Page 34 of Benga's Rise

“Cort changed our weekly ride to Sunday. I can take him fishing or whatever on Saturday. Little Brothers play basketball and soccer. He’ll learn the basics there if you sign the form for it.”

Her look changes to unsure. She glances at Leo. He’s looking over movies and the TV is loud. “I worry about him getting too attached to you. What happens when we move to the condo and you aren’t right there.”

It’s a good point, but I’m not leaving Phoenix. “I’ll still be at my house, the office and around on Saturday. I’ve got no plans of moving once you leave here. When Caelan is old enough, he can come fishing or do whatever we do too. Kids are important to the Club. They’re the next generation of Badass. The Brothers would string me up if I hurt a kid. I’ll be around.” Shit, now I’m convincing her I’ll be here for the long haul.

She nods and closes her eyes. I notice she does that when she’s making a decision. “Okay, it’s good to have that reassurance. Thank you.” The calm in her sweet voice is nice.

I nod, but her thank you’s are getting old. While they watch a movie, I get my laptop open and work from my chair in front of the window.

My mind keeps going back to the thank you’s Lorelei keeps saying. I shouldn’t be aggravated by them. Anyone would thank me for shit and I should accept it. They’re living in my house for the next two months. I better figure out a way to do that graciously. Otherwise, I’ll look like an asshole. She’s already dealing with that from her ex and the scammer, Reynolds, on top of her son being in a gang. I’ll just nod. Then it’s acknowledged and she can say it whenever the hell she wants.

I smile looking at the water. Leo was happy with his room. I’m glad he’ll be comfortable and he’s seeing men that show him support and not indifference. His reaction to Anton, Patcher and the Prospects, tells me it’s not normal for him. Or it wasn’t. Now he’ll have Brothers at his back teaching him how to be there for someone else. I like the thought. He’s a good kid and deserves to see it from more than his mom.