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CHAPTER TWO

Declan

She’s cute when she’s frustrated.

When we walk into Magpie’s I give Misty, the waitress, a tight nod and point to the booth in the back signaling where we’re going and guide Violet to take a seat. I take the seat facing the door. Misty approaches with menus and a sweet smile.

“Hey Declan. Hey Vi. Can I get you two started with something to drink?” She asks.

I nod for Violet to order first.

“Sweet tea, please.”

“I’ll have the same.” Misty smiles and shuffles off to get our order.

I lean back and watch as Violet reads over the menu, acting as if she’s going to make some grand decision that requires deep thought. We both know damn well she’s going to order the same fucking thing she always does. My woman is a creature of habit. She’s also stubborn and avoiding me.

“Find anything interesting on the menu, Dove?”

“I’m not sure if I’m hungry enough to eat. Maybe I’ll just get a side salad.” She says, quietly, as if to herself.

“No, you won’t.” That gets her attention. She lowers the menu to glare at me. I love the spark of fire I see staring back at me. When we first met, she was timid and quiet, and over time she’s started becoming feistier and more outspoken. She tries to hide it, but I see it. I see her.

My Dove thinks she’s too broken or damaged for anyone to care about. I’ve heard her say it time and time again. Not to me of course. I’d shut that shit down in a heartbeat. She’s said it to Skyler and Anna while at the gym. Those two are nosy as hell and have been trying to push Violet my direction for a while. I appreciate their intentions, but my woman needs to come to her own conclusions. She needs to realize who I am to her without everyone else’s interference.

What my Dove doesn’t understand, but I’m about to make clear to her is, I’m going to help her see exactly who I am to her and then I’m going to put all her pieces back together. But first I need her to open up and tell me what’s going on.

I’ve known for a while she’s hiding from her ex-husband. Carter let it slip once that his dad is not a good man and that’s why they’re not together anymore. It wasn’t until after Violet was stabbed that I got a glimpse of just how bad her ex had been.

Violet was hell-bent on not putting her name in the system. She gave me some bullshit about not having insurance as her reason, but I had already told her I’d put it on my credit card. After some pain meds and a little coaxing, she finally admitted that her ex has a long reach and if any information on her or Carter hit a state or government system, he’d find them. Unfortunately, the meds got to her before I could get his name. And the kid is locked down like fucking Fort Knox about the man too.

It's the one thing I can’t get the kid to talk to me about.

When we got back to town, Hawk managed to find out Violet Dupree is in fact an alias. Now it’s time for my little Dove to start telling me her story. If she’s still running, I need to know who from so I can handle the situation and lock her and Carter down here with me in Oakridge. I wasn’t fucking around when I said I want them both.

“You two ready to order?” Misty comes back placing our drinks on the table.

I gesture for Violet to go first.

“Um, I’ll have a side …” she starts, but the sound of my throat clearing, and a stern raised brow is enough to give her pause. Violet lets out a long huff. “I’ll take the bacon cheeseburger with everything except onions and some fries, please.” She smiles up at Misty. Then shoots her fiery eyes back at me, sticking her tongue out.

I laugh.

“I’ll have the same. Thanks Misty.”

“Sure thing. I’ll get those started for you.” She scampers away to the next table picking up glasses on her way.

“Happy?” Violet sasses.

“Yeah, babe. I’m happy you’re eating real food. I know you aren’t one of those chicks who eats salads and picks at her food when she’s out. No need to start now.” The corners of her mouth lift.

“I’ve never understood the idea of starving yourself to impress someone.” She shrugs. “If they hang around, they’ll learn the truth anyway.”

“Speaking of truth,” her shoulders tense. I sit back, putting my hands up in a placating manner. “Put your claws away, baby. I just want to talk. To get to know you better.”

Violet’s shoulders drop and she lets out a defeated sigh.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t like talking about myself. I’d rather learn about the people around me.”

