Maccoy, p.6
Maccoy, page 6
“Motherfucker,” Alcide grumbles and this time he rubs the back of his neck. “You and your mouth.”
Elodie shoots him a saucy grin. “Remember, all you’ve experienced is words tumbling out. Imagine what else I’m good at with my mouth.”
Alcide’s gaze finds mine. “Are we going to have issues if I touch your friend?”
I’m taken aback by his question. Though, Elodie has thrown sexual innuendos concerning my biological father my way ever since she met him. The way he grits his teeth is a bit alarming.
It’s for this reason I let him know, “That would depend on the touching. If it’s in a good way–” I shrug because basically it’s none of my business; they’re both grown-ups. “If it’s with bad intentions–”
“Then he’ll experience how it feels to have that pole shoved up his ass,” Elodie finishes for me.
I can’t help the laugh ripping from my body.
“First, though?” Elodie’s voice turns serious. “I would like to have a room with a lot of privacy for some quiet time. I want to glance through the eyes in the sky and get a feel of the casino. Then I have to go through some of the files and check out the personnel.”
“Let me show you to my office,” Alcide offers. “Maccoy, church and take Delphine with you along with Jarvin, Walton, and Coy.”
“Keep me posted,” I tell Elodie while Alcide places a hand on her lower back to guide her in the direction of a long hallway.
She gives me a finger wave and Maccoy points at a door across the room. We head inside and I take a seat at the large table while three other bikers join us. It takes a few breaths before Alcide returns and closes the door behind him.
Alcide drags his chair back and takes a seat. “I’ve brought you in here to explain a few things. Now, some parts will be hard to process but I have to get all the details out so you understand what we’ve been dealing with for over the past three decades.
“Over the past three decades,” I muse. “So, way before I was born?”
Alcide bobs his head. “A few months before Silas was killed.”
“Silas.” I swallow hard. “My brother.”
“Your brother. He had the same eyes as you,” Alcide says with a load of emotion in his voice.
“Yours,” I state and confess, “My father, he suggested–”
Shit.
How come my throat tightens at every turn these days, and I don’t know how to react to everything falling apart around me? I just called the man who raised me my father while the one sitting in front of me is my actual, biological father. He didn’t even know I existed; that right there must be horrible for him and I add salt to his wound by calling another man ‘father’.
“Zalverni,” I state, better to use his name. “He suggested I start using a colored lens to make my eyes the same color. At the time I thought it was to help me deal with the staring and questions always thrown my way. I could tolerate contact lenses at an early age so it wasn’t an issue. Now I think he had other reasons in mind when he suggested it.”
“I think it’s safe to say he was hiding you in plain sight,” Alcide grumbles. “The day Silas was ripped from us by a bomb in a package that was meant for me was when your mother packed her stuff and left. Ariana ran to the only one she knew and trusted and that was Zalverni. He was a good friend and a business associate at the time. He was also there the night Ariana and I met, so she knew him as well. At first, he offered her a safe place and kept me in the loop of how she was doing. Then things changed and she confessed she couldn’t be in the MC life with all the danger and most of all…she said she couldn’t face me anymore because I reminded her of Silas. Zalverni told me he’d take care of her and for months I was numb when it came to other feelings because I was consumed with vengeance. I was dead set to find the one who sent the bomb package and wanted to kill the one responsible and make everything safe again but–” A deep sigh rips straight from his soul. “Your mother called me out of the blue two months later, explaining how she fell in love with Zalverni. Her life was with him now and that she was pregnant with his child.”
Silence fills the room and I don’t know what to say. What a screwed up situation. And what a dick move on my mother’s part and Zalverni’s for that matter. I mean, I understand the trauma and fear as reason for my mother, turning her world upside-down, but the pain in Alcide’s eyes is vivid. I place my hand over his and give a gentle squeeze.
His other strong hand covers mine. “I’m just thankful to have found you. I still can’t believe it. My little girl.”
