“Dante, should I invite my father to my graduation?”
Lying in bed after fucking the hell out of Karina is just about the last place I want to talk about her deadbeat father.
“Why’re you asking?”
“We got these official invites at school. For family guests. Should I give him one? Do you think he’ll come?”
“I don’t know, baby girl. But if you want him there, give it to him.”
She chews on her thumbnail a little—something she almost never does. I grasp her hand, pulling it away from her mouth “You need to put something in your mouth, I’ll give you my cock.”
“Already done that,” she sasses back.
“No rule saying you can’t do it again.”
Her bare thigh rubs against mine and she rolls to her side, facing me. “What’s wrong?” I ask after she stares at me for a few minutes.
“Nothing. I’m just happy you’re home.”
“Me too. What do you have going on tomorrow?”
“Morning at the library and I have an exam in the afternoon.”
“Okay. I’ll be at the clubhouse most of the day if you need me.”
“Thanks.” She hesitates again. “Do you know if my dad’s home?”
“No idea. Wanna give him a call?”
“I was thinking of driving over there and giving him the invitation in person.”
Fucking hell. Driving over to that deadbeat’s house is the last thing I feel like doing. “Okay. Get dressed. I’ll take you now before it gets much later.”
“You don’t have to—”
She stops mid-sentence when she takes in the look on my face.
Naturally, the douche isn’t home. “What do you want to do?” I ask. Karina’s old key doesn’t work anymore. Amazing how the prick had time to change the locks but can’t pick up a fucking phone to call his daughter.
She taps the envelope against her hand a few times before answering. “I guess I’ll leave it under the door and give him a call to let him know it’s here?”
“Sounds good.”
I didn’t expect her to whip out her phone and call him right this second, but that’s what she does. Leaves him a voicemail with all the information that’s in the invite. Well, at least the asshole has no excuse for not showing up.
“Do you think he’s mad we’re together?” she asks as we walk back to my bike.
“Don’t give a fuck if he is. No one’s gonna keep us apart. I’ll destroy anyone who gets in my way, even him. You’re mine.”
I didn’t mean to get so intense, but the thought of that man always manages to piss me off. “I like being yours,” she says.
Good.
“Mind if we stop by the clubhouse? I’ll ask Romeo if he knows what your dad’s up to.”
“Sure.”
For a weeknight, the clubhouse is pretty busy. Fuck only knows what Romeo will say in front of Karina, so I park her little ass at the bar next to Sadie. “Keep an eye on her?”
“No problem.”
Karina doesn’t seem too thrilled about the arrangement, but she doesn’t protest.
I take off in search of my prez.
Kind of wish I hadn’t found him in such a compromising position with Amy, but when they’re done, she leaves.
“Christ, can’t you go two minutes without getting one of those bitches on their knees?”
He snorts. “You come here for a reason, or to give me shit? Don’t be jealous because you’re getting bored with the same old pussy.”
Bored isn’t the word I’d use to describe what Karina and I have. But that ain’t any of his business. The less he knows, or thinks he knows about us, the better.
“You hear from Tucker lately?”
“Yeah. Sent him back down to the border on another run.”
“Seriously?”
“He needs me to clear that debt and I need someone who doesn’t look connected to us, since Hemi’s fuck-up. Why you looking for him?”
“One, it’s almost time for him to get me that fucking number for Karina’s sister. Two, she wants to invite the asshole to her graduation. She dropped off an invite at his house, but I want to make sure he knows about it.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want her disappointed.”
“He’s a piece of shit. Thought you’d want him far away from her.”
My shoulders lift. What the fuck do I know about any of this shit? “He’s still her dad. She should have what little family she’s got there.”
“You’re getting soft.” He chuckles. “So when is graduation?”
That kicks off my radar. “Why?”
“Because apparently this club’s her family now. Maybe some of us should be there.”
It would be a nice sentiment if I didn’t know the real reason he wants this. I don’t even bother trying to hold in my laughter. “You fucking serious?”
