“Thank you.” She goes back to packing up her clothes while I snag some of her pictures. My intent, of course, is to move her in with me slowly but surely.
Chapter Eighteen
CeeCee
Once I’m finished packing, Loki has the prospect load everything up. He gives him precise instructions about unloading Squirrel and Moose. I’m a bit nervous since he’s not been around my boys yet, but Loki assures me that he has it under control. “I thought we were going right back to the clubhouse?” I ask once the prospect has left to start carrying stuff out to the truck.
“I figured you’d like a longer ride before we go back,” he replies.
“I’d like that, honey.” I wasn’t too sure I’d like riding but find it very invigorating yet freeing. Loki says it’s ‘wind therapy’ and it’ll help clear my mind. With all the shit swirling in my head concerning my biological mother, I need to do that very thing. Grabbing my computer bag, I double-check to make sure I’ve got my headphones, then pack my laptop, charger and wireless mouse. I wasn’t kidding when I told him I can work virtually everywhere. While I typically hole up in my office and use a desktop computer, the program I use to transcribe is also on my laptop since I’ve had to work from my bed a time or two when I was sick.
Somehow, I suspect that Loki won’t let me work when I’m sick. That thought makes me smile because even with Momma M taking me in, I’ve been responsible for myself for a very long time. Yet he takes care of me without even thinking about it, as though it’s second nature. “You got everything?” he asks, coming into the office. “Let me empty their water and food dishes since they’ll be with us.”
“Probably not a bad idea,” I muse. Within minutes, he has their cage cleaned and ready for when I come back home as I toss in more items and personal belongings I think I might need.
“If you forget anything, I’ll send a prospect to get it,” he states, grinning at me. “C’mon, Angel, let’s hit the road for a bit.”
“As you wish,” I tease, giggling.
We didn’t ride nearly as long as I wanted to, but Loki said he wants to ease me into longer trips. As we pull into the clubhouse, he parks his bike next to Poseidon’s. I notice that they park in order of their position in the club. I get off then remove my helmet which he takes and locks in his saddlebag. Once he’s squared away, he laces our fingers together while we walk inside. Immediately, I hear laughter near what Loki refers to as the family room. Walking in that direction, I see Lilli, Gia, Tessie, Chelsea and Riah at a table, a pitcher of drinks in the middle. “Yay! You’re here now so we can get all the nitty-gritty details ironed out,” Lilli states, holding up her half-full glass.
“Let me get you a glass, Angel. Seems you’re behind the rest of them,” Loki states, grinning at the obviously tipsy women. “Who has Winnie?”
“Her daddy, of course,” Lilli blithely replies. “You know she’s attached to him whenever he’s doing paperwork.”
I snicker, because any time I’ve been at the clubhouse, if Poseidon is around, he has his daughter firmly ensconced in a baby sling. Seeing the tall, bearded silver fox who emanates badassness with the tiny little girl in his arms is inspiring. For a moment, I wonder what it would be like to have a baby with Loki. That fear of being a shitty parent is still there but I know there are enough people around that I wouldn’t screw up too much. It’s something to keep in mind, that’s for sure.
Loki returns with a glass then fills it for me before kissing me. “Gonna go check and make sure the boys are settled in, then hit the shop. You good, Angel?”
“I’ll be fine, honey,” I softly answer. Uncaring about our attuned audience, he gives me a smoldering kiss that has me wishing we could escape to his room for the night, even though it’s too early in the day to think of that, at least right now.
As I sit there listening to the women, I realize that my family is expanding now that I’m Loki’s old lady. “So, we can get the local barbeque place to cater the meats, the sides, and breads, but I’d like to have homemade desserts,” Gia states, looking down at her notepad.
“I’ve got several different cakes I can make,” I offer. “Plus, if you think there’ll be kids here, we can do cupcakes as well as cookies. Oh, and banana pudding too since it’s one of Loki’s favorites.”
