Butch Read online

  “How did you survive?” Tiny asked. “He killed everyone but you.”

  “I was shot in the gut, dying slowly. I don’t think he expected me to survive the ambulance ride.” Butch shrugged. “I’m not going to pretend to know why anyone kept me alive. I only know that I’m still living and breathing now.”

  “Go and tell Whizz about your story. I want to see what was in the papers. If it goes this far back I want to know about it.” He watched Butch leave the room before turning to Alex. “Did you know that shit?”

  Alex shook his head. “I know Frederick Gonzalez is not a man to fuck with. I wonder why no one remembers him taking out a club.”

  Tiny rubbed at his temples. Tiny couldn’t help but feel they were all going to know the answers to that question before too long. Getting up from his chair, he went to the door and opened it. Eva was sitting with their children. She was playing and smiling. Whatever was about to happen was going to affect all of them, and Tiny couldn’t stop thinking that now was the time to run.

  Chapter Three

  “You know how I feel about those Skulls, Cheryl. You shouldn’t be hanging out with them,” Anna said.

  The following day, Cheryl stood with her mom in the kitchen. Matthew was watching his morning cartoons while she baked a cake for after dinner. Whenever she got a day off she liked to stay at home spending time with her son and baking up a storm. She may not get to have a lot of time with him, but those moments alone, she relished.

  “Butch is a good guy. He’s not going to allow anything to happen to us.”

  “He’s a Skull.”

  Blowing out a breath, she glared at her mother. “He quit The Skulls to be with me, Mom. Stop making this hard.” Beating the butter and sugar together, she tried to ignore her parent while she ranted and raved. During her time of getting to know Butch, Cheryl had already considered everything her mother was telling her. She would never willingly put her son at risk. Matthew would always come first. Walking to the door, she saw Matthew playing with some of his toys, looking up at the television every once in a while. He was a good boy, a patient boy. She couldn’t have asked for a better behaving son.

  “Matthew is another man’s son.”

  Closing her eyes, she turned toward her. “You don’t think I know that?”

  “How can he want another man’s son?”

  “I don’t know. Butch is not like most men.”

  “He’s like every man, Cheryl. He’ll stay with you as long as he can, and then that will be it.” Her mother’s words cut through her heart. The pain was sharp and hard. “Baby, I’m sorry.”

  Turning to her mother, Cheryl glared at her. “Are you done making me feel like crap?”

  “Cheryl—”

  Shaking her head, she took a step back. “I know I upset you turning up pregnant without a man, but you have no right to start putting every other man in the same box as him. I messed up, and I slept with a man I don’t even know his last name.” Cheryl didn’t even think about his first name. There was a time while she was working at the florist shop where she thought she’d seen him walking through town. In the next moment he’d been gone. Biting her lip, she put the bowl down on the counter. “I messed up. Please, stop making the last time about this one. Butch is not like that. He’s fun, and he makes me smile. He’s good for Matthew. You’ve not even seen him with my son.”

  “You’ve known him a few months.”

  It was close to a year. Butch had been visiting the church then her house for months before he quit The Skulls.

  The doorbell rang, interrupting their argument.

  “I don’t care. I’m happy, and you’re not going to spoil this for me.” Cheryl left the kitchen and answered the door. Butch stood in the doorway carrying some daisies and a brown paper bag.

  “I come with flowers and food. I heard you can’t kick a man to the curb if he supplies everything for food. Oh, and bringing flowers is supposed to be an acceptable apology for running out on you last night.”

  Laughing, she took the flowers inhaling their fragrant scent. “These are beautiful. I love them.”

  Stepping back, she let him inside. He dropped a kiss to her lips. “I missed you last night,” he said.

  “It wasn’t me who kicked you out. You went outside running before I did anything.” She reminded him.

  “I know. I had business to take care of. Consider everything done, and now I can concentrate on you and Matthew. I’ve also brought you the flowers as a sorry.”

  Her mother cleared her voice interrupting their moment. Glaring at her, Cheryl wished she’d not let her inside.