“Why not. We got two prospects graduating, too.”
“Yeah, and an almost-legal chick you wanna sink your dick in.”
“Well, that, too.” He tones down the dirty smirk-face. “You know if she’s got a boyfriend?”
“Like it matters?”
“No, I guess not.”
“I don’t think so. From what Karina says, her friend’s pretty sheltered.” That’s putting it mildly.
His eyes light up like the dirty pussy-loving pervert he is. “Fuck. They’re always the dirtiest girls.”
“You would know.”
Hanging out with Sadie isn’t too horrible. I mean, I know she’s fucked Dante in the past, which is a little uncomfortable, but she’s always been nice to me. Unlike this other catty bitch, Melody, who I’m pretty sure graduated from my high school last year.
As soon as Sadie leaves to check on something, Melody pounces. “You know your man hooks up when you’re in school, right?”
She says school with a bitchy wrinkled-nose face. I’m tempted to tell her how ugly that face makes her look, but I don’t.
“I highly doubt that,” I answer in a bored voice. I’m proud to say that isn’t a lie either. I trust Dante.
“Not me,” she says in a rush as if she’s trying to be my best friend all of a sudden. “Just the other day, your friend Sadie blew him on the couch.” Damn, I really hate girls who love doing nothing but starting drama and trouble.
“You know, Melody. Maybe if you spent this much effort on your own life, you wouldn’t be such a miserable twat.”
Behind me, Sadie’s laughter rings out. “Good one, Karina. I was about to say something not quite as classy.”
She settles her hand on my shoulder and stands next to me. “Stop trying to fuck with her. Dante will kick your skinny little ass right out the door if you upset his girl.”
Melody sticks her tongue out at me—what are we, five?
“Melody,” Romeo snaps. “Go do something useful somewhere else.”
I turn to find Romeo and Dante in the doorway to the club’s “chapel room.” Dante lifts his chin. His way, I think, of asking if I’m okay. I nod and he goes back to his conversation with Romeo.
Sadie hops back on the barstool next to me. “Good for you. Don’t ever be afraid to stick up for yourself around these bitches. You’re gonna be Dante’s old lady. Everyone knows it.”
“Uh—”
“Club whores, hell even some of the old ladies will try to test you to see what you’re made of.”
“Why?”
“That’s the way it is.” She tilts her head to the side. “I think you can handle it.”
“Thanks.” I sound more confused than thankful but she accepts my words.
“Just so you know, Dante hasn’t looked at another girl since you. Not even me, and we used to be pretty regular—”
I throw my hand up in a stop gesture a couple inches from her face. “I really don’t need details.”
She flashes a quick, apologetic smile. “Sorry. He’s really smitten with you, that’s all.”
Smitt
en. Odd word to use to describe Dante and I let out a chuckle.
Sadie laughs, too. “Right? Who could imagine big, bad Dante as a smitten kitten?” she says, sending both of us into a fit of silly giggles.
When we catch our breath, I look her over. “Are you mad that he didn’t want you as his old lady?” That’s a pretty obnoxious question for me to ask, but I can’t help it. I can’t figure Sadie out.
“Hell, no.” She glances around the packed clubhouse. “This life isn’t for me long-term. Besides, I’ve fucked almost every brother in this charter, so never gonna happen.”
“Wow. Okay then.”
She shrugs. “I like sex and I don’t like commitment. This is the perfect place if you keep your expectations to a minimum. Girls like Melody who come here hoping to snag an ol’ man just end up bitter little bitches.”
I have no words, but for some reason I really appreciate Sadie’s directness.
Thick, tattooed forearms wrap around my middle. Dante. I relax against him and he kisses my cheek. “You okay?” he whispers in my ear.
“Yeah. Sadie was keeping me company.”
He dips his chin to acknowledge Sadie, but doesn’t say anything else. Romeo, on the other hand, wraps his arm around Sadie’s waist. “How do you feel about high school graduations, Sadie?”