“You mean you’d rather pretend you don’t matter and soak up everyone else’s secrets.” I tease. “You’re the quiet, observant one, at a party sitting in the corner of a room watching everyone else have fun. Paying attention to their conversations, but never actually engaging in any of it yourself. The proverbial wall flower. But you’re not fooling anyone, Dove. Least of all me.”

“Declan.” She looks at my chin, avoiding eye contact. I’ll let it slide for now, but my woman has no reason not to look me in the eyes. “I’m not that interesting. I’m a single mom with a dull past and an even duller present. I don’t go out. I have a handful of friends. And my life revolves around my little boy. I hardly ever drink and I’m not into the party scene, not that it was ever a priority to do either one. Hell, I never even finished college.”

“Then you can’t know if you’re into the party scene or not because you’ve never experienced it.” I throw back playfully.

“I’ve been to parties. I was at one at the clubhouse not too long ago.”

“Yep, and you hung back with Skyler avoiding the actual party and left shortly after …”

“After Avery freaked out.” Violet adds. “Do you blame me?” She sighs. “I felt like an intruder watching her like that. I know how it feels. I didn’t want to be a part of what makes her uncomfortable.”

“Fair enough.” I say, then quickly move past the subject. “So, then tell me, why?”

“Why what?” She asks seemingly confused.

“Why didn’t you finish college?” It’s a simple question, and I’m sure I know the answer, but I want to hear her tell me anyway. But the quick change in subject has her looking unsure.

Violet’s cheeks blush a light shade of pink. “I got pregnant with Carter.” She smiles softly, but it fades as she explains, “It wasn’t an easy pregnancy, and I wanted to stay home with him more than I wanted to finish school.” Violet’s shoulder rises and falls. She’s looking directly at me now. I believe what she’s said, but her hazel eyes tell me there’s more to this story.

Wanting her to continue, I tell her honestly, “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to raise your son instead of going to school. Carter is an amazing kid. You’ve done a hell of a job with him, Dove.”

“Why do you call me that?” It’s my turn to be caught off guard by her question, but I’m also glad she asked. Her eyes narrow as she sits back in her seat.

Misty comes to the table with our plates, placing them both down in front of us. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No thank you.” Violet replies. Misty nods and scurries back to her other tables. “You didn’t answer my question.” Violet nudges. I watch as she salts her fries and spreads a god-awful amount of ketchup on her burger.

“You want a little meat with your ketchup?” I tease. She smiles but doesn’t defend herself.

“Don’t change the subject.”

“Okay. How about this?” I ask, salting my own food. “I’ll answer a question for a question.”

Violet’s eyes widen as she bites into her burger. Watching her shove a burger in her mouth shouldn’t be sexy, but my cock seems to disagree. Watching her wrap her lips around the juicy meat has my mind picturing other ways I would love to fill her beautiful mouth.

She finishes chewing her bite, wiping the juice from her mouth with her napkin. I shift in my seat trying like hell not to focus on the images of her wiping something else from her mouth.

Fucking hell.

“All right. I’ll play.” She replies, surprising me. “Why do you call me Dove?”

I lean forward on my elbows, gripping my burger in my hands, looking her dead in the eye, and tell her, “The dove is a delicate little bird that most people overlook, but what some fail to see is how beautiful it is. Most think of it as a dirty pigeon not realizing it’s a symbol of hope and renewal. It represents freedom and new life. All things I see when I look at you.”

Her eyes well with tears, but she’s quick to steady herself.

“I don’t know what to say except thank you.”

“Your turn.” She takes another bite, but nods for me to continue. “What were you going to college for?”

She wipes her mouth again, and I watch as she licks a drop of ketchup from her lip. I shift in my seat again trying to give my growing dick a little reprieve.

Down boy!

Violet smiles. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.”

“Why don’t you? You could go back to school and get your degree.”

