rough shape. Might want to meet Bishop outside. Just let Mouse or Tally know you’re there so they can wait with you.” I might not dislike Bishop as much as the rest of his club. Doesn’t mean I want him alone with my woman. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Mallory
Chaser teased me all morning about preparing the house for our little visitor. But I can’t help it. I’m an only child. I don’t have little nieces and nephews to spoil. And I don’t want any of my own kids for at least another couple years.
The clubhouse is in a sorry state after last night’s celebration. Hungover, half-naked couples entwined on every available surface, including the pool table and top of the bar. Chaser wasn’t kidding about meeting Bishop outside. Looks like a couple members of the visiting club stayed over last night. I hope that’s a sign they’re getting along. None of what Chaser told me about the other club sounded good.
Thankfully, Tally’s in the kitchen with Alicia, so I don’t have to search the clubhouse for his room. Unsure of how much club stuff Alicia might know, I explain the situation without too many details.
“No problem,” Tally says. “Want to walk out now?”
“Sure.”
A few bodies have stirred while I was in the kitchen. Tally takes in the scene with a smirk on his face.
“I feel like I should help clean up or something since it was our engagement party.”
“It’ll get taken care of,” he assures me.
Outside, we stand by my car waiting for Bishop to arrive. Chaser ends up there first.
“That was fast.”
He leans down to kiss my cheek. “Quick and easy.”
Stump joins us and gives me a brief, affectionate hug. “How’s it going, princess?”
“Not too bad.”
He settles his gaze on Alicia. “I remember you.” He smirks at Tally. “Senior prom. Stopped by here for some photos.”
Tally exhales a long breath. “Good memory, Prez.”
“Always remember a pretty face. What’re you doing back here? You datin’ my treasurer again?”
Poor Alicia. I don’t think she expected to be interrogated this morning. “I, uh…” Her gaze darts from Tally, to Chaser, to me, and back to Tally. “We’re hanging out while I’m home on break.”
“Didn’t meet anyone at college?” Stump grins. “Getting back together with your high school sweetie?”
A corner of Tally’s mouth lifts. “You done, old man?”
The slightly less respectful tone he uses seems to be a warning. Chaser crosses his arms over his chest and leans on my car. “Knock it off, Dad. Alicia doesn’t know you’re teasing her.”
“Nah, Prez enjoys fucking with us.” Tally’s gaze shifts to Chaser. “Sticking his nose in our personal lives.”
Chaser chokes on a laugh.
“Disrespectful little shit,” Stump grumbles. He pats me on the back and ambles into the clubhouse.
“Did I pass the test?” Alicia asks.
“You’re fine, hon,” Chaser says.
“Well, I have to go.” She leans up and kisses Tally’s cheek, but he grasps her hand and walks her to her car.
“Where’s that going?” Chaser asks after she leaves and Tally returns.
“Where’s what going?”
“She’s going back to school, right?”
“What is this?” Tally rolls his shoulders. “Ambush and interrogation from the Adams family today?”
I squeeze my eyes shut and try not to laugh.
“Just lookin’ out for my brother.”
“Haven’t stopped thinking about her since she left. Why keep fucking around when I already know what I want?”
I reach over and rub Tally’s shoulder. “That’s sweet.”
“How do you know she’s not at school datin’ frat boys and livin’ it up?”
A muscle in Tally’s jaw twitches. “She got that out of her system freshman year. But thanks for asking.”
“She plannin’ to move back after college?” Chaser asks.
I can’t figure out if he really wants to know, if he’s messing with Tally for kicks, or he’s just passing time until Bishop arrives.
“Don’t know yet.” He cocks his head. “You done now?”
“Yeah, just fucking with you, brother. Glad it’s working out.”
Before Tally can respond, a black pickup bounces down the driveway.
“That’s Bishop.” Chaser lifts his chin and pushes away from my car.
“Have fun with that.” Tally waves at us and heads into the clubhouse.
“Why were you grilling him like that?”
He watches Bishop back in next to our car. “Just looking out for a brother,” he answers without looking at me.
Like last time, Trinity’s shy at first. Bishop pulls her out of the truck. She wraps her arms around his neck and presses her little face against his shoulder. He murmurs soft words to her that I can’t quite catch while he carries her over.