Beyond the Cut (Sinner's Tribe Motorcycle Club #2)(106)
“Language, honey.” Dawn’s gentle reminder was met with a string of cusswords that would have put the boys in the playground to shame.
“I’ll f*cking swear all I want when they put themselves in f*cking danger.” He scowled as the girls crossed the road, his face softening only when they reached the sidewalk and smiled at him. “Don’t know how Dax manages with five kids.”
“I heard it gets easier the more you have.
*
Two hours later, with the barbecue in full swing, Dawn sent the girls to play with Dax’s boys and grabbed a minute to chat with Arianne.
“Aren’t you worried your neighbors are going to call the police about all the bikes on the street and the bikers in your yard?” Arianne sipped her vodka cooler and sat beside Dawn on the back steps.
“Apparently they’re used to it. Dax lives down the street and he’s had lots of biker parties, both with and without the kids. From what I hear, our little barbecue is pretty tame. And now I don’t have to pretend Cade is just a bike enthusiast. Dax has never hidden who he is or what he does so he’s smoothed the way for us. No one at the girls’ new school seems to have an issue with him and Cade showing up for school functions wearing their cuts. It was one of the reasons we picked this house.”
She didn’t share with her new friends that she worked part-time for the Sinner’s Tribe MC, helping Cade with the finances. But they did know she was always on the go, juggling her new restaurant and college classes with school runs and kids’ activities.
“How’s that new bike working out for you?” Sparky joined them on the step, a beer in his hand. He and Arianne had fixed up an old Harley Sportster for Dawn after she had officially become an old lady in the club.
“I love it, but I haven’t told Cade about it yet. He’s still a bit overprotective. He gets agitated if I drive the SUV too fast. I can’t imagine what he’s going to say about the bike.”
Sparky waved a dismissive hand. “Once he sees you on that bike, he won’t be thinking about anything except chasing after you. Nothing hotter than a chick on a bike.”
“I thought nothing was hotter than a chick with a gun.” Arianne raised an eyebrow, but Sparky just laughed. “A chick with a gun on a bike … now, that would be something to see.”
Dawn stifled a laugh. Cade didn’t need to see her on a bike to chase after her. He used any excuse to get her in bed. Dressed for job hunting? Check. Dressed for a PTA meeting? Check. Undressed for the shower? Double check. Cleaning and unpacking their new house in her old sweats and ratty T-shirt? Check again. He thought she was sexy. Period. And there was nothing she could do that didn’t make him want her all over again.
She heard a squeal of laughter and spotted Cade playing with Maia and Tia and their new dogs. He’d brought them the two pups from a shelter in Whitefish—one each—and they were already a permanent part of the family. Although both girls adored him, Tia was his closest companion, always thinking up new ways to make him smile. He had suffered through countless of her baking disasters, but he never complained. He ate whatever she made and convinced even Dawn that it was the most delicious food he’d ever tasted.
“Hope you’re not giving Sparky a hard time.” Banks pulled a beer from the cooler and twisted off the top. “You should see these two at the bar. They think they run the place ’cause they’re old ladies. I need more staff. Normal people. Bikers are nothing but trouble.”
“That’s why you’re always at our parties.” Sparky grinned. “’Cause you hate us.”
“Just bein’ polite.” Banks sipped his beer. “You’re good customers, and I like to keep the customers happy.”
After catching up on club gossip, Dawn excused herself and went looking for Cade. She found him near the back fence with Zane, deep in conversation. Usually cold and distant, Zane greeted her with what looked suspiciously like a smile.
“Cade was just saying you have all the custody shit sorted out with your kids and they’re yours free and clear.”
“Yes, they’re all mine and no one will ever be able to take them away.” Warmth flooded her and she squeezed Cade’s hand, still needing the simple assurance that she had her happily ever after. “Deputy Benson worked out a deal. Shelly-Ann testified that the video was a setup, and we were able to use the PI’s confession to back it up. She also testified against a senator and some of the Brethren. In exchange Deputy Benson got her into witness protection with all charges against her dropped.”
“Richard sorted out all the legal stuff,” Cade said. “Family services, court case, custody order … and now he’s looking into adoption. I’m gonna have three ladies to look after.”
“I still have to pay you back for that,” Dawn said. “Even though he’s the club lawyer, he can’t be cheap.”
“You can pay me in other ways.” Cade reached down and pinched her ass. “We’ll start here and work our way up.”
“Beast.” She slapped his hand away and he pulled against his chest.
“You love my beastly side. Admit it.” His mouth came down hard and fast, and Dawn wound her arms around his neck. She loved that he wasn’t embarrassed by public displays of affection, although the girls teased her mercilessly every time they kissed.