Lexie had cancer.
Tabitha heard the news a week later when she was back at Fort Wills.
The shock was felt between the two clubs.
Lexie was a wonderful, sweet, charming woman, and because of this, Tabitha begged to be able to go to Piston County to help out with her best friend.
Her dad was against it and her mother wasn’t too thrilled. In the end, after some long conversations with Devil, she was able to do a small transfer to Simon’s school, where she could pick up the school work with no issues. She wasn’t staying in Piston County indefinitely, but between their fathers, and Lash, she was able to transition. She wouldn’t be taking any of Simon’s classes. Her work would be set for her at the school, and she’d work in the main office.
She had her own room, and when she arrived, Simon was there, hugging her tight. Devil patted her shoulder and Lexie hugged her close.
“Simon, go and deal with Tabitha’s bags. I need to have a word with her,” Devil said.
“Dad, come on, seriously?” Simon asked. “We both get it. You don’t want us having sex under your roof. We can keep it in our pants.”
“This is only happening because I agree to be in charge here. Believe me, I can send her ass right back to Fort Wills, in fact, I have a mind to if you keep giving me lip.”
“It’s fine,” Tabitha said, smiling at Simon.
She couldn’t believe she was actually in Piston County without her parents. They were trusting her to be sensible and to not break any rules, also to not get pregnant. Her dad had lectured her about that one. The not getting pregnant part. He didn’t want her pregnant or in any way having a baby inside her. It was kind of scary how he kept saying no baby. No sex. No nothing.
As if she didn’t know what led to a baby. She and Simon weren’t going to do that to each other.
Simon took her bags and she followed Devil back to his office. She couldn’t recall ever being in this room. Angel had originally offered to go as had Eva to help Lexie out. Tabitha had seen her chance. She was a good cook as she’d been the one to take care of herself and several of The Skulls kids when their parents had been way too busy. She’d also been taught a lot from Darcy as well. She had the ability to take care of herself. Angel and Eva were needed at home, while she was still a kid.
“Take a seat,” he said.
“Do I have to sign some kind of contract?” She slid down into the chair and stared across the desk at Devil. He looked angry. She didn’t look away. Growing up with Tiny as her dad, and well, most of The Skulls, the angered faces men often pulled didn’t exactly affect her.
She put her hands on the arms of the chair and waited.
“I don’t intimidate you, do I?” Devil asked.
“I’m guessing when I was small, it would work. I grew up with this. I know I’m safe and protected with you, unless, of course, I betray the club or clubs, then you’d kill me.” She smiled widely at him, and he shook his head. “Sorry.”
“Look, you being here, I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“I’m only here to help out. I promise. Simon told me that it was hard and I know how to babysit. I can help you, and I can be a sounding board for Simon. He’s hurting too and I think I can be of better use to him while you’re dealing with Lexie.”
Devil ran his fingers through his hair. “Your dad has told me you’ve gotten into fights at school.”
She licked her lips, nerves getting to her. “None of those have actually been proven.”
“Two clubs fighting for dominance and to prove which one has the biggest balls. It’s not the same here. There aren’t two clubs. This town, Simon’s school, is filled with a bunch of rich kids. Your fists won’t be appreciated here.”
“Devil, I only fight when I have to. For the longest time, I couldn’t stand fighting. I don’t do it for fun.”
“What’s the Quad?” he asked.
She winced. “Okay, it’s still not for fun.”
His brow went up.
“Simon does the exact same thing.”
“You’re avoiding.”
“I’m not avoiding. I’m being, fine. Look, me and the guys know that we have a certain reputation to uphold. When we were in our happily separated towns with no interference, it was all fine. The Dogs go to the Quad. If we didn’t turn up, it would look like we were cowards and we’re not. We’re fighters, through and through. The club will be in our hands one day. It’s why we fight. Why I changed my mind and started to learn how to fight. It’s not easy going up against people like that, you know?”
Devil kept on staring at her. “You don’t enjoy it?”
