don’t quit grinding your teeth, you’re going to need veneers, dear,” her mother warned.
Talena rolled her eyes, but did stop, or tried to stop working her jaw so ferociously. “Now you know that this is an MC, mother, right?”
One of the things she’d been working on was preparing their mom for what they were walking into. Scott, aka Hollywood, was a member of the club, and as a member he had a brotherhood and loyalty that transcended mere friendship. She’d witnessed the depths of their loyalty six weeks ago as the men had come and helped take care of things at their home, ensuring there was no evidence left of what went down that day. Although she still wasn’t sure about the three men who had come with Cosmo, since she hadn’t seen or heard anything about them since that day, but she would forever be grateful for those men.
“Yes, dear. I do know what an MC is and does. I did some research, and while I was a little worried, I realized that he’s been a part of this club for some time. If they were unsavory, then he’d have ended up in trouble a long time ago. I think they’re just the opposite to what you read about. In fact, I’d say they helped save him.” Tara nodded, crossing her arms over her chest with a harumph.
Talena didn’t bother to deny it since the men had, in fact, done just that a few weeks prior. Nope, sometimes ignorance is bliss. The entrance to the compound was next, so she hit the blinker, and then they entered, knowing her mother was going to be shocked at the size of the estates.
“Holy lord,” Tara breathed.
She kept her lips sealed, driving down to the clubhouse past King’s huge home, and the two other new ones that had been built. All three were easily the size of her mother’s.
“Here we are, mom. Mouth closed now. We don’t want to attract flies,” she teased.
Her mom slapped her arm after Talena shifted into park and turned the car off. “You said this was a bar and that...that they lived in houses on the property. Talena, these aren’t normal homes, and that’s not a normal bar.”
With a laugh, she got out, bending down to look her mother in the eye. “Welcome to the Royal MC Clubhouse, Mama. Come on, let’s go see if Santa’s arrived.”
Her mother growled, getting out of the low-slung sports car. “Help me get the presents out of the trunk, you little brat.”
“That’s what I call her too.”
She was sure she’d never stop getting butterflies when she heard his voice or when she saw Scott. Like now, watching him walk down the steps wearing his black jeans, black T-shirt, and leather cut, she thought he was the most gorgeous man in the world. “Hi,” she said breathlessly.
“Hi yourself, mon pourri.” He tugged her to him, giving her a kiss that left no doubt they were a couple.
He pulled away, licking his lips. “Mmm, you taste like strawberries. Hi, mom. You need some help?”
Scott kept one arm around Talena while he met his mother at the back of his G-Wagon.
“Hello, sweetheart. What a lovely place.” Tara turned her cheek for a kiss.
“The Royal brothers have done a fine job of building it up,” he agreed.
“Don’t let him bullshit you, ma’am. Your son has been a huge investor and so have all the brothers. My name is King. I’m glad you could join us for Christmas Eve. My ole lady is really excited for the holidays this year.” King came down the stairs with a smile on his face, not looking nearly as scary as Talena remembered.
“Hello, young man. Thank you for having us. Here come help us bring in the gifts.” Tara waved at King.
Talena buried her face against Scott’s chest so King wouldn’t see the laughter she was trying to suppress.
Another car pulled up next to them, a silver Mercedes with blacked out windows. Talena had never seen the silver haired gentleman who got out of the vehicle, but when he looked at her mother, there was no denying the interest in his gaze. Scott’s muscles hardened beneath her hand on his chest. “Don’t,” she whispered, knowing without looking up he was going to say something.
“Dammit, he’s Doc,” he muttered.
“Um, is he a doctor then?” she asked, blinking up at him.
SCOTT STARED ACROSS at Doc and then his mother before looking down at Talena. “Yes, he’s a doctor, and he goes by