We also found out that Star’s guard, Sandy, is in the hospital. Apparently, he was mugged and beaten pretty bad according to our reports.
Curley and Buster went to scout things out and see if they can get in to visit him without anyone being the wiser. Even though he’s Gray’s cousin, he doesn’t seem to be as loyal to him as his cousin believes him to be.
We need to get him to join our side and use him for information on what those fuckwads are up to. If we can convince him that we’ll protect him, we’re hoping that will sway his decision.
“Do you smell that?” Romeo holds his nose up in the air as he takes in a lung full of the surrounding air.
Following his lead, the aroma in the air causes my tongue to water at the prospect of some good, home cooking from the old ladies.
“Wonder what brought this on?” Gunner probes, because the women only cook big meals when they’re up to something or there’s been a party planned.
Just then, the door slams open and all of our attention swings that way. “Mr. Shamus, Mr. Shamus,” Ella hollers out as she takes off running in my direction. I swing her up into my arms and pepper her face with tiny kisses. She pulls her shoulders up, trying to dislodge me. “We are having another party!”
“We are?” I question, curious about what prompted this last minute get together.
“It’s Momma and my welcome home party!” She pumps her arms up in the air and the guys all smile at her enthusiasm.
“That’s a mighty good reason to celebrate,” I reiterate, using the same amount of excitement in my tone that she did.
“We’re gonna live here with you from now on, Mr. Shamus,” she informs me as if it’s the best thing that’s ever happened in her short lifespan.
“Best idea I’ve heard all year,” I dramatically counter.
“You are funny, Mr. Shamus,” she informs me while her little girl giggles are heard bouncing around the courtyard.
“Let’s get this party started,” Gunner roars out, then the brothers join him by stomping their feet and clapping their hands. I know they’re doing this for Ella, but it does something inside of me.
Bouncing Ella in my arms, I make my way inside of the clubhouse and see Star standing there with a smile on her face.
I did that.
I put that earth-shattering smile on her beautiful face.
“Hey, baby,” I lean down and plant a long, blistering kiss on her lips.
“Hey there,” she responds, breathlessly.
“Eww, Mommy, you aren't supposed to kiss boys!” Ella gasps out. “They have cooties.” The men standing behind us all break out into hysterical laughter.
“Not me,” I inform her, “but all other boys do. Don’t kiss nobody but me, princess Ella. Promise me, baby girl, no other boy's lips will ever kiss you.”
“I promise, Mr. Shamus.”
“Good girl,” I praise her as we continue on our path.
The clubhouse is filled with an enticing smell. I head to the bar with Ella still in my arms. I reach across and open up the cooler, I grab me a beer and laugh when I see juice boxes inside as well.
“Those are for me, Mr. Shamus,” Ella enlightens me, proud as a peacock.
“Would you like one, princess Ella?”
“Yes, please.” Once I hand it to her, she takes it with happiness. “It’s artimaficial sugars so I’m not usually allowed to have one. But my mommy says I can and I don’t even have to be special good to get it.”
“Artificial sugars, baby girl. And you’re always good,” I convey to her.
“Thank you,” she replies before taking a big gulp of the apple flavored drink. I’m still stuck on how a girl of her age knows words such as ‘artificial’ and I’m pissed that she doesn’t get things like this unless she’s deemed as being good.
I walk us outside and smell the barbeque fired up and the coals are burning hot, there’s something appetizing about that smell alone. It lets you know something good will be hitting your taste buds soon.
“Mommy says I can’t go near that box,” Ella points at the smoker. “She says it’s very hot and will burn my hands.”
“Your momma’s right, it’s very hot.” I walk her away so that she doesn’t get too close.
I walk her over to the play area and end up spending some time chasing her up the steps and sliding down the slide. My body barely fits, but I make it work. The look on her face is priceless and one I want to see the rest of my damn life.
Chapter Thirteen
Shamus
The women have congregated to one section of the yard and us men are standing next to the grill, shooting the shit waiting on the steaks to be ready. I’m minding my own fucking business when I feel someone snuggle up next to me, too damn close. Instinctively, I know it’s not my old lady. This woman smells as if she’s poured an entire bottle of perfume on her body. Plus, electric currents don’t flow through me like they do when Star touches me.
Turning around quickly, I go to remove her from attaching herself to me like a leech when I hear a tiny squeal of outrage coming from behind me. Ella gets in front of us, her face red and anger plastered on her face. “Don’t touch my Shamus!” she yells out before pulling her leg back and kicking her hard in the shin.
“Ow, you little shit!” As soon as Mercy says that, she flies backward.
It takes me a moment to process what’s happening, until I hear Ella scream out, “Get her, Momma!”
“Holy fuck, we’ve got another scrapper in the house,” Bear delightfully rumbles out. “You guys are so fucked.” His peals of laughter and the way he points his finger at us taken men has us all
