Page 56 of Sainte
“Oh yes I do, and if you tell Emma one fucking word about this damn dog, I’ll have your patch.”
“Uh, correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s not grounds to lose a patch.”
“Oh yeah,” he teases. “My club, my rules.”
I laugh. “You really get into the power of it all.”
“Damn straight I do. I spent my younger years doing everything Tyler Jackson told me to do. I couldn’t stand the guy, but I always wanted to please him and make him proud of me. Fucker. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to find out he wasn’t my dad.”
“I bet. I always thought he was an asshole.”
“That’s putting it mild.” He pulls out a cigar and hands it to me. He then gets one for himself and lights it. “So, anything else going on I should be made aware of?”
“Nope, it’s been pretty quiet.” I pause and laugh. “Well, if you discount the Honey outburst, the arrival of Tara and Brianne, and the fact that we’re about to acquire a sex club.”
He laughs. “Yep, that’s quiet.” He takes a hit of his cigar. “Honey seems to be doing better.”
“She is. You know, what you did today, handing her the cash and letting her drive the Jeep, it went a long way.”
“I was hoping that if I took a step in showing her I trusted her, it would help. Besides, what kind of trouble can she get in with Emma there?”
“She’s really trying, Ice, and I think the thought of disappointing you again is what keeps her in line.”
“She’s always been special to me. I was never in love with her, but we’ve shared some good times in the past.”
“I know. You’re her past, and I’m her future.”
He laughs. “Good luck with that.”
“I’ll bet you a hundred bucks that when all is said and done, this chick will love me more than she ever thought she loved you.”
“Done, it’s a bet.” He takes another hit of his cigar. “You really care about her?”
I nod. “I do. There’s something special about her. She gets me, and I completely get her. She’s the one, Ice. I’m sure of it.”
“I sure hope it works out for you.”
“Yeah, me too.” I finally light my cigar, and we both kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet for a few minutes. That is until Hobbes goes over to the door and howls.
Ice puts his cigar out and then gets up from his chair. “Damn dog.” He walks to the door and turns back toward me. “Wanna go for a walk?”
I snuff my cigar in the ashtray and get up. “Sure, why not.”
When we get back from walking Hobbes, the girls, along with Rebel and Ari, are back at the clubhouse. Ari runs to Ice but then squats to pet Hobbes. “Look at this handsome boy. Auntie Ari loves you,” she coos.
Ice looks at me and rolls his eyes. “See, even my sister prefers this damn dog to me.”
Emma walks toward Ice. “Oh, baby, that’s not true. We both love you very much. It’s just that Hobbes is so cute.”
Ice shakes his head. “Whatever.”
Ari finishes fawning over Hobbes and gets up and gives her brother a hug.
“Glad you’re home. I missed you,” he says.
“I missed you too. It’s good to be home. One more trip back for exams and then I’m home for good.”
“Oh brother, we’re all in trouble.” Ice laughs. He turns toward Rebel. “Got a minute?”
