The Gritty Truth

by Melissa Foster

  “Do you know if Elisa would consider having them made locally?” Crystal asked.

  “I think she’d love that, and, Gemma, I wouldn’t have thought you were using my relationship with Quincy. When I was young, we couldn’t afford as many dance classes as I wanted to take, so my grandmother made all the costumes in exchange for tuition. I think Elisa and the parents would appreciate saving money and doing things locally. Why don’t you give me your number. I’ll mention it to her and let you know what she says.”

  “Perfect. Thank you,” Gemma said.

  As they exchanged numbers, Jace sidled up to Dixie cradling Axel in his arms and kissed Dixie’s cheek. He looked to be in his late thirties, with longish dark hair and serious eyes that Roni had noticed were on Dixie as often as Quincy’s were on her.

  “My husband the baby hog,” Dixie said lovingly. “If you think Quincy likes kids, Jace hasn’t put this baby down since Bear and Crystal walked in the door.”

  Jace cocked a grin and said, “Maybe this time next year we’ll have our own little one to carry around.”

  “I have a contract to fulfill, remember?” Dixie leaned into him. “I can guarantee the face of Silver-Stone won’t be quite as appealing in your Leather and Lace outfits with a big baby belly.”

  Jace’s eyes heated. “Wanna bet?” He gave her a smooch, and Dixie laughed. “You’re sleeping with the boss. I’ll modify the contract.”

  “Stop.” Dixie sounded more playful than irritated. “How about we give Nana Pamela her grandbaby?” She took Axel from him, kissed Axel’s forehead, and handed him to Pamela.

  “I have missed you,” Pamela said, snuggling Axel.

  Dixie took Jace’s hand and said, “Come on, big boy, you need to carve the turkey.”

  As she dragged Jace toward the kitchen, he said, “I’ll make a Leather and Lace maternity line.”

  Dixie looked over her shoulder and said, “Help! I need reinforcements!”

  Roni laughed as the other girls followed her toward the kitchen.

  “Let’s go, baby girl.” Red put her arm around Roni, guiding her toward the girls, and said, “One of our own needs backup. That means us, even if I’d rather have more grandbabies.”

  DINNER WAS DELICIOUS, noisy, and wonderful. Between the kids’ hilarious remarks, the guys making dirty jokes and speaking in code so the kids wouldn’t catch wind of them, and the girls giving it right back, Roni had never laughed so much. Quincy was as attentive as ever, holding her hand or draping an arm around her for most of the meal. He whispered sweet and sexy things in her ear, kissing her cheek often. Everyone had a field day teasing them about how affectionate they were, which Quincy ate up as he had at the bar, kissing her more just to egg them on.

  “You keep that up, and you’ll be the next ones with a bun in the oven,” Bear said with a mischievous grin.

  “We’ve got that covered,” Jace exclaimed.

  Dixie rolled her eyes and said, “No babies for you until we fix up my other baby.”

  “You’re the only woman on earth who calls her house a baby.” Jace looked around the table as he said, “When we moved out of her little house in town, she said she felt like she was abandoning her baby.”

  “I can’t help it if I’m attached to it,” Dixie said. “I’m proud of buying my house.”

  “I was wondering if you were going to sell,” Truman said.

  Dixie shook her head. “Sorry, Tru. I’m not ready to let it go. We’re going to fix it up and rent it out for a while.”

  “If she has her way, we’ll rent it until our unborn children are old enough to move into it,” Jace said with a shake of his head.

  “I love that idea!” Dixie exclaimed, causing a round of chuckles and jokes.

  “Of course you do.” Jace eyed Diesel and said, “Hey, D, you gonna be around for a while? Are you looking for a place to rent?”

  Diesel shook his head. “Nah. I’m good at the clubhouse, thanks.”

  “He’s already installed a revolving bedroom door,” Tracey said more to Roni than anyone else, but everyone else heard, and silence fell over the room.

  Diesel set his dark eyes on her, and that satisfied smirk returned as he said, “Jealous, baby girl?”

