shades just showed up at the goddamn clubhouse, Brayden. He’s lookin’ for his daughter.”

“Shit.”

“Exactly. That’s what you just fell into a steaming pile of, moron. I suggest you bring her to the clubhouse asap. I’ll be there in about half an hour.”

“That might be a problem.”

“Did you not just fucking hear me, boy? Get your ass to the clubhouse. Her father’s here to get her.”

“It may take us some time.”

“I swear to God, Brayden. You’re wearing my last nerve. Just get her to the damn clubhouse.”

“We’re up at the cabin.”

My eyes slide closed, knowing I’m going to have to sit with her pissed off father for hours, waiting for them. “Then you better haul ass.”

“Yes, sir.”

I toss my phone on the dashboard with a clatter and glare over at Angel. “Your son is going to be the death of me.”

“Oh, he’s my son, is he? Sounds exactly like you when you were crazy in love with me.”

“I’m still crazy in love with you, Angel. But right now, I’m ready to kill one of our offspring.”