I watch as her shoulders slump, and she waves me off with one hand. “Maybe someday, but my son needs me to be there for him. College takes a lot of time and Carter needs all the time I have to give him right now.”

“What if you had help with Carter? Would you go back then?” I don’t know exactly what I’m offering, if I’m offering anything, but I feel like there’s another reason she’s not going back. “What if I helped you take care of Carter?” I shrug. “I can handle homework and chores while you go to class and study for tests.”

Violet drops her food, leaning back in her seat. The zipper on her lightweight coat is just low enough, when she crosses her arms, I get the perfect hint of her cleavage.

Goddamn she’s beautiful.

“What are you doing, Declan? What is all of this?”

“I’m having lunch with a beautiful woman and having a conversation.”

“Bullshit.” She snaps. “Why now?” I can’t help my smile. Her fire is back and it’s hot as fuck.

“I’ve been trying to get you to go out with me for months and you always seem to have a reason why you can’t. Carter has something you need to attend. You have a shift at the gym with no relief coverage. You have grocery shopping and laundry to get done. You’ve dodged me every way you possibly can.”

“Gee. One would think you’d get the hint. Maybe I don’t want to date you.”

“Now who’s spewing bullshit?” I lean back matching her position with my arms crossed over my chest. “We both know you want me as much as I want you. I felt your need in the kiss we shared.” Her cheeks pinken once more, but she doesn’t deny the truth. “You’re scared. So, here we are. Having lunch and getting to know each other so I can break past those walls and squash whatever doubts you have about me.” She stills, appearing to be deep in thought.

Good. Maybe I’m finally getting somewhere.

“Your question, Dove.”

Violet shakes her head slightly. “Have you always wanted to work for Garrison Security?”

“No.” I answer honestly.

“Then why do you? What did you want to do?”

“That’s’ three questions. I’m keeping track.” I cock an eyebrow at her, but she doesn’t react. “I wanted to own a bar with my brother. But my club needed me to step up and fill in for Mack.” I shrug. “So, I did.”

“But you have the bar. Surely, someone else could’ve stepped in and allowed you to enjoy the bar you obviously worked hard to have.”

I scrub my hand across my chin debating on how I should answer. “I have experience the others don’t which better serve Garrison. But Mack’s coming back, and I’ll be back at the bar full-time soon.”

“What experience do you have?” She asks hesitantly.

I smile, leaning into the table, then lick my lips. “You want to know about my level of experience, baby? I’ll be happy to show you all my skills.”

Violet’s body visibly shivers, and her skin turns red from her ears to her neck, disappearing beneath her coat. I’m left wondering if the blush continues further south or if it stops at her chest.

“Your skills in the bedroom are not in question, sir. I merely meant what job experience made you the right fit to take over for Mack, or was it simply the fact the club required your service, so you jumped in like the obedient brother you are?”

“You should watch that mouth of yours, baby. Calling me sir in one breath and then insulting me in the next, could seal your fate over my knee.”

She gasps. Misty approaches the table seemingly uncomfortable. Whether she heard my threat or not makes no difference to me. I meant every word. My rock-hard dick is excited at the possibility of following through.

“I’ll just clear these out of your way if you’re done with them.” Misty says gesturing to the plates. We both nod and watch wordlessly as she loads everything into her arms and walks away.

“I cannot believe you just threatened to spank me in public.” Violet whisper-shouts as she glances around for anyone else who may have heard us.

“I can and I will.” I state point blank. “Does my club come first, yes. Did I jump at the chance to fill in when I was needed? Again, yes. But I’m not a puppet. I make my own decisions and do whatever the fuck I want. The fact that I have a particular skill set makes me an asset to the company and made me the right person for Mack’s job. Plus, it pays really fucking well which helped when we were ready to buy the bar. I didn’t take this job out of obligation. I took it because it was the right thing to do. The smart thing.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I-I don’t understand the club and how it all works. The things I’ve seen, they don’t make sense to me.”

