That last comment throws Shadow’s head back around to me.

“He asked her to be his date at the weddin? Why the f**k would you need a date for a weddin?” His voice comes out in shock.

“Well, because with normal people Shadow… when there is a wedding, it’s proper to take a date,” I smart off.

“Do I need a f**kin date?”

Oh boy.

“You don’t need anything Shadow. If you want to take a date, take a date. But if not, it’s not a big deal. Did you not look at your damn invite for the wedding? It says you may bring a plus one.”

“Jesus Christ!” He exclaims, almost too loudly while standing up. I watch as he walks over to one of the sales chicks helping Piper. He leans in murmuring something in her ear, and I watch as her face contorts from confusion to a giddy schoolgirl. She nods her head ‘yes’ excitedly as his hand trails slowly down her arm before letting her go and walking back over to me.

“There. I have a stupid f**kin date. Is there anything else I need to check off for this damn event?”

“Yes. You might want to grab a bucket of water, maybe even a hose, because with the look Tatiana is giving you… you’re gonna be set on fire.” I growl at him.

“Shit!” He yells.

“Dumbass.” I say as I wheel myself away from him.

***

Chapter 12

ZZ

The construction is finally finished on the compound, and the expansion looks f**king fantastic. Not gonna lie, Winter knows her shit. After the construction crew was paid off, Braxxon kicked them all out. We’ve been on lockdown since the ma and pop shooting and having construction workers on and off the compound made everyone uneasy. After they left, the brothers got busy looking for bugs and cameras. With the new building and the new windows inside the clubhouse, you can never be too sure. I know Winter and the club have paid a pretty penny to have this done so damn fast, but in the end, we all know it’s worth it. Too many loved ones getting f**kin killed.

Braxxon decided to kiss Winter’s ass some more, and have a pizza and wings night in the new building on the compound. And for once, my daughter isn’t out hiding, doing shit she’s not supposed to be doing, so I guess I should be thankful. There’s that damn word again. Thankful. I need to shoot something. I need to feel like a man again. Too many emotions make you a pu**y.

Fuck!

“Hey Mason.” Storm smiles down at me with her plate in her hand. She takes a seat beside me at one of the picnic tables in the courtyard of our newly f**kin awesome building. I look around to make sure known of my brothers caught her saying my real name and I inwardly sigh in relief when I notice no one did.

“Hey Apple,” I smirk back.

“Fuck you,” she laughs, taking a bite of her pizza.

She looks just as yummy as that pizza. She’s dressed down, and I decide right there that Storm looks f**king fantastic in gray sweats rolled to her knees and a white wife beater with some tennis shoes. Not to mention her hair is piled on top of her head all messy, and she’s not wearing any makeup. Yeah, that natural beauty thing she’s got going on isn’t good for my dick. It’s already standing at full alert, stressing against my jeans.

“You ready for the rehearsal dinner tomorrow?”

Yes, baby keep talking wedding shit, so my c**k stops throbbing for your touch.

“Do I look like I’m ready?” I say back as I take a bite of my hot wing. Shit, that’s so f**kin good.

“No. Not at all,” she answers back as she tries handing me a napkin.

“I don’t need that damn napkin; give me your tongue,” I tease her, causing her eyes to go wide. She finally snaps out of her shock and throws the napkin at me.

“Horny bastard,” she giggles uncomfortably.

Damn. She has pizza sauce on the corner of her mouth. What to do, what to do?

I lean into her, causing her to gasp as my face comes closer and closer with hers. She shutters, closing her eyes and I drag my pierced tongue along the side of her mouth. Pizza sauce and Storm. Fuck. So damn delicious.

“Mason,” she whispers and my c**k hardens more. “Please don’t do that unless you’re ready.”

Dammit! Way to spoil the mood Storm. I back away from her, picking up my plate, and stand up. I’m not f**kin ready for no damn commitment. I can’t look at her; I know if I do, I’ll just be pissed off with myself. I hate the hurt looks I always cause to show up on her beautiful face. I walk over to the trashcan and toss my paper plate. Everyone is laughing, smiling, and f**k if I don’t wanna be one of those people right now. My prepay buzzes in my pocket and I dig it out as I walk back inside the building, the cold air almost stealing my breath. Damn that air conditioner kicks ass in here. Better than the one in the damn clubhouse building.

“Dillan,” I say into my phone as I sit on the couch and dig out a smoke.

“ZZ, it’s Juan. I’ve been tryin to reach your Prez and VP, and they’re not answerin. I got some info on that shootin at the restaurant.”

What the f**k? Why wouldn’t they answer their goddamn phones? It’s just a damn pizza dinner.

“Let me hear it,” I grumble lighting up my smoke.

“The hit came from the east coast; word is there’s a pretty big penny sittin on five gals’ heads.”

Two things replay over and over after he tells me this. East coast and five gals.

“The hits, who is on the hit list?” I all but yell into my phone as I make my way back outside. I throw the door open, and all heads turn towards me. I point to my phone with the hand holding my cigarette in it. Braxxon digs out his phone, automatically knowing he’s missed an important phone call. He jumps up and makes his way over to me.