“Not so little.” I wink and he chokes on half a laugh.
This might not be the moment but the question popping into my mind does require an answer. “Did you find out who was responsible for the bomb?”
There’s silence wrapping around us for what feels like dragging minutes before my father shocks me to my very core when he says, “Cassius Abiel.”
I can feel the rush of my own blood in my ears and can’t believe he just told me the one responsible for killing my brother, the one who wanted my biological father dead, who sent my mother running away, was none other than Paolo’s father.
CHAPTER SIX
– MACCOY –
“How…why…this can’t be.” Her face is as white as a sheet but then her cheeks flush and flames are practically shooting from her eyes when she snarls, “Why is he still alive and making deals with Zalverni? Fucking hell, he wanted me to marry his son. I can’t even…shit. I’ve never…I can’t even…I want to kill him with my bare hands for killing my brother I didn’t know I had and you…you sit there telling me this while you’ve had years. Years!”
Her lips lock tight and her chest rises and falls slowly as she takes deep breaths to calm herself.
I place my hand on her thigh and softly squeeze to give her support and make her aware when I tell her, “Your reaction is completely normal and something Prez has been struggling with for decades. He didn’t know who was responsible for a long-ass time and when he pieced it together all the evidence was circumstantial. It’s complicated. The reason why they wanted your father dead was to rip up the partnership he had with Zalverni and with his old lady leaving him and shacking up with Zalverni he was successful. Meaning everything came to a standstill. Mostly because–”
“No,” my prez snaps.
I connect my gaze with his and tell him, “My old lady deserves to know,” and turn to face her to explain the rest. “During a huge gala he confronted your father and threatened him. He wanted a truce. If not, Abiel would make sure your mother would join your brother.”
She whips her head in Alcide’s direction. “Please tell me you’re planning on shoving the truce up his ass now that my mother’s dead.”
He gives her a tight nod. “I’ve been planning since the second I heard she was gone. We’ve only managed to get the flow of information going since last night, piecing everything that happened over the years together today.”
“Which is?” she urges, and a hint of pride hits me on how she processes everything, clearly being affected by everything but manages to stand tall to hear every detail, even if it’s ripping deeper wounds into her fucking soul.
Alcide’s eyes slide to mine and I slightly incline my head. As I said, I’m proud of the way she handles herself and how she faces things head-on. Shying away from the problems at hand is never a good thing but this woman–my woman–is standing amidst havoc that’s knee-deep and there’s no other way for her than to either fight or die trying to overcome.
For fucking sure we’re going to die trying because there’s no way I’m going to let her face shit alone and dying isn’t an option. Not when I’ve just claimed her as mine; the one woman who hit my chest with a jolt of electricity to make my heart beat to her tune.
“Ariana. Your mother…she–” Alcide takes a deep breath and starts to throw it all out. “I don’t think Ariana and Zalverni fell in love or some shit. It was more like a necessary union. Zalverni’s casino was on the verge of bankruptcy. Ariana came from old money. We never married because claiming her as my old lady was enough for me and I wanted her to know I didn’t give a damn about money. She pumped money into the casino but was smart enough to put it in writing how she became a partner with fifty-one percent ownership. Back then Abiel also made an offer to take over the casino but with Ariana becoming a partner Zalverni didn’t need Abiel so they parted ways. Years came and went but Abiel never stopped trying to become the bigger player on the strip and has always wanted the prime location Zalverni has with his casino.”
“That’s why Abiel wanted me to marry his son,” Delphine whisper snaps, more to herself than anyone else. “And why he strategically put Paolo in place to work there.”
“He might have done so by blackmailing Zalverni into hiring Paolo. We haven’t figured that out yet but this morning we did find out the reason why your mother was murdered,” Alcide says.
I keep my gaze on Delphine since I know what’s coming. His call woke me up early this morning and it’s pretty fucked-up but makes a load of sense.