“What things? Ask me and maybe I can help you figure it out.” I offer. It’s not where I was planning on our conversation going, but maybe it’ll give me some insight on her reservations about me.

“Well, your club comes first. But what about those who have wives or families? I’ve never understood a person’s family being their second priority. Carter comes first in my life, always.” She says, her tone serious.

“The club is my family. Wives and children are part of the club. Once a brother takes an ol’ lady she’s part of the club now too. Which means she’s his priority as well as the club’s.”

Violet scoffs, twisting her fingers in her lap. Is she nervous all of the sudden?

“What about the other women. The ones who service the brothers as Sadie so eloquently puts it.” Her lips purse and her forehead scrunches.

Is she jealous?

“You want to know about the club whores.” It’s not a question. I knew we’d get around to the topic. All the women who come into our lives ask eventually. “It’s true. They fuck any brother who asks, but they also cook and clean and take care of shit around the clubhouse as a way to pay for their room and board.”

“I see.” Her terse tone tells me all I need to know.

I reach over, grabbing both her hands and placing them on the table between us, holding them firmly in mine. “Did you miss the part where I said any brother who asks them?” She won’t meet my eyes, and it’s starting to piss me off. I need her to get what I’m saying and know that I mean every fucking word.

With two fingers I tip Violet’s chin and force her eyes to meet mine. “I haven’t slept with a whore in a very long time. In fact, I haven’t fucked any woman since I met you. Not to say I haven’t gotten off, because I have. Several times.” She flinches, trying to pull away, but I don’t allow it. “I’ve gotten off several times, but it was by my own hand because the only woman I’ve wanted in my bed or on my cock, is you.”

“Jesus, Declan.” She whispers. Again, she scans for people nearby. “You can’t say shit like that.”

“Okay, listen. I’m going to tell you something about myself I don’t like to tell anyone, but maybe it’ll help you better understand I’m not fucking around.” I let go of her hands and lean back in my seat, taking a big gulp of my drink then setting it down. I don’t want to talk about this, but she needs to hear it. Maybe hearing my story will help her open up about hers. I don’t fucking know, but I’m tired of playing cat and mouse. I’m ready to make Violet mine and move on with our life together.

“When I was in the military, I had a wife.” Her eyes pop to mine. I can practically hear her mind whirling from here. “We were high school sweethearts. Married young. I was sent off on a tour and when I came home, I learned she was pregnant.”

“Oh, wow. How old is your child?” Violet asks. My lips curl, but it’s a bitter smile.

“I don’t have a child. She was pregnant by another man. She had an affair while I was away.”

“Oh, fuck. Declan, I’m so sorry. That’s horrible.” It’s her turn to reach for me and I let her take my hand and offer comfort, even though I don’t need it.

“I’m not hurting over my past anymore. I gave up on giving a shit a long time ago. In fact, I had given up on my dream of wanting a family all together. I had my club and my brother Dylan. I didn’t see a need for anyone else. And then you and Carter came along, and I find myself wanting to explore what it would be like to have a family of my own again.”

Violet’s eyes glisten with unshed tears. “Declan, honey. I can’t … we can…t …What I mean is —” She sighs. “It’s too dangerous.”

“The club?” I’m slightly taken aback, but then again, she was stabbed while away with us at an event, but that wasn’t the club’s fault. She was there when Skyler was kidnapped, but again, that was the Devil’s Order not the Kings. We rescued Sky. Shit, she was also there the night Avery lost her shit at a club party. “Those incidents you’ve seen, they were isolated, Dove. Sure, we have shit that comes up from time to time, but we aren’t one percenters. We don’t sell drugs or skin or any of that shit. Our businesses are on the up and up. The shit you’ve witnessed has all been coincidental.”

“Doesn’t matter. I-it’s too much. Too dangerous.” She whispers. “I can’t risk getting close to you. I’m sorry.”