Raging Barons MC – Book Nine – Knuckles

-:- JOLENE -:-

Monday lunchtime and I’ve already written a chapter as the words flowed through my fingers and down to the keyboard. The ol’ ladies keep badgering me to get this book finished and I can’t help but grin when I think about the buzz around the clubhouse about certain pages in a chapter.

The door flies open and spinning around in my seat, I smile as Mia walks in with a baby in each arm, with eyes twinkling. “Grab Hunter, please. We can lay them on the bed.”

I jump up and gently take Hunter, well I hope it’s Hunter from her arms and when she giggles, I know I got the wrong one. I’m holding Carter. “You all can’t tell the difference yet.”

“No, I have to admit I can’t.” I kiss his forehead and gently lay him on the bed where Mia lays Hunter, then turn to ask what’s going on, but before I can say anything Mia closes the door, places her hands over her mouth, and giggles before throwing her head back and a loud laugh burst out.

I’m not sure what’s going on, so I stand and wait for whatever Mia is going to tell me. Pushing herself away from the door, she takes a seat on the end of the bed and looks up at me with twinkling eyes and the biggest smile I think I’ve ever seen.

“Book two, chapter seven. Oh my God, I got Axel with that one. Freaking heck girl, it was blooming awesome.”

Blinking as my mind is thinking, oh no, not another one who’s been reenacting the damn sex scenes. I’m not sure I can write anymore if I know they are all waiting so they can play out chapters. “No, I don’t want to hear.”

Mia giggles, leans back on her elbows, and kicks her legs out, crossing her ankles. “I’m going to strut later.”

“What are you talking about?” I’ve no idea why she’d strut or what she means by it.

“You’ll see. Anyway, Bianca is going in half an hour. Will you come down and wave her off with me? The others have all gone back to work, even Amelia who is only part-time now.”

“Oh, I can do that, of course, I can.” Turning, I switch off the laptop, close my notebook and make sure I leave my desk tidy.

Picking up Carter, I hold him close and take a deep breath of his baby smell. It’s intoxicating, and I make a note that when my character becomes a mother, she describes the smell of her baby. I’m positive all mothers will recognize the smell of fresh baby and baby powder.

Downstairs, we lay the babies in their cribs and wait a few minutes to make sure they settle. They are growing so fast and trying to sit up already.

Walking into the common room beside Mia, I see Stitch standing next to Bianca, and he doesn’t look too happy about her leaving. But she looks like she’s well ready to get out of the clubhouse and back to whatever life she had before her horrible father tossed her over to Tommaso.

I follow Mia to where Axel is standing with Buzz, BS, and Drag next to the main door. I can’t see Knuckles anywhere, so he is in the compound or out doing something for Axel.

Axel wraps an arm around Mia’s waist, draws her into him, and kisses her before nibbling her neck and whispering in her ear. It’s so intimate that I look away, and the grin on Drag’s face as I look up at him has me blush because he knows that I’m slightly embarrassed by their display of affection.

The blush, however, rushes up my chest, neck, and face when Axel speaks. “Well done Jo, that was a great chapter and I can’t wait to try out more.” Everyone laughs at my red face and as I turn to walk away BS wraps an arm around my neck, chuckling. “It’s okay, Jo, take no notice. It’s not your fault his sex life was so bad.”

Axel curses and Mia giggles, but before the conversation can continue Sentry opens the door and nods, which I think must be the sign Mr. Vitale has arrived.

Stepping outside, I wait for Bianca to walk out and I quickly get her attention. “Are you sure you want to go? Think before you leave here and dive back into a world that had left you to be treated so badly.”

“I’ll be okay. I’m going to relatives that will help me recover. I’ll be safe and cared for. I thank everyone for being so kind after what happened to you and the men.” Bianca has tears in her eyes, and I know I’ll not dissuade her from leaving, so I do the only thing I can think of. I hug her. Looking over her shoulder, I can see Stitch clenching his jaw and having sadness in his eyes. It’s easy to see he has feelings for Bianca, but sadly, it seems they are not returned.

