An Outlaw Valentine

by Kathryn Kelly

  That was no fucking excuse. He owed her an apology.

  “Baby,” he started.

  An ashtray flew toward his head. He ducked just in time.

  “You big jerk,” she yelled, picking up a picture frame and throwing that at him, too.

  Fuck, if he didn’t have good reflexes, he’d be fucked.

  She searched for another weapon, which Zoann gladly supplied, handing Megan an empty wine bottle. She didn’t hesitate and lobbed that motherfucker at him next.

  “Stop, Megan!”

  Of course she didn’t listen. Instead, she found a little statue and hurled it at him.

  His only hope of not getting knocked the fuck out was to immobilize her. As Zoann assisted Megan by providing her with weapons, Christopher covered his head with his arms, ignoring the stings of whatever the fuck hit his arms, chest, and stomach. Since Bunny wasn’t feeling good, she was upstairs with Kendall’s nanny and all the kids. He was glad, too. His children didn’t need to hear him being an assfuck to their Ma.

  Finally, he reached Megan and grabbed her wrists.

  “Let go of me!” she ordered, through clenched teeth, redder than a motherfucker. Her eyes were so dark, they looked black.

  Christopher was in so much fucking trouble. “Baby, listen to me.”

  “Shut up,” she snarled. “You can’t bring up what happened between Johnnie and me whenever it suits your stupid purposes, Christopher.”

  “I know.”

  “I can’t believe you’d think Johnnie is more important to me than you are.” Just saying those words pissed her the fuck off and she started struggling in his arms, attempting to knee his cock back into his stomach.

  He wouldn’t faint like a pussy, but his dick ached so much, tears slipped out of the corners of his eyes.

  “What we do, we do to protect you. We do it because we love you.”

  Nodding…speaking… would disturb the pain in his dick, and he’d ache even more, so he remained silent and still.

  “Yet, you…you…oh, you’ve made me so angry, moron. You know what? You’re locked out of there for the next three months!”

  She yanked herself out of his grasp, turned on her heels, and stalked away, leaving him to fall back onto a chair and writhe the fuck in pain.

  Sitting in the breakfast room, Johnnie listened as Rory counted to one hundred and Matilda went as high as twenty-five. JJ, the baby, sat in his high chair, chewing on a piece of baby toast as slob and crumbs dribbled down his chin and arm.

  Kendall sat just across from him, her eyes reddened from a night of crying.

  When he’d regained consciousness and came to yesterday, after Mortician sucker-punched him, Christopher told Johnnie that Kendall had been drugging him. He hadn’t believed it, until he’d stormed into the kitchen, cleared all the women out, and confronted his wife.

  She’d tearfully confessed everything, right down to the fact that she’d choked herself to bruise her neck.

  Her actions horrified him. Her first drugs of choice had almost killed him. The second round had almost gotten him killed. Fuck, it had almost gotten Megan killed. All because Kendall wanted to take a fucking case.

  “Johnnie, please talk to me,” Kendall sniffled now. “I’m so sorry.”

  Rory and Matilda looked at him, then at Kendall, their little faces filled with curiosity. However, they knew better than to speak if they weren’t spoken to in their mother’s presence.

  “What do you want me to say?” he snapped. The kids shouldn’t witness their argument, but he didn’t have the energy to send them away. “How can I ever trust you again?”

  “I’m so, so sorry. Please, please, please forgive me. I didn’t want to harm you.”

  “Really? After the first two drugs made me so sick, you didn’t stop. You merely switched to another option.”

  “That proves I didn’t want you dead,” she sobbed. “I don’t want you dead.”

  Johnnie sighed, hurt, angry, and frustrated. “Where do we go from here? It goes back to the same thing. It always does. You being an attorney.”

  “I’m not happy without anything meaningful to do.” She swiped at her tears. “Being a wife and a mother is important, but it’s not everything. Not for me.”

  She was right. It was something he should’ve recognized months ago. Maybe, they wouldn’t be in this situation now. That still didn’t excuse her actions. She could’ve killed him, and he happened to like living.

  “You could’ve stuck up for me. Gotten Christopher to compromise.”