  “Hey, Miss Barnes, how are you?” Butch asked.

  “I’m fine. I’m leaving now.” Her mother looked at her. “We’ll talk another time.”

  Nodding, she saw her out then turned to Butch.

  “I take it she’s not a fan of me?” he asked.

  “No, not even close. Don’t worry. Mom is not a fan of any man.” They passed Matthew, who jumped up when he saw Butch.

  “Neal.”

  “Hey, little guy. You’ve grown since last night. You’re going to be a super hero in no time.”

  Matthew chuckled. Cheryl placed the daisies into a large glass then placed them on the table.

  “Don’t you have a vase?” Butch asked, entering the kitchen.

  “Erm, I’ve never been given flowers, and so I’ve never seen the need to buy one.” She shrugged. “It’s no problem. These are beautiful.”

  “Are you spending the whole day baking?” he asked.

  “No. I’ve got this cake to make, why?”

  “We’re going out. I want to take you and Matthew out. Treat you both.”

  “We can’t fit on the bike. Matthew needs a car seat.”

  He touched her cheek pressing his lips to hers.

  “Stop worrying. You don’t need to worry. I wouldn’t take a kid on my bike. I’ve got a car, and I’m taking you both out. We’re going to get out of here and have some fun.” He dropped another kiss to her temple. “Finish baking. I’ll keep Matthew company.”

  “Do you want a soda?” she asked.

  “Yeah. I’ll have a soda.” He kissed her head a final time before entering the living room. Closing her eyes, Cheryl tried to get her heart to normal. She’d never felt like this in her life, not even with him. Matthew’s father had inspired lust but never love. Butch was breaking down her walls making her love him. He was sweet, honest, and open with her.

  Get him a soda and get baking.

  She took a soda into the living room in time to see him playing with Matthew. The moment he touched her, Cheryl became aware of the heat from his touch alone.

  Going back to the kitchen she set to work baking the cake, partly wishing she hadn’t started it.

  Once the cake was in the oven she did the dishes, washing down every surface in the kitchen. By the time the cake was done, she spent twenty minutes playing with her boys then finished up the frosting.

  Drying the last of the dishes, Butch entered the kitchen carrying Matthew on his hip. He looked every inch the devoted father, and it tore her up inside. This was what Matthew was missing. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yeah, I’m ready.”

  She threw her apron into the washing machine, following him outside. There was a small, modest car, and she spotted the car seat in the back.

  “I take care of what’s mine. I’ve had this car for years. It was my first one, and it’s in the best condition,” Butch said.

  Placing Matthew in the car seat, she made sure the child lock was on then took a seat in the front. Within ten minutes he was asleep.

  “Do you want me to wake him up?” Cheryl asked.

  “Nah, he can sleep for now. Where we’re going he’s going to be tired by tonight anyway.”

  Sitting back, she tapped her fingers on her leg.

  “Thank you for understanding,” Butch said.

  “When?”

  “Last night. I don’t t
alk to anyone about my past.”

  “You shouldn’t be afraid to talk. I don’t mind you talking. I’m more than happy to listen.” She loved to hear his voice.

  “That’s good to know. So, are you going to tell me how to get on your mother’s good side?” Butch asked.

  Cheryl growled. “I’ve no idea. She’s always so protective. I can pretend to be pissed, but to be honest, I know why she is.”

  “Because of Matthew’s father?” Butch asked, looking in the rearview mirror.

  “Yeah. I’ve never been the kind of person to make rash decisions. It was the first time I did, and look what happened.” She ran fingers through her hair, opening the window to let the wind on her face. “Not that I can regret anything that happened.”

  “Tell me about him,” Butch said.

