Do you think we should have a cake without alcohol? – Zee
Knuckles stood in the decorated main room looking at the large round chocolate cake that had a plastic toy motorcycle sitting in the center of the puffy icing. He remembered it from when she had made it before.Guinness chocolate cake…Jameson chocolate ganache…Bailey cream icing…He was drunk thinking about it.Despite her girls’ objections, Nessie had insisted on doing the cakes. The girls helped and even made a nonalcoholic cake that sat on a separate table. Mia had come over and helped them make a hummingbird cake. She kept insisting that it was called that because it was made with hummingbird eggs.“Those hummingbirds must be the size of chickens.” Her husband, Celt, had teased. “Or they died right after laying the egg.”The wedding cake was a recipe that Evie had found and wanted to try, but feared she did not have the skill set to make it. She had sent it to both Mia and Nessie. ThatSince neither of my older boys are giving me grandbabies, I’m spoiling this one. – SiobhanCookie and his crew built a house for Nessie and Knuckles on the back side of the compound. He and his crew worked long days on weekends to get it completed before the baby was born. Karan and the girls pulled Nessie into her office and showed Nessie various pictures. At the end, she ended up with a cross between a Scottish cottage and a fairy tale witches cottage. The greenhouse sat between the two buildings. The Flowers came out and planted some trees for them. About a week after moving in, Nessie walked out and found Cookie and Toad looking at her greenhouse. “And what are yeh two up to?” She asked as her uncle pulled her in for a hug.“Just looking to see if we can expand your greenhouse.” He replied resting a hand on her belly. She moved his hand to the top of her belly where the baby was currently kicking her ribs. “She’s turned. Ready to see the world.”“
In this life, and the next, yeh'll be me friend. – NessieNessie walked out of the office and into the kitchen. Her large belly was constantly in her way. Again.This one, she swore, would be the last baby.Her oldest, Abby, sat at the center workstation with her dad. This was their favorite place to hang out. Especially when Nessie was baking cakes.Or cookies. Or pies.Or trying out a new recipe. Her other three, nine year old Bella, and four year old twins, Daniel and Douglas, were playing with some of the other Shack kids out in the common room.“Mum.” Her twelve years old daughter said causing Nessie to pull out of her thoughts. “Who’s Stephen?”It was a name that she had not heard in years. Nessie and Knuckles shared a smile at shared memories. “He was a friend of me and yer da’s. Where did you hear it?”“I had a dream the other night. I was being chased by this crazy bear.” She said and did not catch the look that passed between
This is Chance's story.I had a meeting with Toad and Brute today. Need you to be at the next one. – TriggIn September, the presidents of the three local Devil’s Saints motorcycle clubs had a meeting at Sinner’s Shack. It was the newest and largest clubhouse. located in what was going to be a luxury hotel. What the three men discussed was being kept a secret from the rest of the members. It was said that Toad’s niece was included. But the rumor that a club girl was also in the meeting kept anyone from worrying. Chance was perched at the bar when Trigg came into Pop’s Place. It was the second clubhouse that had been opened. And was named for Chance’s grandfather. “Just who I was looking for.” The man with dirty blonde hair said looking at Chance. “My office.”Suddenly, Chance found himself worried about what his latest conquest might have complained about. She certainly wasn’t complaining when she left his room last night. Or even this morning. “Whate
Yeh keep yer hands and pecker to yerselves and yeh can keep yeh oysters. – NessieChance had arrived early at the Shack to make sure everything was ready. It was true that he was a man whore, a complete slut. But he also took pride in his work. And not just the work with the ladies. He also wanted to make sure that he was on Nessie’s good side. A woman with knives was scary. But a woman who had access to what you ate could be deadly. Especially one that knew about plants and natural remedies. And some not so natural deaths that looked natural. The day had cool weather, so the kitchen made stew, cornbread muffins, a baked potato bar, chicken nuggets and, in Nessie’s words, a feck ton of macaroni and cheese. “Ladies,” Chance walked into the dining hall and savored the aroma. “It smells wonderful in here.”He handed each woman a carnation as he passed them. Each one was that woman’s favorite color. Even the women that were strictly employees, he had flirted
He’s about fourteen weeks early and addicted to heroin, but he’s healthy overall; I think he has a fighting chance. – Dr. HamiltonFebruary Ryanne arrived at the hospital in Ridgeview around two in the afternoon. It was now the day after her sister had called. The conversation had been a strange one, even for Leigh Anne. “Hey, baby sister. I think that I’m pregnant. I think I’m having the baby.”It had taken Rye several attempts to find out where Leigh Anne was. How she got up to Massachusettes and why was still a mystery to Rye.Finally, she got another woman at the gas station to call an ambulance. In typical Leigh Anne fashion, she had been getting high while in labor. Rye doubted if Leigh Anne even knew who the father was. Even before their parents had died, Leigh Anne had been the wild child. She took after their mom, while Rye took after their dad.When he had died in Afghanistan, it had been seventeen-year-old Leigh Anne who had to keep them bot
