Page 21 of Playboy’s Purgatory

“Rumble,” she starts, her face serious and her words blunt, “what kind of deal do we need to negotiate for me to be able to ride your bike?” She hooks a thumb over her shoulder in my direction. “I’d ask him, but I already know Mom won’t agree to it. Not considering the current state of things.”

My mouth falls open. I expect Rumble to laugh, but instead he gets very serious. He slowly rubs his beard like he’s thinking. “Well, your mom and I were talking about sourdough earlier. I reckon I’d be willing to barter some baking knowledge for a ride, but only if your mom agrees. You’ll also need the right gear, but I’ll fix you up if she gives the go-ahead.”

“I don’t have a phone to call you myself and set it up but give me a few days and call the bakery.” Vanessa leans closer to Dad and drops her voice, “I’ll lay the groundwork. You just need to be the adult.”

“I think I can do that,” Dad’s face remains stoic, but the corners of his eyes crinkle just slightly.

Vanessa nods and opens her mouth, but the backdoor of the clubhouse opens and Lara’s voice rings out, “Vanessa. Let’s get going.”

She doesn’t step out of the building, and it stings. Her eyes find her daughter and when her gaze shifts to me, her jaw tightens. Yeah, I’m not surprised.

I’m a little surprised when she doesn’t say anything. When her eyes move over the rest of the yard, seeing how close the Old Ladies are and most of the brothers, she softens slightly.

Fuck, I’m the biggest fucking asshole.

Vanessa pats my hand, her voice solemn, “Good luck, buddy. You’re going to need it.”

She’s fucking right, but a resolve hits me that I’ve never felt before. I’m not exactly sure what making it right looks like in this situation considering I spent a long time being a complete douche to Lara, but I’m going to try and figure it out. I wouldn’t advise anyone to hold their breath waiting for me to be successful either.

“Nice meeting you, Rumble,” she chirps as she stands up. Then she gives a big wave and, before running off, she shouts out, “Bye.”

Lara’s face lights up with a smile and I take the chance to really look at her. There aren’t any tear tracks, but her eyes are a little puffy and red.

She was crying.

Why does that surprise me? She just laid out her pain, her daughter’s pain, to prove herself when she wasn’t obligated to.

I feel even lower than low. When they’re back inside and the door closes, I force myself to look at Dad.

“You done fucked up big time, boy,” he’s almost laughing the words, but there’s no amusement there. “I should kick your ass and make you bleed, but that little girl asked me to take it easy on you, and you opened up to her a little bit about why.”

The pain in his eyes has me swallowing hard. He gave me everything he could, and the club tried to fill the gaps, but it wasn’t the same and I knew it.

“But,” his tone turns lethal, “if I ever hear you talking to a lady like that again, I will put you in the fucking ICU without blinking or feeling a damn bit of guilt about it.”

It’s not a threat.

It’s a fucking promise.

“I know, Dad.” And I do.

“You fucking better,” he rumbles. “Those girls are sweet as pie and much better than you deserve.”

Before I can say anything, he stands up and strides away. I only sit there a few more moments before getting up and heading up to my room. I’ve got a lot to think about and some plans to make.

CHAPTER 5

LARA

I’m completely at a loss for words because of the sight in front of me. I was just called out from the kitchen by one of my new employees, since I can afford it now and need the help. I don’t need to be told why I was summoned; I can see why.

There’s a huge bouquet of flowers, gorgeous flowers, on my counter. It’s filled with white roses, tulips, and blue hyacinths. I don’t know why it makes my heart beat harder in my chest, but it does. There’s a smaller bouquet too, one filled with perfect irises.

They’re beautiful.

And I have a sinking suspicion I know exactly who sent them. It’s been three days since the disaster that was the SOMC BBQ. I’ve heard the whispers around town growing louder in relation to me and Vanessa. I haven’t paid it any mind because I don’t have a damn thing to apologize for.

I told the truth.