“I’ve learned to just deal with it. Isn’t that what most people do when they’ve got to do stuff that is expected of them? I’m a Skulls’ kid. All of the trouble that’s about to come our way because of me and Simon, put it aside. I’ve got to do what I can for the club,” she said.
“You know, I sometimes forget you kids are only teenagers.”
“We’ve all been through a lot. We’re fighters. You can’t take that away from us. We will do whatever we have to for the club. No questions asked.”
“Then so long as you understand that I don’t expect any fighting or trouble, you can stay. I have ground rules.”
“I’m listening.”
“No sex!” Devil snapped the words out.
“I can guarantee that.”
“I was sixteen once. I know how this works.”
“Clearly you don’t know how Simon and I work. He knows I’m not ready and he’s the perfect gentleman. Believe me, when I ask him to stop, he stops.” Her face was going to be on fire by the time this was done.
“Good.”
“I don’t want you sleeping in his room,” he said.
“What if he’s upset?”
“No sleeping. Closeness and him being sad, I don’t want you sleeping with my son out of pity.”
“This is embarrassing.”
“I was a boy once.”
“And you keep saying that. It doesn’t mean you can keep on telling me how this is going to be based on your experience, which was a completely different time. It’s not right. Simon is not you, and I’m not some random sixteen-year-old girl. We’re not that kind of couple.” She put her hand to her chest, hoping he would realize that.
Devil took a deep breath.
“Please don’t kill me,” she said.
“I’m not going to kill you. It would start a war and Lash and I have a good relationship at best. Look, I just don’t think I can handle whatever kid drama you can get yourself into. One step out of line, you’re back with your parents, got it?”
“I’m only here to help out. Nothing bad, I promise.”
“Fine. Go. I’m sure Simon’s wearing out the carpet in your room.”
She got to her feet. “Do I need to shake your hand?”
“Go!” Again, he snapped the word.
She left his office and went straight to her bedroom where, sure enough, Simon was there, pacing.
“You’re okay?” he asked, pulling her into his arms.
“I’m fine.”
“He didn’t harm you?”
“He’s not that bad. He’s got a lot on his plate right now with your mom. He wants to make sure we keep it in our pants.” She giggled. “What is it with our parents and thinking the moment we’re together, we’re having sex?”
“Because of our ages.”
“I know a lot of people are having sex, like a lot, but I don’t know, I mean, one day, I’m going to want to, but right now, I enjoy being with you.”
He ran his hands down her arms, his touch setting her on fire. Even though she wanted to have sex to get it over with, and so she could have a reason to listen to their parents’ warning, she wasn’t ready.
“I enjoy being with you as well.” He kissed her lips. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I’m not going to be staying all the time. It’s temporary.”
“I know, but come on, this is … more than I could have hoped.”
They sat down on her bed and she kicked her shoes off.
“Tell me how you’re dealing,” she said, reaching out and pushing some of his hair off his face. “Don’t hide from me.”
“I’m… It all kinds of feels like a blur right now. Like all of this is happening to someone else and I’m just along for the ride. I keep expecting someone to jump out and say it’s a joke.”
“It’s not though,” she said, softly.
“No, it’s not.”
She took his hand, kissing his knuckles.
“I, Tabby, cancer, it’s not good.”
“I know.”
“I don’t know how I’m going to deal. I know Darcy got through it, but she’s not my mom.”
Tears filled her eyes as she watched Simon slowly fall apart. This was why she had to come to him. She’d heard it in his voice. The confusion. The fear. His life was running too far too fast and he couldn’t keep up. He was drowning in it.
“I’m here.”
“I don’t know what I’ll do if anything happens to her. I don’t want anything to happen to her. She’s my mom.” The tears fell down his cheeks.
She cried right along with him.
“Tabby, I don’t know what to do. I feel, I feel angry.”
She pulled him close and his face pressed against her chest. He cried harder and she held him, refusing to let him go. This was all she could do. This was how he needed her. Not back in Fort Wills, but so he could hold her, to have someone stable to make the world seem okay again.
