Significance, Satan's Attitude MC (6 page)

“It’ll be fine,” Rebel assured him. “She wants a baby and she can’t get Whiskey to let her raise his kid. A son will be a whole new game to her. I gotta leave soon, so get down here now.”

He hung up the phone just as his lawyer returned. “I spoke to Dennis and he says you’re the father, so there will be no issues,” Morris explained as he took his seat. “I’ve got the birth certificate in my safe and Dennis is drawing up the papers. Do you know if Monica had any siblings?”

Rebel looked at his lawyer. “No. She was an only child, born late in life to her parents. I’m here to protect my interests in Brandon.”

Morris watched as Rebel removed a wad of cash from his wallet. He rubbed his hands together, thinking of the money. “Dennis will file a motion to grant full custody to you today. We don’t think there will be any problems with custody either.”

Rebel started to peel hundred dollar bills away from the wad and lay them out on the lawyer’s desk. “Make sure there isn’t, and I’ll double this amount when I get back.”

The greedy lawyer counted the money and assured Rebel there would be no problems at all. Goose and Cathy came into the office with their daughter and the baby, Brandon. Rebel put his arms out to take his son. He looked down at the blond-haired, blue-eyed baby. Violet would love this child. She’d done him a big favor last night, although unwittingly. The papers were signed and Rebel gave Brandon back to Cat.

As they were leaving, he pulled the couple aside. “Don’t tell anyone you have the baby. Matter of fact, why don’t you two go up to my cabin for the weekend? Nice time to see the fall leaves. No need to tell anyone about Monica if you leave early.”

Money exchanged hands. Rebel took a key off of his keychain and gave it to Goose, and the couple walked off to their car, both of them happy for a weekend getaway and some time alone.

Rebel drove back home a satisfied man. Violet would be happy when he gave her Brandon, and he was happy he finally had his son. He would make sure Violet raised this child right.
It might even be a good thing,
he mused. It would certainly keep Vi home nights. He wouldn’t tell her though until he was damn good and ready. It would have to be after this wedding when they were back home in Maryland.

Violet was sitting in the kitchen when he came in. Sipping coffee, she looked up from the newspaper she was reading. “Fresh coffee is made. You know that trailer blowing up made the paper? The reports say it was accidental.” Her blue eyes studied his carefully.

Rebel made himself a cup of coffee. “Vi, you and I know what you did. I did ten years in jail for a crime I didn’t commit while you were fucking my brother. Don’t think for a second that I won’t turn your ass in if you don’t behave.”

“I didn’t know Diablo did that to you. I was a victim, too. You don’t love me, Reb?”

She pleaded her case, her lovely eyes and pouting lips imploring him to be gentle with her.

“Never said you did, but you didn’t leave him when I got out. You did a lot of shit that you knew I’d never approve of. So we’re going to tell the girls the truth, or I’ll be making sure you serve time too. Think carefully before you answer me, Violet.”

“Alright,” she said, “but
after
the wedding. We promised there would be no trouble at Deidra’s wedding. I’ll invite them here and we’ll tell them. Maybe you should; they might not believe me.” She got up and washed out her mug. “I thought we had to leave early,” she added as she headed out of the kitchen.

Rebel grabbed her arm. “Check your coat pockets, Vi. I bet one of your leather gloves is missing. It could show up near the trailer this weekend or be mailed to the cops. Shit happens, y’know.”

“You
bastard
,” Violet hissed at him. “I removed them both in the car! No wonder you got up so early. Fuck you, Rebel.” She ran to check her coat pockets while Rebel laughed. He had taken one of her gloves and it was in a very safe place. Not in his house, of course; it was in a place that Violet didn’t even know about and if she proved to be trouble, he’d use the damn thing to control her. Violet underestimated him too often. He listened to her cursing before he yelled out to her that it was time to hit the road.

T
he day of Deidra’s and Jack’s wedding was beautiful.

Whiskey was glad he hadn’t partied the night before. Instead, he’d taken Elena out for dinner and avoided Rebel and Violet. They’d talked quietly about how losing a spouse was painful. Whiskey felt that Elena understood his anger over Shannon’s death, as she had been so angry at Hunter dying. He was happy she would be next to him all day. He showered and dressed in his tux. If any of his bros said a fucking word to him, he’d try like hell to avoid a fist fight.

The limo was waiting and he got in, settling himself comfortably for the drive to pick Deidra up. He looked out the windows at the sky and hoped somehow Shannon was watching.

Sitting beside her father, Deidra was at a loss for words. Her dad looked more like the man she remembered as a young teenager: good and handsome and clean.
He was about thirty-eight or so back then
, she thought, and women loved him because of his power and good looks.

“Deidra, I wish your mother could see you looking as beautiful as you do today.”

“I do too, daddy. Please, don’t let anyone make my wedding into a fight. Just one perfect day daddy, please. Do it for mom, if not for me,” Dee pleaded.

Whiskey’s eyes hardened. “I’m sorry for the shit that happened after she died, Deidra. I lost it, but I’m trying to be a better man. Lacy-Jane asked if she could move up here with Shanna so you could see her, and I agreed. You should get to know your sister.”