  “The hell I could!”

  “The hell you couldn’t,” she bit out, her voice a combination of anger and pain. “He loves you. If you would’ve told him I was leaving you if I didn’t go back to work, he would’ve given in. Even if he allowed me to practice law part-time, it would be something.”

  “You’re never going to change, are you?” he said tiredly. “Now, you want me to become as manipulative as you are.”

  Her nostrils flared and her face flushed, reminding him of the pregnancy announcement she’d made last night.

  The argument about her career was pointless. They’d forever be at odds over it, if someone didn’t give in, and Kendall wasn’t going to do it. He had to resign himself to the fact that he’d either have to leave the club to make her happy or leave her to stay in the club.

  “Are you really pregnant?”

  She usually didn’t suffer morning sickness, but he thought her breasts always got larger. Maybe, with this many pregnancies that wouldn’t happen.

  Yet, wouldn’t he notice some change?

  “You’re pregnant?” he said again, since she hadn’t answered.

  She lowered her lashes and gave the barest nod. “Yes,” she whispered.

  “I thought we were protected.” She was supposedly using birth control.

  “It failed,” she said with a shrug. She swiped at her tears again. “Do you want me to leave?”

  He offered her a half-smile, sadness enveloping him. Because he loved her, despite everything, he hated himself for being unable to change his feelings—no matter what she did. “Leave. Stay. That’s up to you, Kendall. It’ll be a long time before I can trust you. How are we supposed to have a relationship if, every time, you offer me a glass of water, I’ll wonder what’s in it?”

  “I’m not going to ever drug you again. Please, believe me.”

  “Believe you?” He barked a laugh. “You have a fucking lot of nerve.”

  She pressed a hand against her belly and broke into fresh sobs. “Yelling upsets me, which upsets the baby.”

  Rage dug into him. He was so fucking angry with Kendall, he could strangle her himself. Before he gave into the urge and harmed her and their baby, he decided to go to the club.

  Throwing his napkin aside, he pushed from the table and stood, walking away from her without uttering another word.

  Wearing large sunglasses and a hooded jacket, Kendall walked into the same diner she always met with Randolph at, spotting him immediately. He sat in a booth, his blond hair flowing down his back.

  “Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice,” she said as she slid across from him and adjusted her hoodie to make sure her hair was still hidden.

  It had only been a couple of hours since Johnnie had walked out. She’d made Ella take the kids to the nursery, since Rory and Matilda had had a day off from daycare. Afterwards, Kendall had gone to the bathroom and threw her birth control pills away.

  Somehow, she had to convince Johnnie to make love to her until she really got pregnant. A baby inside of her would gave her a lot of leeway. Besides, Johnnie would think twice about leaving her and breaking her heart. And, if for some reason, she couldn’t get pregnant soon, she’d tell him she lost the baby. If she remembered correctly, there were herbs for miscarriages. Would they work to make her periods so heavy it appeared as if she was losing a baby?

  “Kendall?” Randolph called. “Do you have any news about my case?”

&nb
sp; “No. I wanted this meeting to tell you that I’m not taking your case.”

  She’d made her decision three days ago, but she hadn’t had a chance to inform him before now and she didn’t want to tell him over the telephone. She needed to do it face-to-face.

  He was silent a moment. Scratching his beard, he smiled. “Yes. You are.”

  “You haven’t paid me a retainer fee,” she reminded him coolly.

  He picked up a grocery bag that had either been in his lap or was next to him in the booth, held it up, then tossed it toward her. It plopped onto the table “I just did.”

  She slid the bag back to him. “I’m not accepting it. I’ve fucked up enough. I refuse to add to it by stabbing my husband in the back and representing you of all people. A club enemy.”

  “Bitch, you’re taking my fucking case. I’ve already fired my other attorney.”

  “Motherfucker, I told you I’m not. Rehire them or find someone else.”

  His eyes frosted. “Two insults from the Dwellers. We’re not good enough for Outlaw to absorb us into his club. Now, you’ve made a fucking fool out of me.”

  “You don’t need any help in that department,” she said sweetly.

