Page 65

sixty-five

The Future & Contracts

Spade

One week later…

Jaxon’s been home for a week and he has been making strides. The first couple of nights were rough, but we got him on a schedule, and now he’s sleeping through the night in his own big boy room. After figuring out that he loves Donald Duck, we redid his room in everything about the damn duck. He’s been so happy and just a joy to be around. It melts my heart when he plays with Ry and he tells the little guy stories of his daddy.

When Jade and Jay came home from their date and I saw the ring on her finger, I was ecstatic. We are all officially official except for the explosive argument we all had, but Jade ended up winning. If we are all going to get legally married out of the states, we will all take the Rivers last name as well as hyphenated last names for the kids. Dario was not budging on that, which I don’t blame him because I want the same thing, so we compromised. If she gave us what we wanted, we would give her what she wanted. Luckily, it worked out in the end.

Later tonight, I’m taking Jade to one of my favorite places and I have a little surprise for her, actually two surprises. Hopefully, this time we won’t be ambushed like they were at the park. Fucking Dalton. He’s the next one on our list, along with Monty. The prick. A bloody rose was left in a box on the doorstep a few mornings ago and we laughed because the prick doesn’t even know we’re on to him. It’s only a matter of time until it all blows up in his face. Fucking idiot.

All has been quiet on The Aces front, which is weird. Dario and I thought we would’ve heard from our brothers, but I don’t want to call them and alert anyone to anything. I want them to bring the news to us so they can never pinpoint their death on any of us. I’m guessing no one has found their SUV at the bottom of the lake filled with the same explosives used on the Academy. Nothing like putting the blame on them for the school. Dead men can’t talk.

Jaxon splashing me in the face takes me out of my head. His giggle brings a smile to my face as I tickle his little kicking feet under the water.

“Duck, duck.” He says, trying to reach one of the million floating yellow ducks surrounding his life vest.

“Which color, Jax?” I ask and he looks around finding his favorite.

“Boo, pease.” He says as I pick up the blue beaked duck making him zoom around the little guy and over his head, splashing into the pool. He laughs before taking it from me and doing exactly what I did. A huge splash comes from the other end of the pool and I spin Jax to see who it could be. It’s not until Jax is lifted into the air that I see Ryder pop up from the water. I lick my lips because seeing this man half naked is a sin.

“Eyes up here, Daddy Spade.” He says with a grin.

“Up hea, eyes.” Jaxon repeats as I splash Ryder.

“We gotta be careful now. We’ve got little eyes and ears all around us, now.” I warn and he laughs.

“Yeah, yeah. Funeral is set for next week. Will you come with me this time, asshole.” He asks, holding my gaze.

“Aaahole,” Jaxon repeats and I splash both of them as Ry sets him down in the water.

“Don’t listen to him Jax, he’s got a potty mouth.” I tell him, and he laughs, playing with his ducks. Looking at Ryder I nod.

“Yes, I’ll be there. We’re a family now. Where you go, I go, and vice versa.” I wink and he nods.

“I was just talking to Jade. It's how I found out you were here because you weren’t answering your phone.” He says with a raised brow.

“Yeah, been in here so she could take a nap and tire him out for once. Guess I lost track of time.” I admit.

“It’s fine, I just got worried is all.” He says and I smirk.

“Oh, is my biker bitch worried about me?” I mock and he splashes water at me.

“What time is it?” I ask and he laughs.

“Twelve - thirty.” He replies and I curse as Jade waltzes in the pool room.

“Jaxon, baby. Time for a nap.” She announces. Grabbing Jaxon, I swim with him over to her and lift him out of the pool.

“Sorry, got carried away in here. Did you have a good nap?” I ask and she nods.

“Yes, I did. We still on for tonight? Who’s on duty?” She asks.

“I think they all are. They both should be back soon.” I say and she nods, taking Jaxon’s vest off and wrapping him in a towel.

“Okay, I know Rio was getting things together for Fight Night on Friday and Jameson went to talk to the contractor about renovating the house.” She laughs.

“Yeah, Ri will probably be back sooner than Jay. You know how he is. If he doesn't get what he wants, you’ll know by the blood on his clothes when he walks in.” I laugh and she shakes her head.

“He can’t just go killing all the contractors. This would make three, on top of the secretary at the office. Did he tell you she made his coffee wrong three times and wasn’t fast enough about it? So he slit her throat right there in the office.” She says and my eyes widen.

