Page 73 of Raw Honey
"Nope, I've got it all under control, Emma, thanks," I reply as I walk over and pet the dog. He really is a cutie. It doesn't matter how mad I am, when I see his adorable face I melt and all the anger goes with it. Damn pup!
She puts Hobbes in my arms and he begins to lick my face. Yep, damn pup. I can't help but giggle as he squirms in my arms. Emma walks over to his food bowl, picks it up and proceeds to feed the little guy. He watches her curiously, patiently waiting for his dinner. I catch a glimpse of Sainte out of the corner of my eye and find him staring as usual. But this is different. Usually when he stares it is predatory, animalistic, and downright arousing. But this time his smile is soft and not sinister. He has a twinkle in his eye; it's like looking into a crystal ball and seeing a softer side of the man that makes me insane.
I give him my best "I'm on to you" look and he smirks. Emma comes back and takes Hobbes from my arms and brings him to his food bowl. Sainte walks over to me and leans in close, then says, "Chemistry," and walks out of the room. That's all he has to say and that one word pisses me off more than anything because I know he's right. I really hate it when he's right!
Just as I'm finishing up dinner, in walk Hawk and Vince. They’re the last ones to arrive. Ari and Rebel returned a little bit ago. Rebel is definitely healing and thanks to nurse Ari, he's getting stronger every day. Ryder, Spike, and Doc arrived right before Hawk and they are now sitting in the living room with Ari and Rebel. Emma and Sainte took Hobbes for a short walk.
When Emma and Sainte return, we all take our seats at the table. Everyone is busy getting their food and making small talk. Hawk politely interrupts and says, "I'm sure you all are wondering why I arranged for this family dinner." The guys look around curiously and nod. "Well, Vince here has some good news and I want him to share it with you all." He looks over at Vince and says, "Vince?"
"Thanks, Hawk. Well, as you all know, I have been spending a lot of time on Ice's case and I am happy to report that they are dropping the charges. No body, no weapon, no evidence, except for Russo's accusation. Frankly, I don't even know why they arrested him in the first place with what they had. Russo must have some pull in this town. But anyway, the good news is that he should be home in a couple of days, once all the paperwork is filed."
The guys cheer and I am surprised to see the relief on Emma's face. I actually thought she would be disappointed. Having Ice back will definitely infringe on her Sainte time.
I am over the moon that Ice is coming home. This club needs him. He's the glue that holds everything together. Although Hawk does a good job at the helm, I just feel that we are all lost and wandering without Ice.
"And, I have another announcement," Hawk adds. "The Vitalis have invited us to New York for Michael Vitali's Omerta."
"What the fuck is an Omerta?" Spike asks.
Vince laughs and says, "Omerta is a code that Italian families in our business hold very dear. It's a code of silence, especially when dealing with the law." He chuckles and says, "I'm sure you all know what I mean." They guys laugh. He then continues, "But in this case, the Vitalis use the Omerta as a rite of passage as well. Domenic, the current Don, is retiring and Michael, his eldest son, is taking over the family. So, we do it the only way we know how, with a party."
I can see the irritation on Hawk’s face and I know why. This is a little too much information with us ladies being present. Before Vince continues, Hawk speaks up and says, “I think that is enough, Vince. We don’t discuss business with the ladies.”
“Oh hell, I’m sorry, Hawk. I wasn’t thinking,” Vince replies.
Before they can say more, I chime in and ask, "We're all going?"
Hawk says, "Not everyone. I need some of the boys to hang back and keep a handle on things. Spike, I want you to plan on going. Doc assures me that Rebel should be able to ride in a couple of days, so Rebel and Ari, you both will be going." He looks over at me and says, "Of course, you will be riding with me. So ladies, make sure you are prepared for a couple of days on the road."
Well, I was not expecting to be included, but I think it will be nice to get away for a bit. And, hopefully, Sainte will not return with us and crawl back into his hole in New York. It will also give Hawk and I some time together. Ever since our argument the other day, things have been strained between us and it concerns me.