The world was never going to be okay.
She knew that.
Lexie’s life hung in the balance and with it, Simon’s stability, even Devil’s. The man downstairs hadn’t scared her, but experience told her he was holding on by a thread. If this was an outside, physical force threatening them, they could all fight it together. There was nothing they could do. Only Lexie, and what her body was capable of.
Simon lifted up and pressed his thumb and finger to both of his eyes, which were closed tight. “I’m fine.” His voice broke.
“You’re not fine.”
“I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.”
“I know. I did that with Darcy,” she said. “It’s not good to see people you love dying. It breaks you apart, piece by piece. You have to be strong for them. We’ve got to be strong for Lexie. It’ll help her.”
“I don’t even know if this is an early diagnosis or not. Man, everything is so fucked up. I wish they’d just kept on having kids. This would have been so much easier.”
They were shouted down for dinner and Tabby slid off the bed, taking Simon into the bathroom, and she helped him splash water on his face.
“It’s going to be okay,” she said.
“I know. I know you’re just saying that.”
“It may sound like it right now, but day by day, I’m going to be here.”
He lifted his head. “Do I look like I’ve been crying?”
“No.”
He took her hand and together, they walked downstairs. Devil was already in the dining room, dealing with the kids. Simon immediately went to help and she didn’t take a seat but walked into the kitchen to see Lexie stirring up a large bowl.
“It’s just garlic tomato pasta. I know it’s Devil’s favorite,” Lexie said.
“I love it as well.”
“Your mom told me that you’ve given up meat.”
Tabitha laughed. “You should have heard my dad. He thought I was being a rebel and a giant pain in the ass.”
“I bet. I remember you always running around, wanting sausages and burgers,” Lexie said. “Wow, that seems like a lifetime ago. How are you handling it?”
“I’m doing fine.”
“Dick and Martha went vegan as well,” Lexie said. “I know the club thought they were crazy.”
“I’m not vegan, just, you know, vegetarian. Daisy’s going vegan, I think. She keeps on searching this stuff online, kind of scary. Do you want me to stir that?” she asked. Lexie was looking tired by the second.
“Yes, please, I would appreciate it. I still want to do everything. Nothing has changed, at least not yet.”
Tabitha smiled and took over, stirring up the large bowl of pasta. Her stomach growled.
“Oh, I also made garlic bread,” Lexie said. She went to bend down, but Tabitha quickly grabbed her and placed her on a chair. “Sorry, a little dizzy there.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m here. I can help.” She smiled at Lexie.
“You haven’t asked,” Lexie said after a couple of seconds had passed. The pasta was all combined with the intense sauce, and she was chopping the garlic bread into strips.
Tabitha paused and turned to the older woman. “I figure you’ve spent a lot of time talking about it. People, everyone you know is treating you differently, fragile. It only drills in that something is wrong. I know it can feel overwhelming.”
“You helped Darcy,” Lexie said.
“We’re close. Most of the time. Not recently. What she went through was tough, you know. I remember feeling so helpless nearly all of the time. I know this is going to be hard on everyone. Darcy got tired of people treating her like she was sick.” She laughed even as tears filled her eyes. “I never did. I always treated her the same and she needed that.”
Lexie was crying now. “Thank you, Tabitha. I don’t—this is going to be tough without everything. Simon is going to need you.”
“And I’m going to be here for him and for you. I promise.”
“You know, this brings back a memory, but not like you think.” Lexie sighed.
“What kind of memory?” She was curious.
“Oh, it was when Simon was little. He wanted to learn how to bake chocolate chip cookies for you.” Lexie chuckled. “I put out three whole cups of chocolate chips, and you know what, he ate them all. He had chocolate at the corners of his mouth. It was so cute.” She laughed. “Wow, I haven’t thought about that. I know this is of no relation to that time. Just one of those memories.”
“I love it,” Tabitha said.
She finished cutting the garlic bread and piled it high up on a plate. “Come on, let’s get you and all of this to the table.” She carried the tray to the table while also being ready to help Lexie.
