Jauhnna Chapter 14

Brooklyn, Torch, and the kids stayed almost three full days. We spent lots of family time with them, getting to know them and vice versa. I learned a ton about Dublin Falls. It sounded like a great place. I wanted to see it for myself one day. We spent a decent amount of time at the clubhouse with the rest of the members as well. They were all thrilled to see them, and they paid attention to the kiddos. It was fun to watch these big, tattooed men play with Thane. He loved it, and it was obvious he did it at home. He had zero fear of the hulking men.

While they were here, I found out Diablo ordered that no club sluts or hangers were allowed at the clubhouse until it was after midnight. They had to be cleared out by six before the kids got up and there was the risk of Thane seeing any of them. I was surprised none of the guys voiced objections, but it seems to me they were used to it. It pleased me. I'd seen the women the one time, and since then I'd avoided being there when they were, I knew it wouldn't last. I had to conquer the feelings of insecurity when I thought of or saw them.

We saw the little family off early yesterday. They wanted to be back before today, which was Halloween. Apparently, the Dublin Falls gang had a big party planned. Early in the evening, they'd celebrate by going trick or treating with the kids in town, and then it was back to their clubhouse for games, food, and fun. Thane was old enough this year to enjoy dressing up to get candy and then to play.

A part of me wished I could see it. Being with them for these few days had set up that yearning again. The one where I wanted kids desperately. I tried to be logical and remind myself it wasn't possible, but it didn't make a difference. I swear, when I held Jai, my ovaries twinged.

Today, it was back to the normal routine, which was me sitting at the compound bored and Diablo off to work. I hated begrudging him the freedom to leave since I knew it was to work, but I needed something to do. Restlessness was growing. If they didn't do something soon about Galway and Janus, I'd have to demand I be allowed to leave the compound and explore the town. It seemed I would be staying here, so there was my apartment in Georgia to sort out and a job here to find. There were things to do if they'd allow me.

The thought of a job led me to be on the computer in Diablo's office, researching local animal shelters or any business that dealt with animals. I'd always wanted to go to college and be a veterinarian. Of course, Father refused to allow it. Why did I need an education or job when my value was to be a bargaining chip only? That's why when I was finally free of Galway, I ended up finding work with animals. I couldn't be a vet, but I could still help them in some tiny way.

I was more than excited to see St. Augustine had more than a couple of places that rescued or sheltered animals. Even better, a few were looking for people. I grew excited. Could I apply and see if they would even interview me? If I got a job, wouldn't Diablo have to let me go to work? I knew why he was so protective, but I was about to lose my mind.

Determination filled me. I wasn't a prisoner. Diablo wasn't my warden. This thinking was what pushed me to apply to a few of them. I hit a snag, though, when I didn't know the address of the compound to put on the applications. I almost gave up until I saw mail on his desk with the address. From there, I just supplied my regular information. I was feeling good when I was done. I would tell Diablo what I did when he got home.

With that out of the way, I spent the remainder of the day with the horses. Cowboy had told me I was a natural, and he now left me to do whatever I wanted with them. He trusted me, which was amazing. I knew how protective he was of his horses. They were like his children. If I ran into anything worrisome, I had his number to call him.

I got so caught up in the horses I was caught off guard to note it was after five o'clock when I walked back into the house. Diablo would be home any minute. I hurried to the bathroom to take a shower. I smelled of horses and hay. Stripping off my clothes, I barely let the water get hot before jumping in. Wetting then soaping my hair, I scrubbed it thoroughly. I was rinsing out the conditioner when I felt a draft, and then hands touched me.

In the past, I would've screamed and instantly gone into fighting mode, but I was secure here, so I knew it had to be Diablo, but I decided to mess with him.

"Whoever you are, I don't think my man will like you being in here with me."

"Whoever I am? Woman, there better not be anyone getting in the shower with you but me. I'm the only one allowed to see or touch this body. Understand?" He finished his lecture with a sharp, stinging slap to my ass.

I cried out, partially in shock at the unexpectedness of it and partially because of the electrical shock it sent through my body. It went to my pussy and breasts. My nipples hardened, and my pussy began to get slick.

