Chapter 4

Lug Nut

I hadn’t met Ailee yet but I was going to. When Ace showed us her picture I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She looked stunning in the ball gown she was wearing in the picture. I didn't like how those two guys were standing so close to her even if they were her bodyguards. I knew in my gut I had to get to know her but I wasn’t sure why. Now that she was here I knew why. Ailee is meant to be mine. She will be my old lady, my wife. And that was just with one look when she walked in. She is wearing an emerald green sundress that hugged her generous curves. It pushed her tits up just enough to be noticed without being obscene. They were just over a handful but perfect for me. She has a small waist but an ass I want to spank while I’m plowing into her from behind. Enough that I can have both my hands full when I pick her up. And ample thighs that are made to wrap around my hips. 

Her waist-long fiery red hair that I can’t wait to run my fingers through when I kiss her breathless. Flawless milky white skin I intend to run my tongue on every inch. In a word she is gorgeous. And all mine and I haven’t spoken to her yet. I have heard her voice. I didn’t think I had a thing for accents but when she spoke with her Irish tongue my cock started pushing against the zipper of my jeans so hard I thought it might break it. 

I know it is risky to get involved with Ailee. She is the princess of a very large crime family and the second princess to the club. If I do this wrong I could be killed by either side. But in the end, I know whatever I have to do to make Ailee mine is worth it. And I will do what it takes to prove that she belongs to me and fuck who thinks they can stand in my way. I will take on Ace and the entire mob if I have to make her mine 

I just have to meet her first. I don’t know if Ace is purposely avoiding me or if he just hasn’t made it around to me yet. I know I have been busy playing with the kids and helping with the grills. After grabbing a quick bite to eat I’m going to make a point to meet her before the night is over. Merigold and the girls have had her attention through most of the dinner. And that is a good thing. They will make her feel welcome. But don’t you worry Ailee I’m coming for you very soon. I can be patient. 

Ailee 

I have been here for a few hours now. The little ones have either gone home with their parents or a babysitter. And Merigold tells me now is when the adult party begins. She and Ace asked me to stay for a while. I’m still feeling ok. I’m not too tired so after checking with Callen and Finn to see if they are ready to go we decided to stay a bit longer. Besides now is a good time to observe the club when they aren’t being on their best behavior 

in front of the kids. That is when you can truly find out about a person. Very similar to watching animals in their natural habitat. 

I’m sitting with Merigold and her husbands, Ace, Callen, Finn, Tank, Thor, and Trina. The club is getting louder as the guys are drinking freely. The bunnies are working throughout the guys trying to get attention from whoever will give it to them. The music is playing and everyone is having a good time so far. I’m also enjoying myself except for something nagging at me. I noticed that whenever Ace introduced me he never mentioned that I’m his daughter. And for some reason, it is bothering me. Is he ashamed of me? Does he not want this family to know about me? He said he wanted me to get to know him and his family so why wouldn’t he tell them about me? I don’t understand. And then I see the way he treats the other girls and their kids. He is very close to them. He treats them like they are his kids. But he is treating me like a temporary guest. Is that what I am?  I don’t like being mixed up like this. It is not in my nature.

 The next song starts and Kelly, her brother, Merigold, and Rowdy get up to line dance with several others. But that is not what gets my attention. There is a guy I haven’t met dancing with them. He is wearing a leather jacket telling me he is part of the club. And trust me even with all the people I met tonight I would remember this guy. He has to be the most gorgeous man I have ever seen. “ Hoollyy FEK.” Finn looks at me “ Ailee 

you ok?” Shite, I said that out loud. “ Aye. All good.” Trina nudges me and gives me a knowing smirk. I shake my head and turn back to the dance floor. 

I want to get a better look at this man. From where I’m sitting I can be sure of his height but a good guess is six foot four. He is wearing a white tee shirt that looks like it was painted on. Thank the gods for that because I am enjoying the view. I let my eyes devour him as I take in his pecs and roam down his chest to his washboard abs. He has on a cowboy hat and boots. He has to be the hottest man I have ever seen.

I get a brief image of me dragging my nails down his chest followed by my tongue. What the hell? Where did that come from? That is not like me at all. But it doesn’t stop me from continuing my visual exploration. Just below his abs is a V that gets lost in black jeans. Jeans that cling to nicely muscular thighs. Oh my, he is a fine specimen of a man. 

