14. ‘Kitty’

FOURTEEN

‘KITTY'

RUBY

Being in Malachi's arms makes me feel so safe. And man does he know how to kiss. One minute soft the next rough. His arms are holding me close to him so my breasts are squeezed up against his chest. I can feel his heart beating fast, just like mine.

I'm surprised he shared all that he did. The astonishment on Lachi's face is on one hand funny but on the other very sad. I guess most women who find out pursue the shit out of him when they know about his company and wealth, but I did just the opposite. It actually kind of freaked me out to the point I thought I was having a heart attack. So no, I didn't meet him because I'm a nobody and all alone, though I did feel bad not at least texting or calling him to tell him I wasn't coming to Billings. Now I'm not sure what to do, though I'm enjoying the magic his mouth is working. His one hand is now slowly moving up and down my side, almost ghosting my breast. He's making me feel things I have never felt before. His mouth travels down my cheek to my jaw then moves to my neck where he sucks hard. That is definitely going to leave a mark, though at this minute, I don't give a damn. I'm shifting my legs, which has me moving along his hard cock that I can feel poking into my ass cheeks. Just as it's getting really good, I hear a door slam open and then a "Holy shit, Kitty's gettin' herself some" in Shadow's voice. It has me pulling my mouth from Lachi's and then jumping off his lap. His eyes look to me then Shadow. His eyes are shooting fire at my enforcer, who's cackling like a demented witch. Great, just what I need, Shadow all up in my business. That is not something I want, though with the way she's going on that's just what I'm going to get. Lucky me. I watch as my club sisters walk in followed by Tank, Nova, and crap, think that's Lachi's friend Jude. He looks like shit. I look back to see Lachi's still sitting and staring at his friend with no emotion on his face.

"Everyone, take a seat, so we can get an idea what the hell we're dealing with. Nova asked for this meeting so the floor's yours."

Glory sits after that announcement just as Tink comes rushing into the room with a huge travel mug of water, I'm assuming. She apologizes then leans over to thank Glory for having her back. Just as I'm about to walk out, I hear Tink calling my name so I turn around.

"Kitty, take that seat next to Malachi, please. This is definitely going to involve you personally, so you need to know what's going on. We are going to dig deep so we know everything that's coming our way. Raven, I know you said you've stepped back into the dark web to see if Jude, Malachi, or any of us are being mentioned. Also look to see if any of Jude's family is mentioned. Jude, we are going to need your family's names so just write them down for Raven, please. Raven, sister, let me know if anything shows up. Now let's start from the beginning, Jude, and don't leave anything out. It could mean life or death."

I take the seat next to Lachi, who immediately puts his hand on my thigh, squeezing softly. All eyes are on Jude as he starts his story about how his father got involved with the wrong people while gambling and building up a huge-ass debt. Neither Jude's mom nor his brothers or him had any idea what was going on. Well, until his dad finally broke down. Jude was in the middle because the asshole his dad is in debt with wanted Lachi's newest pending patent. Then, somehow, they connected Lachi and me, which then led them to the Devil's Handmaidens. I can feel the tension growing in the room until I think one of the guys growls deep in their chest. I look around to see it's Tank, which surprises me. Well, until his eyes land on me and I can see the emotion in them as he looks at me.

"Yo, you little asshole, you just put Kitty back on the map for those assholes from the Thunder Cloud Knuckle Brotherhood. My girl has been through enough in her life, don't need your bullshit putting a bull's-eye on her back, son. What were you thinking? Explain to me how you sold out your boy and all of the Devil's Handmaidens club? Because, obviously, you don't get how those people work. No matter what you give them, your family is marked to be taken down and that includes you, as you found out in Wyoming. Because of you, your friend Vito is recovering from a bullet wound. Now, are you expecting us to what… save the goddamn day? Kid, we've been through the wringer and back with this brotherhood, and really, we had no intentions to get mixed up with them again if we could help it. We've pushed them out of Timber-Ghost, well, until you just brought those bastards back to our neck of the woods. Nova, what are your thoughts and do you think they would seriously come back up here after what happened the last three times we knocked heads with them? I know they're total assholes, but how many of their folks are gone because of us, or as my Zoey would say, put to ground. Yeah, Jude, I just saw your face go white. That's what is going to happen. People, probably on both sides, are gonna die because your old man couldn't be honest and worry more about his family than gambling with a bunch of motherfuckers."

I'm watching Tank get up and start walking around the large table. When he gets to me, he leans down, kissing the top of my head. When he reaches out with his hand toward Lachi, he stands and shakes Tank's hand. That's when he pulls Lachi to him.

"You hurt her, son, and I promise after Shadow and Wrench get done, you'll be begging to be put down. She's like another daughter to me, so remember that. Look around this table and when you leave, most of my brothers from the Intruders are out there waiting on their orders. They would die for this one, well actually, for all of the Devil's Handmaidens. You hear me?"

Lachi never takes his eyes from Tank. He nods then gives it right back.