“The kitchen is big enough here that we can make everything at the clubhouse, so we don’t have to transport it from anywhere,” Riah replies. “We kind of need a baseline count of people, but honestly, if we have stuff left over, I suspect the men around here will take care of it pretty quickly.”
We all burst into laughter at her statement because no lie, all of these men, as fit as they are, can throw down when food is involved. “If I ate like they do, I’d be on that show My 600 lb. Life,” Gia states between giggles.
“I would have to run for days, not for miles,” I impart, snickering so hard I snort. That sets us all off again until we all have tears streaming from our eyes. “I’m so glad we’re doing this to help her. I met her briefly, of course, while Loki was doing my tattoo, and she seems like she’s got the weight of the world on her shoulders, even though she’s always smiling.”
“Okay, so we need to gather the recipes, make up a shopping list then send out one of the prospects to pick it up for us,” Lilli decrees.
“Might need two prospects,” Gia replies. She tries to keep a serious face then loses it. Somehow, I think the sangria we’ve been drinking is the reason we’ve all got the giggles, but she’s pregnant so hasn’t been imbibing.
“This is going to be a lot of hard work,” I surmise, glancing at the notes everyone’s been taking. “Would it be okay if I asked Momma M if she’d like to help? She’s an excellent cook and can bake just about anything. I’ll ask Patsy too, even though she might be better with the measuring rather than the actual hands-on aspect of making stuff.” She tries but gets distracted and ends up burning whatever she put into the oven. However, I think she’d like these women a lot more than the coworkers she’s been spending so much time with; they’re genuine and authentic.
“Absolutely! The more the merrier. Not only that, but then they can see how our family is, so they don’t worry about you being involved with a biker,” Lilli states.
“Momma M has met Loki several times already. Has had no problem with his lifestyle at all while Patsy basically gave him the Spanish Inquisition,” I advise. “But I know they’d like to meet y’all as well, so I’ll ask them both later.” Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I ask, “How much do y’all know about my past?”
“Just that you were in foster care, work at home, and have two birds as pets,” Gia replies.
“Momma M and her daughter, Patsy, who is my best friend, moved into the same apartment complex I lived in when I was a little girl. Patsy, never knowing a stranger, never treating anyone as anything less than family, took me into her house as one of her own, like one would a stray kitten, that very same day. I learned quickly that how my own mother was isn’t how most women are toward their children. But it wasn’t until about six months later, that Momma M found out what was happening to me.” I feel my voice shake slightly but need to tell get this off of my chest and share with these women. I don’t know why, exactly, except I suspect they’ll understand and not judge my past.
“How did she find out?” Lilli inquires, her voice soft as she reaches out to grasp my hand. I latch onto it without thinking, then drain my glass of sangria which Gia refills.
I giggle a little as the visual of me and Patsy covered in mud comes to mind but quickly sober. “My mother didn’t care if I was playing all day with Patsy because that meant she didn’t have to ‘deal with me’ so one day, we were outside when it started raining. Instead of going inside, we splashed in the puddles then made mud pies although I think we were more covered than anything. Anyhow, when we got inside, Momma M immediately drew us a bubble bath then took our clothes to get them into the wash. Patsy saw my… she saw my scars.” My voice
wobbles a bit, but not for the reason they likely suspect. “She called for Momma M immediately. It took her a little while to understand what I was saying. You see, I thought all mommies hurt their kids. Even though I’d seen how Momma M was with Patsy, as well as me, I just figured it happened when I wasn’t around. Momma M was a licensed foster parent, so she made a call and before I knew it, I was living with them.”
By now, the other women have tears in their eyes and Gia is openly crying. “Please, don’t cry. I’ve healed from all of that; the tattoo was the last thing. The bonus is, of course, meeting Loki. That was something I never anticipated or expected.” Giggles replace the tears because I wiggle my eyebrows to let them know I’m very happy. “Here’s the thing, though. I work from home as a medical transcriptionist and the other day, one of the doctors I transcribe for had a new patient. It’s my biological mother. Apparently, she has cancer, it’s terminal, so she’s now in hospice.”