All the guys here are muscular, tall, and attractive in their way but this guy. I don't know, he is just more. I want to get a closer, more intimate look at him. I pull my eyes from him when Trina whispers to me “ They are pretty good aren’t they.” “ Aye very good,” I say.  When the song is over Merigold and Kelley come back over to the table. Merigold sits on Axle’s lap and Kelley goes over to Gretchen and Brick. She grabs Gretchen's hand. “ What are you doing, baby?” Gretchen asks. Kelley smiles, “ I’m going to dance with the most beautiful woman here.” Gretchen huffs “ You need your eyes checked. I’m as big as a whale.” I tried hard not to stare but watched the two of them. Their interaction is so sweet. I even watched Brick but all he did was watch them with pure love in his eyes. “ That is where you are wrong, my love. You are so beautiful you are glowing. I thought I showed you this morning how I felt about your body but I guess I’ll have to show you again. For now, I want to slow dance with my wife and hold her in my arms.” Kelley says. Gretchen reluctantly gets up and goes dancing with Kelley. 

Brick caught me watching them “ Gretchen has been feeling very unattractive since her belly has gotten bigger. Kelley is proving her wrong.” “ How are you handling that brother?” Rowdy asks as he places Merigold’s feet across his lap. “ I can handle Gretchen not feeling pretty better than I can handle Speed crying. Gretchen is an easy fix. We just fuck her every chance we get that way she never doubts how much we want her.” Brick says it like it is the most normal conversation in the world. I have never heard anyone talk so openly about their relationship. I notice no one else bats an eye at what he said. Brick even continues like he was just discussing his sex life. “ But Speed crying I just didn’t know what to do.” I’m very confused and I’m sure if I should continue sitting there or get up and give them some privacy. 

Kelley has come back to sit down with Gretchen. Brick pulls Gretchen in his lap and Kelley beside him with Gretchen's feet in her lap. Kelley looks at me “ I can see you are confused.” “ I was just thinking that this is a private conversation and was about to excuse myself,” I told her. “ No, stay. You are one of us now.” Kelley said. Then she explained how Brick freaked out about her crying. Because Kelley wasn’t a person who cried often and when she was crying over the fact that she couldn’t fit in her race car Brick didn’t know what to do but luckily Gretchen did. They also explained that while Kelley had given birth to Alana she and Gretchen were her mom as well as the new baby. Brick was the father of the kids. I didn’t need all the details on how it worked. It wasn’t my business. But there was one thing you could see just by looking at them. You could almost feel the love between them. Same as Merigold with her husbands. And Tank and Lilly. It was beautiful to see. I was almost envious.

“ Can I have your attention please?” Viper yells standing in the middle of the yard. We all turn our attention to him and the guy standing next to him. I believe he is Kelley’s brother Marcos. “ Most of you know what I’m fixing to say so I will keep it short. There was a vote taken yesterday. And it was unanimous. I want you to welcome our newest prospect, Ratchet.” Viper says as he helps Marcos put on the leather vest I come to know is a kutte. There is a round of cheers and clapping. Ratchet signs and Kelley help me understand what he is saying. “ Thank you for your votes, brothers. I promise I won’t let you down.” Ace taps me on the shoulder “ Come on, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the guys.”

. 

Ace leads me to where the group is off to the side of the yard having a beer. I see the guys I was looking at before taking him all in. Well, I can take my eyes off of him now. He has one bunny on his arm and one on his lap. No matter how good-looking he is he isn’t worth my attention. But damn if he isn’t even better looking up close. Chiseled jaw, tan skin like he works outside a lot. And that face would make nuns give up their vows of celibacy. 

Ace introduced me to a bunch of prospects that I will never remember their names. I congratulated Ratchet. He looked so proud of his vest. The gorgeous man I had my eye on before I saw the bunnies hanging off of him is called Lug Nut. I can hear moans coming from multiple different directions. Remember when I said people show who they are when they can let their walls down. Well, I'm getting a show. One guy has a bunny up against the fence fucking her right into the wood. Looks painful. But from the noises, she is making she doesn’t care. Another guy is getting a blowjob. These men are no more than animals. Since I have had years of practice I’m able to hide my disgust and hold my tongue. I don’t want to insult Ace. This is his world. A bunny has pushed her way in between me and Ace who was glued to my side until a second. She giggles, wrapping her arm around Ace’s waist. “ Ace, did you have to bring a stuck-up prude to the club? They ruin all the fun. She’s not even part of the club. But these two look like they would be fun. Why don’t you drop her and let me take care of you properly.” pointing to Callen and Finn. 