“Come, Bianca, let’s go.”

Turning, I watch Bianca walk over to Vitale. He hugs her and whispers into her ear and she turns; she gives Stitch a sad smile and whispers thanks before climbing into the blacked-out limo.

Vitale says a few more words to Axel, who nods and walks back to Mia. I take a step toward Stitch and place my arm on his lower back, showing him what support I can without saying a word. He looks down at me and I can see the torment in his eyes at watching her drive away, but we both know he can do nothing.

When the limo is out of the gate and driving away I think it’s another part of this mess sorted out, but it’s left one person emotionally upset. Nothing any of us can do but be supportive, and I watch Wings and Meat walk up to Stitch, grab his arms, and drag him away. I know he’ll be okay, given time.

Back inside the clubhouse, I make my way back to the bedroom, as I want to finish this chapter today. Entering the bedroom, I hear my phone buzz and, knowing that’s a message, I pick it up from the end of the desk and check.

Shelly: Hi Jo. Just letting you know the book signing on Wednesday is all set up. They’ve let me know the books arrived safely. You need to check the account I set up for you, too. You’re selling more than you thought you would.

Jo: Oh, I will look in a few minutes.

Shelly: How are you doing with the current book?

Jo: I’ll be finished by the weekend and then you can have it for proofreading.

Shelly: I can’t wait. I love the way you bring the story together and the scenes where they get it on are hot as heck.

Jo: No, don’t you start. The ol’ ladies here are trying them out on their men. It’s embarrassing.

Shelly: Hey, that’s cool. Not only bringing an enjoyable read but a follow-me guide on how to have sex well. [laughing emoji]

Jo: Go away. [smiling emoji]

Shelly: I’ll speak to you later in the week, and good luck at the signing.

Jo: Thank you.

Flicking from the word document on the laptop, I log into my author account. Blinking at the figures I’m seeing, I scroll the page, check how many books have been sold, and sit staring at the monitor. That can’t be right!

The door to the bedroom opens and Knuckles walks in, smiling and popping that damn dimple. Walking over, he kisses me and places his forehead against mine, something we do regularly and it’s our intimate moment without taking our clothes off. We are looking through our eyes into each other’s soul, and it will never get stale.

“What are you doing? It’s time to come and eat.”

Looking at the clock on the bedside table, I hadn’t realized it was already mid-afternoon, and I’d missed lunchtime altogether.

“Okay, I’ll come with you. But Knuckles look at this.” Pointing at the screen. Knuckles bends down and I watch his eyes flicking around the monitor screen, frowning before he picks me up and sits me in his lap. We both study the account, and it doesn’t matter which way you look at it, I’ve made a lot of sales.

“Fuck me, Jo. You’re selling a lot of books. I’m so proud of you.” Knuckles says with a look of shock on his face because we’re both amazed at how many books have sold, and how much money that is ready to be paid into my account at the end of the month.

I’m thrilled that Shelly has taken me as a client, and I don’t have to worry about anything except paying the monthly fee she charges me. I have a discount because I’m Specs family, well the MC family, which is the same difference.

Knuckles brings me back to the present as I’d drifted into La La Land. “I’ve got something for you.”

I look up at Knuckles as he places me on my feet and slides a box out from under the bed. Handing it to me, I look at him questioningly. “Open it.”

Placing it on the bed, I open the box, move the tissue paper, and gasp when I see it’s a leather kutte the same Knuckles wears. Taking it out with shaking hands, I see the club colors on the front and my name on a patch on the breast pocket. Turning it, I stifle a little sob that runs up my throat as I read ‘Property of Knuckles’.

Helping me slide the kutte on Knuckles kisses me thoroughly, then tells me I’m not to go out of the compound without wearing it, I don’t take it off and leave it anywhere, and if anyone says anything nasty, I am a proud Ol’ Lady and give as good as I get.

