Chapter 16

16

HALO

Nothing could make me change my mind on how I feel about Riot. Not even hearing that story about his childhood.

I can't even begin to imagine the horror of seeing his mom like that. Then his father turning the gun on Lace? I shudder at the thought. It makes my dad look like a saint.

I've never seen such a desolate look on a person's face before, like it truly still haunts him to this day, and of course it would. Seeing your mom like that would've been traumatic to say the least.

Nothing about him going on to be a killer shocked me. Maybe it should have, but as lame as it sounds, I feel like I know him. I know his heart. I meant everything I said. I can't imagine what kind of courage it would take to shoot your own father, even after what he'd done. The scars would run so deep, forever etched into his soul.

I'm itching to take Cookie for a walk, but since he still has to rest, I've set him up with his pee mats on the living room floor, and when Riot's here, he's been able to carry him downstairs so he can have a short hobble out on the nearby grass. I can't wait to take him to the dog park. He's been an angel. How anyone could dump this beautiful animal is beyond me. I don't understand why people have to be so goddamn cruel.

A text brings me back from my thoughts.

You've been added to the Queens of the MC chat.

Star texted me earlier saying some of the girls have set up a group chat, and now that word is already around I'm with Riot, it'll be a way for us to converse when we can't all be at the club at the same time. I've met most of the women in the club, and they're all really cool.

I click on the group members and I can't help but laugh when I see Manny is the only guy added. That's hilarious.

So far there's Star, Deanna, Jas, Luna, Crystal — Ryder's ol' lady — Indigo, Summer, Stella, Aspyn – Rock's ol' lady — and just as I'm about to type hello, Bella also gets added.

Me:

Hey, everyone, thanks for the add!

I don't know who's online, but when I see Luna typing back, I wait for her response.

Luna:

You're apparently Riot's ol' lady now, or that's what he's telling everyone

I feel a rush of excitement go through me. His ol' lady.

Me:

We all know he can be a little OTT

Luna:

Clearly, you haven't spent any time with Tag

No, I haven't, but I've heard some wild stories. Such as Tag buying the house that Luna was living in, unbeknownst to her, so she could live in a nice area with a pretty garden and be safe. It's kinda sweet, if you take out the fact he had a spare key and let himself into the house when she wasn't answering her phone. These men of the club are hardcore when it comes to protection.

Me:

Nope, can't say that I have. But if the rumors are true, I'm sure he means well

Luna:

*snorts* There is nothing soft about my old man, well, maybe when it's half-mast but that isn't very often

Jas:

Eww. TMI @Luna. Must we discuss dick in this chat?

Luna:

What? I was just trying to give an accurate description for the newcomer. Tag's gruff, so don't mind him if you happen to run into him at the clubhouse @Halo - his bark's worse than his bite

I laugh.

Me:

Yep, I'm discovering that a lot of the men of the MC are kinda grumpy

Luna:

??

Jas:

Oh, you don't even know the half of it

Deanna:

Ha! I had to swing around a pole in order to get Cash to even look at me twice

Summer:

That could have something to do with the fact that you're his best friend's daughter, and at the time, you were under his protection

Deanna:

@Summer is always the voice of reason

Summer:

I am not! I'm just saying, he was trying to be respectful until you stripped off and rubbed your tits in his face

Deanna:

Worked like a charm

Luna:

So what about you @Halo? Are you and Riot really a thing?

Me:

Umm, it's all pretty new

Star:

Except you've been jonesing for him forever

Awesome, my best friend just decided to hop on the chat.

Star:

Which I'm glad about, because the poor thing was abstaining this entire time, waiting for you

Luna:

Awww, sweet

Deanna:

Sucker

Summer:

He's always been a sweetheart

Jas:

What did I miss?

Luna:

Riot's blue balls

Jas:

Huh?

Deanna:

Riot abstained for months thinking none of us wouldn't know, all the while he had a crush on Halo and now he's walking around threatening the other men in the club if they so much as look at her. That's a pretty swift indication.

Manny:

You girls type too damn fast!

Summer:

Hey Manny, we missed you

Manny:

I baked the boys croissants and blueberry muffins, so for those that were there, you're welcome, ladies

Deanna:

No wonder Cash came home with a wood, thanks babes

Manny:

Anytime ??