  She didn’t see the point in keeping the details to herself. “I was at church one night helping out, and he came in. I’d never seen him before, and there was nothing significant in the way he was dressed. He looked like every other businessman, only he looked desperate. He was praying when I placed the Bibles back in his place. I don’t know what was happening. He looked scared, and I started talking to him. For several days he came into church, and we talked.” Cheryl looked at him. “We didn’t talk about anything. He asked about me and my dreams, and he talked about his niece who was in trouble. Something bad was happening in his life, and he was scared. One thing led to another, and we were at a hotel room and I didn’t leave until Monday morning. I never saw him again. A couple of months passed, and I discovered I was pregnant. I was hurting, but I knew I’d never get rid of it. My mom asked me to. I couldn’t. I loved my son.”

  Cheryl turned to check on Matthew. “He’s the best thing to happen to me.”

  “Did you love this man?”

  Staring at Butch, she thought about his question. “I thought I did. I mean, if you sleep with someone you have to love them, right?”

  “Not necessarily.”

  “It’s what I thought. Anyway, I stopped thinking about him. Moved on with my life and I’m here now with a son. I never loved him. He was just there at a time in my life when I needed him. I’m happy. I’m not in love with a stranger I once shared a couple of nights with.”

  “What will you do if he ever turns up?” Butch asked.

  She’d not thought of him turning up. “I don’t know. I guess I’d let him know who Matthew is. There’s nothing else I can do. If he wants to be part of Matthew’s life then it’s something I’m going to have to consider.”

  Butch took her hand, kissing her knuckles. “Let’s forget about them and the past. It’s time for us to think about our future. We’ll deal with Matthew’s father turning up when it happens.”

  He held her hand on the drive. She loved the feel of his large fingers surrounding hers. Butch always made her feel safe and happy.

  Try not to fall too hard.

  Cheryl didn’t know if it was possible to stop feeling something for Butch. He was already in her heart, and it would only be a matter of time that she couldn’t hide those feelings from him. She didn’t want to scare him away with her feelings.

  ****

  Parking outside of the mall, Butch turned off the ignition and climbed out. He eased Cheryl aside and picked Matthew up. He curled around him, snuggling in deep to sleep again. Something didn’t bode well for Butch at her description of Matthew’s father. Three years ago with a niece, something didn’t add up for him, but he didn’t know what. No one knew who Cheryl was with. It was like the guy just appeared and disappeared within a weekend. The more Butch thought about it, there was no way he could know anything about the man. Butch, himself, had only stumbled into Cheryl’s life by going to the church.

  Pushing the thoughts aside, he entered the mall going straight toward the shops with toys.

  “Butch, I can’t afford this.” She placed a hand on his arm, stalling him. Smiling down at her, he dropped a kiss to her lips.

  “I’m not asking you to. This is my treat, and I want you to buy something for yourself.”

  “No, I can’t accept this. This is too much.”

  Taking her hand in his, he pulled her to a corner away from prying eyes. This was the first time he’d been out without his cut. Shopping at the mall was going to be a new experience for him. Most shoppers stayed clear of him because of him being part of an MC.

  “We’ve not talked about it really, Cheryl, but as far as I’m concerned you’re my woman. I’m claiming you as mine. I’m not going anywhere. This thing between us, I know you can feel it, too.” He looked down at her chest. She glanced down to see her nipples budded against her shirt. Butch liked how they looked.

  Folding her arms, she glared at him. “You shouldn’t be looking.”

  “Baby, one day I’m going to do more than look. I’m letting you get used to me.” He pressed his lips to hers. She cupped his cheek, moaning at the explosion of pleasure. “We both know this is going to be something more. Stop fighting me. I’m going to treat you and Matthew.” With her hand in his they walked inside the toy shop. “I’ve got plenty of money to spend on you.”

  He needed to remember she’d never been part of a club before. Neither are you. His cut was lost to him. Butch had made his choice, and he was sticking to it. No one was going to take Cheryl away from him. He wanted her more than he wanted the club. Coming to that decision hadn’t been easy. In fact, it had been the hardest decision he’d ever made in his life. Butch didn’t expect to be in her bed by the end of the night. She was the kind of woman a guy waited for.

