27. Jonah

27

JONAH

Two weeks later

“You sure you want blood on your hands?” Cash asks me. “Even if this asshole deserves it.”

I shrug. “Either that or I go there and do it myself.”

Cash scrubs his chin. “Not likin’ that idea.”

When Mateo Judice told me he owed me a favor for saving his life, I took him up on the offer. I didn’t tell Cash all the details about Manny’s stepfather, but he gets the idea.

The asshole is a piece of shit who’s never been held accountable for anything he’s done in life. Not only did he beat Manny repeatedly as a child, but he raped his own daughter for years. Manny’s mom, who he wants nothing to do with, turned a blind eye. She’s just as bad, but I think putting this asshole out of his misery will be penance enough. It’s the least I can do for the man I’m in love with. My other love, Lace, won’t bat an eyelid. She’s a biker chick through and through and she’s a part of this life. She was so worried about Manny suffering from post-traumatic stress and trauma; she forgot about her own. But that’s Lace for you; always thinking about other people.

When Mateo got back to the clubhouse, everything got straightened out and he realized Lace was being set up. Everything pointed to her, but all he had to do was look within his own network — which was falling apart — and see where the holes lay. Turns out his stepbrother had the money all along, and he didn’t even do a good job of hiding it, framing Lace with the knowledge Mateo would seek revenge. With all of his money back in the bank, and the debt about to be settled courtesy of the Judice mafia, I can’t ask for more.

We’ve only gone from strength to strength since Manny got out of the hospital, and even though Riot was nuts at first, he’s simmered down now that he sees how happy Lace is. Safe to say, the entire club knows, and nobody gives a shit.

All this club has ever wanted is what’s best for Manny, and in turn, Lace and I. We’re a brotherhood, we stick together. I’ve still gotta have conversations with my son, but we don’t need to get heavy with any of that. He loves Lace and Manny and when we hang out together; he loves it.

“Just sayin’, he’s a lowlife, and ever since Manny told me what a scumbag he is, I’ve wanted to take care of it myself, especially after what Manny did for Lace by takin’ a hit.” My eyes meet Riot’s across the table.

“Gotta hand it to you,” Riot says. “I never thought I’d hear anythin’ like this come outta your mouth, but you’re talkin’ my language. Not that I like the idea of any of my brother’s gettin’ hurt, Lace has been through so much.”

I nod, knowing exactly what he’s talking about. “She’s special.”

“Yes, she is, and I can see how much she’s grown since she’s been here, how happy she is.”

I nod. “I’m glad to hear that. You know neither of us will let her down.”

“I know. Either one of you hurt her, you got a whole clubhouse here ready to rain down on you.”

“Wasn’t there some rule about club sisters?” Nevada pipes up. “I mean, next we’re gonna have Sistine shackin’ up with one of the Nomad brothers.”

“Want a black eye?” Hawk barks across the table. “Goin’ the right way about it.”

“Gettin’ back to Manny’s stepfather.” Cash clears his throat. “Happy to let Judice deal with it if it means the club gets some peace for five minutes. Does Manny know?”

I shake my head. “No, wanna keep it that way.”

“Need a couple heads bangin’ together, I’m in,” Tag puts in.

Of course, Tag is one who never backs away from any action, including maiming someone. “You wanna travel to fuckin’ Iowa?” I give him a pointed look. “I mean, I’m in…”

“No,” Cash barks. “I’m all in when it comes to an eye for an eye, but Judice owes this club, so he can deal with it. It’ll send the wrong message if we back out. If he wants to take out the trash, we let him. We’ll be even and have an ally if we ever need one, or the Bracken Ridge Rebels. You could’ve taken a bullet yourself.”

“I was goin’ for Lace not Mateo,” I mutter. “It all happened so quickly.”

“And Manny? How’s he really doin’?” Ryder asks.

I look up from my hands. We’re not lovey dovey around the club, and we probably never will be because I’m not a public display of affection kinda guy, but we know each other intimately. I’m also learning more about him and Lace, things that we share and talk about and all the things we want.

“He’s doin’ good, glad to be back at work. Drove him mad bein’ away for so long,” I say.

