A Very Venom Christmas - Kristine Allen Page 0,10

a little busy,” he said with a chuckle followed by a grunt.

“Jesus, did you actually answer the phone while you have your dick in someone?” I couldn’t help it, I out-and-out laughed.

“When the president of the Bastards calls you after midnight, you answer,” he said as I backed out of Loralei’s driveway and pulled over into my grandmother’s guest spot. I could’ve walked, but I didn’t want to explain my truck over there to Grams.

“I need a favor,” I told him. He didn’t owe me anything, but he and I went way back. We’d been best friends, graduated high school together, and then joined the army together. After the military, our paths separated, but not completely.

“What do you need?” I liked how he didn’t automatically kiss my ass and tell me he’d do anything because of who I was.

I explained about Loralei’s car and the porch light. It was evident he wanted more information, but he was wise enough to let it lie.

“I’ll have the boys on it first thing in the morning. That all?”

“Yeah, bro. That’s all. Oh, one more thing. Thanks for keeping an eye out for Grams. I really appreciate it, but after meeting with her doctor this morning, I finally convinced her to move to Ankeny with me. Thing is, we’re leaving ASAP. She doesn’t know it yet, but it’s happening. I’ve got some things I need to get back to.” I didn’t get into the details of my business, and he didn’t ask.

“Not a problem. You know that. I love that woman like she’s my own grandmother. Don’t be a stranger though.”

“I won’t. Maybe we can ride to Sturgis together next year,” I offered.

“Fuck, I better see your ass before then,” he grumbled.

“I’m sure you will. You know you boys are welcome in Ankeny anytime, too.”

“Appreciate it, brother,” he said with more than a little emotion. Though we weren’t in the same club, he’d forever be my friend and my brother-in-arms—and he damn well knew it.

“Travel safe,” he said.

“Roger that,” I replied before ending the call.

I cast one last glance toward the house across the road. For a split-second, I wished I was younger, or she was older, or that I had a heart to give her.

Where the fuck did that come from?

With a resigned sigh, I pushed those thoughts away and went inside.

“It Ain’t Easy”—Restless Road

“Hello?” I mumbled into the phone that had woken me.

“Loralei? Can I come over?” At the sound of Ms. Margaret’s voice, I was suddenly wide awake.

“Is everything okay?” A glance at the clock told me I wasn’t late for our knitting lessons. I wasn’t supposed to be there until eleven, then to work at my other job by four.

Shit.

I forgot I didn’t have a car.

How the hell am I going to get to work?

“Oh, yes, dear. Fine. I just wanted to tell you something,” she said, and the tone of her voice told me I wasn’t going to like what she had to say. Great. More shit piled on my craptastic sundae.

“Of course. Just give me fifteen minutes to get up and brush my teeth.” I sat up and the sheet fell down. A quick glance showed my damn boobies pointing out at the world.

“He left a fucking hickey on my boob!” I mouthed silently. Eyes bugging, I jerked the sheet up as the night before flooded back with crystal clarity.

“Okay, I’ll be over shortly,” she assured me and ended the call.

“And I need a few of those minutes to put some clothes on because your grandson banged the hell out of me last night,” I muttered. A groan slipped out as I fell back to my pillow. Not that I stayed long, because hello, Ms. Margaret was on her way over.

Hopping on one foot, I pulled on thick fuzzy socks, pajama pants, and a clean thermal shirt.

As I brushed my teeth, I stared at myself in the mirror. Was it possible to look different after amazing sex, because I’d swear I did. Oh, I ached like a motherfucker, but in the most delicious way. After finishing with my teeth, I put my hair up in a messy bun.

I rushed out to the kitchen to start a fresh pot of coffee. It was filling as a knock sounded at the back door. When I swung it open, my gaze locked with Decker’s above his grandmother’s head.

“Oh. Hi. I didn’t know you were both coming over,” I stuttered as I stepped back to let them in. “I made coffee,” I