“What the fuck? Give that man some blood and a blowjob. Christ.” I say and she covers Jaxon’s ears.

“Reid, language!” She scolds with a smirk. “But yes, I need to figure out something. How is he supposed to get anything done if people tell him no and bam lights out. He needs to settle down, like yesterday.” She says and I nod, completely agreeing with her.

“When was the last time… ya know?” I ask and she sighs.

“When we went out on our date. He’s been so busy with wanting to get the house ready and making it our own, that by the time he’s done, I’m already fast asleep.” She says and I sigh.

“You sleeping shouldn't matter. He’s got that sleeping kink. Have you woken up sore in any holes?” I ask and her eyes widen.

“Every morning. If it's not my kitty, then it's my jaw screaming at me.” She admits and I laugh.

“Well sex ain’t the problem. He’s been taking what he needs while you’re asleep. Might be the blood? Or the stress of wanting to make everything perfect for us. You know how he is when he’s hyper-fixated. He obsesses and forgets about all the things around him.” I reassure her and her eyes narrow.

“All week I thought I was being a mouth breather, but it’s been this mother fucker the whole time. Wait till he comes home.” She says and I tsk her.

“Language, Jade.” I scold and she rolls her eyes at me, picking Jaxon up and heading out. She turns back to me and I can’t help but smile at the sight of her with a baby in her arms.

“Oh, what time do you want me ready?” She asks and I smile wider.

“After the sun sets.” Is all I give her. She nods and leaves the pool house with the little guy. I spin and swim back to Ry who has a wicked grin on his face.

“So what were you saying?” I smile as I sit back against the cold tile. He cages me in, pressing his lips to mine.

“Nothing, just that I talked to Jade about the club and she’s on board with me not wanting to take over as president. She doesn’t want that either. So we won’t announce my departure and we will divy up the streets. With The Aces out of the way, you and Dario are about to come into some power, which means taking over some things that will be useful together as a family.” He says and I tilt my head, looking at him in confusion.

“Explain some more, I’m a little confused at what you’re getting at.” I say.

“Jade will be the only distro for weapons and bullets on the east coast, and soon, all of America. Once other players figure out she is true IRA, things can get dangerous, but they will want her for that connection, taking all the low end dealers out of business. As for drugs, we can work with the Cyprus brothers and change that contract you have with them, making all of us more money then we ever thought of. The club never had a pipeline to trafficking. That’s one thing my father was against. But weapons, drugs and cleaning money is what made us so successful.” He says and I nod, following along.

“I like this. I know me and Ri are waiting for the ball to drop to see what happens with our families businesses. My father wanted me to start taking over immediately, but I was putting that distance between us because I’m not privy to everything going on there. Neither is Ri. So once we are in the fold completely with all the control, we can maneuver things better.” I say and he nods.

“Oh, I know and I’ll wait for you all until I solidify anything with the club, so for now, I’ll play the game to not raise any suspicions. I want to make the mechanics shop more legitimate, and then turn the actual clubhouse into a bar, maybe add more rooms to the back, so when we come across trafficked kids, we have somewhere to keep them safe.” He smiles as my whole face lights up hearing that idea.

“It’s either the Clubhouse or The Warehouse, but it would seem more natural for little kids to be running around the compound than a warehouse where we stash money and our bikes.” I say and he nods.

“Exactly, but for right now, business as usual. We will all sit down and discuss this once everyone is in their proper place. We will be utterly untouchable with all of us together as a family.” He smiles and I nod in agreement.

“Especially with Jaxon and the twins.” I say and he laughs.

“Did you ever think we would be here a couple of months ago?” he asks and I shake my head.

“Absolutely not. If it wasn’t for Jade, I’d probably be dead. My father was ruthless, I’m seriously lucky to be alive.” I admit and his eyes widen.

“Will you tell me your story, one day, when you're ready?” He asks and I nod.

“Definitely. Just not today. Is that alright?” I ask and he nods with a smile, cupping my face as he presses his lips against mine.

“I respect you, I‘d never push you, not with that at least.” He laughs and I shake my head, swimming away from him towards the stairs. Climbing out, I grab a warm towel and wrap it around my body as he follows.

“Let’s go eat. I’m fucking starving.” I say and he laughs, raising a brow.

“Pizza?” He asks and I give him a thumbs up. He takes his phone out as I hang the wet towel on the rack along with Jaxon’s life vest.

“I’m going to take a quick shower.. I’ll meet you downstairs?” I ask and he looks up from his phone and nods with a wink. Between him and Jade, I’ll never understand how I got so lucky.