  Tracey lifted her chin, meeting his gaze and narrowing her eyes. “In your dreams, Unleaded.”

  Everyone cracked up, though Tracey and Diesel seemed to be having some sort of stare down.

  “Okay, everyone, settle down,” Biggs said sternly, his eyes moving around the table as they quieted. “It’s been a hell of a year, hasn’t it? We’ve welcomed new family members, new grandbabies, and we’re blessed with another on the way. We’ve got two weddings on the horizon and new couples around the table.” He lifted his glass toward Quincy and Roni, then to Penny and Scott. “And I would just like to say that I am thankful for each and every one of you and for those who aren’t here to celebrate with us.”

  “Want to make bets on who gets engaged next?” Bear asked, looking at Roni and Quincy and Scott and Penny.

  Scott put his arm around Penny, pulling her closer, and said, “I just got this gorgeous woman to go out with me. Give us a minute, would ya?”

  Everyone laughed.

  “Penny, if you want to marry my brother, just move in with him,” Josie said. “Sarah and I are living proof that once you live with Scott, getting married is right around the corner.”

  More laughter ensued.

  Roni loved their banter and the way the other couples sitting around the table were just as close as her and Quincy. Even though Sarah and Bones had Lila between them, he’d reached across the back of the high chair and stroked Sarah’s shoulder, catching her attention to blow her a kiss. Truman and Gemma were whispering around Lincoln. Bullet had kept one hand on Finlay’s belly the whole meal, making an announcement every time the baby kicked. There were no Hallmark moments around this family, that was for sure. They were too real for that, giving each other a hard time and laughing so heartily it startled the babies. Roni loved that about them, too. After dinner they sang “Happy Birthday” to Lila and Bones, and Lila loved her birthday gifts almost as much as she loved her cake. They’d had fun shopping for her birthday presents. Quincy had been adorable picking out the perfect dress-up doll and several of her favorite books. There were several desserts, and Roni was glad her and Quincy’s pies were a hit. All of the girls wanted the recipe.

  When they’d finished eating, Biggs took the kids into the living room and read to them, while Red and Pamela cared for the babies, and Bullet made Finlay put her feet up. Everyone else helped clean up. Once the kids had left the room, the guys unleashed more dirty jokes without using code words, causing Roni and some of the other girls to blush as much as they laughed. Even Diesel cracked a smile, which did little to soften his granitelike features.

  It was the most wonderful Thanksgiving Roni had ever had. While she missed her grandmother, with Quincy and all of her new friends, there was no room for loneliness. Once the last dish had been washed, Quincy took her hand, leading her out of the kitchen, and said, “I want to show you something.”

  He was striking in his jeans and black sweater as he led her upstairs, down a hall, and through a door that led up another flight, into the glassed-in crow’s nest she’d seen when they’d arrived. Before she could say a word, he hauled her against him, taking her in a warm, sensual kiss that lasted so long she tingled from head to toe.

  “Sorry, babe,” he said. “I’ve wanted to do that all evening.”

  She wound her arms around his neck, running her fingers through the back of his hair, and said, “I’m glad you wanted more after all the kisses we shared during dinner.”

  “Those were appetizers.” He pressed his lips to hers again. “Are you having a good time?”

  “How could I not? This family of yours is what dreams are made of. There’s so much love and support, it’s like the stories Tru used to make up for you. I wish you could have grown up with them so you would have a
lways had the love you deserved.”

  “God, baby, that big heart of yours gets me every time.” He kissed her again and said, “Your lips, too.” He kissed her slow and sweet, and then he tucked her against his side, and they went to the windows, gazing out as snowflakes drifted down from the sky.

  “It’s snowing,” she said excitedly.

  “I requested snow just for you.” His phone rang, and he cursed quietly. “Sorry.” He pulled it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen. “It’s Simone. I need to take it. The holidays can be hard.”

  “Of course. Want me to wait downstairs?”

  “No way.” He kept her close as he answered the call. “Hey, Simone.”

