I can see the shit with Calla is getting to him. I wait until the door closes behind the last person before I start talking. “Look, you know how Calla is. I tried with her. The shit that went down never should have, and while I won’t blame it on her completely, ’cause I should have been smarter about shit, I will say she had a hand in misleading me.”
“Been wondering ’bout that for years. You ain’t the type to fall for her bullshit.”
“No, but once Bolton came along, that was it. I had someone else to worry about. I tried to keep shit civil with her, but she didn’t want that. That girl lives for the drama. I did my best to protect my boy from it, but… He has his scars. I’m going to do my best to set him right before he’s out there as an adult. I think Blue living with me full time will help.”
“My Blue is a good girl.” Pyscho’s lip turns up into a small smile.
Somewhere an angel must’ve died. The gruff biker didn’t often show huge displays of emotion.
“Yes, she is. That’s who I want to talk about.”
Psych narrows his eyes. “Proceed with caution, boy. That girl doesn’t need to be fucked around. She’s no warm body or good time.”
I hold my hand up. “I know that. Look, it’s always been Blue for me. I never wanted Calla. She knew that, too. I told her straight up. She only got as close to me as she did because she pretended to be her sister.”
Psych’s nostrils flare.
“She’s that vindictive, brother. You know I’m speaking the truth.”
His jaw ticks. He blinks, and the killing light in his eyes goes out.
I relax slightly. I’m getting through.
“So you want to sister hop?” His voice is quiet; full of anger and gravel.
I proceed cautiously. “No, I want to claim my Old Lady. I waited. I tried to get her out of my system. The shit didn’t take. Seeing her with this yuppie fuck killed me, knowing he might lock down what’s mine.” I grit my teeth and clench my fists. “I’m not going to wait any longer. I want your blessing, brother. You know I respect you, and I want to do this shit right. But I don’t need it.”
“You willing to go toe-to-toe with me on this?” He arches an eyebrow.
“Yeah, I am,” I answer without hesitation. “I’ve spent the past three years in a cage, defending myself, and fighting for the things I needed. I can’t go back to being the passive man who kept his feelings secret. Life is too fucking short.”
“She’s not going to go for it,” Psycho says.
“You let me worry about that.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Psych asks.
“As a heart attack. Blue was always meant to be mine. I need her to realize that.”
Psych rubs his chin between his thumb and index finger. “I got to tell you, brother, I’m not sure how I feel about this. People are going to talk and judge. I don’t give a shit, but Bluebell will. How you going to protect her from that? You going to make it all worth it for her? She knows how things work. You going on the road while she’s back home waiting and being broken down little by little? My girls, both of them, are strong in their own way. But everyone has a weakness, and for Blue, it’s emotions. I know brothers come first, but this is a personal matter, not a club matter. I don’t want those lines blurred.”
“I don’t need anyone other than Blue,” I state bluntly. A lot of men aren’t faithful. That’s never been a problem for me.
Psych scowls. “You make a convincing argument, and talk a good game. I’ll allow it. But if you hurt my little girl… I’m going to crush you. Don’t forget who taught you how to do your job,” he says. His voice is even and laced with the promise of violence. He and Wizard are damn good at their jobs.
I don’t want to be on the receiving end of punishment from either of them. “I hear you. Thanks for giving me your blessing.”
“I want to see Blue happy and with someone who understands this life. That chump she was bringing around rubbed me the wrong way.” Psych frowns. “Anyone would be better than him.”
I snicker. “His loss, my gain.”
“We’ll see. She ain’t going to be easy to win over, boy.”
“You know what they say about anything worth having,” I remark with a shrug and nod my head. I then head to the main room, ready to start chipping away at her resolve.
Rock music is blaring over the speakers while the scent of leather, alcohol, and smoke welcomes me home. I inhale the unique blend of sin. Scanning the crowd, I spot Blue and Bolt in a far corner with a group of other old ladies. I approach just as the old ladies say their good-byes and begin to leave with friendly waves.
“It’s good to have my family together,” I say loudly to be heard over the music. I wrap my arm around Blue’s waist, pull her body close to my side, and throw my other arm around Bolton’s shoulder. “The house ready for me?” I ask.