“Police can’t handle those assholes, Thalia,” he said distantly.
“And I don’t want you to suffer again,” I whispered, and Bear’s face relaxed. Bear finally understood what I was saying, and I settled back against the pillows.
“No suffering involved, baby. This will be pure pleasure,” Bear smiled, and I gazed across to Grandmother. Amazingly, she seemed unruffled by what I was sure was a disturbing conversation for her. Grandmother dealt with charities and afternoon tea, not torturing someone as vengeance for her granddaughter.
“Are you worried I am going to be judgemental?” Grandmother asked, watching my face. I nodded. “No darling girl, in fact, I am euphoric that someone cares enough to take care of you. You and Kelly have worried about me for so long, neither one of you settling down. While Bear and Hellfire MC are not the life I envisioned, I cannot deny how much Bear cares about you.”
“Bear does?” I asked wonderingly and swapped my gaze back to Bear.
“Yes, he does,” Bear replied and frowned, “yes I do.”
“I care about you too, and I’m sorry I messed up in the hotel room. I couldn’t find my words.”
“Your grandmother has explained about this asshole, Damon. Payback’s a bitch with Hellfire’s name on it,” Bear growled, and I felt a momentary panic. Was Bear going to kill Damon, too?
“Calm down Thal, Bear means that he’s set someone called Artemis on Damon’s tail. They’re digging up all sorts of dirt to ruin his career,” Kelly said, and I shook my head.
“Damon’s not important,” I muttered.
“Damon won’t be by the time Artemis has finished. Woman loves doing shit like this,” Bear said and traced a finger down my cheek. “And Clio riled her up.”
“Oh my God, the others! Grandmother…” Grandmother interrupted me, smiling.
“I’ve met them. They are amazing. Truly, I’m impressed with each of them; Clio is strikingly enough like you that you will be confusing to tell apart at first. And my first great-grandchild, can you imagine? Polly and Callie are easy enough to tell apart. Polly has the confidence that Callie lacks, but we’ll ensure she grows. And Rain is wonderful; his invention will change medical care for years to come.” Grandmother enthused.
“Oh, you met them already?” I asked. I felt disappointed because I’d wanted to introduce her.
“Yes, well, when I grabbed Clio by her shoulders and scolded her for terrifying the life out of me, it caused a scene. That hulk of hers came storming over and explained the situation before I spanked her backside. Chance is perfect for Clio, although I hear you’ve been a brat. Shame on you, Thalia. I did not raise you to be so judgemental,” Grandmother scolded. I blushed under her gaze, and her words impacted me greatly, even though they lacked heat.
“Sorry, I was horrible,” I admitted. Grandmother’s stern gaze faded, and she smiled.
“Yes, you were. Terribly awful, from what I understand. But it’s in the past, and you’ve made amends. Reuniting the five of you was nothing short of miraculous, and Chance having such connections is wonderful. Of course, I know Phoenix, having attended many of her events, to understand she has such strong links to Hellfire is amazing. And her husband, Drake, looks very much like Chance. Wonderful man Drake, he refuses to wear a tuxedo and point-blank wears smart black jeans and a white button-down to each event. With his waistcoat, of course,” Grandmother smiled.
“His cut,” Bear corrected, and Grandmother frowned.
“Drake was injured,” she asked.
“No, the waistcoat is called a cut,” Bear explained, and Grandmother nodded.
“Now, I’ll leave you two alone, as will Kelly; you have much to discuss. And I need to hire a realtor for Spearfish. Maybe something like the home Phoenix has. One that can be filled with grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Grandmother said, eyeing Bear and me not so subtly. I blushed again as she rose to her feet and kissed my cheek.
“Grandmother,” I hissed as Kelly chuckled.
“Well, one is getting old now; being subtle takes a leave at my age,” Grandmother smiled and ushered Kelly out.
“Sorry, Grandmother isn’t usually so…” I struggled to find a word.
“Pushy?” Bear supplied helpfully. I nodded.
“Yes, she must have been so worried,” I muttered.
“Maylene was, but she was relieved when you first opened your eyes. She was a force of nature and bullied you back to being conscious. Thought you’d be sleeping beauty for the rest of your life,” Bear rumbled as his hand cupped my face.
“I am so sorry for the hotel. Bear, I wasn’t ashamed of you. I was more ashamed of thinking there was more to us and believing that you only wanted a fuck buddy,” I whispered.
“But I didn’t Thalia, I put you on the back of my bike. No fuck buddy would ever have done that. Everyone else knew what I was on about except you,” Bear said, smiling. “Inglorious thinks it’s hysterical that you forgot what he told you. Especially as you were adamant about learning about MCs.”
“But I didn’t understand you were dating me,” I replied. Bear shook his head.