  He was quiet, listening, and Roni felt his body go rigid. He stepped away from her, jaw tight, eyes serious, and said, “Are you hurt?” He paused, his chest expanding with fast inhalations. “Stay with Sunny. I’m on my way.”

  As he ended the call, Roni said, “Is she okay?”

  “She had a run-in with her ex and she’s shaken up, but she’s at the shelter and safe now. I’m sorry, baby, but I have to go and make sure she doesn’t slip backward because of this. Would it be okay if Tru gave you a ride home?”

  “Absolutely. Can I go with you to be there for her? For both of you?”

  “Christ, baby. You’d do that?”

  Red’s words came back to her, and she said, “You’re my person, Quincy. I’d do anything for you.”

  He tugged her into another embrace. “I’d do anything for you, too, but as much as I appreciate the offer, I don’t want you around any of this. Her ex is a drug dealer, and he has eyes on the shelter. I don’t want him seeing you there.”

  “Are you in danger?” she asked as they went downstairs.

  “No. But I need to make sure she’s not.” He strode into the living room, still holding her hand, shoulders back, chest out, looking even taller than normal, and said, “Diesel, Tru,” in a deep, commanding voice Roni didn’t recognize.

  She had a feeling he didn’t realize he was still holding her hand as Diesel and Tru closed the distance between them, and every other man in the room followed as if they had been summoned, too. Quincy quickly explained the situation.

  “That motherfucker’s done,” Diesel seethed, hands fisting.

  “Before you go that route, Diesel,” Quincy said sharply. “Think you can reach that female cop you’re friends with in Parkvale?”

  Diesel nodded.

  “We might need her tonight. I’m going to try to convince Simone to file a complaint and get a restraining order. I think she’d be more comfortable with a woman,” Quincy explained. “Can you get extra eyes on the shelter and at Simone’s work for a while?”

  “Consider it done. She’ll be escorted to and from work, and I’ll set up shifts so she’s never alone.” Diesel put his phone to his ear and stepped to the side.

  “Does she need a doctor?” Bones asked.

  “No, but thanks,” Quincy said. “I’m heading over to make sure she stays clean.”

  “We’re coming with you to patrol the area to make sure there’s no more trouble,” Bullet said, nodding to Bones, Bear, and Jed.

  “Scott and I will make sure our girls get home safe,” Biggs said gruffly.

  Holy cow. They worked together like an expertly choreographed dance team.

  “I don’t think we need everyone, but I know better than to argue.” Quincy looked at Truman and said, “Would you mind giving Roni a ride back to her place?”

  “No problem, bro,” Truman said.

  As if he’d dismissed them, the guys went to their significant others. Quincy pulled Roni into the dining room and said, “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine, but the way they sprang into action makes me wonder if this is really dangerous.” She squeezed his hand and said, “Don’t lie to me, Quincy. I can take it.”

  “I will never lie to you. They’re just making sure that asshole and his guys aren’t hanging around. It’s what they do, babe. The Dark Knights are here to protect people. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

  “Okay, but please be extra careful, and come to my place after you’re done.”

  “I don’t know how long this will take. It could be two or three in the morning.”

  “I don’t care how late it is. I need to know you’re safe.”

  “Okay.” He gathered her in his arms, holding her tight. “I…Thanks for understanding, babe.”

  He gave her a quick kiss, grabbed his jacket, and headed out the door with the others, leaving her struggling with an unexpected lump in her throat as Truman, Gemma, and Biggs sidled up to her.

  Truman said, “Are you doing okay?”

  “Sort of. I’m nervous for them and Simone.”

  “You wouldn’t be human if you weren’t,” Truman said.

  “I remember the first time I saw the guys charge out the way they just did,” Gemma said. “It scared me.”

  Roni was glad she wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

  “The thing is, by the end of that night I realized that all those leather-clad guys banding together like that shouldn’t have been scary,” Gemma explained. “They’re like Superman on steroids. The scary guys are the ones they’re going after and protecting the rest of us from.”

