Page 231 of Remiss

“Call yourself a stupid motherfucker?” CJ asked. “You did.”

“Forget I said that. My fucking point is…I don’t know. All I know is I’m in a lot of fucking pain. And if Outlaw find out I look like a mummy motherfucker and not one for real, he mightfucking change that. I’d prefer to get the fuck back in my room and continue suffering and hiding.”

“Dad knows where you’re at, Uncle Digger,” CJ snapped. “If he wanted to fucking kill you, he would have.”

“Thank you for calling me, CJ.” Digger hung his head. “I’m so fucking sorry. I broke Bunny heart. She so fucking mad at me, even though she come every day to take care of me.”

“Digger, shut the fuck up or go back to your fucking room,” Mort said, uninterested in Digger’s issues or anyone’s. This was about Harley. He stormed to his feet. “You came to talk to me. Now, I need to snatch those motherfuckers for fucking with Harley.”

“Uncle Mort, let us do it,” Rory begged, almost breathless with anticipation. “Nardo’s a kid.”

“Outlaw will understand—”

“Yeah, Uncle Mort,mydad will.” CJ nodded to Rory. “His won’t.”

Ryan shifted in his seat. “He’s already divided the club. He has enough power to sanction you or take away your patch and overrule whatever Uncle Christopher might decide.”

“My dad isn’t thinking clearly right now,” Rory said, forever a Johnnie apologist. “Until he does again, we can’t rock the boat. This is the only way.”

“In the meantime, Mort,” Digger said, grunting. “Pretend shit okay. Especially around Johnnie. Show CJ what he need to do. He can get Nardo while you get Daddy Dead Fuckhead.”

“If they hurting Harley, I’m not waiting longer than Monday to fuck those motherfuckers up,” Mortician spat, then looked at CJ. He knew his eyes were angry and his expression unfriendly. “If you not up to speed by then,I’mkilling both those fuckheads.” He transferred his glare to Rory. “And fuck Johnnie.”

March 24th

Although Kendall awakened anticipating her meeting with Bash and compartmentalizing all the topics she wanted to address, now that she stood in her office awaiting his arrival nerves almost overcame her.

She had so much at stake. Especially her life. Even if she’dfound him oddly charming during their telephone conversation, he was stillhim.

Brooks didn’t argue with her suggestion he stay home today and give everyone the day off. Diesel hadn’t answered her text when she suggested the same thing. He was probably somewhere having his cock sucked.

She hadn’t said much to Johnnie since her return from LA. What more was there to say? He wouldn’t cooperate and she was exhausted, fed-up. She wanted to love her husband from afar because he was slowly destroying her. However, she had a responsibility to her children, even Rory, the child she’d known would never be truly hers. Three years was an interminable length of time. She’d do it, though. She’d endure and prosper and then leave.

Or, maybe, Johnnie would straighten up. Maybe she should’ve extended the invitation for him to come with her today.

She shook her head. He wouldn’t have come. She’d thought about asking Outlaw…Christopher to allow Mortician to accompany her, then changed her mind. She didn’t want Bash to think she’d set him up. Meaning, she was completely alone. The guys were on the other side of town. By the time they arrived if things went to hell, she’d either be dead or kidnapped.

Pressing her lips together, Kendall smoothed her dress. She’d chosen a high-necked silk bodycon dress that reached just above her knees. The black floral appliqués gave a nod to her black Louboutins and added flair to the dress’s emerald green color. She’d swept her hair up, artfully allowing a few ringlets to fall free. The style also showcased her emerald and diamond earrings.

She’d also carefully made up her face, chose her most expensive parfum to dab on her pulse points, and slapped on adiamond encrusted Rolex that she’d gladly part with if it meant Bash would back away.

The clip of bootfalls reached her, along with jingling spurs. Her heartrate accelerated and for the briefest moments, she remembered Spoon’s attack so many years ago.

She’d never felt more alone then; she never felt more alone now. Leaning against her desk, she gripped the edges. Tight. So tightly, her fingers burned.

The door opened. Of course he wouldn’t knock. Arrogance was a dominant trait in the Caldwell men.

Bash halted, his eyes skating over her and flaring in surprise. A slow, appreciative smile curved his mouth. He raised his hand and she squeaked in surprise.

“Red roses,” he said, almost shyly. “Three dozen. Women like flowers, right?”

Kendall drew in a breath, disarmed. “We do.”

His smile deepened and he held the huge bouquet higher. He seemed inordinately pleased with himself.

“They’re beautiful. Thank you.” She sailed to him, took the roses, and bussed each of his pockmarked cheeks. He’d cleaned himself up, smelling of fresh air, mint, and cologne. “Well,brother-in-law, family does matter to you.”

He smirked. “Family first. Always. But I didn’t give you those as my sister-in-law.”