I have finally reached my limit of disrespect. Callen and Finn must see it because they take a step back. They would never hurt a woman. But I have no problem. They will just have my back in case one of the clubs decides to step in. Before anyone can blink I have pulled my gun that was strapped to my thigh and it is now pointed to the middle of her forehead. I hear several murmurs and gasps and ‘oh shit’ I am past caring. I may look sweet, innocent, and weak but I am anything but.  I let my Irish temper loose and growl “ I’m sick of you wastes of space insulting me. I have held my tongue out of respect for Ace but that stops now. I have already warned you I don’t tolerate disrespect .” I look around to make sure I’m being heard loud and clear. I look back at the girl who has tears running down her face looking around for anyone to help her. Callen and Finn have their guns out ready  “ You are very lucky you belong to Ace. If you spoke to me like that in my world I would have strung you up and cut your tongue out with a rusty butter knife.” I cock my gun “ Then I would sow your venomous trap shut so you would never use it again.” 

And because I just can't stop, I push the gun so it is digging into her forehead hard enough to leave a mark, her eyes are bulging out of her head. I force her to get on her knees where she belongs “ As for my men, they have more respect for themselves than play with worn-out toys that should have been thrown out a long time ago such as you. And not out in the open like they have no deficiency. And are loyal to me and value their jobs so they wouldn’t so much as lay a finger on the likes of you. If you ever so much as look at me or my men again I will personally sow all your holes shut so you will be even more worthless than you are now.” 

I pull my gun back and put it back in the holster no one knew I had. Finn hands me an antibacterial wipe to clean my hands. Who knows what kind of filth she may have. “ Are you going to let her get away with that? She is a guest. Not club. She can’t treat me like that. She can’t threaten me.” “ Finn.” is all I say and she has another gun pointed at her. Still, no one moves so I answer “ Aye I’m not club. I’m worse. And you aren’t worth a hit being placed on their heads for helping you. At least they are smart enough for that..” I look Ace in the eye when I say” I would rather die than be part of this family if I have to put up with disgrace, disrespect, and lack of loyalty. I came in with no judgment on my part and an open mind but I sure didn’t get it from you. You didn’t even have enough respect for me to introduce me as your daughter.” I hear several gasps from the crowd watching but don’t dare to step in.” I was just a guest. I will return the favor. You are an embarrassment as a father and I don’t need you. Don’t contact me again. I don’t want this kind of filth anywhere near me. There's no telling what kind of diseases they may have.” 

I know that hurt him but at this point, I’m done with this place. The adrenaline from that encounter is wearing off and it is taking a toll. I feel very tired now. “ Callen I would like to leave now” He takes one elbow and Finn the other so we can leave. I look over at the girl who is still on the ground “ Oh by the way. In case you think it was an empty threat. My name is Princess Ailee O’Sullivan.” If possible she gets even paler. She knows she crossed the wrong person. 

On our way out no one moves. All the fecking and blow jobs have stopped and everyone just watches us leave. Viper, Axel, Rowdy, and Merigold are at the door that leads to the club and the only way out. “ I refuse to apologize. We are leaving now. You have no worries about our return. I have no desire to return to a place that treats family members like that. But I see now that it only applies to me. You have my word as an O’ Sullivan we won’t be back. And out of respect for the kindness, you have shown me I wouldn’t have this place burnt to the ground and your people killed.” I purposely left Ripley off to hurt Ace. Petty yes. Right now I feel like it is my right. Merigold hugs me “ Are you sure? We just met you. I barely got a chance to get to know you.” she sniffs. I swear I can hear the tears in her voice. I pull back “ Perhaps it is for the best.” I say. I look at Axel and Rowdy but speak loudly so I know Ace can hear me from where I left him. Axel and Rowdy have two precious little girls so I direct what I have to say to them. 

“ Where I come from fathers protect their daughters from everything and everyone. They

don’t stand by while they are being disrespected and insulted. Parents should always put their children before all others. I know my ma did. You never know how long you have each other for.” Merigold has tears in her eyes. Axel and Rowdy nod acknowledging they got the message. But they aren’t looking at me. They are glaring at something over my shoulder. Just before we walk out I say one last thing “ It's truly good to meet you, cousins. If you ever need anything while I’m here. Please feel free to reach out.” Viper hugs me and whispers in my ear “ You ever need you to need us to call me. You are our family cousin.” 