  He glared at her. “Something’s going to have to be done about the Death Dwellers. Maybe, I need to ransom you. Tell Outlaw you were supposed to represent me, then backed out.”

  “Oh, please, asshole, who do you think told me I can’t practice law? That edict came from Outlaw.” She rubbed her temples, resenting all things club-related, especially Christopher Caldwell. “I know if it wasn’t for Meggie, he’d be a lot more lenient,” she grumbled. “But he wants to keep her safe, so he’s turned into a frightened, cautious, pussy-whipped asshole.”

  Interest lit Randolph’s face. “Is that so? Hard to believe. The things I’ve heard about him are legendary.”

  “I’m around him all the time.”

  “True.” He shifted in his seat. “And you’re sure he’s pussy-whipped because of Megan?”

  She nodded, surprised at the familiarity in which he said the blonde’s name. “Ask any of his support clubs. It is known, far and wide, how he is with her. If there was no Meggie to protect, he wouldn’t be alarmed every time she broke a fingernail.”

  While her husband couldn’t even defend her.

  “Without her around, he’d focus on club business, like he should.”

  “Hmmm.” Randolph grinned at her, picked up the money, and stood. “Thanks for the information. Now, I need a ride back to my crib.”

  “Really, asshole?” Kendall sneered. “I know you’re not expecting me to play chauffeur. However the fuck you got here, you can leave that same way.”

  “You’re here, Kendall. You bring me. My ride’s long gone.”

  “Fuck no. I can’t trust you. You want me to take your case and I’ve told you no. You might be taking me somewhere to kill me, so fuck off.”

  “No one gives a fuck about you,” he snapped. “Remember? You won’t be good to me for anything, dead or alive. All I’m asking is for a ride, so I don’t have to disturb my brothers.”

  At his cavalier words, despondency threatened to overwhelm Kendall. “As I said, it’s well-known that I’m no good for anything but Meggie is good for everything,” she answered with a shrug, refusing to let him see how his words got to her.

  “Are you taking me home or not?”

  Kendall scowled at him, then slid out of her seat. “If you even think to fuck with me, my husband tracks me via my phone.”

  “Are all the bitches tracked?”

  “Every last one of us,” Kendall answered briskly. “Although Outlaw is over-the-top with Meggie. He tracks her with her phone and a device on her car.”

  Randolph’s eyes lit up, then he cocked his head to the side. “You’re giving up all her secrets. That doesn’t seem very loyal.” He grinned. He was a rather charming rogue. “If someone wanted to harm her, all they’d need to do is go to you for the 411.”

  “If you want me to take you home, keep your comments to yourself. I’d never betray Meggie.”

  “Go ahead if you believe that bullshit. You just did stab her in the back. Either you’re a crazy bitch or a lying one.”

  She rounded on him. “One more insult, asshole, and I’m leaving.”

  Randolph raised his hands. “No harm meant.”

  “Bullshit, and harm was taken. How’d you like me to tell Johnnie?”

  “Go right ahead,” he said with a smirk. “I’d like to see that conversation. Unless, of course, he’s still drugged.”

  “My husband was never drugged,” she said tightly.

  “Okay, so you’re a delusional bitch. Question answered.”

  “Fuck you,” she spat, turned on her heel and stomped away.

  Just as she reached her Navigator, Randolph caught up to her. “Look, I won’t say anything else to you. Just get me home.”

  She shouldn’t agree, but, maybe a ride home would appease him, and he’d let her be.

  The ride to Randolph’s house took forever, located in an unincorporated area of Portland and virtually deserted. As she turned off the street and onto the property, Kendall headed for the driveway.

  “Keep straight.”

  Sidling a glare at him, Kendall drove further onto the property. How many bodies were buried on this out-of-the-way dump?

  “Later, Kendall,” Randolph responded.

  Several structures and a good-sized portion of land surrounded a wooden house. An old, rusty pickup truck and several dilapidated cars dotted the land. Overgrown trees leaned against the roof of the house. Four motorcycles were parked near one of the outbuildings.

  Chickens roamed the yard. A dog lounged on the porch. When Randolph slammed the passenger side door, the dog lifted its head.