He reached his hand out to Dee. She grabbed it like it was a lifeline.

“Thank you. I’m glad and I know Lacy-Jane will take good care of Shanna. Dad, I have a bad feeling about today.”

“Deidra, I give you my word that I will be on my best behavior and my club will not cause any problems.” Whiskey squeezed her hand.

“I hope you told Violet that too, because Angie and Bebe are coming. Toss Dusty into that mix with her mother, and…” Her words trailed off as they approached the country club.

Whiskey laughed. “Rebel will handle her. Violet won’t make a scene at your wedding. Now what’s this about Angie and Bebe coming? Did you invite them?”

“No. Lacy-Jane informed me they were coming, so I told Jack’s mother to arrange seating for them—and far from Violet, too.”

The limousine came to a stop and Whiskey got out to help Deidra exit gracefully. Her bridesmaids all gathered around her as they walked into the Ocean View Country Club. Dee was whisked off to a side room to get ready. The mayor of the town would be officiating the ceremony.

Whiskey looked around at the country club, noting the fancy crown molding and the yellow roses with fall leaves in glass arrangements.
Shannon would have loved all of this,
he thought. He had gotten their daughter a decent man, even though she would have killed him for doing it the way he had. His eyes roamed the people milling about and he felt distant toward all of them.

Until a warm hand touched his. He knew by the perfume and the touch who it was: Elena.

“Hi,” she said softly. “You looked a bit lost, so I thought I’d keep you company, if you don’t mind.”

“Saving me from the hordes of Irish and Russian family members, huh?” He winked at her.

“Oh, they’re not so bad. The Irish ones, I know better. Do you want to get a drink or go out on the patio?”

She held his hand. He spotted Thrash some distance away shooting him dirty looks.

“Maybe a club soda at the bar. I don’t need Thrash confronting me on the patio. I’m not drinking until after the service. Did I tell you how beautiful you look?” Whiskey ran his eyes up and down her body, liking the dress she was wearing and the way she fit into it perfectly.

“Thank you. I haven’t heard those kinds of words very often from someone who really meant them. You look quite handsome too.”

Whiskey laughed at that as they moved to the bar area. His boys were all around and he motioned them to step back. They were dressed well at least. He ordered two club sodas and they spoke softly.

“That perfume you wear, what is it?” He leaned forward and put his nose against her neck, taking in the heady scent. His lips softly kissed her neck and he felt Elena shiver.

“It’s jasmine and rose oil. I make it myself. I like to make things instead of wasting money buying something I may not like,” she replied.

A sudden noise had them turning their heads. Whiskey groaned as he noted the couple entering the bar. They were stunning. The woman had on a purple gown and her long blonde hair was curled into spirals down her back. The man was tall and had a black suit on, his brown-and-gray-streaked hair pulled back into a ponytail. They were arguing.

Whiskey excused himself to talk to them, saying it was his president and his ol’ lady, Violet. Elena watched him saunter away. He was like a panther as he moved. She’d never seen a man move like that.

The woman looked her up and down before turning her back on Elena. Elena smiled to herself; she’d dealt with all kinds of females in her life and Violet meant nothing to her. She doubted she ever would.

Joy slid into Whiskey’s seat, looking at Elena and frowning. “You should be sitting with us or Thrash. This isn’t right, Elena. You don’t know this man and you’re his date? I don’t know what the hell is going on with you anymore.”

This was getting old. Elena was quite able to make her own decisions.

She took a deep breath, let it out, and hissed at Joy, “Go away. I see Jersey looking over here. I told you, there is no Thrash-and-me. I see my date coming, and you’re rudely in his seat.”

She nudged Joy, who finally huffed as she got up and left. Whiskey’s eyes followed Joy and saw her going towards Thrash and two others, who he assumed were Jersey and Tramp. He looked at Elena and wondered why the sparkle was gone from her eyes.

“Darlin’, she giving you shit about being here with me?”

“Of course. Joy wants me to be with Thrash and I can’t make her understand it’s never going to happen.” She toyed with the straw in her glass.

“Elena, I need to ask you a favor. Rebel—my president—and I need to speak to Tramp. Would you let Violet Rose sit here? Vi is a bit of a pain in the ass. She’s nosy, so don’t feel like you have to answer any questions you’re not comfortable with. I hate to ask you, but I need to get her away from Rebel.”

Elena checked the time on the clock over the bar. “Okay. You have about a half hour before you have to walk Dee down the aisle. I don’t mind sitting with Violet. Maybe you could ask Tramp to tell Thrash to stop his bullshit with me?” she asked, looking up at him hopefully.

“I’ll send Violet Rose over and, if I get a chance, I’ll mention it to Tramp.” He walked over to get Violet and decided he wasn’t going to ask Tramp for anything. He’d take care of Thrash on his own time.

Violet walked over to Elena and ordered a vodka tonic, then looked at Elena. “Whiskey said you’re Elena? I’m Violet Rose.”

