Didn’t think I would, but I kept that knowledge to myself.
The kitchen was full of people and busy as fuck when I entered. It was already 0900, and I needed a cup of coffee before I dealt with the rest of this day, including church. Grim wanted to meet at noon. Most of my brothers were late risers, but Nylah was a nurse, and she was up before everyone but the club girls who always made all the meals.
I caught Rael as he poured a cup of coffee and then grabbed a mug, filling another before handing it over.
“Thanks.” I took a sip and welcomed the hot liquid, burning my throat like I was used to for the last twenty years. Learned to like it black in boot
camp when I was eighteen and never stopped.
“Got somethin’ I want to talk about,” he began.
I shot him a look, downing more coffee.
“Don’t be a dick. I promised Nylah.”
Well shit. “Let me grab a plate for Mimi first.”
Snooki was scramblin’ eggs and scooping them into a bowl while Becca fried bacon and flipped sausage patties. LeeAnn was buttering a mound of toast and stacking it next to the eggs. That left Harley to keep the coffee going, and boiling water for tea since a few of the girls drank it and set out orange juice and fresh fruit that someone cut up.
Plates, silverware, napkins, and glasses finished off the assembly line opposite the granite countertop. Didn’t seem like many people had gone through it yet, which meant there would be plenty of food, and it was all hot. Containers of condiments like salt, pepper, jelly, and extra butter were available for those who wanted to eat in their rooms instead of buffet style.
The dining area was a separate room but right off the kitchen. One way led to the common room and bar. The other to the chow hall, as I liked to call it. Reminded me of my days as a young Marine. Rows of tables with benches and quite a few tables with chairs. The room was fucking huge.
I ticked my head toward Snooki. She was the head club girl, and most of the guys showed her that respect.
“Gonna need a tray for Mimi.”
“Sure thing, honey.” She pulled out a plate and scooped eggs first. “She still like cheddar cheese on her eggs and sausage patties? I’ll add the apple butter she likes with wheat toast. She usually eats the fruit up, so I’ll give her extra of that too.”
I winked her way. “Thanks for setting my girl up.”
“My pleasure.”
I noticed a couple of the girls giving each other a look when I said Mimi was my girl. So what? I could call her whatever the fuck I wanted, and since she was under my protection, I needed to make it clear that she was in my room for a reason. Of course, I didn’t say ol’ lady, and they caught that too.
“Add some orange juice and cream and sugar for her tea.”
“You got it.” Once everything was ready, she covered the tray and picked it up. “Want me to take it?”
“Nah, I’ve got it.”
More looks were tossed my way. Snooki handed it over as Rael shook his head. I ignored his dumbass and headed back down the hall. Shadow immediately took the tray as soon as I was close enough.
“Tell her I’ll text later. Got some club shit to do.”
“Yes, sir.”
Spinning on my heel, I went back to the kitchen and made my own plate, meeting Rael for chow.
“Give me five damn minutes to get food in my stomach.”
He gave me one of his dark grins, sitting back as he sipped coffee. His plate was already empty. “No need to get your panties twisted. Just want to know what’s going on with you and Trixie.”
“Don’t fucking call her that,” I growled, shoveling eggs and toast down my gullet.
Rael barked out a laugh. “Fine. What’s going on with you and Naomi?”
“Why?” I asked, pausing to gulp down a little coffee.