Behind me, Dante groans. Sadie seems confused for a minute. “Haven’t been to one since my own,” she finally says.
“Well, our girl Karina here is graduating Friday afternoon, and since she doesn’t have a lot of family, Dante and I thought some of her Iron Bulls family should be there.”
That sounds like a load of crap if I ever heard one, but I keep my face neutral. “You don’t have to do that, Romeo. It’ll be so boring.”
“Sure,” Sadie answers slowly, throwing me an Is that okay with you? face.
“Good,” Romeo says, as if he’s somehow done his good deed for the day. He tugs Sadie off her stool and the two of them disappear down the hall.
“What was that all about?” I ask Dante as he takes Sadie’s vacant seat.
“No fucking idea. I tried to talk him out of it. Figure he’s either hoping to see your friend or he’s sincere and trying to make up for giving me so much shit.”
“Shit about what?”
His mouth flattens into a thin line, as if he wishes he hadn’t said so much.
“He’s just jealous of my hot lil’ girl.”
Luck joins us before I question Dante further. Romeo returns without Sadie and claps Luck on the back. “Perfect. You can join us at Karina’s graduation, too.”
His gaze roams over me for a brief second before he seems to come to a decision. “Ah, sure, prez. Dante, that okay with you?”
This is all getting too weird for me. Dante interprets my pleading look correctly and takes my hand, sliding me off the stool. “We’re heading out. You hear anything, let me know, prez.”
“Will do.”
Finally the bizarre night at the biker compound is over.
Chapter Eleven
No surprise Karina hasn’t heard from her dad. First thing Monday morning looks like I’ll be tracking him down and beating some information out of him. Not even a phone call on her graduation day. He’s gonna get a few extra punches just for hurting my girl’s feelings.
Karina shakes it all off. She did well on all of her exams—not that I expected anything different.
“I don’t know why I bothered. No one will see my dress when it’s covered by the hideous gowns we have to wear,” she grumbles as she checks herself out in the bathroom mirror.
“You look beautiful, baby girl.”
“Thank you.”
“Come here.”
She rushes over and wraps her arms around my waist careful not to touch her made up face to my T-shirt. “Ready to go?”
“Yes. I told Athena I’d meet her in front of the school at eleven.”
We take my truck to the school. The place is jumping today. Crazed teenagers and proud parents everywhere. I feel like a creepy motherfucker here to watch my girlfriend graduate from high school. Then she smiles at me and I shake it off. Never gave a fuck what anyone thought of me before. Ain’t gonna start now.
Athena squeals and runs over almost knocking Karina down with her enthusiastic greeting. They talk so fast I can’t make out their words. Most of it sounds like “I can’t believe we’re finally getting out of here.”
“Where’re your parents?” Karina asks.
“Inside. Is your dad coming?”
Karina’s mouth turns down and if it wasn’t for Athena looking just as upset as my girl, I’d be pissed at her for upsetting Karina.
“Fuck him, Karina. You kicked ass this year.”
Damn, I like this little bitch sometimes.
I almost groan when I spot Romeo approaching our group. Correction, Romeo and Sadie. Athena’s eyes narrow as she follows my gaze. “Who’s that?” she asks, poking Karina in the ribs.
“Romeo. I think you’ve met him,” she answers with a straight face, making me chuckle.
“Don’t be a bitch.”
Sadie runs up and hugs Karina—wasn’t aware they were so close. “Congratulations, sweetie.”
“Thanks.”
Luck joins us next and gives Karina a brief hug while also congratulating her. My girl seems a little overwhelmed from all the attention.
“Athena and I have to go line up with our class.” She waves the four envelopes she’s holding in the air and then hands one to each of us. “You’ll need these to get in.”
“You really didn’t have to come,” I remind Romeo once the girls leave. He shrugs. “Prospects worked hard, too. Might as well support ‘em.”