“Two weeks ago Zalverni received an email from Abiel. A few photographs were attached and it showed him fucking different women. Basically, he was blackmailed into a deal to marry you off to Paolo,” Prez states.
Delphine wrings her hands. “But why would he let anyone blackmail him? He could have told my mother, explain, apologize, whatever.”
“Your mother has always been fierce when it comes to loyalty. Adultery was something that was mentioned in the prenuptial agreement, leaving him with nothing and giving her reason to divorce. She owned fifty-one percent of the casino, she would have been able to kick him out of his own business. And rightfully so, fucking shit up over and over. She was the one really running the casino,” Alcide growls. “He never deserved her, never.”
“You still loved her very much,” Delphine whispers. “Even after she left.”
“Never fucking stopped loving her. And when she reached out to me, I was ready to help in any way. I believe she was going to tell me what was going on but…he killed her to save his own ass. With her out of the way, he gained full ownership of the casino. Which also means he didn’t have to submit to any blackmail from Abiel. Two birds, one stone. Ariana had his medicine in her system, knocking her out while he was able to make it appear she went into the shower and accidentally slipped, knocking her head.”
“He fooled them all, including me,” Delphine croaks. “And it also explains why they killed him in return, for trying to get out of the blackmail…before he could say a word to me. But he was already dying. Blackmailing him wouldn’t make sense.”
“Maybe they gave him the choice to either die on his own or they would help speed him up if you didn’t marry Paolo. Without the marriage Abiel still wouldn’t have the casino in his hands,” I tell her. “They’ve been working on this shit for years and with the recent murders it’s as if they are sick of waiting and will speed up to get their hands on the casino. You being the only one left, a woman alone, would be easy to force into signing things over.”
“Fat chance,” Delphine snaps and points a finger at Alcide. “He’s going to find himself dying in a pool of his own blood now that my father and I are teaming up.”
A proud smile slides across my face and I can tell my prez is hit by a load of emotion to hear his daughter calling him her father for the very first time.
“Damn right,” he croaks.
We go over a few more details when I get the feeling Delphine is drained and definitely needs some time to get her bearings.
“Why don’t we give it a rest for now?” I suggest. “I’ll take you to your room where you can grab a hot shower and get some shut-eye. Maybe order some food first or something.”
“Good thinking, VP,” Alcide says and shoves his chair back. “I’m going to check on Elodie. She might need some help going over stuff and I’ll make sure she has a room to crash in along with some food as well.”
“Thanks,” Delphine muses.
We stroll out of church and I place my hand on the small of her back to guide her in the direction of the hallway but Alcide stops us.
“Show her the room–”
I cut him off because I know exactly what he’s about to suggest. “No.” I move my hand to her hip and keep her in place when I add, “There’s no need to show her the room you had cleared for her. She’s my old lady and therefore she’s going to be staying in my room.”
Alcide completely ignores me when he says, “The room next to my office is completely clean and for you to decorate as you please. This way you will always have a place here.”
“Thank you,” she softly says.
“Come on,” I grumble and take her with me down the hall, past the room Alcide wanted to show her, and head straight for my own room, locking the door behind us.
“Are you okay?” I ask while she glances around.
“I better ask you that question,” she mutters. “You really take your style above and beyond, huh? I don’t know what to think of this wallpaper. Retro leaf print? Really? Shades of brown and some cream.”
There’s a smile tugging her mouth and I try to keep a straight face when I tell her, “If you’re complaining about my room, I’d advise you not to go into the bathroom.”
Her eyes widen a fraction and she dashes away. I slowly follow, my heart lightening at the sound of her laughter cutting through the air.
“I’m assuming you like it?” I question and lean against the brown tiles.