Jas:

Trying not to picture my boss with a wood

Summer:

Ditto

Star:

Nevada came home with vigor, too, said something about fluffy balls of goodness

Manny:

That'd be me, always the bridesmaid

Deanna:

@Manny why are you not dating again?

Manny:

You know why, Arizona. Relationships are complicated. Plus I was flirting a little with Lace, and Riot just about knocked my head clean off my shoulders

Me:

Wait, what?

Manny:

Oh, sugar, that's not the half of it. These men in this club, they're EXTRA

I remember what Riot told me about his sister and I get why he's protective. The poor girl was shot by her own father and lived to tell the tale. I'm also pretty sure from where I was standing, that nobody else probably knows about any of that stuff.

Me:

Extra annoying?

Manny:

You got it in one. They're only nice to me because they know I'll poison their food if they talk back.

Me:

I'm sure they appreciate you, not just for your cooking skills. Everyone speaks so highly of you

Manny:

They do? Do tell!

Deanna:

If I weren't happily married, I'd totally suck you off, and not just for one of those blueberry muffins

Manny:

Awww, sweet

Summer:

You really do have amazing bone structure

Luna:

And a nice ass

Jas:

And pretty eyes

Star:

Not that I would know, but you're sure to have a perfect penis as well

Manny:

I'm blushing you guys

Deanna:

?? as if you don't know you're perfect. But we do need to set you up

Manny:

I like Lace, a lot, but I also like my nose straight and my eyeballs in my head

Me:

I'll take care of Riot

Manny:

It's not just that he's protective, she's already seeing someone

Luna:

Ooh, would he be interested too?

Manny:

I wish. Wouldn't that be the perfect scenario

Summer:

Hold up, was she flirting back?

Manny:

Uh, I guess, but she was upfront about this other thing, she said it's casual, they're not like serious

Deanna:

Spit it out, Summer

Summer:

Could she have been fishing? I mean, everyone knows you're into guys and girls

Manny:

It's unlikely. I only attract assholes when it comes to guys. Women, believe it or not, are far less complicated

Luna:

We need a night at the club

Star:

Ooh, there's a show on this weekend

Me:

At the Vault? Yeah, Riot is working on the door

Manny:

I know a secret

Luna:

Tell!

Jas:

Manny, spill, you fiend

Manny:

Well, you know how they did a couple of shows last year for the ladies?

Luna:

Ooh, how could I forget? Tag tried to drag me out of there, and we weren't even together then. Asshat!

Deanna:

We remember

Manny:

I heard the club is going to make it a more permanent thing, which I think is a good thing. Why should the men next door get to have their cake and eat it too?

Jas:

Couldn't agree more. So who's on board to strip? Anyone from the club?

Luna:

Hahahahahaha

Deanna:

Please, hell no

Jas:

I just threw up

Stella:

Woah, you guys, talk about an explosion in here. I need to scroll back and catch up…

Crystal:

@Manny, swing those hips baby

Manny:

I'm not sure it's my hips that they want swinging, pumpkin, anyway, my point being, Lace said the guy she's seeing… well, he works there sometimes

Stella:

Wait, as a stripper? Or on the door?

Manny:

I don't know, because the moment she was about to tell me, big ears Riot stormed up and ruined all our fun

Luna:

Typical

Me:

That is not fun

Deanna:

And?????

Manny:

Anndddd I'm thinking she may have more on her mind if our first outing together is gonna be at the Vault XL

Me:

Wait, they called it that?

Stella:

Thank God for Kleenex, stuff those Y-fronts

Jas:

Wasn't Bandit working there?

Summer:

Just remember, he's Indigo's brother, so let's keep it clean

Manny:

@Summer you're no fun, Sunshine

Summer:

I love you too

Stella:

Bandit has an amazing body, sorry in advance Indigo, but he does. He is FINE

Luna:

Sigh, there's something about hot single dads though, right?

Crystal:

Levi is so stinking cute!

Deanna:

I'm here for it. Also, why isn't Bandit seeing anyone? Even the sweet butts are complaining he's never there

Manny:

Focus! My dilemma now is, do I go? I mean, she just invited me as a friend, a night out with some of her friends

Me:

Uh, huh, because that's exactly what you do on a first date, go to a strip club where men are performing

Manny:

Exactly. She thinks I'm more into men

Luna:

Are you?