"Shit, I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to do that," he said hurriedly. His hand rubbed the spot gently.

I didn't want him to stifle who he was out of fear he'd trigger something in me. I loved that he wanted to do it, but I needed the real Diablo. His being someone else wouldn't make either of us happy in the long run. I wanted us to last. I reached back and grabbed his hand in mine.

"Do that again. I don't know if I fully understood you," I told him. I made sure my tone was sultry.

A groan came from him. "Are you sure?"

I let go of his hand, pushed my ass back toward him, and wiggled it. His hand left my cheek, then I yelped and jumped when a second smack landed. I moaned, which made him swat me a few more times. Each one was harder than the last and was sending my body into a frenzy of need. Who knew spanking could do that to me? Suddenly, I was moved toward the built-in seat, and my back was pressed on, making me bend forward.

"Put your hands on that and stick your ass out. Fuck, I can't wait, Jauhnna. Please tell me you're ready for me," he muttered.

His fingers probed my pussy, and I knew he found I was more than a little wet for him. A groan followed then I felt the hard head of his cock pushing against my entrance a moment before he thrust hard, parting me and filling me to the max. I moaned loudly and gripped the seat.

His pelvis barely kissed mine before he pulled back and slammed into me. He set up a hard pace, but I had no objections. I was consumed with desire. I wanted to come. These past few nights, especially last night, had set off intense sexual yearnings in me. Ones I never imagined I would experience.

"Christ, I could live inside of you, Serenity. You have no idea how wonderful you feel or how you make my body react."

I wasn't able to answer him because I was just on the edge of an orgasm, and it was going to be a big one, so all I did was whimper. He was pounding in and out, and I loved it. What sent me tumbling over the figurative cliff was the two slaps he gave me on the same ass cheek he'd spanked before. It sparked me, and I detonated. I clamped down on him and screamed as I came. He was swearing and frantically stroking in and out. I was still in the throes of my release when he froze, bellowed, then began to come. His warmth flooded my pussy. I felt his cock jerking inside of me.

When I was done, I was barely able to hold myself up. All I wanted to do was melt into a puddle on the floor of the shower. He was slumped over my back, breathing heavily on my neck. I was about to suggest we get out and move to the bed when he stood, withdrew, and then stormed out of the shower and disappeared. What the hell was that about?

"Victor, come back," I yelled. I got no answer. I tried again.

"Victor, where are you?" Again, nothing.

I hastily shut off the shower and got out. I barely dried my skin before wrapping a towel around my wet hair and rushing out to the bedroom. He wasn't there. Desperately, I ran out of our bedroom and started to search the other bedrooms. As I did, I called for him, but he never answered. I was about to panic when I found him. He was in his office, staring down at his desk with his head bowed.

"Victor, what the hell is going on? Why did you leave the shower? And you wouldn't answer me. What did I do wrong?" I asked. My voice was funny because I was trying not to cry.

He shook his head. He didn't look at me as he answered. His voice was tight and gruff. "You didn't do anything wrong. I did."

"What did you do wrong? I don't understand. I thought you were into it."

"I was. It wasn't that, believe me. God, I didn't even give you a choice. I just ordered you to bend over. Hell, I pushed you over, then I took you. When we came, I realized something." He stopped and took a deep breath.

"What did you realize?" I prompted. I needed to understand where his head was and why. This Diablo I hated to see. He appeared and sounded defeated in a way.

"That I'm no better than Galway. He gave you no choice every time he took you, and I just did the same. I might've half asked if it you were ready, but I didn't wait for an answer. You had to have thought that. Christ, I'm sorry, baby, so sorry. I never want you to accept me out of fear. I'm demanding, I know that, but you don't have to submit. I won't hurt you or get angry. I swear, I'm working to curb those dominant tendencies. Please, tell me I didn't just fuck us up." His tone was pleading, and he was looking at me now. There was fear on his face and tears in his eyes. He was truly torn up and concerned.

I moved over to stand next to him. He turned enough to face me completely. I slid my arms around him and hugged him to me. His hands came up hesitantly to grip me close.

"Victor Tate, I want you to listen very closely to me. Are you listening?"