The sun set about an hour ago as we drive down the long, winding deserted road. The place I’m taking her is my favorite spot to go. It’s been over ten years since it was shut down, but electricity still runs to certain rides, especially the Merry-Go-Round.

“Thank you for taking me out tonight. I feel like we’ve all been so busy adjusting to life that we haven’t gotten any alone time.” She states and I nod.

“Well, my little Wifey, I’m taking you to my favorite place in the whole wide world. It’s not much, but this place means a lot to me.” I smile, grabbing her hand, giving it a squeeze.

“Now I thought your favorite place was deep inside me. Oh,I’m wounded.” She laughs holding her heart.

“Oh Babygirl, that definitely is. Don’t get it twisted. This is just–” She interrupts.

“I’m just kidding, Babyboy. If this place means something to you, then it means something to me, and I’m honored that you want to share it with me.” She says as we make a right down a bumpy, dark, dirt road.

“I should’ve taken Jay’s Ram. Dirty his truck up instead of the Charger.” I say and she laughs.

“But then we’d haveto hear his mouth bitching all about it, forever. We still hear about his damn laptop and PC being left in the garage. It’s fucking climate controlled. Idiot.” She says making fun of him.

“This is true.” I laugh as we come up to the deserted run down parking lot, driving right for the metal barriers that surround the old ‘Clownland Amusement Park’.

“Holy shit, I remember this place. It’s been shut down for years.” She says excitedly, her eyes lighting up.

“Yep. You are correct, my beautiful wife.” I say, kissing the ring on her finger. Her cheeks blush every single time I call her wife. Tonight I want to see what happens when I say that while inside her.

She gets out and leans against the hood. I shut off the car and get out to join her.

“Come on.” I say, grabbing her hand, leading her through the tall brush.

“They always made the best funnel cakes and lemonade. No other theme park could compete.” She says as we walk through all the deserted rides and food shacks.

“They certainly did, but nothing could beat the deep fried oreos with the drizzled marshmallow topping.” I say and she laughs.

“What was your favorite ride here?” She asks and I laugh, loving how happy and free she looks.

“Well, Babygirl, I’m about to show you. What was yours?” I ask and she points.

“That one.” She says and my stomach flips.

“Really, The Zipper? No way. Every time I got on that, I puked. I can’t do rides that go upside down.” I say and she laughs at me.

“Weak stomach, aye?” She accuses.

“Hey, don’t make fun of me. I’ll do roller coasters and rides that shoot you up so high in the sky you feel like your ass is going to fall out, but something that I’m caged in, flipping repeatedly, is a hard pass for sure.” I say and she laughs.

“Okay, okay I get it.” She smirks as we round the Teacups and House of Mirrors.

“The House of Mirrors creeped me the fuck out. I always get lost in there. I would end up crying and my brothers would laugh.” She sighs.

“Did your mom take you here?” I ask and she nods.

“It was a yearly tradition. Right before summer ended we would come here as kids for the Labor Day fireworks until she died.” She says and I stop her.

“Do you think that lady from the institution was your mom?” I ask and she shakes her head.

“No, I’ve been reading my mothers diary. It’s filled with a lot of answers and a lot that still needs to be answered. Dario and Jameson’s dad, along with Flynn, were in a relationship with my mom just like we are, and she fell pregnant before she was out of highschool.” She says and my eyes widen.

“Holy shit. For real?” I ask and she nods.

“According to the diary, everyone was in love until she told them she was pregnant, then Dalton tried to force her to get rid of it. Armando was a prick and wanted her to keep it but the both of them were already fathers to Jamie and Rio. So my mother ran away with Flynn to Ireland and had twins.” She says and I stop, the last word she says hanging in the air.

“Did you say what I think you just said? Twins? What the fuck, Jade?” I say, completely stunned.

“Yep, I have a twin sister named Jocelyn and I have no idea who she is. Or what truly happened. What I do know is that my mother is a twin, and her sister was a cunt who dated Big John for a while, which I also found out was because he was too afraid to ask my mom out and went for second best.” She says, kicking rocks under her feet.

“Holy fucking shit. Do Jay and Ri know?” I ask and she shakes her head.

“Rio knows a little bit from the conversation I had with Armando before I killed him. Jamie has no idea. I want more answers before I bring it to the table. I haven't had time to read more, but the last thing I did read was that my mom wanted out of Ireland.She gave Flynn an ultimatum and was ready to go hide out at the Clubhouse. Which would make sense being that’s the place I was raised and the only place I know as home, but where me and my sister were separated is a mystery and I’m not sure I believe Armando. You know The Aces and how they love to manipulate everything.” She says and I nod.