  “And you don’t worry that they’ll get hurt?” Roni asked.

  Gemma nodded and said, “Of course I worry, but they’re keeping people safe and saving lives.”

  “Are they going to fight?” Roni asked.

  “Only if they have to, darlin’,” Biggs said, draping an arm over her shoulder, a pillar of strength for her to borrow from. “Don’t you worry. By now Diesel has about thirty Dark Knights on their way to Parkvale. They’re going to be just fine.”

  His voice was as rough as sandpaper and as comforting as his embrace. More pieces of Quincy’s life were falling into place, including where Quincy’s caring nature and his drive to support and help others had been nurtured. She was falling for this family as deeply as she was falling for Quincy.

  Chapter Eighteen

  IT WAS NEARLY two thirty in the morning when Quincy climbed out of his truck and headed across the parking lot toward Roni’s apartment. When he’d first gotten out of rehab, he’d bent Truman’s and Jed’s ears after meetings and rough days. But he’d never had anyone to come home to. Now he made an effort to leave the nightmarish reminder of his past behind as he ascended the steps toward the woman who was front and center in his dreams of the future. When Roni answered the door, eyes filled with worry but looking beautiful in sleeping shorts and a tank top, and threw her arms around him, he’d never been more grateful in his life.

  “Hi, baby. Sorry it’s so late.” Truman had texted him to tell him he’d tried to get Roni to stay at their place so she wasn’t alone, and when she said she would be fine, Gemma had offered to stay with her. But Roni had insisted she was okay. Quincy knew his strong girl well enough to realize she wouldn’t have wanted to be a burden on them.

  She put her hands on his cheeks, searching his eyes, and said, “Are you okay? Is Simone okay?”

  He leaned in and kissed her. “We’re both fine. Let’s go inside.”

  “Can I get you anything? I don’t know what to do in this situation. Do you want some water?” she asked as he hung up his jacket.

  “I just want you, babe.” He took her hand, and they went to the couch. “Have you been awake all this time?”

  “I couldn’t sleep. I was too worried. Is Simone okay? Was she hurt?”

  He hated making her worry. “She’s okay. He grabbed her when she got off the bus and tried to get her to go with him in his truck. He roughed her up a little, but he didn’t hit her. She’s got some bruises on her arms from the force of his grip.”

  “Oh no.” Roni covered her mouth with her hand. “Poor Simone. Maybe you should let her stay at your place so she’s safe.”

  For the millionth time since they’d been together, he felt like his heart w
as overflowing. “You are really something. I love that you want to help Simone, but as her sponsor, I can’t do that.”

  “Can somebody? The Dark Knights?”

  He explained the agreement he and Biggs had come to about people in recovery being six months’ drug free before putting them into the homes or businesses of club members and Peaceful Harbor residents. “Diesel and I talked about getting her out of Maryland altogether. Biggs’s brother Tiny runs the Redemption Ranch in Colorado, which works with people in recovery. They have a great program with therapists and physicians on staff. But Simone isn’t ready to leave the area.”

  “Even though it’s not safe here?”

  “This is a process, babe. Recovery is hardest at the beginning, and she’s just starting to find her footing. That big a change could set her back. She wants to stay clean, and she did the right thing by resisting him and calling me. Diesel’s got her covered from now on, and I was able to convince her to get a restraining order against her ex, which is what took so long. Diesel’s got some connections to try to push it through the system, but it’ll still take a week or two.”

  “Oh, good. That was smart. Do you know the person who did this to her?”

  “Yeah. He’s the dealer I owed money to. The one who had me beat up and left me for dead.”

  “Quincy,” she said angrily. “You said you weren’t in any danger.”

  “I wasn’t. You saw the guys leave with me. They had my back.”

  “I can’t believe I have to point this out to you, but that guy left you for dead and you’re still alive. That sounds dangerous to me, especially if he’s watching that place and knows you helped Simone.” Panic rose in her eyes, and she said, “Oh no. Do you still owe him money? What if he comes after you?”