He nodded as he said, "Yeah, I'm listening."

"You are nothing like Galway, not even a smidge. I don't ever want to hear you say such a thing again. It's blasphemy to say that. What you did in that shower was nothing like him. You were dominant, I agree, but I know if I said no, you would've stopped. He wouldn't have. You were forceful when you took me. He would've been violent, trying to hurt me. You only wanted me to experience pleasure, which, in case you missed it, I did in a spectacular way."

His chest rumbled as he silently laughed. I kept going.

"Those spankings made me hot. I loved those. The way you took me was hot and amazing. You acted like you were dying to have me. That's a huge turn-on for me and makes me want you even more. I've never felt I was wanted for a good reason. Sex was always used as a punishment. You make me see what it should be. We can be frantic and desperate and crazy to have each other, but I know it will always be with our mutual satisfaction as the goal, not my humiliation or pain. I don't want you to suppress your dominant side, Victor. I want the real you, and I want all of you. Can you give me that? I won't live with half a man or half of a life. I've already lost too many years to bullshit."

He let out a groan, and then I was lifted and swung around. He sat me on the desk and then kissed me. It was a hot kiss filled with yearning and promise, I thought. I returned it just as eagerly. We kissed for a long time before he broke it. When he did, I saw the passion and love on his face. As we kissed, I felt him grow hard. Reaching out, I grasped him, and then I leaned back on my free arm and spread my legs. The towel gaped open. His eyes went straight to my exposed pussy. That kiss had reignited my passion for him.

"Take me, Victor. Take me on your desk and make sure I know you're my man, and you will always see to my every need, just as I will yours."

He growled before pressing me flat. His hands yanked my ass to the edge of the desk then he was sliding into me. We both moaned together at how wonderful it felt. I expected him to take me hard and fast. Instead, he stared into my eyes as he stroked in and out slowly.

"I love you, Jauhnna. I love you so goddamn much. I never want to lose you. I wouldn't be able to stand it. I'd take out the world and then join you. Do you understand? You're my life. I love you. If I ever want something you don't, please tell me."

"I will tell you, Victor. I love you, too. I had no idea that feeling like this was possible. I'm yours."

He slowly drove me out of my mind. I never knew slow and easy could be as hot and mind-altering as fast and hard. When I came, he was right there with me, and we both smiled and then kissed as our orgasms ebbed away. I sighed and closed my eyes in contentment.

???

"Baby, it's time to wake up, or we'll miss it," Victor's voice jerked me awake. As I surfaced, I thought back to how I got in bed. The last thing I recalled was being on his desk after he'd made love to me. I opened my eyes and sat up. He was across the bedroom putting on his cut.

"Did I fall asleep?"

He grinned. "Yep, I must've worn you out. I hate to wake you up. You looked so peaceful, but we don't want to miss this."

"Miss what?"

"Trick or Treat. It starts in just over an hour. We need to get to the senior community center."

"Why?" I felt muddled. What was he talking about?

"Each year, the club does a Trick or Treat after-party at the senior center. They serve hot chocolate, coffee, and goodies to the kids after they get done gathering their candy. The seniors love to see the kids in costumes and interact with them. We help with the cost of the chocolate, coffee, and other items for the event. It's become a pretty big thing. We all go and help out."

I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. He followed. I saw myself in the mirror. My hair was wild from sleeping with it wet. I grabbed my brush and attacked it. As I did, I gave him hell.

"Why didn't you tell me this ahead of time? I would've been ready. And how can I go? You said I have to stay hidden here at the compound."

"You don't want to go?"

"Yes, I want to go. I'm dying to get out and do something. I just don't understand how this is all alright tonight but not any other time. Or why you sprung it on me?"

"We'll be in an enclosed environment, and the whole club will be there. Also, I know how crazy being cooped up is driving you. I wanted to surprise you, so I didn't tell you. My intention was to tell you as soon as I got home, but I was sidetracked by the sexy goddess in my shower, and you know what happened. I'm sorry. My surprise could've been timed better."

I put down my brush and moved over to hug him. I raised up on my toes, and he leaned down so I was able to kiss him. When I was done, I smacked his chest. "Stop distracting me. I need to get ready. How long do I have before we leave?"