“Glad he’s doin’ good.” Harlem sits back in his chair, patting his belly. “Though not so sure my love handles agree.”

“Love handles?” Bronco snorts. “Jesus, give me a break.”

“How’s your mom doin’?” Cash asks Nevada. “She was pretty shaken up after everythin’.”

“She’s been doin’ fine,” Nevada says, then he gives Priest a pointed look. “Thanks to your good ol’ pops.”

“Hey, don’t look at me, last time I checked they’re both consentin’ adults,” Priest says, waving his hands like he’s surrendering.

“She’s my mom, ” Nevada says it like he’s tasted something bad. “She’s like too old to have a boyfriend.”

Cash snickers. “ Old ? Your mom’s like forty-five for pete’s sake, that’s not old, asshat, and she’s allowed to do whatever she wants.”

“Still, don’t wanna think about my mom and fuckin’ gray wolf doin’ the nasty if it’s all the same to you.” He shudders. “A man that good lookin’ and in that good shape gotta have some skeletons in the closet.”

They still maintain nothing is going on, but judging from the day of the shooting, there was definitely something cooking in that cafe. Hustler’s concern was obvious to everyone.

“He’s a good man,” Priest says. “May not have been around for most of my life, through no fault of his own, but we’re makin’ up for it, and he’s older than Cash, so pretty sure skeletons aren’t gonna matter much.”

“Thanks for mentionin’ it,” Cash mutters.

“Gotta agree with Nevada,” Riot says. “Seen the abs on that man in the gym, and it made me wanna stop eatin’ tacos for the rest of my life.”

“Took that bodyguard out before he even blinked, accordin’ to Lace,” I say. “And they say Tag and Jett are the beasts around here.”

Tag grunts, Jett just cracks his knuckles. He looks like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, but I know better.

“So, it’s settled,” Cash goes on. “With Judice. Let’s fuckin’ hope the club can go back to normal. Anyone else got anythin’ they wanna tell me about from their past? No dealin’s with any mafia, rival clubs, hitmen, snipers, drug mules, disgruntled family, exes or stalkers?”

“Better still, does anyone care for a cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven?” Manny sing-songs, waltzing in the door. Of course, he’s back to his usual self; Poison t-shirt, tight black jeans, cross earring dangling from one ear and that smudged eyeliner in place, not forgetting his apron. I smirk when he gives me a wink, placing two large plates of deliciousness on the table. His eyes are on me as he adds, “Don’t pretend you don’t want it.”

I roll my lips as Riot screws up his nose and tells us to get a room.

“Gotta say, I missed you a lot, Manny.” Ryder grabs the first one, shoveling it into his mouth as Manny stands back to admire his handiwork of everyone leaping out of their chairs at once to grab a buttery, soft treat.

“Fuckin’ cinnamon rolls,” Harlem grumbles, but he still grabs one.

“Don’t worry, old boy, Indi still loves you, even with love handles, ” Manny snickers.

Harlem rolls his eyes. “Been talkin’ to my ol’ lady. What a fuckin’ surprise.”

“You know without me, most of y’all would be in therapy, and you’d definitely be thankin’ me for all the times you’ve acted like neanderthals and I’ve reminded your women that you’re not all a bunch of meatheads.”

“Thanks, I think?” Priest scratches his chin.

“Always happy to help, right, Beefcake?” Yep, he still calls me that, and I’ve actually started to like it.

I smirk. “Somethin’ like that.”

“You two start gettin’ all lovey dovey in here and we’re gonna have to put a ban on both your cinnamon rolls,” Nevada laughs, thinking he’s hilarious.

“The man took a bullet for my sister, I think he’s good,” Riot says. We both know how protective Riot is of Lace, but he’s kept his word and butted out. Neither of us plan on doing anything to make her cry, or worse, in fact, that’s the last thing we want.

“Well, if we’re done here.” I go to stand. “Got some shit to take care of.”

Cash gives me a chin lift. I know they have other business to discuss that I’m not privy to, only the committee members. Plus, I wouldn’t mind having a little alone time with Manny while they get down to business. I love to watch him creating in the kitchen, especially when he gets a little flustered.

“Get outta here,” Cash says. “We’ll talk later.”