"Sir, if I hurt her then I deserve whatever you and your brothers think is fair. I have nothing but honorable intentions, that I can promise. She's too precious to fuck with and I know that. You have my word, Tank."

Tank leans his head to the side, studying Lachi. Whatever he sees seems to satisfy him because he lets go of his hand and slaps him on the shoulder, which has Lachi grimacing. Tank's a bear so I'm sure that hurt like hell, though not intentional.

When Tank takes his seat again, Nova takes over and now it gets pretty intense as everyone is trying to figure out what to do, since we are kind of in the dark. The entire time Lachi has his hand either on my thigh or puts his arm around my shoulders, playing with my hair. And every time I look up, Shadow is staring at me with that demented smirk of hers. Son of a biscuit, I have a feeling I'm on her radar now, which I don't like at all, though nothing I can do about it at the moment as we have way more important things to deal with.

By the time Nova and Mayhem are done, Raven has left to go back to her ranch office to work with Freak and Dallas to really dig deep. Yoggie has already left to update Sheriff George about what might be coming into Timber-Ghost. I'm beyond exhausted and I can tell Lachi is also because he's dropped his head like three times in the last fifteen minutes. Glory sees this and leans over to Tink, whispering in her ear. Our prez nods then looks to Glory, who whistles to get everyone's attention.

"All right, we've been at this for hours. Jude, thanks for the honesty. Don't take this the wrong way but for both your protection, and all of ours, you'll be staying with Panther and Avalanche. They are about an hour or so away and before you freak out, you'll be safer there if shit hits the fan. Panther has a team of men who are ex-military and have been involved in some of our missions, so we trust them with our lives. As Nova said, he's going to get in touch with some of his men and work on getting your family up here, but that's going to take some time. For now, they are safe at Malachi's parents' compound. That's what we're calling their property, right? Don't want to assume anything. For now, let's call it as everyone is beyond dead on their feet. Tomorrow is another day. Dr. Malcolm just checked on Vito and he's doing well, no infection as of yet. Freddy is going to be staying with him, along with an Intruder or two. Thanks, Dad, for that. Now Kiwi has been cooking in the main house, so everyone go up there, get some food, then try to relax. Kitty, is Malachi staying with you in your cabin or do we need to find him a bed?"

All eyes turn our way and I hear Lachi chuckle under his breath. I didn't even give it a thought, but I have one of the two-bedroom cabins behind the main house. When we met those few times in Billings, we shared a bed to sleep. Yeah, we had some fun but never took it all the way. That was Lachi, he said he was willing to wait and I was worth it. Hearing a throat clear, I turn to see Lachi looking at me. Damn those eyes, I could get lost in them.

"Yeah, Tink, he can stay in the cabin if he wants. Lachi, it's two down from where Vito and Freddy are, so you'll be close to them."

He smiles, leans in, and kisses my cheek.

"Thanks, Ruby, if you're okay with it, I'd love to bunk down with you. And, Tink, thanks. I'm starving, so appreciate the offer of food."

With that everyone starts getting up and moving around and out. Jude hangs back and approaches Lachi as we make our way to the doors.

"Malachi, please, why can't I stay with you guys? That chick with the skull stays with the Indians, and I think she might torture then kill my ass. I know I fucked up but I'm begging you, man, don't make me go with them. I have a very bad feeling you'll never see me again."

I can understand his fear, but fuck, he's making it sound like Shadow is just going to torture him for no reason. This asshole and his stupid-as-shit father started this ball rolling. Not sure where it comes from, but I'm beyond hungry and tired.

"Jude, if we wanted you dead, wouldn't be sending you to Panther's ranch. Shadow has a wet room on this property, along with the one at our clubhouse. And contrary to you judging Shadow by her appearance, she is actually a very caring person. So quit judging a book by its cover, dude. We're all trying to save your ass, so shut your trap and do as you're told."

When I'm done, I notice no one is moving and all eyes are on me. Oh crap again, somehow, my mouth ran away from me. I glance up at Lachi and his eyes are shining as he puts his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to his body. That is until I'm grabbed from behind. Somehow, I know who it is, even before she says a single word to me.

"Jesus Christ, Kitty, now I got the prospects sticking up for me and fighting my battles."

Then in a whisper for only me to hear, she finishes, "Kitty, what you just did means the world to me. You're one of our shyest sisters and speaking up for me. Damn, you shocked me but in a very nice way. Remember, I always have your back too, sister. Now get some rest and I promise, in front of your ol' man and that jagoff, Jude, that I won't touch him until I'm told to. He's safe with all of us. Even with Big Bird, you know he can go a little ‘native' at times."

I think Jude understands he put his foot in his mouth when he starts to profusely apologize. Shadow puts her hand up and mutters, "Zip it, asshole." Then she turns and walks to where Panther and Avalanche are waiting for her. That's when I grab Lachi's hand and lead him to the ranch house so we can grab some food before we head to my cabin.