"Half an hour. We're meeting the guys at the clubhouse and riding in together."

"Well then, get." I waved him away.

He chuckled as he left the bathroom. I got to work. I made his deadline and had my hair braided, makeup on, and dressed to be on his bike with two minutes to spare. I was pumped to go for a ride with him. He'd taken me around the compound on it when I confessed I'd never ridden. I enjoyed it, but I wanted to feel what it was like out on the road. When I walked into the kitchen, he was waiting. He scanned me up and down before giving me a nod and smile.

"Perfect. You ready?"

"I am. I'm not sure which I'm more excited about—getting out or riding your bike."

"Well, then, let's get your sweet ass on that bike and see. We need to meet the guys at the clubhouse first, then we'll go."

I happily went with him. We walked over to the clubhouse, holding hands. He must've left his bike there rather than riding it to the house when he got off work. Coming up the hallway to the common room, you could hear the roar of the guys talking and laughing. They were in a good mood. When we entered, they all turned to face us. They were smiling, although I had no idea why. Greetings were called out, and I returned them. We went over to stand by Scorpion. He whistled.

"That's it. You look almost like a biker's old lady dressed like that. Good. Hey, Pres, she's missing something, don't you think? Without it, she's not totally pulling off the old lady vibe."

I glanced down at myself, trying to figure out what he meant.

"You're right, VP, but I think I have a solution for that," Diablo said confidently.

I glanced over at him to find him smiling at me. Butcher came from somewhere and placed a box in his outstretched hand. Diablo handed it to me. Putting it on the table next to us, I scolded him.

"Diablo, you don't need to keep buying me things. What is it?"

"Open it and find out. As for buying you things, you'd better get used to it because I have no intention of stopping."

I rolled my eyes, but I did smile. He was so sweet yet obstinate. I undid the bow on top and lifted the lid. Everyone had gotten surprisingly quiet. I gasped as the content appeared. I was afraid to pick it up in case it wasn't what I thought it was. Diablo must've read my mind because he did it for me. I got teary-eyed as I examined it.

It was a property cut like the one Brooklyn had worn while she was here. Her cut was the first one I'd seen up close. I'd been envious of it, if the truth be told. Seeing the double horse logo of the Horsemen was wonderful, but it didn't compare to seeing Property of Diablo written on it. He slowly turned it so I was able to see the front. Stitched on the upper left side, over my heart, was the word Serenity .

Unable to wait any longer, I let out a squeal and held out my arms to the side. This caused the room to laugh. Diablo chuckled as he slid it on. I hugged it to myself.

"I hope it's alright that I bought it. Or do you want me to return it?" he teased.

"Try to, and I'll cut your ass or smother you in your sleep," I threatened.

Hoots and hollers rang out.

"Hot damn, she's converted to an old lady, alright. Let's get this show on the road so we can get back and have a drink to celebrate our queen," Scorpion yelled out.

The others all shouted their agreement. This broke up the group, and the guys began to head for the parking lot. Diablo hugged me close and gave me a quick kiss before we followed them.

"Now you can't get away. It's official. You're my old lady."

"I wasn't planning to get away. You're stuck with me."

He smiled as he led us outside to the line of bikes. When we got to his, he had another surprise for me. Sitting on the passenger seat was a helmet. It had the words Diablo's Serenity in flowing script on it in glittering red. It popped on the matte black helmet. I had to give him another kiss, which was interrupted by the guys calling out we'd be late if the two of us didn't stop all the sucking faces. I gave them the finger, which they found hilarious.

Diablo helped me get the helmet on, and then he handed me a leather jacket. It was in my size. On the back, it had the same thing as my property cut. The man wanted me covered in him. I didn't mind at all. I proudly put it on, then let him help me straddle the bike behind him. In no time, the bikes came alive, and the roar of the engines made my body vibrate. As a unit, we swept out of the compound gates and got on the road into town. I was psyched to finally see it.

The ride into town wasn't as long as I hoped. I found I enjoyed the vibrating ride along with the wind in my face. It was refreshing and freeing at the same time. At one point, it felt so amazing I spread both arms and yelled out my delight. This made all the guys honk their horns. The cars passing us slowed down and stared at us. I waved at them.