I give everyone a chin lift, snagging a cinnamon roll on my way out as Nevada tries to snatch it from me. Manny’s behind me as I head toward his domain.

“You lost, Cowboy? ” he teases.

I push the kitchen doors open and the second he gets inside, I push him against the counter and kiss the fuck outta his mouth. He’s panting by the time we’re finished.

“What the heck was that for?” He moves back in, our tongues colliding.

“Bein’ delicious is a good start.”

I grab his ass. “These buns are delicious.”

He snickers, our bodies pressing together as I feel him harden. “You’re getting me all flustered at work,” he chastises playfully. “You know what that does to me.”

“Makes me wanna bolt that kitchen door and get on my knees.”

“You’re a very naughty boy, today, that early wake up call not enough?” he snickers.

I give him a look. “I’ll admit I’m jealous that you and Lacey get to cuddle and I don’t, but it won’t be like this forever.”

“Speaking of which, we wanna take Eli out to the movies this Friday.”

“Am I invited?”

Manny smirks. “If you’re not gonna be a stick in the mud over what movie we see.”

I slide my hand down under his apron, cupping his dick through his jeans. “Mmm, I see somebody likes what he sees.”

“I like you better naked and on your back,” Manny admits.

I smirk, moving back in for a kiss when the door bounces open. I glance up. Neither of us moves apart, though I do remove my hand from his dick.

“Awww, were you two having a moment?” Stella sing-songs. “I mean, don’t mind me or anything. You two are like a couple of lovebirds, it’s so sweet.”

I scowl. “Don’t you have somewhere better to be?”

“Uh, actually no.” She smiles. “And I’d be nice to me because I’m your babysitter on Saturday night. It’s Lace’s birthday, remember?”

Shit. Did I really almost forget that? I admit, I’ve got a pretty shitty memory for this kinda stuff, even when Manny’s been reminding me for weeks.

I palm the back of my neck. “Thanks for doin’ that. I know Indi loves having him, it was kind of you to offer, especially as we wanna spoil Lace?—”

She waves a hand at me. “Oh, I get it. You’re all together together . I’m in the group chat, just so you know, and Manny never shuts up about both of you.”

“Hey!” Manny scolds. “What happens in the chat, stays in the chat.”

She puts a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Uh, huh.”

I turn to Manny. “What do you say about us?”

Manny opens his mouth, then promptly closes it when Stella bats her lashes and fans her face. “Things like; Jonah looked so hot today wearin’ those ripped jeans, or Jonah looks cute when he doesn’t shave for three days, and do y’all think Lace would like chocolate-covered strawberries or cherries?”

I frown. “You make those for her and not me?”

Stella snorts. “You are so cute. I could watch you squabble all day.”

“We’re not squabblin’,” I retort. “We’re just discussin’.”

“It’s for her birthday.” Manny looks over my shoulder and points at me. “And I think that’s talking about it.”

She laughs, “You’ve distracted me so much I forgot what I came in here for.”

“Food.” I don’t take my eyes off Manny and he rolls his lips because he knows he’s in trouble.

“Don’t mind me, I’ll just help myself to the cinnamon rolls.” She swipes one off the baking tray, finger waves with a grin as she leaves, edging out the door.

“Spillin’ secrets in the chat?”

Manny rolls his eyes. “I’d hardly say talkin’ about how hot you are or if our girl prefers strawberries over cherries is trade secrets. Though, speaking of cherries…”

My mouth turns up. “Let me guess, there’s a metaphor in there somewhere.”

“Could be.” He waggles his eyebrows.

My cell rings in my back pocket and I pull it out, my sister’s name flashing up on the screen. I pull the phone to my ear. “Hey, sis.”

“Hey, don’t forget you’re collecting Cami after school with Eli,” she says.

“I didn’t forget.”

“Are you okay? You sound like you’ve been running.”

Nope, just Manny setting my pulse on fire.

“I’m fine, I’m just at the clubhouse.”

My sister has been surprisingly supportive. I never expected her to understand, but I underestimated how much she loves me and wants me to be happy. “And we’re having dinner at the Grill, right? For Lace’s birthday?”

“Yep.”

