Page 20 of Monster
“Why is everyone coming here?” Monster’s voice was suddenly nervous.
“Because, brother,” Cyber took the seat next to mine. “The Drunken Otter is being painted and we heard some news today that we thought we should celebrate. It was Gypsy’s idea. Food and then back to the clubhouse for a party. A fucking engagement party.”
16
MONSTER
“What the hell are you thinking?”Cyber sidled up to me outside the diner with Keeley close behind him. Everyone else was still inside, laughing, talking, getting to know each other.
Angela was charming, she would have to be to win over my friends. They all knew what she had done, who she was related to. She wasn’t going to be able to flirt her way into being liked either. Her sexiness wouldn’t do her a bit of good with the men at our table. Each one of them had an old lady they would do anything for. Old ladies who would rip Angela to shreds if she stepped out of line.
Leaning against the plate glass window, I stared at him. My face impassive. “What the fuck do you mean what am I doing?”
Groaning, Cyber turned to Keeley. “Talk some sense into him, Keeley, he will listen to you.”
My cousin didn’t say a word, she just continued to stare at me, wringing her hands in front of her. She looked nervous. And so much like the little girl who always told it how it was no matter what it cost her. I hadn’t realised growing up just how much it had cost her, not until she had turned up at the Son’s clubhouse six years earlier with nothing but the clothes on her back and begged for help. She had been eighteen, barely. I had made sure she was looked after financially ever since. Financial aid was all I could give her. I wasn’t big on emotional anything… Still, she was my family and I cared what she thought.
“Have something to say, Keeley?”
Slowly she raised her eyes to me. Her curly blonde hair bobbed around her face as she shook her head. “No.”
I opened my mouth to tell Cyber to shut up and mind his own business when she spoke again. “Actually I do have something to say.”
I turned back to her in shock. Not because she had an opinion but because of the tone of her voice. Keeley was always truthful with me, as much as I knew anyway, and I tried to be honest with her. She didn’t ask many questions about my goings on. Which was probably for the best. I liked having one person in my life who didn’t think I was a monster even if she called me it like everyone else.
“Do you even know this woman? I mean she’s beautiful…just your usual type tall, skinny and mean, but that’s not any reason to rush in and marry her.”
“I’ll tell you why he’s doing it, because she is bribing him to do it and because Gio fucking…”
I shot Cyber a warning look and he promptly shut his mouth. He knew I didn’t want Keeley messed up with the Sons, and I sure as hell didn’t want her knowing anything about The fucking Family.
“Who’s Gio? " As always, Keeley’s interest was piqued; she hated not knowing the ins and outs of my life. Even when she knew she couldn't for her own safety.
“No one you need to worry about.” I snapped and instantly felt like an asshole when her face fell. I don’t know how she did it. Made me feel guilty. I didn't usually care if I hurt someone’s feelings. Or their body for that matter. “Honestly, I know it’s new and you’re probably worried that I won't be able...”
Keeley’s face tightened and beside her Cyber shook his head, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “Bad move, brother.”
“I am not worried that you won’t be able to support me, Monster. I can support myself. School is almost done, another year or two and I will graduate and not need your handouts.”
I hugged her before I could stop myself. “You work hard for every cent I give you, Keeley. It’s not a handout when you earn it. You want to know the truth of why I’m marrying her?”
She nodded eagerly. “I think we both do.”
“Because she needs me too. I’m not in love with her. I’m never going to be in love with her. I fucked up and did something I shouldn't have and it got her into trouble. Now I’m going to get her out of it. It’s going to be a marriage on paper only. I know none of you like her but she’s not going to be around for long.”
“Fang doesn’t want her at the clubhouse. Not long term, Monster. You are going to have to find her somewhere to stay, especially if we are out on runs.”
I turned my eyes on him. “He said that?”
“Yeah, he said that. She’s dangerous. And she’s playing a game none of us knows. Until we find out what that is, he doesn’t want her alone with any of the men. You know how easily they spill secrets the moment a pair of tits get thrust in their faces.”
I swallowed down the sudden fit of rage that his words bubbled up. He was talking like Angela would flirt with other men, like she would take it further with members of my club. Like she would disrespect me. But he did have a point. I couldn't ask Angela to stay at the clubhouse if I wasn't there. I would need to find her somewhere to live.
“I’ll find her somewhere.” My eyes fixed on my cousin and she blew out a breath. “You have a spare room right?”
“Ah, no, Monster.” She wagged her finger in front of my face. “I am not sharing with your bitchy new sex toy.”
“My fiancée,” I reminded her with a grin. She wouldn’t say no to me. She never could. Even if she hated the idea, she would say yes. Eventually anyway. “Come on, Keeley. Can’t you do this one little favour for me?” Looping my arm around her shoulders, I hugged her to my side.