One thing leads to another when I kiss him as thanks, and we take nearly two hours to get downstairs to eat. I think I must have a flushed look on my face because the brothers are slapping Knuckles on the back as we walk past, but when I hear, ‘practicing for the next chapter? Well done, Knuckles, you’re giving us all something to live up to.’ I spin around with my mouth hanging open and Axel, who is the culprit of the comment, throws his head back and laughs loudly. I make my way into the kitchen quickly, with Knuckles right behind me chuckling at my embarrassment.

Tuesday is a repeat of Monday as far as writing and embarrassing comments. Heather keeps giving me a look of support and even brought me a drink to the bedroom when I escaped after book one, chapter nine, was read out loud and clear in the common room.

After sneaking down at lunchtime to grab a sandwich from Meat who patted my shoulder in support, I hear Knuckles speaking with BS in his office. I tap on the door and look inside, where Knuckles holds his hand out for me to go to him, which of course I do.

“Tomorrow you’ll have Knuckles, Lincoln, Meat, and Colton with you Jo. We’ll make sure you’re well covered and if you get worried about anything or anyone, you just have to call out and the nearest one will come right to you.” BS states, watching my reaction closely.

“Okay.” I lean on Knuckles and he wraps his arm around my neck, kissing the top of my head.

“Knuckles has all the information about the bookshop he needs. They all know where the exits are, and they are all able to step in and stop any kind of incident. All you have to do is enjoy talking to readers, sign books once they’re purchased, and roll in the cash.” BS chuckles.

I smile at him. “Okay, I’ll do my best to enjoy myself. I just hope people turn up and I don’t look like an idiot.”

“Oh, you’ll have people turn up. I’m positive. If Amelia and her coven have anything to do with it, you’ll have plenty of people show up.” BS grins, but it slips off his face when we all hear. “Coven, I’ve got myself a coven have I.” BS closes his eyes, and I can’t help the nervous giggle that escapes. Knuckles gets us out of BS’ office fast, leaving him to face the Amelia music.

Wednesday came around fast and I’m checking out how I look in the mirror. I’m happy with the black pants, pale blue t-shirt, and black jacket I’m wearing. I’m not sure about the kutte over the top and I’m turning left and right, trying to decide when a tap on the door and Winter steps inside. “No, the jacket has to go if you are wearing the kutte. Do you have a long sleeve t-shirt?” Winter states standing next to me as we’re both looking in the full-length mirror.

Changing the t-shirt for a long-sleeved one, I now have a green top instead of a blue. “Yeah, with the kutte that looks better, Jo.”

“Thanks, Winter. I’m a bag of nerves.”

“Hey. You’ve got a good series of books. Be proud. We are all so very proud of you Jo. You’ve had weeks of training so you can defend yourself better now, and I’ve brought you something to have tucked into your waistband. You can give it back to me when you return, but I want you to have it for safety. It’s a Roughneck 45 ACP, it will give you two shots, and that’s all you’ll need. Now, let’s get you out of here before Knuckles and your brother come looking.”

“Oh, I’m not sure about this.” Trying to pass the Derringer back to her, but her head shakes and that tells me she will not stand down. I tuck it in the pocket of my kutte and hope I don’t shoot myself with it before I get back here.

From that moment I’m hustled downstairs, into the SUV, and before I know it, into the bookshop. The lady who runs the shop is so welcoming. She grins from ear to ear. “I’m so happy to have you here Jo, I’ve set up a table and a nice display of your books. Shelly sent some bookmarks and pens you can give out to people, too.”

The woman is bubbling. She’s a middle-aged woman, fairly tall, with some gray showing in her brown hair, but her eyes, which are caramel brown, are shining with excitement. Now I just hope this goes well, or she’s going to be so disappointed.

“Thank you so much for having me here. It’s a bit nerve-wracking with being my first one, but I’m grateful you allowed me to do this.”