Elena smiled warmly at her. “Yes, I’m Elena. You have a beautiful name! It really suits you with your eye color. Purple looks lovely on you.”

“Thank you. We don’t usually do such elegant weddings back home.” She leaned in closer to Elena. “I’ll let you in on a secret. My name is Violet-Rosemarie, which is kind of funny because my last name is Rose. So I get called Violet Rose all the time. I was shocked Whiskey had a date so suddenly. I’m glad he does; his last wife was a cunt.”

Elena kept smiling. “We met at Dirty Deeds. I manage the dancers there and he came over and introduced himself. He’s a very nice man,” she added, watching as Violet Rose’s eyes widened. She decided to totally confuse the woman. “Did you know he likes horses? He came out to my horse farm to see my racehorses. I know Deidra too, and I’m friends with the groom’s family. Deidra is lucky to be marrying into that family. They are filthy rich,” she whispered confidentially.

That shut Violet up. She sipped her drink victoriously and looked around at all of the wedding guests.

* * *

R
ebel, Whiskey, and Tramp chatted privately on the patio.

Rebel lit up a joint. “Tramp, we heard you’re missing a son and his aunt. I made some calls and there is a dancer that sometimes dances for us. Her only condition is that no Bound for Hell members are allowed in the bars when she dances.” Rebel passed the joint to Whiskey, who frowned and passed it on to Tramp. Rebel shot Whiskey a look that said shut the fuck up.

“Is her name Honey? That bitch took my son and fled. I want them back.” Tramp’s voice was cold.

Rebel looked him over. “I don’t know her fucking name. I believe she has a son. We don’t know what your Honey looks like, but I need a description, or even better, a picture. Trying to do you a favor, man.”

“Sorry. I’m just worried about my son. I think the Fiends killed Jules, his mother. No real proof, but from what little we know, it seems like it. I’ll get you a picture. I’m sure Dusty has one. I’ll pay to get her and my son Jason back.”

Tramp watched Thrash come out and peer at them, his wide arms folded across his massive chest. Tramp leaned into Whiskey. “I don’t think my SAA Thrash likes you being with Elena.”

Whiskey shot a look at Thrash and smiled grimly. “No, he doesn’t, and that’s too fucking bad. Elena doesn’t want him; she’s told me so a few times. Call your boy off. This is my daughter’s wedding and if he makes trouble, Nefarious will side with us. After all, Mad Jack’s a member.”

He didn’t wait for a response, walking directly past Thrash and back to Elena.

Rebel watched the whole time before turning back to Tramp. “Your boy causes any trouble, we’ll hide that chick. We don’t need your fucking money, Tramp. I gotta wonder why she’d take off.” Rebel, too, left Tramp standing there and went inside.

Tramp walked over to Jersey. “Satan’s may have a lead on Honey, but if Thrash starts any shit, we aren’t getting it. You and Nailz, keep that fucker close by. I lose my son over him wanting Elena, and I’ll rip the colors off his back myself.”

People were leaving the patio as the music swelled, alerting everyone to take their seats. Violet and Rebel asked Elena to sit with them, and she gratefully accepted. She let Whiskey drop a kiss on her lips, and Rebel escorted both women to the bride’s side. They sat right in front and watched as Whiskey escorted a beautiful Deidra down the aisle. He did his duty and gratefully sat next to Elena, who offered him her hand. Whiskey took it and kept his eyes on Deidra during the whole ceremony.

Soon, it was over, and the bride and groom were kissing and walking down the aisle smiling with their attendants behind them.

“Elena, I was told by Jack’s mother that I have to be in the receiving line. Would you please stand with me?” Whiskey looked horrified at the very thought.

“Of course I will. I don’t know very much about what I’m supposed to say. I’ll do my best, though.”

Elena looped her arm into Whiskey’s, and together they headed over to where the receiving line was. They made a stunning couple and seemed quite at ease greeting people.

After Rebel and Violet passed through and they found their table, Violet sat down and looked at Rebel. “Whiskey seems very tight with Elena, did you notice that? I was hoping he might settle for Penny.” She ordered a drink as Rebel looked at her.

“You stay out of his love life, Vi. Remember what I told you about this wedding. If you cause any problems…” His lips formed a straight line and Violet drank down her drink fast, then tried to snag a waiter. “Limit your drinking, too. Last thing we need is you sloshed, making a fool of yourself.”

Violet pouted. When that didn’t work, she tried to coax Rebel into being nicer to her. “Can I at least dance?” 

“Within reason,” he stated, “as long as you’re not drunk. But don’t expect me to dance with you. Keep this shit up and I’ll get Zero over here to babysit your ass.”

Rebel gave her a wide, smirking smile. Violet hated Zero and he hated her. She shut up and watched the room.

Waiters brought shrimp cocktails to the table and she watched Rebel eat his. She was people-watching, which was one of her favorite things to do. She noticed Thrash from Bound for Hell MC giving Whiskey dirty looks and made a mental note to ask what that was all about. She’d find out about this Elena, too. Whiskey was one of her favorite men outside of Rebel.