“I think I’m going to enjoy having more help,” Lexie said.
Returning to the kitchen, she swiped at her cheeks to make sure there were no tears. She wasn’t here to cause more trouble.
Taking the pasta to the table, she offered a smile and left Devil to dish them all out some food. This was like being back at home. Already on the first day, she was missing home. The comfort of it.
Picking up her fork, she ate her food and tried not to think about everything happening around her. Devil took the time with each kid, asking them about school. This was the first time she’d seen him as a family man, especially this up close and personal.
Laughter filled the table.
Once the meal was finished, she helped clean the table and do the dishes before heading upstairs to shower and go to bed. Simon had whispered he’d be in as his dad wanted to have another talk with him.
With her hair wrapped up in a towel, she called Daisy. Her best friend’s face appeared on the screen.
“It’s about time you called me. I was starting to worry.”
“Sorry. I was going to call.”
“How is it?”
“It’s … fine.”
“I know that voice.”
“Really, it’s fine. Everyone is happy and I think they’re just trying to get through each day, you know?”
“I bet. It must suck with everything.”
She nodded. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too. How is Lexie?”
“She’s fine. She had a dizzy spell while we were in the kitchen. I helped her the best way I can, but I don’t even know if it’s enough, you know? What am I doing here, Daisy?”
“You’re being the best damn friend and girlfriend a person could be. You’re not there for yourself, you’re there to help Simon. Let’s face it, we know you’re only there for him.”
She chuckled. “I am, but I like Lexie as well. I want to help her.”
“You will. You always know what to do.”
“I hope so,” Tabitha said. “You will not believe what happened when I got here. Devil took me to his office and he laid some ground rules down.”
“He didn’t?”
“Yep. He’s worried Simon and I are having sex. I would love to know when our parents think we have the time to actually have sex. It must be nice to be a grownup.”
Daisy laughed. “I miss you. School is going to suck royally without you.”
“I know. I’ll be back soon. This isn’t permanent. Just helping out as best as I can.”
“What if it is, you know, permanent?”
Tabitha shook her head. “Not happening. I know my parents wouldn’t be happy about me staying here all the time.” She sighed. “It’s what I’ve got to do though.”
“I’m sure Luke is missing you,” Daisy said.
“Don’t even start with all of that. How is Anthony?” Tabitha asked.
Daisy rolled her eyes.
“You’re going to have to understand that you can’t hide away from that for much longer.”
“Nothing is going on and you keep on mentioning it.”
“Seriously, Daisy, how can you not see that Anthony has the biggest crush on you? He has for as long as I’ve known him.”
“I’m going to hang up now.”
“Does it make you uncomfortable?” Tabitha asked.
“I … I think you’re wrong. Look, I’ve got to go. Dad’s calling me.”
“You’re lying.”
The line went dead and Tabitha blew out a breath.
“I think she’s uncomfortable.”
She jumped and looked up to see Simon had snuck into her room.
“Do I need to put a bell on you?” she asked.
Simon laughed. “You were too busy telling your best friend how much Anthony has a crush on her.”
“I’m not wrong. He does.”
“Yeah, well, she clearly is afraid or doesn’t want to see it.”
“I know, which I don’t get. Anthony dotes on her. He protects her all the time.” Tabitha put her cell phone down, climbed off the bed, and unwrapped her hair. Running a brush through it, she looked over at Simon who was smiling widely at her. “What?”
“Nothing, I just can’t believe you’re here.”
“I know. I meant what I said. I’m not going to break any one of his rules,” she said.
Simon sighed and moved to her bed, climbing on in. “I’m not breaking any of his rules. I must be the most boring boyfriend on the planet.” He lifted the blankets. “Are you coming in?”
She slid beneath the covers, snuggling up against him. “You’re not boring. You’re the best.”
“The best kind of boyfriend would try to get a sneaky feel.”
“No, he wouldn’t. You respect me to not push my boundaries and like I’ve told you before and I will keep telling you, I love you even more for it.” She gripped his face between her hands and kissed him, hard. “Love you so much.”