When we got within the city limits, the club slowed down. It was dark. Kids were running everywhere, trick or treating. You couldn't be too careful in case one darted out in the road. They made their way through town until they came to a parking lot. They all pulled in and ran their bikes up into the grass. I assumed that was to leave room for cars to park later. I worried for a moment the center wouldn't like it, then I saw the sign, Horsemen Parking . I guess not.

As we shut down and everyone got off, I had to ask. "How did you guys get hooked up with the center? Don't take this wrong, but it doesn't seem like something a bunch of bikers would do."

"It isn't in a lot of cases, but unlike the outlaw, one-percenter clubs, we do things to benefit others by holding poker runs, charity events, and fundraisers for the things we believe in. This senior community center is filled with elderly who have served our country and done other vital things. Now they're older, and people tend to forget about them. We got involved in a Christmas charity event for kids, and this brought us into contact with this group. One of the members got us involved. It grew from that."

It pleased me to know what they did for others. I was anxious as we entered a couple of minutes later. The room was more than half full, mostly of older people. They looked up when we came in. Smiles spread, and suddenly, different ones were calling out the guys' names. They knew them by sight. The men returned their greetings, and they used their names. Diablo hadn't been exaggerating. They did know them rather well.

I was garnering lots of curious stares. I guess being the only woman among a horde of bikers would attract attention. Diablo had his arm around me as he led me to a table right in the middle of the main room. Sitting at it were several men and a couple of ladies. He stopped next to one of the men. The man was tattooed like my man, with a long white beard and hair pulled back in a ponytail. He sat erect and had a watchful look about him. He ran his eyes up and down me before he looked at Diablo.

"You gonna introduce me, boy? It seems you have something to tell me." His voice was deep and powerful despite his age.

"I was about to do that. Hold your horses. So damn impatient. I'd like to introduce my old lady, Jauhnna. Baby, this is Sledge. He's a retired member of the club. He and my dad, Fiend, were best friends. He tries to keep this unruly bunch in line." He said the last part louder. The seniors around the room all chuckled and heckled him. It was fun to see and hear.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," I said to Sledge as I held out my hand. I wasn't sure what to do when meeting a former Horseman. Heck, I didn't know there were any, but it did raise the question of how many there were and why they left. Was there an age limit?

His stern expression turned to a smile as he took my hand, but he didn't shake it. Instead, he raised it to his mouth and kissed it. He tongued my knuckles. I was shocked. Diablo growled at him.

"Stop trying to flirt with her and keep your mouth and tongue to yourself, you old bastard. Babe, I'll take you to wash your hand when he lets go."

Sledge just laughed, placed a second kiss, then let go. "You can't blame me for trying. She's beautiful. I'm not dead. Honey, if you drop his ass and become mine, I'll die way sooner and leave you all my money and possessions. You'll be a young widow and can choose any man you want after I'm gone. I'll be your sugar daddy."

I had to laugh at his wiggling eyebrows. "I'm sorry, Sledge, but I can't. See, I love this growly man beside me, and I have to stick with him. I hope you understand. Your offer, while having some appeal, just can't compare to being his."

He nodded. "Good goddamn answer. She'll do. Now, why am I just hearing about her? How long have you been hiding her?"

"We met just over a month ago. We've been busy," Diablo explained.

I was surprised when an older woman walked over and handed me a wet wipe. She rolled her eyes as she tapped Sledge on the shoulder and shook her head before walking off. I guess this wasn't unusual for him. It made me wonder how many of the ladies in here he romanced. He was still a fine-looking man. I guessed him to be in his early seventies.

"A month? And how long has she had the property cut?"

"I gave her that tonight, but she was claimed before that."

"Why so long? You had to take that long to know?"

I thought he'd question him on how fast it was, but no, he thought Diablo was slow.

"Sledge, I knew almost the instant I saw her, but there were some extenuating circumstances. I'll explain later. This isn't the place for it."

Sledge perked up as a knowing look spread over his face. "Got it. Well, welcome, Jauhnna. Make yourself at home. If you need anything, just ask. The kids should start filtering in within the hour."