  Kendall rolled the window down. “Next time, call an Uber or a taxi.”

  He saluted her. At his light mood, her annoyance fled.

  “Goodbye, Randolph. Thanks for being so understanding.” She grinned. “And not kidnapping me.”

  He winked at her, reminding her of Johnnie. “I think I’ve found the answer to our problems, after all.”

  With that cryptic statement, he strolled up the old wooden steps and petted the dog before going to the door and disappearing inside.

  Driving away, Kendall wondered what mood Johnnie would be in. They seemed to be at a place where reconciliation might be impossible. She had no one to blame but herself if she lost Johnnie. If she lost Johnnie, what would she do?

  Sighing, she brooded over the state of her marriage for the duration of her ride home.

  Almost skipping with excitement, Meggie held her ballgown over her arm as she guided CJ to her Mini Cooper, the four door model that Christopher had recently upgraded.

  “Mommie looked pretty in her red gown,” CJ told her.

  She smiled. “Thank you, buddy.”

  “I get to wear a tux like ‘Law?”

  “Yep.”

  “I don’t want to wear a fucking monkey suit, MegAnn.”

  Meggie rolled her eyes. CJ was determined to imitate Christopher. Unless he stopped cussing, their son never would.

  At least she knew the guys were discussing the upcoming ball. In only a week’s time, Meggie had chosen a venue, hired a caterer, and found the perfect dress. She was making amazing progress. Although Valentine’s Day was just over a month away, she was excited.

  Life was getting back to normal. The past few days had been peaceful. Her neck was healing. Johnnie seemed to have gotten back to normal. He’d even bought her a new set of cannisters and begged for her forgiveness, swearing Kendall had learned her lesson.

  Knowing he hadn’t been in his right mind made it easier for Meggie to accept his apology. However, she worried about the next time Kendall decided she wanted her way. It was a concern, but, for now, Kendall was remorseful.

  “MegAnn,” CJ called, bouncing beside her. “I want ice cream.”

  Reaching her car, she
unlocked the door, then carefully laid her gown over the passenger side seat. She and CJ had run a few errands today, since he was still clinging to her. The rest of her kids were on a play date with their father at the guys’ monthly play date with their children. Christopher had wanted CJ to come, too, but Meggie said it was fine if he stayed with her.

  Just as she and CJ were heading home from her errands, the boutique had called to say the alterations on her gown was finished. Unable to wait to have it in her possession, she and CJ had headed to Portland.

  “Ice cream, Mommie,” CJ demanded.

  “Okay, buddy. We’ll stop for ice cream when we’re closer to home.”

  He grinned at her, then opened the back door, and climbed in, scrambling into his car seat. Meggie hid a smile. He was getting so big, wanting to do everything for himself. She just loved him to pieces.

  Once she fastened him into his seat, she kissed his cheek and ruffled his hair before straightening and closing the door. Hearing the roar of several motorcycles, she paused and looked around, expecting to see Christopher at any moment.

  He hadn’t mandated a lockdown on her, per se, but this was far away from the club, he’d expect her to have guards. Yet, it was such a quick, simple trip, and she’d already been out, she hadn’t seen the need to bother anyone.

  Six motorcycles sped into view, capturing her attention. No one she knew jumped out at her. They were just random bikers, so she got into her car and sped off.

  She kept the radio low in case her son decided to talk to her, but he was silent. A peek in the rearview mirror showed her that he was gazing out the window, in his own little world.

  At the fourth stoplight, she heard motorcycles again. She glanced in her rearview mirror and saw six bikers again, this time bearing down on her. The same six as before? Or just an odd coincidence? An inkling of fear prickled her skin.

  The light changed from red to green.

  As she started off, one of the bikers zoomed past her, then slid over into her lane. Braking so she wouldn’t run into him, Meggie scowled when he slowed his speed down. She had to get around him. In anticipation of changing lanes, she put her blinker on. Just as she started to guide her car over to the left, two bikes rode beside her, blocking her intentions. Before she had a chance to react, two additional bikes boxed her in on the right. A glance in her rearview mirror revealed a bike behind her. She had a problem.