Manny:

It depends on the person, it's all about the connection

Summer:

Did she say, let's go on a date?

Manny:

She asked if I'd like to go to the new club, so I'm assuming she's just trying to get me laid. I don't need no mercy fuck

Deanna:

I'm confused, so was it a date?

Luna:

Wait, she's seeing someone else, right?

Summer:

Yes, but she said it's casual, nothing serious

Stella:

If you need moral support, I'm here @Manny

Manny:

Oh, yeah, just what I need, your dad cutting my nuts off, plus, you're not old enough to get in

Stella:

I'm old enough to drink shots off a man's torso though

Summer:

I'm covering my eyes

Stella

Shit, Indigo will see that, how do I unsend?

Jas:

She's sworn to secrecy, this is the Queens of the MC. Nobody says shit outside of this group

Deanna:

No pillow talk, Queens, that's why we started this chat, to let out our frustrations. Whatever we say here, stays here

Luna:

It's nice to have something the boys aren't privy to, except Manny of course

Manny:

I'm at your disposal

Me:

Gotta run, my dog just lifted his leg on the couch

I sprint over to coax a pee mat under Cookie's leg and he wobbles slightly, but I manage to get most of it onto the pad. I pat his head.

"It's okay, bud, it's not your fault."

He whimpers, and I'm not feeling good about leaving to go into work. Riot had to go out early and run some errands, but when he came back he said he'd take Cookie with him and I could meet up with him later.

The chat distracted me for a little while, and it's nice to be involved and makes me feel like I'm learning a little more about the women, and Manny. Though, I'm not sure if I want to know all of the sordid things Lace is getting up to. She's quite the little minx.

I don't want to leave for work until Riot gets here. Since we haven't left Cookie alone yet, I don't want him to fret or get upset. His sedation has fully worn off now, so I can't just slip out and leave him. He might need me.

He makes his way to his bed, such a good boy, and slumps down with a sigh. I swear this dog thinks he's human. He also loves all of his toys. I haven't given him the balls yet, just in case he was tempted to chase one, but he's been carrying around the octopus and the elephant at random intervals.

Just as I'm getting ready and finishing my makeup, I hear Riot call out as he closes the door.

I smooth my hair, spraying some shine over the top as I straighten the collar of my skirt suit. I like to look professional for my job, especially with Star's line of work. While I would've taken the day off to be with Cookie, when Riot said he could take over, it was a relief. Mondays are always crazy at the office.

When I'm satisfied with my appearance, I make my way to the kitchen.

Riot is feeding Cookie a giant doggie bagel, telling him what a good boy he is, and Cookie just laps it up.

"Hi," I say.

He flicks his eye up at me and whistles low. "Shit, you goin' on a hot date that I don't know about?"

I look down at myself. "In a suit?" I smile. "And I'm pretty sure the only date you'd let me go on is with you, and we'd both be naked."

He grins. "Got that right."

"So, I'll come by your place after work, right?" He already gave me the address.

"Yep, then I can show you around, and we can decide what to do with Cookie tonight."

I nod. "Okay."

He stands, kissing me chastely. "Better get outta here before I undress you."

"Promises, promises."

I lean down to pat Cookie, telling him I'll see him soon and that Daddy's going to look after him today. When I rise, Riot has that look in his eyes that makes my insides turn to jelly.

"I know what you're thinking, and I don't have time," I warn him.

He smirks. "What am I thinkin'?"

"With your dick."

"Can a man help it with you lookin' good enough to do over the kitchen table?"

"Ooh, save that thought." I kiss him on the lips and he fondles my ass. "Riot!"

He smirks against my mouth and reluctantly lets me go. I've had so much sex this weekend, I'm barely able to remember what it's like to feel unsatisfied. Riot ticks every single box, every single time.

"Bye!"

"Be good, Kitten. We'll see you later."

I wave as I leave the apartment, my heart tugging just a little. Having him in my house, and Cookie too, it's a new sensation for me. Missing someone. Someone missing me.

I smile to myself. I think I like it.

Star never arrives early on a Monday, but it gives me time to catch up on emails and any enquiries that have come through over the weekend.