“Couldn’t have happened to a nicer person,” Lilli bites out. “I know when she’s older, we’ll have to discipline Winnie, but for me, that’s a swat on the butt or a time-out. What you went through sounds horrific.” Since I barely touched the surface of what I endured, I merely nod to let her know she’s right. Looking back, I don’t know how I survived as long as I did.
“I… I think I need to face her. Momma M says whatever I decide, she’ll back me. Loki says the same thing. I’m just scared that her illness will make her nastier than she was before.”
“Why do you want to see her?” Gia questions. I can see the genuine concern on her face; she’s not being nosy, merely worried that I may be putting myself in the line of fire once again.
“To show her that she didn’t win,” I admit, my voice quiet but forceful. “I feel like she needs to know that she didn’t crush me, she didn’t destroy me. In fact, I’ve built a beautiful life, especially now that I have Loki and all of you.”
“I think you may need that closure, but I detest the thought that you have to be in the same room as that awful, vile woman,” Lilli states.
“Loki is offering to go with me this Saturday,” I tell the group. “Momma M says that relationships have good and bad in them, so if he’s willing to be by my side during my worst, then he’s definitely a keeper.”
“He’s a really good guy,” both Gia and Lilli advise. “All of them are, actually.”
“Yeah, I’m just worried that it’ll mess with my head. I saw a therapist when I was a kid, but of course, that was years ago. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to process stuff. If she treats me the way she did the last time I saw her, I don’t want it to send me spiraling.”
“I have the name of a therapist if you think you want to see one once you’ve met with her,” Gia quietly replies.
“Thank you. Because one of the things Loki has brought up is children. I’m not sure I’d be a good mom, you know? I worry that even though he says me not wanting them at this time isn’t a dealbreaker, he might come to resent me.” I feel as though a weight has come off my shoulders admitting this out loud. I may not know these women very well yet, but feel I’ve developed a good sense of people. Their genuine concern is one reason I spilled my guts.
“These men don’t hold back and they say what they mean,” Lilli says. “But I fully understand your apprehension, given the circumstances. However, you know we’re bound to have plenty of kids running around if you do decide not to have them yourself. Being an auntie can be as fulfilling without the two in the morning feedings.”
“Well, family isn’t always blood, sometimes it’s the people we choose to be a part of our life. Whether I actually have children, we foster or we adopt, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. But I would like that information, Gia. Thank you.”
“No problem, CeeCee. We have to stick together!”
“Yes, yes we do.”
Loki
After I check to make sure that Squirrel and Moose are settling in to their home away from home, I put up the things that Tessie bought for CeeCee. Seeing her body wash, shampoo, conditioner and razors inside the shower has me grinning. Some folks may think we’re moving too fast, but like Poseidon and Trident, I was a goner the first time I set eyes on her. I toss some fresh fruit into Thelma and Louise’s habitat, grinning when I see them watching their new roommates with curiosity. As I head back down, my thoughts are already on the night ahead, when it’ll be just us and our pets.
Walking out to my bike, I can hear the peals of laughter coming from the women. “You’re in good hands, Angel,” I murmur as I grab my helmet. “No finer group of women in the world.”
“Talking to yourself, brother?” Brooks asks. “That’s the first sign your mind is going.”
“Shut up, asshole.” I grin at him then flip him off for good measure. “My old lady’s inside talking to the others about the poker run. Was just saying that she’s in good hands with them.”
Brooks gets a wistful look on his face glancing at the closed doors. “Yeah, she is. Almost makes me wish one of them was mine.” His words stop me short. While none of us are really man-whores, Brooks saying that he wishes he had an old lady makes me wonder what kind of woman he’d go for.
“I’m sure it’ll happen when you least expect it, brother,” I reply.
“Probably so,” he dejectedly states. “Later, brother.” He waves me off, so I crank up my bike and head to the shop.