She sighs. “One day you’ll give me more than one word answers. Gotta run. Give Manny a kiss for me.”

She hangs up before I can reply. I shake my head. “You know all the girls in the club are nuts over this thruple thing we’ve got goin’. It’s like a soap opera every time I see one of ‘em. They always want fuckin’ details.” I narrow my eyes. “Not givin’ anythin’ more than fluffy shit, right?”

Manny laughs. “Your sister is in that chat,” he reminds me. “And ew.”

I check my phone again for the time. “I gotta run.” I point at him. “But don’t think this is over. My dick is hard and now I’ve gotta work on gettin’ it down before I collect the kids after school.”

“Tut tut, better stay outta the kitchen if you can’t handle the heat.” He waggles his eyebrows again and we kiss briefly.

“Such a brat.”

I take off, swapping my sled out for my truck as I collect Eli, Cami and apparently Ella, Hawk and Jas’s kid, who’s hitching a ride to the bakery.

Eli tells me all about what they did in science; he’s exactly like his momma when it comes to smarts. He didn’t get that from me.

“Dad?” He says, climbing out as I take his backpack and sling it over my shoulder.

“Yeah, bud?”

“You know how you and Lace are boyfriend and girlfriend?” Uh, oh, is it too early for the sex education talk?

“Uh, yeah?” It’s not like we’ve kept it a secret, she’s over at our place all the time. We just haven’t kinda gotten into the details of us and Manny. A part of me thinks he’s still too young to digest all of that.

“Well, I think Manny likes her, too.”

“He does, huh? How’d you know that?”

He shrugs. “He’s always doing nice things for her.”

“Well, that’s how a man should treat a lady, with respect and kindness.”

“Dad?”

I palm the back of my head. “Yeah?”

“Manny does nice things for you, too. And he hangs with us all the time.”

Fuck, are we that obvious?

“I like him a lot. Is it okay that I like Lace and Manny?”

He shrugs again. “I guess, if it means they both can be around all the time.”

The last thing I want is kids at school giving him a hard time. Then again, kids of the NOLA Rebels tend to be more immune to teasing than most. I can’t think why.

“I think they’d both like that.”

“Cool. Can I have an extra bucket of popcorn Friday night?”

Relief sweeps through me. “I guess?”

He takes off. “Good talk, Dad!”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, and while I understand he doesn’t really comprehend what we are, having them both around will help soften that blow when the time comes.

My sister appears in the doorway as the kids run past her. “Hey stranger.” She smiles, then it drops. “Are you okay?”

I blow out a breath. “I think I just had the first Lace, Manny and me talk with Eli.”

She turns to look over her shoulder. “Oh? How did that go?”

I smile gingerly. “He doesn’t really know what it means.”

“Kids can be more perceptive than you think.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” I look down at my boots.

“Jonah? What’s up?”

I always stumble with this, but I know Indi always understands, more so than anyone. She loved Jill too. “You know I struggle with what Jill would think. I never want it to seem like me and her weren’t good enough… that what we had wasn’t special.”

She looks confused, her shaking her head a little. “Seriously?”

“I’m bein’ honest here, sis. Cut me some slack, yeah?”

She puts her hands on my shoulders. “Sometimes I could smack you.”

“What did I do this time?”

She sighs like I’m dumb. “What you had with Jill will never be undone. She’d be happy you’re moving on with your life. You can’t compare anything to what you had, Jonah. You loved each other, that’s never going to change.”

“I know, I just never want her memory to fade, not from me or from Eli.”

“And she never will. She’ll always be in here.” She presses her hand to my heart. “Deep down, I think you know that, and I want you to know that your happiness is important to me. You deserve it. You’ve spent such a long time in the dark, and finally I see my brother emerging again from the shadows. There’s a light on inside you that was out for so long.”

“You make me sound like a phantom.” I always joke when I’m uncomfortable.

Her lips twitch. “Maybe a little.”

“Thanks, sis.” My eyes glaze over. Since when did I become such a sentimental schmuck?

“Anytime, I’m also available for daily pep talks and solid relationship advice.”

I cock a brow. “Just because you and old boy are shacked up with a gaggle of kids doesn’t mean that you’re an expert in how to tame a biker.”