“Love you too.” His hand went to her back and she moaned a little. “We better get some sleep.”
“Yes, a lot to do tomorrow.” She switched off the light, snuggled in against him, and knew she would be here for him, no matter what.
****
Simon loved having his girl at school. She wasn’t in any of his classes but walking into school with her on his arm felt fucking amazing. Of course his brother Josh, bless him, struggled with her presence.
Tabby hadn’t said anything to Josh about his crush. She was too sweet to bring too much attention to it.
“This is your locker,” Tabby asked, running her hand down the metal.
“You never seen a locker before?” Dean asked.
With the emancipation now going ahead, Dean was currently renting a motel room while he looked for a possible apartment. His dad and the lawyer were handling it. If he needed anything though, Simon was there for him.
“Yeah, we totally have them back home. I’m just basking in the moment.”
“She’s taking the piss, as I’m sure Adam would say,” Simon said, referring to the British patched-in member of The Skulls.
“You got that right.” She popped her gum, hands on hips. “Anyway, I’ve got to get to reception. If I in any way shirk my studies, my parents will kill me, and we all know they know how to hide a body. Walk me there?”
“You got it.” He slammed his locker closed, fist-bumped his friends, and took off.
“It must be odd, being the oldest Chaos member,” Tabby said. “I never thought about how lucky I am. For some of us, there are only a couple of months, and then there is always Miles.” She wrinkled her nose. “I try not to think too much about that. Sharing a womb with him was way too much even for me.”
Simon laughed. He walked down the corridor, his arm across her shoulder. People moved out of their way, all apart from Wayne, the douchebag football jock.
Tabby had her arm around Simon’s waist.
“Move,” Tabby said.
More of Wayne’s jock friends stood at his back.
“Simon, you didn’t tell me the people here didn’t understand English.”
“I don’t think we’ve been introduced,” Wayne said. “You’re the new girl and you can do so much better than spending time with the likes of him.” He offered out his hand.
Tabby stared at his hand and then burst out laughing. “Oh, that is a good one. Seriously, the likes of him?”
Simon kissed her head. He fucking loved this girl.
“Wow,” Tabby said. She pulled out of Simon’s hold and spun so they could see her leather jacket. Devil had agreed to allow her to wear her patched member jacket claiming her to be the property of The Skulls. “I am his kind, asshole, but thank you for clearing that up. Now, move, or I move you, simple as that.”
Wayne looked a little startled but instantly masked it. “I see.”
“Yeah, keep on throwing the names out. You think I don’t hear them on a daily basis? Do they make guys like this in some kind of factory? For a jerk son, please apply?” Tabitha asked.
“Not a clue,” Simon said. “I suggest you back off. She’s not like your little groupies. She’s more likely to cut your dick off than suck it.”
He hadn’t seen Tabitha fight in a long time, but he’d also promised his father. Stepping forward, he got in Wayne’s face. “Or are you and I about to have a throw-down? I would kill to snap your leg right now.” Thoughts of cancer, of his mom’s pain, and of what his family was going through filled his head. He wanted to hurt someone. To do as much damage as possible.
Wayne laughed. “It looks like we’re about to have a whole lot of fun.” He backed off.
Simon looked at Tabby, who was frowning at their retreating backs. “They do know they’ve just labeled themselves as cowards, right?”
“It happens.”
“Your school is way different from mine. If that would have been Luke, there would have been a fight. Of course, if a teacher turns up wanting to slap us all with suspensions or expulsions, it’s the classic, we all slipped.”
“I can’t even imagine what it must be like at your school. I don’t get into a lot of fights here. At least not anymore.” They arrived at the reception and Tabby groaned.
“This is going to suck. I’ll see you at lunch?” Tabby asked, putting a hand on his chest.
“Count on it.” He kissed her head and turned, making his way to homeroom.
