Thunder (Hell's Handlers MC #10) - Lilly Atlas Page 0,146

loved the damn sound of his wife’s happiness.

“Copper, you love Lee. He went through a bit of a rough period in his late teens, but once Makenna and Thunder got him in therapy and he dealt with his upbringing he really turned his life around. He’s a good man and you know it.”

He was a good man. One of the best Copper knew. Responsible, self-assured without being a cocky fucker, and damn smart, he’d make a great Sergeant at Arms in the future. None of that meant Copper wanted him dating his eldest daughter.

Makenna’s brother had prospected at twenty-one and been a great addition to the club. But there was one big problem here Shell seemed to be overlooking. “Baby, Beth is twenty. And Lee is thirty-fucking-three. He’s robbing the goddammed cradle. It’s fucking wrong.”

Uh-oh.

Shell no longer wore a playful smile. Now, her eyes were narrowed, and fire shot from the orbs. “Uh, you do realize that’s three years closer in age than we are, right?”

Shit. He swallowed. How did she not see the rules were different for their daughter? “Yeah, I know, but—”

She tsked. “No buts, babe. Beth is an adult, and Lee is a great guy. I’d be happy to see them together. And she’s pretty smitten, so you better get on board, big guy.”

Smitten? Seriously? Had they purposefully gone behind his fucking back? “Maybe I need to send him away for a while.”

Shell’s jaw dropped. “Copper! Don’t you dare. Shush, here they come.” She whacked his chest again. “Behave.”

He grunted but snatched her hand and pressed a lingering kiss to her palm. As usual, her eyes went misty, and she gave him a love-filled smile. After so many years together, he knew precisely how to worm his way back to his wife’s good side.

With a sigh, Copper watched his daughter meander their way. Christ, he loved that girl. Beth wasn’t his biological daughter; but not for one minute had that ever mattered to him. She was his, plain and simple. As was her mother.

“Hey, Mom! You enjoying your birthday party?” Beth asked, as she took an empty seat at their table.”

Lee remained standing, eyes on Copper, and posture stiff.

That’s right, asshole. She’s my daughter. You wait for my permission.

“I am,” Shell said with a bright smile for the pair. “I was just trying to get your father here to dance with me.”

Copper snorted. Little liar. His snort turned into a grunt when her bony elbow landed on his ribs.

“Goddammit, woman,” he muttered, rubbing his side. Those elbows were fucking lethal.

“Lee, come sit with us. How are things going with you? I hear you’re thinking of buying into Zach’s gym.”

As the three of them chatted, Copper rested against the back of his chair and let his gaze drift to his daughter. Somehow in the past decade and a half, the adorable girl with the chubby cheeks and strawberry-blond pigtails had turned into an independent, strong, and beautiful woman. Aside from the red tinge in her hair, she looked so much like her mother, yet had a temper in her that clearly came from his bloodline.

Shit, he must be in a mood because as he scanned the room, his chest swelled and tightened with powerful emotions. This club, this rag-tag piecemeal family he’d created over the years meant more to him than they could ever know. He’d give his life for anyone of his brothers and knew without a doubt they felt the same. Blood didn’t make family, choice did, and the bonds his chosen family had created were unbreakable.

Around him, kids of all ages ran amuck, laughing and having a blast. His club brothers and their ol’ ladies danced, ate, and drank in celebration of his wife’s fortieth birthday. So many times over the years, he’d wondered if the club would ever get to this point of prolonged peace and happiness.

But it seemed they’d made it. The years hadn’t been all sunshine and rainbows, but his family had prevailed, and life was pretty damn close to perfect now. His gaze shifted back to his daughter, who practically shot hearts from her eyes to Lee.

Close, but not quite perfect.

Another elbow ramming his gut had him grunting. “Watch those bony wings, babe.”

“Oh, that wasn’t an accident.” She gave him her sweetest, most innocent grin, and he had no choice but to kiss it off her face.

Beth groaned. “You’d think my parents would be over making out with each other every chance they get, but nope. They’re just as gross now