"Thank you. Can I help get anything ready? I hate to just sit and watch others work."

He rose to his feet. "She'll make an excellent old lady. Come with me, and I'll introduce you to the ladies in the kitchen. They'll be able to tell you if anything needs to be done."

And that was how I was slowly introduced to a crowd of seniors. As time passed, Diablo and the guys made the rounds. They did some heavy lifting and set up more tables and chairs. The ladies in the kitchen were busy getting drinks and desserts ready. I helped wherever they pointed. They were full of curiosity about who I was, where I came from, and how I'd captured the elusive, sexy Diablo, their words. More than one ogled him unrepentantly in front of me. I answered what I could and was vague only on my past. They let me get away with it.

In no time, it felt like the first kids had come in. Most were with adults. Their costumes were adorable, and I got a kick out of seeing all of them. They came to the counter between the kitchen and the main room to get drinks and food. They were polite, and I chatted to as many as I could about their costumes and how they did on their candy hauls. I was working to refill the desserts when a little girl came up to the counter. She was maybe four years old and the most beautiful thing dressed as a fairy. Her big blue eyes and blond hair made her look like an angel. I smiled at her as I spoke to her.

"Do you want some hot chocolate?"

She didn't answer me, just stared. I went to ask again when the older woman behind her answered for her.

"I'm sorry. She can't hear you. Jaycee is deaf and still learning to read lips. Here, I'll ask her in sign language."

Before she could, I leaned down to get closer to Jaycee's level. "Hello, Jaycee. My name is Jauhnna. Would you like some hot cocoa?" It had been a while since I signed, but I thought I got it all right. The way her face lit up and she smiled told me she understood.

She quickly signed back. Yes, please. How do you know how to sign?

I replied. I learned it growing up. I had a friend in school who was deaf. It's been a long time since I did it, so forgive me if I mess up. Would you like a cookie or brownie to go with your cocoa?

A cookie, please.

Her mom, or maybe it was her grandma, watched us closely. She smiled at me.

"It's great to meet someone who can communicate with her. It's such a fight to find anyone who can. That's why she's still placed with me."

As I got the requested cocoa and cookie, I chatted with her. "Placed?"

"Yes, she's my temporary foster child. We're trying to find her a permanent home, but it's tough. No one seems to know how to sign, and she needs it. She's not old enough to read yet, and if they can't sign, she'd be isolated in a world of nothing. There are families who could take her, but they don't want to learn ASL. She's been with me six months, the poor thing."

I handed over the cocoa and the cookie. Turning to Mabelle beside me, I asked, "Would you be okay if I took a short break? I'd like to talk to this nice lady and this sweetheart."

"Sweetie, take your time. We've got plenty of hands. Go." She waved me away.

Having her permission, I stepped out from behind the counter. I wanted to talk to this woman longer. I led them to a table with open seats. We sat down. I held out my hand. "I'm Jauhnna. It's nice to meet you."

She shook it as she introduced herself: "Hi, I'm Susanna. It's very nice to meet you. Do you do this every year? It's incredible. I'm glad I brought her. She was so excited to get to go trick or treating this year. It was her first time."

"This is my first time too. My man and his club help with this and other events here."

I think that was the moment my cut registered with her. Her eyes rounded. "You're part of the motorcycle gang, the Horsemen of Wrath? I've seen them around town."

"They're not a gang but a club. I got it wrong my first time, too. Yes, they do a lot of things. I was told they help with charities and such. Actually, see that man over there?" I pointed to Sledge. She nodded. "He was a Horseman, but now he's retired. He seems to run things around here. I'm new to this club thing, so I'm still learning. May I ask something personal?"

Susanna nodded, so I asked, "What happened to Jaycee's parents, or is that confidential?"

Jaycee was happily eating her cookie and drinking her cocoa as she watched all the kids around us. I saw yearning there. She wanted to go play with them, but how would she communicate? The poor thing was so isolated. It tore at my heart. I wanted to wrap her up in hugs and kisses and tell her it would all be okay.