“Yes, yes I do. Fuck, babe. That's a lot to carry. Why didn’t you tell us? We could’ve helped put the pieces together. You’re not alone in this anymore.” I remind her and she nods.

“I know Babyboy, I’m human and make mistakes. I also have to get used to you guys taking care of me and being in this with me rather than feeling alone all the time.” She confesses.

“We will continue to fuck up. This won’t be the first or the last. As long as we do it together, we will overcome everything that comes our way. You hear me?” I say cupping her face.

“Yes, I know.” She says.

“Okay, here we are. You stay put. I'll be right back.” I say.

“If I get murdered out here, it’s your fault.” She shouts and I laugh.

“I’m not going far.” I shout back as I round the bend and flick the metal box open, lifting the switch. Music starts playing as the Merry-Go-Round comes to life, spinning as it lights up. I jog back over to where she’s standing and wrap my arms around her waist, rubbing her growing bump.

“It’s so fucking beautful, Reid.” She says, mesmerized at the ride’s beauty despite how long it’s been closed.

“So fucking beautful.” I whisper looking right at her. She side eyes me as her cheeks redden.

“I’m talking about the ride, fucker.” She laughs.

“I know, but I was definitely talking about you, babe. Wanna take a ride with me?” I ask and she nods, taking my hand. I press the button for the ride to slow down, helping her get on, then hop on myself. She climbs on a horse and I lean next to the one she's on.

“So, this is your favorite place, huh?” She asks meand I nod.

“When things were bad at home, my mother would take me and my siblings here for some fun. Despite my fathers wishes. She was the only person that let us be kids and enjoy ourselves. She would get together with Charlotte and Alexandra to bring us here so we could play freely. Every so often we would bring Amelia. This place was my escape from hell for a few hours, and this ride was where my mother told us to hide the last time we were here, when my fathers men came to get us. I have more happy memories here than I do bad. But after that day, this place was shut down for good and I know deep down in my heart, it was his doing. He also beat the shit out of her when we got back. Me and my siblings were punished in the barn with Ri and Jameson. So when I say this, just know I truly mean it.” I say as my eyes collide with hers. Tears fall down her eyes as I go to her, wiping them away.

“Thank you for killing him. I’m not mad, sad or resentful that you did it. You did what you needed to protect the ones you love. Would I have liked it to be more brutal? Yes. But you did good, baby. So thank you for freeing me and saving me all at once.” I say as more tears pour down her face.

“I’ll always protect you and our family. I couldn't bring our babies into a world where they shared the same air as them. I just couldn't, and the opportunity was right there, plus you know me. I’m trigger happy when pushed.” She says, rubbing her belly.

“Here, I have two surprises for you. You want A or B?” I ask as her eyes light up.

“Ummm, B.” She chooses. I take the envelope out of my right pocket and hand it to her. She opens it, taking out the document. She gasps, covering her mouth with her hand.

“You did this?” She asks and I nod.

“He’s truly and officially ours?” She asks again and I nod again.

“Jaxon Rodriguez Rivers. All you need to do is sign where I have the arrow.” I say, digging into my jacket pocket for a pen and handing it to her. She takes it and signs on the dotted line.

“Fuck yes. I’m so fucking happy. Thank you. Thank you so much, Babyboy.” She says, holding the birth certificate to her chest.

“That’s not all baby. Here’s the next one.” I say handing it to her. She takes it, ripping it open and this time tears stream down her face. She looks at me and hops down off the horse. I grip her hips so she doesn't fall, but she pulls my shirt down, standing on her tippy toes.

“Have I told you lately how much I fucking love you?” She says, kissing my lips, down my chin and sucking hard on my neck.

“No, but sign it. Please fucking sign it.” I beg and she presses the papers against my chest.

“Where?” She asks, her eyes wild.

“Find the arrows baby. You gotta sign it three times.” I say as she scribbles her name over the first one. Turning the page, she does the same thing, and last but not least, she writes her name above mine, slamming the pen against my chest.

“Fuck yeah, we are all officially Rivers. Married. Signed and mother fucking sealed baby. There’s no turning back now.” I say with a smile on my face.

“No, there’s not. Now fuck me, Husband, and make me cum.” She demands.

How the fuck can I say no to that?