We get in the car and I make it to the gates before the tears fall. Callen holds me close while I let out all my disappointment and heartbreak. I got my hopes up to have a relationship with my father but I know now it was just a childhood dream that I should have let go of long ago. It isn’t worth my heartbreaking. 

Ace 

It has been a full week since Ailee walked out of the party. I tried going after her but Viper and Axel blocked me. I yelled her name but I don’t think she heard me. My daughter walked out of my life for good. The things she said. They hurt me more than anything I have ever experienced before and I have been shot and had broken bones. She would rather die than accept the bone marrow from me if it meant being part of my club. And what she said about fathers. She was upset. I knew that but what she said was the truth. I just stood there and let that slut talk to her like she was nothing. Ailee shouldn't have had to handle it herself especially with her being sick but she did. And still, I just stood there. I made no move to help. 

Some of the men I call brothers won’t even look at me. Even Merigold, Speed, Gretchen, and Lilly won’t come near me. When they do look at me all I see is a disappointment. They feel like I let them down. And why shouldn’t they? If a club bunny talked to them like I heard them talk to Ailee I would have jumped in in a heartbeat. But my child, I did nothing. Why did I just stand there? Because I was jaded to the way the bunnies act. The old ladies have put the bunnies in their place multiple times. Usually, the old ladies have it under control and we don't get involved unless we have to. But should they have to keep putting the bunnies in their place? Ailee is right. The bunnies should know their place. They should have never spoken to a guest like that. And damn sure should have never spoken to a club princess, my daughter like that. 

But they didn’t know Ailee is my daughter. I only told a few she was my daughter. Why didn’t I tell everyone who would listen? Fuck why hadn’t I shouted it from the roof? I have a daughter. Or at least I did. I never thought I would have kids after all these years and what do I do. Fuck it up royally. And I don’t know what to do to fix it. And that is why I’m sitting at the bar at two in the afternoon drinking whiskey. I don’t normally drink the hard stuff but today I need it.

 I don’t know how to fix shit with my brothers, my nieces, or my daughter. So I’m drinking.

Goof comes running through the front door like his ass is on fire straight to Viper’s office. I should care about what’s going on. Right now I don’t have it in me. Goof exits the office and backs out the door. Viper comes out of his office, looks at me, and shakes his head in disgust. Viper steps to the middle of the club and waits. The door opens and a man dressed in all black except for an emerald green band around his right arm comes in. Armed with a tactical gun hanging off his shoulder he looks around and nods to Viper. 

The door opens again and an older man comes in followed by five armed men. All wearing the emerald green band on their right arm. I leave my whiskey on the bar and stand on alert but Viper makes no move as the older man approaches. “ Mr. Viper'' the older man says in a thick Irish accent that reminds me of Ailee. He has his hand out to Viper. Viper shakes it as the man says '' Thank ye for agreeing to meet with me.” “ It is just Viper. When my man told me what it was concerning I could not deny your request.” Viper turns to me,” Mr. O’ Sullivan, this is the man you are looking for. I understand this is a private matter. But as president of this club, I have to insist that I be present.” Fuck this is Ailee’s grandfather. Mr. O’ Sullivan agrees and Viper says we can take this to his office. 

As I make my way there I feel like a dead man walking. Four of Mr. Sullivan’s men stay outside, two come in with us and close the door. Viper sits behind his desk while Mr. Sullivan and I sit in the two chairs in front. Viper looks at me “ Mr. O’ Sullivan is here to discuss something very important with you. It is in your best interest if you keep your mouth shut and listen.” Viper may be Prez but he has never spoken to me with such disrespect before. I don’t like it but I know my actions or lack of is what did this so I keep my mouth shut. 

Mr. O’ Sullivan speaks next “ I believe you know who I am so I will save introductions Mr. Ripley and get down to business. Ailee, like her mother, is my pride and joy. And not just because she is my only heir but in spite of it. Even more so since we lost her mother.”  “ My condolences on your daughter's passing,” Viper says. 

Here I go again just sitting there like an idiot not saying anything. Mr. O’ Sullivan thanks him and continues to address me. “ Ailee doesn’t know I am here and I would like to keep it that way. She asked me not to get involved after she told me about recent events. If her life wasn’t at risk I would honor her wishes. She insists she doesn’t need you. And she will just keep looking for another match. I am not willing to wait.The odds are not in her favor. We have known this from the first time she had cancer. You are a guaranteed match. And I don’t think it should be wasted despite how Ailee feels. Ailee is my world. So I’m prepared to offer a million dollars. Cash. As well as medical expenses for you to do the transplant anonymously.” One of the guys steps forward with a duffle bag. He lays it on Viper’s desk and opens it. My eyes bulge out of my head.