"No, I can tell you. They were killed over a year ago. There was a house fire. Her dad got her out and then went back for his wife. They weren't able to get out in time, and the firefighters hadn't gotten there yet."

"Oh my God! The poor girl. What about other family? She has no one?" I asked in shock.

"There were distant cousins, but they didn't want the responsibility of caring for a special needs child. Some have their own children, and others don't want kids. It's a shame because she's the sweetest thing. She was born deaf. They started teaching her sign language as an infant, so she's fluent. She needs a family who can communicate with her. Until we find one, she'll stay with me. I can't let her go to someone who won't even try to be a part of her world."

"I don't blame you. You're a good person to do it. May I ask how you know it?"

"I learned it in college. I had to take a foreign language, and the usual ones didn't interest me, so I took ASL. How about you? I caught you signing something about a friend."

"I had a friend growing up who was deaf, so I learned for her. It's been a while, though."

"You did great."

I was about to ask more about Jaycee when Diablo walked up. He bent down and kissed me. It was quick, but I saw Jaycee. She was staring at him as if mesmerized. When he stood back up, he smiled at Susanna.

"Sorry to interrupt. I had to have a kiss. Are you doing alright, babe?"

"I'm fine. You?"

"Great. Who are your new friends? I'm Diablo, by the way." He held out his hand to Susanna as he introduced himself.

"This is Susanna and Jaycee. Susanna, this is my man, Diablo. He's the president of the Horsemen. We were talking about Jaycee."

"Really? What about her?" He was smiling at her. She was still staring at him. When he smiled, she inched closer and traced a finger over one of his tattoos on his arm, then jerked her hand back.

"Jaycee, it's okay. Diablo won't bite. He's mine. Do you like his tattoo?" I signed and spoke it aloud so Diablo would know what I said. His eyebrows rose in surprise at seeing me signing. Jaycee immediately signed back.

He's your husband? He has pictures like my daddy did. They're pretty.

Knowing she was too young to understand boyfriend versus husband, I left it alone. Her mentioning her daddy made me sad.

"He is. They are pretty pictures. Do you want to see them up close? I bet he'd let you. I want to get one, I think."

As soon as he heard me ask if she wanted to look closer, he grabbed a chair from the table behind us and brought it over. He sat between her and me and laid his arms out on the table for her to inspect. She shyly inched her finger out again and touched a different one.

"Darlin', will you translate what I say? I don't know sign language, unfortunately. I want to tell her about some of them," he asked quietly.

"I will."

"Thank you. First, tell her I love her costume. She's a beautiful fairy."

I did as he asked. Her smile became radiant. She signed back that she thought he was beautiful. This made him laugh. Soon, they were deep into a conversation. I had to work hard to keep up with the two of them. Occasionally, I got to throw in a few comments of my own. I lost track of time. Susanna sat there quietly, watching us. It was a good hour, at least, before she broke up their lovefest.

"I hate to break this up, but I need to get her home and to bed. I can't tell you how great this was for her. She's so lonely. That smile on her face is a gift. I'm thankful I came to this. You two aren't by any chance approved to be foster parents, are you?" She sounded so hopeful.

"No, we're not," I said dejectedly, hating the fact we weren't.

"Too bad. You're exactly the kind of parents she needs. Oh well, if you ever want to do it, let me know. I can help you navigate the process."

This led to us exchanging numbers. She thanked Diablo. As Jaycee left, she was waving and signing goodbye. I did the same back while Diablo grinned and waved at her. She had a sad look on her face as she went out the door. As the door closed behind them, tears fell.

Diablo wrapped me in his arms. "Shh, why are you crying, baby?"

"It's Jaycee. She's so alone with no one other than Susanna to talk to. Her parents were killed in a fire. The family they had didn't want her. Foster families don't want to learn to sign, and if they don't, she'll be stuck in a world of silence. It makes me sick. Just because she's not what they see as normal, they aren't willing to adapt to help her. She's never going to be adopted. What is her life going to be like, Diablo? Will she ever be happy and loved?" I was outright bawling at this point. I hid my face in his shirt. My heart was aching. He bundled me up, and it wasn't long before he hustled me outside to take me home. I didn't care where we went. I was too miserable to pay attention.