Trigg told me to get my MBA and CPA. Thought that I would have a sweet office and fun time. Not crayons and afternoon nap time. – ChanceRyder could have given him an office in the DS Holdings office building. His office could have been at his clubhouse or even the Shack. Or in the back of one of the bars or strip clubs. Some of the other guys had offices at the clubs. He could have had one at The Kitty Cat.Hell, it could have been in Dom's basement, and it would have been better. But Ryder put Chance’s office just inside the daycare.Giant glass windows looked out into both reception and communal area. He felt like a damned animal on display. The fact that someone had taped a PLEASE, DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS sign to his window did not help. Only on his. The office across from his belonged to Karan and had a sign reading GOOD GIRL TREATS ACCEPTED.Chance had a picture in his head of a sleek office with a couch for fun. Soundproof would be good. Or his playmates
He’ll be here until he’s weaned off heroin and is strong enough to breathe on his own. – Dr. HamiltonRYE’S THOUGHTSWhen Rye had returned to her sister’s room, she had unsurprisingly found that it was empty. Leigh Anne had an infant son who was less than a day old and she was already out of his life. Rye had expected it and would have been surprised if the woman was still there.For the next week Rye dealt with family services, police, hospital staff, therapist, and an employment agency. She found a cheap efficiency apartment and furnished it through a thrift store. Working with a case worker, she received emergency guardianship.It didn’t take long for her to burn through what Miss Beulah had given her. Or her savings. She calculated that she had about a week before she was completely broke.During all this chaos, she contacted the college in Georgia and transferred her classes online. Rye had explained to her advisor that she was now the guardian of a preemie
Sometimes fate steps in to help after she knocks you on your ass. – Mike Standing from her chair, Rye stretched her arms high above her head and felt her back pop. The loose black t-shirt for a band she had never heard of rode up exposing pale flat abdominal muscles. She tugged down her shirt before running her hands through her short black hair. Rye wore her hair in what her coworkers had called the Karen bob. Longer in the front, short in the back and her natural gray patch falling on her right side. It worked well with her oval face and required minimal effort. She’d had a job interview this morning and still wore her makeup. Smokey purple eyeshadow and dark purple eyeliner brought out a bit of a purple tint to her pale blue, almost lavender, eyes. Light blush accented high round cheeks that could look better with more regular meals. Her full lips were dusky pink with a purple gloss over them.Rye had walked over to refill her coffee when the large heavily tatt
I’m very good at being Sophia. I just don’t like being her. – ShilohThe door to the Shack opened and a large group of men in suits entered with a woman in the middle of their pack. As they moved through the building, the men moved off and took up positions around the large space. The woman stopped in front of Pagan who wrapped her up in his arms.“We’re going to get them back.” She quietly promised.“I know.” Pagan whispered against her neck.She pulled away from him and pressed a kiss to his lips before she turned in his arms. “Werewolf, what do you know?”“They were taken by Aranya. We know where their president is.” He answered.She spoke in Italian, and six men stepped towards Werewolf. “Tell them.”Werewolf nodded and pulled up the map on his tablet. He explained where the Aranya clubhouse was located and what he knew of the buildings. “Don, with your leave?” Nico asked and Sophia nodded.“Yes, bring him to me.” The men turned to leave. “Nico," Sophia warned, "do not spill any
Mother, I’m not sure who you think you are but let me assure you who you are not. – SophiaNico leaned over and spoke softly in Sophia’s ear. “Do not let her take hold again. You are in charge of her. You control her.”Sophia nodded and gave him a small smile. She needed the reminder. Shiloh only had to be Sophia for a little while longer. They were winning the last few hold outs over to their side. There were a few that her mother still had convinced that it should be her stepson to take the position.With Sophia at his side to make it legitimate.Otherwise, he was just another son of just another capo. Elizabeth did not want to admit that she had moved down the ranks of the family. When she had first married Joseph, he had been second in line to the throne. His older brother and wife were both killed only a few weeks after Joseph had married Elizabeth.Joseph would be the next to lead the family. But then, the inner war took place and Joseph was caught in the crossfire. His father,
I don’t give a damn how it’s done. I just want it done. – PaganPagan was hammering out his frustration along with the hot metal on the anvil. It was the second day of the meeting with the family, and he was missing his wife.He couldn’t help the smile that crept across his face when he thought of Shiloh as his wife.When it was confirmed who her family was, he understood why she did not want anyone to know that they were married. Until everything was settled, it could put him and his girls in danger. He didn’t understand everything about her family, but he knew it worked like the Saints.They had a family leader and CEO of the company. Shiloh was Nonno’s only living heir and should take his place. Be the next CEO. But it was not what she wanted.She would do it out of duty and obligation. And Pagan was certain that she would be good at it. Shiloh had a good mind for business and could lead the family and business with very little effort. But her heart was n
