Page 64 of Falcon

“Yup, unless you want to duck my mother all night?” Falcon smirked as I shook my head. He grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and pushed me towards the elevator that would take me to my bedroom. He’d explained it had been installed for Axel, on the off chance that he might stay. Although the founder of Rage was steady despite his leg, nobody wanted to overtax him.

I liked the way Axel was the centre of attention and lapped it up. He was a good man with simple desires, and the foremost one was family. His huge appearance with his wild hair and bushy beard was off-putting at first, but there was a solid heart hidden underneath.

Artemis had quizzed me for several hours, and I didn’t know what to make of her. I’d seen a couple of flashes of steel when she spoke about a few things. I’d kept waiting for the judgment to hit, but she hadn’t said anything negative. Instead, Artemis appeared more thoughtful. But I was relieved to escape the clubhouse; Falcon’s family, while nice, was overwhelming.

I yanked on some clean jeans and a pretty blouse and made a mental note again to learn who’d bought these clothes for me. I would pay them back. Falcon, waiting outside, grabbed the wheelchair handles and began pushing me out. Artemis, Ace, and Axel were in the rec room.

“What you up to?”

“I’m taking Myka for dinner,” Falcon replied.

“Good idea,” Ace said, standing up.

“Alone. It’s a date, and we all know how you and Mom don’t like being disturbed,” Falcon stated pointedly.

Artemis forced a smile. “Not a problem, son.” Her tone promised retribution.

I offered Falcon a worried glance, and he merely grinned at his mother. Artemis sniffed as he wheeled me out. “Jayes, come on, kid,” Falcon called.

“We’ll watch over Jayes!” Artemis snapped.

“Mom, we’re having a family date,” Falcon smirked. Her glare narrowed, and she opened her mouth.

“Artemis.” Ace said one word, and she glared at him, who rolled his eyes.

Artemis offered a fake smile. “We’ll go for dinner tomorrow.” Her tone left no room for argument.

“We’ll see,” Falcon replied and began pushing me out.

“Boy, I wiped your ass!” Artemis retorted. Falcon snorted but kept going.

“She told me to call her grandma,” Jayes whispered loudly.

“What do I say to that?” I asked Falcon.

“Jayes, call my mom whatever you wish. If you don’t want to call her grandma, that’s fine; Artemis will do,” Falcon said, helping me into his truck. He locked Jayes in and grinned as he climbed in, started the engine, and drove off.

“Where are we going?” I inquired.

“There’s a family restaurant the club likes. It has a kid’s soft play area,” Falcon added. “I thought Jayes would enjoy that.”

“Thank you for considering him.”

Falcon reached out and touched my hand. “Always. You come as a pair.”

Yes, we did, something Dawson never acknowledged. Because Jayes wasn’t a bully like Jed and had actual brains, Dawson didn’t spend time with him. He called Jayes a mama’s boy and other insulting names. Jayes desperately wanted Dawson’s approval but never once got it. And then, about a year ago, Jayes ceased caring.

Dawson’s cruel comments still hurt, but Jayes stopped letting Dawson see it. My little boy sucked them up. A few times Dawson had gone to strike him, but I’d deflected the blows. Jayes had seen them, and I know that bothered him. But I hoped Jayes would forget in time that Dawson had terrified him.

“Thanks,” I repeated. What else could I say? That you’re behaving more like a father to Jayes than Dawson ever did?

“You’re welcome.” Falcon grinned.

I could sense eyes on Falcon and me. Curiosity and nosiness were mixed. Feeling as though I was on display, I wanted to curl up under the table.

Falcon recognised my unease and glared at those staring, which made me laugh as most looked away.

“Can I go?” Jayes asked, his attention firmly latched to the soft play area.