Her grin widens. “Whatever you say.” She takes off in the back and I follow, but as I get into the kitchen, I hear.

“Hey!” I turn my head as Lace walks in the back door. My heart skips a beat when she bounds up to me, kissing me and wrapping her arms around my neck.

“What was that for?” I breathe when she pulls away.

“Do I need a reason?”

Indi clears her throat.

We both look at Indi. “Sorry,” I mutter. The kids are busy picking out a pastry from the cabinet. “Hey, I hope you asked Aunt Indigo if you’re allowed to raid that fridge!”

“I live here!” Cami yells back.

“Just like her momma.” I smirk.

Indigo gives me an eye roll and goes out to help the kids before they start fighting.

“How was your day?” My voice is low.

“So good now I’m here.” She rubs her nose with mine.

She snuggles into me and I kiss her lightly, my voice to her ear. “Manny just had me hard doin’ this exact same thing, then I had to leave and pick up the kids.”

“Hmm, looks like you might need a little relief?” she wiggles her eyebrows.

“Yeah, that’s just not fair, because we both know that can’t happen until later.”

“Cuddling will have to do.” We kiss again and my heart constricts.

“What’s wrong?” she breathes.

“Nothin’. I just told Indi that Eli said he’s okay with me likin’ you and Manny.”

Her eyebrows raise in surprise. “You’re kidding?”

“Well, he’s an observant kid. I know we’re all keepin’ our own places for the moment, but eventually…”

“Eventually?”

I brush my lips over hers. “I don’t wanna be apart from either of you. The nights kill me.”

“So, we can sneak into each other’s rooms once Eli has gone to bed, can’t we?”

I chuckle. “My girl has it all figured out.”

“I’m so glad Manny’s back to his normal self.”

I nod. We were both worried about him falling into depression, or feeling anxious wherever he went, and while he was a little skittish at first, it quickly wore off when he got back to work. Nothing will keep Manny down, and that makes me smile.

“Me too, though I’m not sure Hurricane Manny was ever really gonna slow down all that much.”

She giggles. “This is true.”

“Tell me you love me.”

“I love you so damn much,” she whispers.

I smile. “I love you, too.”

“If we get caught canoodling, your sister will tease the shit out of us.”

“Who cares? She knew the drill when she found out I’m in love with two people.”

Her eyes brighten. “I love what we have.”

“I love what we have, too.” My lips press to hers once more. “I think the storeroom has a lock on it.”

She nudges me in the ribs. “It’ll be so much more fulfilling if we wait for Manny.”

We don’t always, but I’ll admit, me and Manny haven’t been alone together. I’m not afraid of it. In fact, I want it, but it’s different. Just how me and Lace are different when we’re alone, as well as her and Manny. But it works. We communicate, we don’t let things fester. We also don’t play into jealousy, we’re all too starstruck with each other to worry about that. It turns me on when I hear the two of them had a quickie before I got there. I’m fine with it now, and I admit, I wasn’t before. I get that I can’t control all situations, or if me and Lace fucked on the kitchen counter because we couldn’t wait, either. I’d love for Lace to walk in on me and Manny. In fact, I may have to suggest it for our next role-play. Things have been sweet but slow with us, and it isn’t that I don’t want to. Since Manny got shot, I’ve been different with both of them. Softer, somehow.

“Maybe I don’t wanna wait.” I nip her pulse point.

“You’re a very bad man.”

I pick her up as she squeals, tossing her over my shoulder, I head for the backdoor. Eli care that I’ve even left. “Be back in an hour!” I call out to Indigo. “Got some errands to run! I’ll pick up dinner!”

“Wait, where are you goi–”

I slam the door as Lace beats me on the ass, trying to wriggle free. “Put me down!”

I laugh, and it feels good. “Not till we get to the clubhouse.”

“Don’t even tell me you’re going to take us both upstairs,” she whines. “That’s no place for a lady!”

I smack her ass. “Always so much sass. That’s what got us in this mess.”

And boy, am I glad that she did. Without her and Manny in my life, I’m not sure I’d ever feel whole ever again. The future may bring the unknown, but there’s power in that. And I’m here for it. For every single moment.