Page 58 of Deadly Secrets

“I could say the same about him,” I retort to Crusher. Moving over, I make room for him to take a seat.

“When Reaper came to us out of prison, he was a dead man walking around going through the motions,” he says. “He saved my boy’s life inside the joint and I’ll be forever grateful to him. He became part of my family that day and now by extension so are you and Ryder. If there is ever anything you need, you come to Melissa or I and we will make it happen.”

“Thank you, Crusher, I appreciate that. Everyone has been so helpful since coming here. Ryder and I are overwhelmed by everything.”

He chuckles. “Get used to it, sweetheart. These men can be a handful at times but they’ll lay their lives down for you and your son.”

Words catch in my throat at what he just said. It’s hard to imagine having people there as a safety net but I’m starting to see that we might actually find a home here.

“Did you tell her the good news?” Brass comes over with a beer bottle in his hand as little Zane rushes between his legs to climb up in Crusher’s lap.

“What news?” I ask.

“Bought a boat,” Crusher divulges as he tickles Zane’s belly. The sound of the sweetest giggle filters through the air.

“Oh? Congrats?” I say more as a question. I’m not sure if this was supposed to be a surprise but Raegan did spill the beans a few nights ago during our girls’ night.

“Thought I’d take my oldest grandson out on the lake and teach him a few things,” Crusher says.

“I go PaPa?” Zane asks Crusher.

Crusher kisses the little boy’s forehead. “Not this time, little man. We’ll go swimming after I get back with Ryder.”

“Yay!” Zane exclaims, then hops off Crusher’s lap and runs over to where Melissa has a popsicle ready for him.

“Tried taking him a few months ago and he tossed my favorite fishing pole out in the middle of the water,” Crusher says and it has Brass and I laughing.

“Should’ve heard the new cuss words Zane came home repeating,” Brass wheezes.

“I’m worried Ryder might not be any different,” I tell them. “He’s never been fishing before.”

Crusher pats my knee. “You did an excellent job raising him, Remi. Let us help you now. We don’t want to overstep; we just want to be there to fill in when you can’t.”

“I appreciate that.”

The rest of the evening I watch the smile never leave my son’s face. I pray that this is how it will always be.

Remi and Ryder have been here in Texas for a month now and things are better than ever. We’ve settled into somewhat of a routine where I’m balancing club life and home life. It’s hard at times managing both but I’m getting the hang of things. Before it was just about the club and nothing else mattered. Now I’m juggling club business, a son, Remi, and trying to make sure all three are safe.

Ryder, of course, made the baseball team after trying out weeks ago. We didn’t even make it to the parking lot before the coach called and wanted him. My chest puffs out every time I watch him play now. I was good but my son is next level and he has a hunger to be the best. Every day he is either throwing the ball or doing batting practice at the field my brothers and I built for him.

When I saved Blaze from being killed in prison, I had no idea that this would be the result. I’m not sure I’d have done things differently either way, but being part of this brotherhood is something I’ll always be grateful for. Now my son has a place to call home and people to call family.

“What’s got you so lost in thought that I was able to sneak in here and you not notice?” Stone plants himself down in the chair across from the desk.

We officially open this weekend so things are a little crazy around The Velvet Palace, in spite of how much time I’ve spent here lately. Paperwork and managing people aren’t my strong suit. I’d rather be under a vehicle fixing problems where it doesn’t talk back.

“Fuck, guess I spaced out,” I say, shaking my head to focus.

“Everything going okay at home?” he asks as he taps his finger on the armrest.

“It’s all good.” I lean back and turn my baseball cap backwards, relaxing into the conversation. It’s a good reprieve from paperwork.

“Raegan showed me some of the pieces Remi is working on. Your woman has a gift making the leather straps and necklaces.”

Remi was reluctant at first to start making jewelry again, but she’s picked up right where she left off over a decade ago. It helps that I made sure to have everything she needs set up in one of the spare bedrooms.

“I think she’s settling in finally,” I voice.