We run a tight ship here, and I make sure that Star has everything she needs so she can go off and do all her detective work smoothly.

My phone buzzes on my desk and I'm shocked when I see a text from my mom.

Mom:

Halo, we need to talk.

I sigh. I'm not having this conversation at work, it can wait. Especially because I know exactly what it'll be about. Ian and his big, giant mouth.

I take a deep breath.

You're happy.

You're whole.

You're complete.

I recite my mantra and click my phone off. I never called my parents back because I have nothing to say to them. The last thing I need is a damn lecture from either of them.

I'm a grown ass woman, and if they can't accept my life choices, then that's on them.

I spent too many years fighting to feel good about myself to just throw it all to the wind.

I know that I'm not going to crack under the pressure, either. They can either apologize and we can try to move past it, or I just won't be in their life. Just like I haven't been for the last six months.

"Well hello, Tiger," Star sing-songs as I glance up from my screen. I was so engrossed in the calendar that I didn't even hear her come in.

"Hey, babes. How was your weekend?"

She takes her jacket off and hangs it on the hook, giving me a look over her shoulder. "Not as fun as yours, I'll bet. I've barely had a text in two days."

"That's not true, I did text to tell you I was in a post-sex coma and wouldn't be coming out."

She snorts. "He's that good?"

I try not to let my embarrassment show. "Uh, yeah, he's that good."

She smiles. "I'm happy for you. I know you've liked him for a long time, as long as he's good to you and treating you right."

"He is." I try not to gush, but I haven't been able to tell her over the weekend with being so preoccupied in bed with Riot. "He's freaking amazing."

"He's nuts about you, has been since that first night at Whiskey Straight."

"When you almost cut Nevada's dick off?"

"Ah, memories."

"Well, we've moved right past dating and straight into parenting."

Her eyes grow wide. "What?"

"Oh," I laugh. "I mean, the dog we found in the dumpster, the one I was telling you about."

"That was truly disgusting. Did the boys find anything yet?"

"Not yet," I sigh. "But I don't pity them if they do get caught — they deserve the same treatment."

"I'm with you there. How's the little guy doing?"

I nod. "He's doing great. Settling in like he's always been there. I get the feeling he's an old soul, you know?"

"That's sweet. I'm happy for you, just as long as you're not jumping in too soon with Riot. He's telling everyone at the clubhouse you're gonna be claimed at the table."

I let out a long breath. "It moved fast, I admit."

"So, it's true? You haven't even been on a date with this man!"

"I know, but… you know when you just know?"

She sits on the side of my desk, a sympathetic smile on her face. "I get it, I just don't want you jumping in with both feet until you're sure he's serious."

I smirk. "Oh, he's serious. I might remind you that Nevada got a tattoo on his dick for you before you'd even agreed to go out with him." I raise an eyebrow. "Remember?"

She opens her mouth, then closes it again. "You got me there."

"Anyway, we're just really, I don't know… connected. "

"Uh huh."

I lob a pencil at her when she jiggles her eyebrows. "Not just in that way. I know it's only been one weekend, but so much happened, and he's been so sweet with Cookie."

"You already have a dog." She face palms herself.

"Hey, he was tossed in a dumpster." Of course, I texted her about it. "It's not like we could just leave him there."

"I get that part. I just know you're a romantic, and I just want to be sure that you're not leaping in headfirst."

"In all of my other relationships, I've gone super slow, and look how well those turned out."

Her face is serious when she says. "I just worry about you. I want what's best for you, Hales. Being with a biker isn't exactly cotton candy."

I squeeze her hand. "I know. We're having fun but it's also getting serious fast, and he's as sweet as pumpkin pie. We're getting to know one another. Don't worry about me. If I need his ass kicked, I know who to call." If I tell her we already told each other how we really feel, she'll flip. She's always been protective of me, and I know she'll think I'm jumping in way too fast.

She snorts a laugh. "You know how well I like a good ol' butt kicking."

I smile. "Oh, you haven't heard the best of it yet. That asshole Ian showed up at my apartment."

"What?"

I roll my eyes. "I'll make us a coffee and fill you in."

"Jesus, woman, it's been twenty-four hours since I last saw you. I feel like I need to keep up a little better."

"Life's one big roller coaster, what can I say?"