She whirls around, eyes twinkling. “A green bathtub and sink? Brown tiles all around? You’re stuck in the seventies while living in the now. I’ve never met anyone like you.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should.” She chuckles and adds, “Strangely enough, everything suits you. The jacket with the MC patch embroidered on the back instead of the leather vests the others wear. The mustache, the long sideburns, your hair, the room, this bathroom…you’re one of a kind.”
“Fuck average,” I mutter and close the distance between us to cup her face and let my thumb softly trail over her cheekbone. “I could stare into your eyes for a lifetime and never grow tired of the intriguing beauty. The way they twinkle or flash with fire is where the heart of your personality shows what’s going through your mind. My favorite part of you, right next to your fine ass, thighs, and those lush tits. Let’s not forget your leadership, skills in the business shows the beauty I mentioned that starts in your brain.”
“Smooth talker.” Her voice is low and husky as she closes her eyes and leans into my touch.
I slide my hand to the back of her neck and pull her close, wrapping my other arm around her waist to hug her tight. This right here has nothing to do with the need to fist my cock, open her legs to find her wetness, and sink into her sweet pussy.
Hell no, this is about comfort and support; letting her know I have two shoulders she can lean on at any given time. I didn’t speak a claim because she’s the president’s daughter, wealthy, with a body made for raw fucking.
I claimed her because my body felt as if I was jolted into awareness when I laid eyes on her. Hearing her sass when she put Paolo in place, staring at those damn sinful eyes. Everything about her spoke the language of my soul.
Now that I spoke my claim, I don’t have the need to speed things up. She’s mine and I’m going to make damn sure she knows it too; mind and soul before her body catches up. It’s for this reason I place a kiss on the top of her head before pulling away.
“I’m going to run you a bath so you can have a moment to yourself. When you’re relaxing I’ll organize some food and check up on things, okay?”
“I thought I was going to get naked to do different things than simply getting wet,” she grumbles.
Pointing at my hard dick, straining against the zipper of my jeans I tell her, “I’d bend you over the tub and fuck your pussy raw if we’d have weeks behind us but I’m trying to pace myself here because I’m in it for the long road. The one where exploring every curve of life as an adventure we’re both in for a lifetime of making memories.”
“You really are something,” she muses. “Any chance you can order me some pineapple chicken?”
“A woman after my own heart.” I give her a sly smile. “I know a restaurant who doesn’t deliver but has the best damn dish in the state.” I stalk to the bath and get the water running. “You go on and have your bath and I’ll have food waiting once you’re ready.”
She reaches for the hem of her shirt and I turn to walk straight out of the bathroom. I might have said I’m waiting but I’m not a damn saint; there’s only so much restraint I can muster before I pin her down with my dick.
Walking down the hall, I grab my phone and fire off an order to one of the prospects. I instantly get a reply that he’s on his way. That’s one thing handled. I spot Alcide and Elodie sitting in a booth in the main room of the clubhouse. I slide in next to Elodie.
“Any updates?” I question.
“Cassius Abiel’s other son, Lou, has been snooping around the casino. I don’t know why but Paolo and Lou had some kind of meeting earlier. I only saw him walking into the office and then the feed was switched to black for eighteen minutes before it was back on, showing only Paolo sitting behind his desk. It happened about twenty minutes before Paolo tried to kill me and my hero here killed him instead,” Elodie states.
I bounce my gaze from Elodie to Alcide and back.
“What?” Elodie shrugs. “You’re his VP. I explained to Alcide what I discovered and from the dynamics of the other chapter I used to do business with, the VP is always in the loop. Things work different around here?”
Alcide chuckles. “Nope.”
“Maybe I’m a bit caught off guard by a woman keeping me up to speed instead of my prez,” I clarify and hold my hand up when I see a fierce look slide on her face. “Don’t piss on my boots. I’m only stating a fact. Old ladies were before my time and for sure as fuck will I keep mine in the loop but Prez here? Never gave a chick a second glance. I’ve only seen him zip back up when we are out on a run, blowing a nut in some out of town or state pussy. Needless to say, those were nameless–”
