“That only redeems you a little.”
Sweeping her hand to my mouth, I kissed the tops of her fingers. “How about a man who loves you with all his blackened heart?”
A pleased sigh escaped her lips. “That would be it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: ALEXANDRA
Two Weeks Later
Lounging in Deacon’s lap, I stifled a yawn and fought the exhaustion that filled me. It hadn’t exactly been a restful day so far. I’d risen almost at dawn to help Liz with Sunday lunch. Today had been groundbreaking in the fact that not only did I accompany Liz to church, but Deacon did as well.
I’d done a double take when I stepped out of the bedroom to find him out of his cut and in a white shirt with the sleeves rolledup. Although he still had on his jeans and boots, it was quite the transformation.
He’d cocked a brow at my reaction. “What?” he demanded.
“You look--”
“Respectable?”
I laughed. “I was going to say very handsome.”
“What can I say, babe? I clean up well.”
Playfully, I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”
Chuckling, he drew me into his arms. “Not quite Jesse James in this, am I?”
With a shake of my head, I replied, “But I like it just the same.”
He dipped his head to nuzzle my neck. “Just like I like you both White Bred and vixen.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” When he started to get a little too handsy, I pushed out of his embrace. Smacking his chest teasingly, I said, “Sir, behave yourself. We’re about to go to church.”
Deacon flashed me a wicked grin. “Then I’ll have something to repent for.”
Snorting, I replied, “Like you don’t sin daily if not hourly.”
“I sure as hell do when I’m with you,” he replied, smacking my ass.
Thankfully, Willow appeared in the door. “Miss Alex, will you braid my hair for church?”
“I need to grab a shower, so get your dad to do it.”
She wrinkled her nose. “But you braid better.”
Crooking his finger, Deacon said, “Come on, kid. Let me get more practice.”
After church, we’d come back to Liz’s for the second momentous event of the day. My Uncle Paul and Aunt Joy arrived just after one for lunch. A few weeks back my two verydifferent worlds had collided unexpectedly when Uncle Paul had shown up at the clubhouse, demanding to see me.
I’d been engrossed in a lesson with Willow when I’d heard shouting out in the main room. When I’d rushed outside, uncle Paul and Deacon stood toe to toe.
“Look, I know she’s here. I’ve traced her cell. So, if you don’t produce her this instant, I’m calling my buddies to raid this place!” Paul shouted.
Deacon narrowed his eyes. “Don’t threaten me like I’m some second rate scum.”
Paul sneered. “Aren’t you?”
At my shriek of horror, both men turned their attention to me. Paul’s expression lightened. With a relieved sigh, he said, “Thank God, you’re all right.”