If it goes well, you will never have to use your old name ever again. – NicoPagan loved waking up in the morning with Shiloh in bed with him. Most mornings, he woke up with her sucking on his cock. Or his balls. Or moving between the two.This morning was no different. He moaned as his hips thrust up and she took him all the way down to his base.“Fuck, babe.” Pagan growled.She hollowed her cheeks and bobbed up and down on him. His hands fisted in her hair and guided her as she bobbed, and he thrust. Pagan pulled her off him and towards him for a kiss.“I need in you.” He said between kisses.Her hands moved to his shoulders as she moved up his body. He sat up and wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Shiloh wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist. Moving his mouth to her neck, Pagan guided her onto his cock. “Pagan.” She sighed as his head pressed against her folds, sliding into her slickness. He growled again
I love you, Shy, but if you say you’re going to wear a white dress, I’m calling bullshit. – GertieSaturday after they got married, Shiloh went with some of the other ladies to a bridal shop. Surrounded by so much white and ivory, she and Gertie stood out. They looked at each other and shared a smile before they both busted out laughing.“Yeah…” Karan smirked. “I don’t know if we’re going to find anything for Shiloh here.”“Yes, we will.” Rye assured her as she walked towards the back of the large warehouse style store. The rest of the women all shrugged and followed her back. They weaved their way through racks and racks of gorgeous white, ivory and pale pink wedding gowns. There were large and puffy ones, others that were slim and fitting. And there were yards and yards of skirts, hundreds and thousands of beads. Satin, silk, taffeta and tule.Several of the women stopped to admire a gown or dress here and there. Mia pulled one out and held it in front of her.
I won’t even tell Toad. I’ll just tell him that we got the marriage license. – PaganPagan and Shiloh walked into the Shack holding hands just like they always did on Church nights. Ashlyn ran towards Priscilla to show the teen the new outfit. Alyssa headed for Athos to try to con him into a ride. Pagan was never sure if she was going to try for a ride on the bike, or a horse.Nessie looked at the couple as they came through the door from her usual table between the pool tables and the couches. She grinned at them, and Pagan headed towards her having learned not to avoid her. Nessie always knew way more than she should and said that the ghosts talked to her.Pagan had seen the poltergeist activity. Heard her say things about people that very few knew. “It looks good on yeh.” Nessie grinned at Shiloh. “What?” she asked quietly.“A new last name.”They both were quiet as they stared at her.“Yeh’ll not hear it from me. It’s not me place. We can put it
This is just for you and me. The other wedding will be for our girls. – Shiloh Shiloh walked into the front office of the fab shop and did not miss the loud annoyed sigh from the woman behind the counter. Pagan had told her about Carrianne and admitted that if it wasn’t that she was so freaking efficient, he would certainly fire her.But she kept the shop stocked with the iron and other metals that they needed. The other supplies and equipment were never low. Water and sports drinks were always on hand in the coolers and protein bars on the shelves. Project schedules were laid out with monthly, weekly and daily time allotments. Custom jobs were priced and bid for a hefty profit while not discouraging the buyer. Phones were answered when they had to be, although she preferred emails. And those were responded to within a business day at the most.Pagan knew that she did most of her work while she was at home, and he had no problems with it. Carrianne had told him onc
Most people make the mistake of overcooking the lasagna. – NicoOn the second Saturday of the new year, Nico invited himself over to teach the girls how to make authentic Italian lasagna. He showed up with almost all the ingredients that they would need. As he mixed up the pasta dough, he explained everything to the girls. Pagan and Shiloh sat at the table watching them. “Daddy always just thaws out the lasagna and puts it in the oven.” Ashlyn declared and Nico acted like he was going to die in the kitchen.Shiloh laughed at her cousin as he lay on the floor clutching his heart, mumbling a prayer in Italian. “I’ve made it from scratch before.” Pagan grumbled with a smile.“You never made the pasta.” Ashlyn pointed out.“Or the sauce.” Alyssa added.Shiloh laughed harder. “They have no loyalties to you when it comes to food.”“None.” Pagan agreed as Nico slowly and dramatically stood back up. The girls were helping him as he clutched the cabinet door
I don’t think that you understand your place within this family. – Elizabeth GiordanoPagan and Shiloh spent New Year’s Eve at the Shack while the girls went to a kid’s party over at Chance’s house. He knew that his new wife would not be comfortable with the New Year’s Eve activities and hosted the annual party for the kids. When Pagan had called Chance at ten in the morning, Rye answered the phone whispering.“Hey, Pagan.”“Good morning, Rye. How are the girls?”“Still asleep. Hang on.” Pagan could hear her moving around in their house and then she took a picture. A moment later, his phone chimed as the picture came through and he clicked the speakerphone button before he moved the phone so that both he and Shiloh could see the screen.Chance was lying on his back asleep on the living room floor. He had his niece, Morgan, asleep on one shoulder and Alyssa asleep on the other. He looked happy and content asleep surrounded by a dozen or more club kids.