Throughout the morning, he heard the whispers and the rumors about the new girl. People were already curious about her. It wasn’t like she was new. She didn’t even attend their classes. The setup was that she’d complete her courses in the privacy of one of the offices near the principal. It had all been arranged between Tiny, Devil, and the school. Tabby wasn’t part of the school, just continuing her education.
In History, Dean and Eddie sat in front of him, but leaned back.
“So have you heard?” Eddie asked.
“Heard what?”
“What people are saying about Tabitha?”
“Yeah, they’re all curious about her. Who wouldn’t be?” he asked. He was a little annoyed with the attention she was getting. Tabby belonged to him. He didn’t like to share. Having her here was something he’d been wanting for a long time. Now that she was, he didn’t like the idea of others getting to know her, of seeing how damn special she was. She belonged to him, only to him.
“He hasn’t heard,” Dean said.
“Amber’s threatening to kick her ass at lunchtime.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it’s what everyone is talking about.” Eddie smiled.
Dean shrugged. “How does your girl fare in a fight?”
“Tabby can hold her own.” Simon ran fingers through his hair.
“Why do you not look happy about this? Someone needs to put Amber in her place,” Eddie said. “Come on, this could make for a good lunch.”
“Tabby’s here based on her being good. She’s helping my family out. She causes more stress, she’s heading back home. I don’t want her to get into any kind of fucking fight.” He threw down his pen. He sounded like a pussy.
“I also heard Wayne’s got a hard-on for her,” Dean said. “He believes he can take her from you.”
Simon rolled his eyes. “I’d like to see him try.”
No one took his girl away from him. Fucking no one. By the time lunch rolled around, he was as tense as he could be. He didn’t want Tabby fighting, but if Amber got into her face, she was clearly asking for it.
Tabby waited for him by reception. He pulled her to him and told her the rumors.
“Oh, please. You think I haven’t heard stuff like this before? It happens all the time. Rumors are empty lies. Trust me. It’s all going to be fine. You need to learn to relax. I don’t know what has happened to you, but be calm.”
“Is that an order?”
“Yes. Now, how were your classes, honey?”
“We’re going domesticated?”
“Couples do it all the time and seeing as this is the first time I’ve been in school with my boyfriend, I thought I’d try it out.”
“You sound sexy,” he said, running a hand down her back to grab her ass. “I like it.”
“You like me being all wifey?”
“Yeah, I do.”
She giggled and kissed him. “Wait until I take you home and cook you dinner.”
“Babe, none of this is bothering me. You’re talking to the guy who actually wants to marry you. I’d have you as my old lady right now.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I’ll ask my dad.”
“As much as I’d like to, we both know our dads would pitch a giant fit if we let that happen.”
“Let what happen? We’re not pregnant.”
“I know. Let’s give them time.”
He took her hand, rubbing the finger where an engagement and a wedding band would go. “When you’re eighteen?” he asked.
“What?”
“We don’t have to ask them for permission. When we’re both eighteen, you’ll be my wife.”
She licked her lips. “What if you change your mind?”
He snorted. “You think after all this time I’m going to change my mind?”
“We don’t know what is going to happen in the future,” she said.
He cupped her face, tilting her head back. “I know what’s going to happen. You and I are going to be a team, no matter what.”
“The clubs?”
“We’ll figure it out together. Tell me, make a pact with me right now. Both of us are eighteen, we’re married. No doubt?”
Her smile lightened up his whole world.
“Yes. You can count on it.”
He held her hand and they walked toward the cafeteria. Eddie and Dean, along with a couple of others, sat at the tables. He stood in the line with Tabby. She grabbed a salad, some pizza, and a pudding bowl. He loaded up with burgers, fries, and cake.
Simon didn’t allow her to pay and carried her tray to their table, putting it down before his own. He couldn’t help but think of when he was younger and telling his dad he intended to marry this girl.
“Hey, Dad, did you catch the bad guys?” Simon asked.
Devil entered the hospital room and pointed at him. “Why are you in Tabs’s bed?”
“She has bad dreams.”
“Oh, you do know that it stops when you get out of the hospital?” Devil asked.