What a load of bullshit.
“Wolf and his old lady are coming, too,” he says as if he knows I’m calling him a liar in my head. But it doesn’t surprise me our VP would show up. He’s also worked closely with the prospects and his ol’ lady is a mother hen type if ever there was one.
We finally go inside and find Wolf. Bunch of squares give us some dirty looks. As if bikers shouldn’t be at a high school graduation.
The first person who asks me if Karina’s my daughter gets knocked the fuck out.
Athena and I begged and pleaded with the kid who was sitting between us to swap seats. He finally agreed. She clasps my hand as the ceremony starts and we titter throughout all the speeches. It came down to two missed questions on my history final that knocked me out of second place. I’m more than okay with not having to speak today.
Instead, I hold my best friend’s hand and wonder where we’ll be in six months…a year…ten years from now. This big trip she’s planning to California still scares me even though she’s promised to call and text so much I won’t even know she’s gone.
I doubt that.
I’m nervous about all the things I have planned for the summer. Upset that my father’s not here. Anxious about maybe getting to meet my sister soon.
Before I know it, we’re called on stage to accept our diplomas. Our Vice Principal, Mr. Hacket, excuses himself when they get to the Rs. I chuckle under my breath. Guess he’s still scared of Dante.
Dante.
He said he has something special planned for me tonight and something important to discuss with me tomorrow. I’m dying to find out what those things are.
I must space out because suddenly, Athena’s jamming her elbow in my ribs and shouting in my ear. “We’re free! We’re finally free!”
We hug a few people we’ve stayed friends with. I even find Cricket and even give him a big hug. He looks terrified—as if Dante might pop out at any moment and beat him to death for touching me.
Athena and I run into her parents first. I’m scanning the crowd for Dante. Or my dad. Dante’s so big he should be easy to spot. I’m looking in the wrong direction though, because he surprises me by coming up behind me and sweeping me up into his arms and kissing me deep. “So proud of you baby girl,” he whispers against my lips
before setting me down.
I twine my hand with his to keep myself upright, then face Athena’s shocked parents.
Oops.
I introduce them to Dante and Romeo, which is awkward as hell. Her parents aren’t even subtle about hustling Athena away from us. She turns and gives Romeo a princess wave on her way out.
“Am I that terrifying?” Romeo asks with a snicker.
I snort and shake my head. “Don’t take it personally. They’ve never liked me either.”
Romeo pats my arm in an awkward way that’s similar to how you pat a cute chihuahua. “Congrats, girl. Your man wouldn’t shut the fuck up about you being third in the class.”
He almost sounds sincere, and I look to Dante who shrugs.
“Where did Luck and Sadie go?”
Dante points toward the parking lot. “Our VP and his ol’ lady were here, too. I think they’re heading back to the clubhouse with the prospects.”
“You can join us, Karina,” Romeo says. He glances at Dante after making the offer. Some unspoken communication bounces between them. Can’t be anything good. Dante grips my hand tighter and we leave the school together.
It’s barely three in the afternoon, but the clubhouse is wild when we get there. Dante’s look of disgust speaks volumes as he helps me down from his truck. “Fuckin’ prospects are gonna think it’s always like this,” he grumbles. “Don’t say anything, but Cricket and Buttons are getting patched in tomorrow.”
“That’s awesome. I know Cricket was really nervous about what would happen after graduation.”
“Well, club’s still gotta vote it, but I don’t think anyone will vote no.” He places a hand on either side of my face and backs me up against the truck. “Now. The rest of the night is all about you,” he murmurs as he trails kisses down my neck. “And tomorrow and the next day,” he continues. “Got a lot of time to make up for.”
“Thank you for letting me study all week,” I whisper as I spread my hand over his crotch. “Oh, you did miss me.”
“Don’t fuck with me, baby girl. I’m so torqued up I’m about to have you blow me in this parking lot to take the edge off.”
Entwined (Iron Bulls MC #3) Page 7