Time to do some work so I can support CeeCee in the manner in which I’ll get her accustomed to being treated.
“More, Loki, please,” she begs. I sit back on my haunches and grip her hips before powering into her tight, wet sheath. I feel her pussy begin to flutter around me, so I rub my thumb across her clit then watch her detonate, taking my own pleasure from her release.
“Fucking spectacular,” I grind out, my thrusts becoming erratic as I chase my own orgasm. It hits, causing me to bellow out her name as I empty myself into her welcoming pussy.
Long moments pass as we both attempt to catch our breath. Once I’m sure I can stand without falling flat on my face, I get up then head into the bathroom to grab a warm washcloth. Cleaning my woman isn’t something I ever thought I’d want to do, but where CeeCee’s concerned, I want it all. Not only that, but seeing her face pinken makes me smile. I take care of the washcloth, then put the pets to bed, only to hear Moose say, “Harder, Loki!”
“Did you hear that?” she asks, giggling. “Of all the things he could’ve said, he says that?”
“Hopefully, none of the brothers hear him say that. It’ll ruin my street cred.”
She rolls into my arms after I get back into bed and kisses my pec. “I think you’re good, honey,” she teases. “Love you, Loki.” Her eyes are sleepy yet sated, causing me to lean in and kiss her nose.
“Love you too, sweetheart. Sleep well.”
Chapter Nineteen
CeeCee
Despite my best efforts, Saturday finally arrives. I know I’m dragging my feet even though I’m the one who wants to do this, but I guess it’s because everything I shoved down deep has been constantly on replay in my mind. Taking great care with my hair, I make sure every curl is just so before I apply my makeup. I typically don’t wear all that much, but today, I’ll use it as a shield. “She can’t hurt you any longer, CeeCee,” I mutter to myself as I swipe on some flavored lip gloss. “She’s dying, she’s had a miserable life and you’re safe, sane and whole. You can do this.”
“Angel, are you talking to yourself?” Loki asks, coming into the suite. Because of the rain, we’re taking his truck, so he made sure to pull it around to keep me from getting drenched.
“Just giving myself a pep talk is all,” I reply, tossing him a small smile. I wish I could wear my property cut but Loki has explained that when we’re inside what he refers to as a cage, we can’t wear them. I feel invincible wearing it which is silly because it’s just leather. I guess it’s the symbolism and what it represents to me that makes me feel that way.
�
�You can change your mind, sweetheart,” he advises, coming up behind me to run his hand down my side.
“No, I need to do this for me, Loki. I just hope she’s not vicious toward me.”
“She won’t get that chance. The second she starts any shit, we’re out of there, Angel,” he says. “I won’t let her tear you down, not on my watch. I’ve seen you blossom so much since we first met; that bitch won’t take that away from my old lady.” His adamant tone and fierce look are a side I haven’t seen. Knowing he’s being protective has my insides turning to goo. I put the lip gloss down, give my hair one last pat then turn so we’re facing each other.
“Have I told you today how much I love you?” I question, cupping his cheek. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me since, of course, Momma M took me into her home.”
“Love you just as much, CeeCee,” he replies, leaning in and giving me a light kiss. “Let’s go get this done so we can come back here. I kind of like lazy rainy Saturdays.” He gives me a heated look which has my core pulsing knowing how he plans for us to spend our day.
Together.
Alone.
Wrapped in each other’s arms.
I giggle when I remember Moose yelling out then say, “Maybe we should close the bedroom door so the boys don’t hear anything else they can repeat.”
He laces our fingers together while leading me out, laughing the whole time. “Gotta admit, hearing them mixing shit up has been rather funny.”
“You mean when Squirrel yelled at the television, ‘she’s a cheating ho, you moron!’?”
“I think we need to monitor what they’re watching because I nearly choked to death when he said that.” I join in laughing because he had just taken a sip of beer when Squirrel blurted that out while we were watching Snapped.
Loki's Angel: A Poseidon's Warriors MC novel - Book 3 Page 14