  After spending an hour in the toy store, Butch knew he’d made the right decision to come to the mall. Matthew was having the time of his life. Whatever he liked, Butch picked up. He wasn’t letting the boy go without. Once he was loaded with four shopping bags full of toys they all moved on to a clothing store for Cheryl.

  “I don’t need any new clothes.”

  “We’re going to the fair this weekend. I want you to wear something special for me.” Butch took the lead picking out three summer style dresses. Sitting in the waiting room, he pulled out a toy and removed the tag for Matthew to play. The boy sat at his feet while Butch waited for Cheryl to appear. “I expect you to show me what you look like.”

  “This is not fair,” she said.

  Chuckling, he watched Matthew play feeling at peace. No wonder the guys loved having kids. Having a family was more than Butch ever imagined. He’d put all thought of having a family out of his mind. The moment the images came to his mind of his family being killed, he pushed them away. He wouldn’t remember them. Years of forcing them away had brought him to this moment. He would kill for the club but no more. The club was behind him. The only thing left for him was these feelings for Cheryl.

  “What do you think?” She stood in the white dress he’d picked out for her. His cock hardened instantly at the sight. Her hair was spread around her shoulders, and the glossy brown length made him want to run his fingers through it. Down his gaze went to the straps that were thin, and the neck plunged forward to show off an expanse of breast. She had large tits, and they were showcased by the dress to perfection. The dress curved in at the waist then flared out over her hips ending at her knees. Her legs were pale and creamy. She was the kind of woman a man wasn’t afraid to hold onto. He loved her extra flesh and curvy body.

  “You look beautiful. I want you to wear this on Saturday for the fair.” Standing up, he walked over to her, tugging her against him.

  “Butch?” She looked around the store.

  “I don’t give a shit who’s looking. You’re mine, and I need to kiss you.” He tilted her head back, slamming his lips down on hers. She didn’t fight him. Her mouth opened, and he took advantage, pressing his tongue in deep. Running his hands down her back, he cupped her full ass drawing her against his cock. “Do you feel that? That’s what you do to me.”

  “Butch,” she said, moaning.

  The sales woman cleared her throat.
r />   “What the fuck are you looking at?” Butch asked, glaring at her.

  “No making out in the dressing rooms.”

  “Leave him alone, Talia, you’re not going to win,” Nash said, coming into view with Sophia.

  “Go and get changed,” Butch said, kissing her temple. “Get all the dresses.”

  He took a seat beside Matthew watching the little boy play.

  “You’re going to ignore us now?” Nash asked, taking a seat.

  “No, I’m not ignoring you. I just forget sometimes that I’m not part of the club.” If he’d been wearing his cut the bitch wouldn’t have said anything and left him to still be kissing his woman.

  “You’re the one who left the club. There’s always an upside to being part of the club. The jacket keeps the bitches at bay.” Nash leaned his head back against the sofa looking at Matthew.

  “Is this the kid?”

  “Yeah. Matthew, say hi to Edward.”

  Matthew did as he asked.

  “Hey, kid, how are you doing?” Nash asked.

  Within moments they lost his attention as Matthew started playing again.

  “You’re taking on another man’s kid?”

  Fisting his hands, Butch looked at the other man. “Yes. He lost his chance by leaving her. I’m not going to let Cheryl get away.” He was in love with Cheryl. Butch knew he had to go slowly with her. She didn’t trust her feelings, which were a pain in the ass. Cheryl had been hurt before and now was more cautious than ever before.

  “It’s good. The boys at the club miss you. With this Gonzalez man hanging around we’re all on edge,” Nash said.

  “I’m not coming back. What happened to the Chaos Bleeds crew? I thought they were down.”

  “They were, but they’re coming back for the fair. We’re all going to be doing a lot of talking then. This is a real threat, Butch. We need you back at the club.”

  Butch shook his head. “It’s not going to happen.”

  “I remember a time when you wouldn’t leave. What changed?”

  Cheryl came out, smiling.

  “I found something I wanted more than a club and death.” He handed Cheryl his card. “Go and pay for them, baby. I’ll be there in a moment.”