“You sleep with Mom all the time.”
“That’s because your mom and I are married.”
“Then I’ll marry Tabitha. She’s going to be my girl, anyway. It’ll be cool.”
“Son, you’re not marrying. You’re not even ten.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Lucky for me, it doesn’t have to be fair.”
Before he could respond, Tabby had woken up.
“I’m sorry, Devil, the nightmares were bad. I dreamt of bullets and stuff. It was scary.”
“It’s okay, sweetie, I hope he chased the demons away.” His dad had looked so tortured as he spoke.
“He did, and he told Gavin what for as well, which was really funny.” Tabby looked toward him with a smile and he couldn’t help but feel so proud. That big guy had been scary, but he hadn’t been afraid. No one would come between him and Tabby.
Simon pulled out of the memory. That felt like a lifetime ago.
“You’re the entire talk of the high school,” Eddie said. “Wherever I go, you’re there.”
Tabby tucked her long hair behind her ears before sliding her jacket off. It was raining outside, otherwise, he would’ve taken their lunch out there to be more private.
“Yay, I’m miss popular at the moment. I won’t be around long. I don’t know what the big deal is. Don’t you have new kids coming and going all the time?” Tabby asked, stealing one of his fries.
“You’d think so, but no. Piston County has got a lot going for it, but the whole MC element, they don’t like it.”
Tabby laughed. The sound filled his senses.
Simon watched her. She picked up her pizza and took a large bite, wiping some tomato sauce at the corner of her mouth.
“Believe me, they’re wasting their time on me. I don’t get involved in the little cliques.”
“Babe, you’re in your own clique, don’t forget that.”
“I guess you’re right. I never thought of it like that. We’ve got a couple of civilians on our squad as well.”
“Civilians?” Dean asked.
“Non-MC kids. They’re good people.”
“Dean wants to prospect for the Chaos.”
Tabby winced. “Good luck.”
“Okay, you and Simon have both said stuff like that. He’s got to prospect as well.”
“Yeah, but he’s like MC royalty. His dad’s the prez, which is like a big deal. The same goes for my brother. My dad was the previous prez. My point being, they know what the deal is. They’ve grown up around all of it. They’re not uncomfortable getting their hands dirty.”
“And you think I am?” Dean asked.
Tabby reached across the table, taking hold of his hand. Simon didn’t like her touching other people, but this was his own jealous, possessive personality, and he wasn’t going to push it on Tabby.
“Look at these hands. They’re soft. You can feel mine. I work hard. I will never prospect for the club because I’m a girl, but I will earn my place to be one of them. It’s who I am. You need to know what you’re getting yourself into. There’s no crying about it, and there’s certainly no trying again if you can’t hack it the first time.” She dropped Dean’s hand.
“Okay.”
“Not trying to scare you off. A couple of guys are thinking about doing it. I gave them the same warning, but they don’t all have rich parents. It’s second nature to them.” She shrugged. “Want a bite?” Tabby asked, offering up her pizza.
Simon couldn’t resist, watching her as he took a bite. She was going to be one hell of an old lady.
A girl cleared her voice and Simon tensed up as he turned to see Amber standing there, a couple of her friends nearby. What was with the popular kids and having a little entourage?
“Hi, Simon. Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing. I do.”
“Amber, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend,” he said, wrapping his arm around Tabby and pulling her close. “Tabby. The love of my life.” The cafeteria had gone silent and he slammed his lips down on hers, kissing her hard.
“Tabby, is that like a cat?” Amber asked. “Please, you can do so much better than that.”
“Excuse me?” Tabby asked, getting to her feet. Simon stood, as did Dean and Eddie.
“You heard me. You’re scum. Nothing but a fat, ugly cat. It’s pathetic.”
Tabby smiled. “Oh, you seem to mistake me for someone who gives a shit.”
“Simon’s mine. He and I are together.”
“In your dreams,” Simon said.
“You’re so cute, but it’s time for you to run along with your little whores.”
“Do you have any idea who you’re speaking to?” Amber asked, arms folded.