A million dollars! Cash is in the bag.He wants to buy my help.” You want to pay me to save her life.” I ask. “ Ace” Viper growls out. “ I would have prefered if you do what most fathers would do for their child but after what Ailee told me I didn’t hold out much hope for that. So yes I’m buying help for her. I want to be clear I’m not here as a member of the mafia as you call it. I’m here as a grandfather just trying to do the best he can for his granddaughter.” Mr. O’Sullivan stands, “ I will give you some time to think about it. But keep in mind the longer you wait the sicker she gets.” The man zips up the bag and removes it.

Mr. O’ Sullivan gets to the door and turns around “ Ailee didn’t give me all the details of what happened between you two. But I will say you are a fool to have lost a remarkable treasure such as Ailee. Any father would be proud to call her his. I know I am.” His two guards nod in agreement with him. Without another word they leave. Me I just sat there absorbing what I had just been told. A million dollars just to save a life. 

I don’t really need the money. I invested my share of the club profits well and have myself a good nest egg. But a million dollars and medical expenses paid. It isn’t a bad deal. “ You want to explain to me what he is talking about?” Viper asks. I explained to him about Ailee having cancer. That is why she came to me. I was a match. Viper slams his fist on his desk “ Are you fucking kidding me? Your daughter is sick and you have been sitting on your ass hanging around the club instead of being with her. You are considering taking the money to save your daughter. Your flesh and blood.”  I jump up “ You may be Prez boy but I’m still your elder. You will talk to me with respect.” Viper stands and slams his fists on his desk. “ I would if you showed me a man that deserves my respect. First, that bullshit at the barbeque. And now this. The man in front of me is not a man I can respect. Do you even know what a chance you are wasting? What you are throwing away? A chance my father never got and would kick your ass for screwing up. The man in front of me is not someone I want to know.” 

“ I know I fucked up Viper. You don’t think I don’t know that. I had given up on kids. I thought the only way I would ever get close was through you and Merigold. Then my child walks into my life and I screw it up at every turn. I should have said something the other night. I know I should have. I should have done so much more. I didn’t even think to warn her about what she might see. She should not have to see bunnies being fucked up against a fence or sucking a brother off. I knew she had never been subjected to anything like that. But I did nothing because it is our normal. Bunnies mouthing off is our normal. And Ailee was right. She shouldn’t have to put up with that.” 

I fell into the chair “ Ailee was right about more than I want to admit. A real father would not have stood by and let her be talked to like that.” “ Ace, you still have a chance. Make this right. For Ailee and for yourself.” Viper said. “ Son, I don’t even know where to begin.” Viper laughs “ My advice for starters forget about the money and just do the transplant. If you don’t make sure she lives long enough to fix things, what's the point. Next grovel, beg. Play dirty if you have to.” I tilt my head at that. Play dirty? What is he talking about? Viper smirks “ The old ladies and the kids. They could probably get in to see Ailee before you could and maybe put in a good word or two. Hell, I’ll even try to help. I hear flowers go a long way. No one is asking you to be perfect. Just be there. Just try to be the father she needs now. Besides you were always good with me and Merigold. You will figure it out.” 

“ You are right. And I’ll get on that. Before I leave something Ailee said is stuck.Our prospects and bunnies. We need to do something. The prospect didn’t even get her name, just took one look at her and assumed she didn’t belong. What if that had been someone

we were doing business with? Ailee was right about the level of disrespect and lack of loyalty. And the bunnies. I don’t even know where to start with them. Before we got the old ladies they pretty much got what they wanted. We have been letting Anne and the old ladies deal with them. But we should have never let it get this far. They need to be reminded of their place or they are out on their asses ``I say. 

Viper nods” I agree. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t notice a problem until this situation with Ailee. I want you and a few of the other brothers to help me come up with something to deal with the prospects. Lug Nut should help. He hasn’t been patched that long.  And he put his blood literally into getting patched.Goof too. As for the bunnies. Yea we are doing something about that shit. I’m getting Merigold to help me with them. She has no problem putting them in their place. Half of them fear her with good reason.” Viper sits back and laughs “ If I could get Merigold and Ailee together on this, the bunnies would be too afraid to screw up. As sick as Ailee is, that girl of yours is a badass.” “ That she is.” I smile thinking back to how Ailee very quickly put Ellie in her place.