Bent, Not Broken(34)

Amy laughed. “There’s nothing pretty about you but I can see why they want you. You’re incredibly handsome.” She leaned forward, dropping a kiss to his lips.

Joker groaned as she deepened the kiss. “Fuck, baby, I’ve got to stop this.”

“Why?”

“The club needs me for club business. It’s entirely shit ‘cause I thought I had the rest of the weekend with you.”

“The girl you picked up?”

“You do listen when I talk?”

“I don’t really have a choice.” Amy covered her ears. “You make sure I hear you.”

She headed to her closet. He slapped her ass, watching it wiggle underneath his shirt.

“You’re a little vixen, baby.”

Amy chuckled and Joker made his way into the bathroom. She really was the love of his life. His very reason for breathing, and he couldn’t imagine anything happening to her. He wouldn’t survive it.

After taking a piss, he washed his hands, and then brushed his teeth, which he’d grabbed from his old bedroom, before splashing water on his face. This was not how he imagined the day panning out. Getting dressed, he walked downstairs to find Amy cooking in the kitchen. His father was sipping some juice while reading the newspaper.

“Morning, son. I didn’t expect you to be up this early.”

“I’ve got to be heading out. Club business. I’m taking Amy with me.”

David nodded. “Good. It’ll do her good to get out of here every once in a while. She’s spending too much time here again.”

“You know, I do own my own place,” Amy said, looking back at them.

“I know, and you’re more than welcome to come back here anytime. You know that, honey.”

“Love you,” she said, smiling at his father.

David nodded back. “You better treat that girl with care, Reese.”

“I will.”

Twenty minutes later, Amy placed a plate full of bacon, eggs, and toast in front of him with a cup of coffee. She took a seat beside him with the same food she’d given David as well.

“You spoil me.”

Their breakfast went by in silence as they ate. Joker kept reaching out to touch or stroke Amy, cupping the back of her neck, pulling her close to him.

“Will you two lovebirds be back tonight?” David asked.

“I’m thinking of sticking around at the clubhouse. We’re having a bit of a barbeque. Family thing, it’ll be good for Amy to meet a few people.”

“Sure.”

“Do you want to come?” Amy asked, looking pointedly at David.

“Nah, honey. Football’s on and I’ve got a six-pack in the fridge. I’m all set.”

He knew his father was still hurting from Brenda’s loss. He wondered when he’d start dating again and if he’d even considered it. When Amy left to do the dishes, Joker sat back and asked him.

“I’m old, son. I’m not going to get back in the saddle or whatever you kids call it these days.”

“Dad, you can’t live the rest of your days alone. You’re only fifty.”

“To some, I’ve come and gone.” David sat back in his chair, looking sad. “I can’t do it just yet. This is the house I shared with Brenda. I just can’t think of looking for another woman. Brenda, she was my soul mate… the other half of me. I loved your mother, Joker, I really did, but not like I loved Brenda.”

He understood. His parents had a volatile relationship, which meant they could be kissing one moment and fighting the next.

He left his father an hour later, and with Amy on the back of his bike, he headed toward the clubhouse. She had on the helmet he was insistent that she wear even though he broke the law by not wearing one. He was a good, strong, competent driver, but he wouldn’t have her putting her life at risk.

Once inside the clubhouse compound, he saw Zeke’s vehicle was already waiting. Two of his guards stood outside smoking.

Parking his bike in his spot, he waited for Amy to climb off first before getting off his bike.

“Who are they?” she asked.

“You’re about to meet a partner of the club.” He took her hand, leading her toward the doors. From the outside they heard shouting.

“I can’t believe you left me here.” The voice sounded like Daniella.

Entering the club, Joker kept a firm hold of Amy’s hand. There, right in the center of the club, Zeke and Daniella faced each other. Behind Zeke were his two bodyguards and behind Daniella, he saw Shakes. His club brother kept his distance and only people who knew Shakes, knew how protective he was being.

“I had business to attend to.”

“You could have let me stay at college. You must think you’re some kind of god. You call me to tell me we’re spending the weekend together. What happened to inviting me?” she asked.