No one stood up to Amber, at least none of the girls Simon knew of.
Tabby got into Amber’s face. “Do you know who you’re dealing with? You may rule this school, but, girl, I’m not a coward. You and your little girls mean nothing to me. I’ve gone up against guys that are twice your size and they’ve gone squealing to mommy. Back off before I break your face and give your parents something they do need to spend their money on.”
She took a step back and Simon thought he was going to have to protect her as Amber lashed out, but Tabby saw it coming. As Amber went to claw at her, one punch to the face, and she was down, blood everywhere.
****
“What the fuck did I say?” Devil asked, slamming into the house. He couldn’t believe on her first day of school he had to go and pick her up.
“You told me to not start fights. I didn’t. She came at me. If you don’t want me to defend myself, give me the update.”
“Watch your lip, girl.”
“You’re not my dad. Seriously, if this was your daughter and she was about to get attacked, would you tell her to wait? What if this Amber had a good hit, or a disease, and she goes around scratching people? I don’t care what she said to the principal, she was going to hit me.”
“She was, Dad,” Simon said.
“Enough, the both of you. You are both more than capable of handling shit without getting into a fight.”
“Devil?” Lexie asked, coming out of the sitting room.
“It’s fine, honey.”
“No, it’s not.”
“I’m not having her here causing trouble.”
“I know of this Amber girl. She’s bad news. You and I both heard what she tried to threaten Simon with.”
Devil gritted his teeth. Simon had come to them straight away with the recording of her voice and threats. He’d taken the device, gone to the girl’s father, to make sure nothing came of it. It was a good thing he had. When he arrived at the house, Amber was acting like a victim, and the cops had already been there.
Nothing had come of it, not when he played the cell phone for Amber and her parents to hear.
What he didn’t want right now was trouble. Every other day he could handle it, but not right now. Not with chemo around the corner, the possible operation, and all the medication. Not when he held his wife and knew there was a chance he was holding a ticking time bomb.
“Get out of my sight,” he said.
Tabitha and Simon disappeared.
“You’re both grounded!”
“You can’t ground me.”
“I can. Your father gave me plenty of permission and while you’re under my roof, you will do as you’re told.”
He glared at both of them until they were out of his sight.
“That’s not like you,” Lexie said.
“They need to learn to do as they’re told.”
“I get that, I do, but come on, Devil, even you know that you’ve sometimes got to hit first. Tabitha is a Skull. I know from her mother that high school is not the easiest of places.”
“They can’t be starting shit. Not now.”
“You mean because of me?” she asked.
He went to his wife. “I love you, Lexie. I don’t want you to be under any more stress than you already are.”
“You need to learn to relax, Devil. This isn’t you. Don’t push this. I trust Tabitha and Simon.”
He pulled her close, breathing her in. Sinking his fingers into her hair, he allowed the silence to calm him.
“I’m here.”
“I know.”
“I’m going to keep fighting,” she said. “And we’re going to beat this thing.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
He looked up and saw the tears in Lexie’s eyes.
“When you asked me to trust you all these years, I have. You’ve been strong for me. Let me do this.”
“This isn’t some guy with a gun, Lexie. This is inside your body and I can’t, I can’t fucking kill it for you. I can’t do anything.” He gritted his teeth. Fuck! He wouldn’t cry. Not now, he wouldn’t allow himself to fucking cry. She needed him strong.
Lexie cupped his face.
He didn’t know if it was in his mind or if her strength was disappearing. She felt weaker to him.
“I’ve got this, Devil. You make me strong. Every single day, you give me a reason to fight.”
“It’s not supposed to end like this. Not for us.”
“It’s not over. It will never be over, not with us. If I end up going first, then I expect you to pick up the pieces. To bring our kids up.”
He shook his head.
“But that is the worst-case scenario. I know our kids need us both. Now stop, and hug me, and know you will help me every single day.”
Devil held her close. He’d never considered himself a praying man, but whenever it came to Lexie, he always begged for her to live.