“Awe, no need to thank me. It’s a delight to have you. I’m Mona, by the way, and I’m not a moaner by nature, thank goodness.” Giggling at her joke as she walks away. I look at Knuckles, who has that half-grin on his face which has just one of his dimples popping. His lip ring and nose piercing shine in the light and I’ve got to admit it has my belly clenching at the sight of him, and knowing he’s all mine.

“You need to stop with that look, or I’ll have to take you to the bathroom.” Knuckles murmurs as he leans down and kisses my lips lightly.

Shaking my head, I quickly get myself behind the table Mona has organized, and it’s not long before people start entering the bookshop and giving me their thoughts on my books. Signing and making sure I write their names, and say something personal from the conversation we have.

Mid-afternoon and I’m ready to go back to the clubhouse, if I’m honest. My hand aches and I’ve sold a lot of books, far more than I expected. But the overriding urgency to visit the ladies takes hold and no matter how I try to distract myself, I can’t wait any longer.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes. I’m sorry, but I have to visit the little girl’s room.” Speaking quietly to the lady who has just placed a book on the desk for me to sign. She gives me a grin and giggles. “When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.”

I sure do, and rush to the back of the shop where Mona had told me the ladies’ toilets are situated. I’m feeling far better once I’ve emptied my bladder, and washed my hands. Maybe that’s why I got a little careless and as I walked out of the Ladies’ room I’m grabbed by the arm, a hand slaps over my mouth and I’m dragged to the back door.

Kicking, struggling, and trying the moves that I’ve been taught doesn’t get the person to let go of me. I’m panicking, then I remember the Derringer. Stopping struggling, I slide my hand into my kutte pocket and, as I don’t want to shoot myself, I carefully slide it out just as I’m being pulled out of the back door. I can’t twist my arm around to shoot the man, but I can attract attention and I lift my arm in the air and fire once. I want to keep the one bullet to shoot this asshole if I get the chance and as he’s struggling to get the gun out of my hand, someone tackles us to the ground. I go down hard, feel a smack on the head and everything turns black.

Slowly opening my eyes, I hear arguing just to my left. I turn my head gently as the pain in the back of my head is very sharp. Knuckles is arguing with Lincoln and they both look like they want to beat each other up. “Be quiet,” I mumble, but my mouth is dry.

“Oh my God, Jo, how are you feeling?” Lincoln asks as he rushes to where I’m lying. Looking around, I’m on a small couch in an office!

Knuckles picks me up gently and places me in his lap, cradling me to his chest. The tension is rolling off him and I turn my head, looking into his eyes as I place my forehead on his. Taking a deep breath, I feel the tension leave him and his body relaxes. That’s when I turn back to Lincoln. “I’m okay, I think. What happened?”

Lincoln is pacing in the small space of the office, running his hands over his head. “That cocksucker grabbed you and was dragging you out of the shop. You’d only gone to the damn ladies for a minute. When we heard the gunshot, we ran quickly to you and I lunged at Tommaso, but I knocked you down. I’m so sorry Jo, I hurt you. You banged your head when you fell and it knocked you out. Stitch is on his way to check you out, but thankfully, you were only out for a minute or two. Knuckles brought you back to the shop’s office where Mona said we could lay you down.”

“Let me go sign that reader’s book, then go back to the clubhouse. Stitch can look at my head there. I want to leave now. Oh, what happened to Tommaso?”

“Meat and Colton are holding him while Vitale comes for him. Well, he’s sending his men for him, and I can’t wait for him to be gone for good.” Knuckles grins, kisses my nose, and then looks at Lincoln. “Tell Stitch to wait at the clubhouse, and we’ll be done here in a few minutes.”

Knuckles stays next to me as we go back into the shop. I sign the woman’s book and thank Mona, who understands why I’m leaving for the day, but we arrange for me to come back and do another day at the shop in the future.

Back at the clubhouse, I’m checked out and told to take it easy for 48 hours. Thankfully, it’s only a slight concussion and I’ll be fine within hours.

We are all waiting to hear from Mr. Vitale and what’s going to happen with Tommaso, but I have a feeling I don’t want to know what happens to him, just that he’s gone from my life for good.