Brick Solid (Voodoo Troops MC Book 1) Page 13

  The sun had fully set and the dance floor, yes a space had been cleared for dancing, was empty but for Nealy and her father. He had been an emotional surprise. As she stood inside the building waiting to walk the aisle alone, he appeared. Speechless, she wiped her eyes and took his arm.

  “Daddy, I still can’t believe you came.”

  He laughed. “I would have come if you had asked. But kidnapping is another way to go.”

  “Kidnapping?”

  “When four dangerous looking men tell you to go with them, you go.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “An hour in we stopped for food. They told me where we were going. Turned out to be pretty nice people. Even stopped for me to get appropriate attire.”

  “They do look out for one another.”

  “Baby girl, they didn’t do that for your man. They did that for you. I’m very proud of the woman you have grown into. Seeing where you have landed, I know you’ll be okay. You’ve done well.”

  “Thank you,” she paused. “Do you think mother will ever approve?”

  He sadly shook his head, “Let me tell you a story,” He began. “When your mother was young, she fell for this boy she believed had everything: looks, possessions, money. Very charismatic. They were in love and talked of marriage. That is, until the day his parents discovered her mother was a servant and a single mother. That was not acceptable in their eyes so he ended it.”

  “His best friend had known this all along. But it didn’t matter to him. She was beautiful and so sweet. He already loved her. He stepped in to comfort her, hoping she would see him as he saw her. Soon she became with child. They married.”

  He paused and nodded to her surprised look.

  “I spent my time raising you. She spent her time trying to prove she belonged in that social circle she had landed in, more and more time until it consumed her. You came of age. She was determined if you married his son it would prove she truly belonged.”

  “Oh, Daddy.”

  Running through memories, he was the one taking her to school. He took her trick-or-treating. He taught her to ride a bike. He was always there.

  She drew pictures for her mother. She would tell her goodnight as she came home.

  That was her normal.

  “I’m proud you stood up for yourself. I believe that was something you needed to do for yourself.”

  She nodded, “Maybe so.”

  The music ended and Brick joined them.

  “You have a good woman here. Take care of her.” He offered his hand.

  “Yes sir,” Brick replied as they shook.

  “Mr. Kinman.” He turned to see Nova holding his car keys and a plane ticket.

  “Your keys. Your plane leaves in an hour. There’s a ride out front and your car’s waiting at the airport.”

  He accepted the keys and ticket. Hugged them both and kissed her on the cheek. He disappeared through the crowd.

  Later, Nealy watched guest activity from a balcony as Brick approached. His arm came around her shoulder. She leaned into him without changing her view.

  “Dad was right.”

  “How so?”

  “This is a family. No one is here out of obligation or to make a statement. Everyone here came because they wanted to. And having a good time. Look,” she pointed to the dance floor. “We have a criminal lawyer dancing with his fiancée and carrying on with bikers, who I may point out have been on the other side of the law.” She looked up to watch his amusement. “Not to mention the prostitutes sitting at the table, with children laughing and carrying on with the parents.”

  “Family love. Dysfunctional with no judgment.” Brick observed.

  “I like it.”

  “Good. You’re stuck.”

  They stood in each other’s arms observing the guests.

  “Time to go,” he told her.

  “Everyone is still here.”

  “Limpin’.”

  She was. Her leg had healed well although at times a slight limp was noticeable. Tired. Sore muscles. A wonderful day but he was right it was time to go.

  Taking her hand, he led her down the spiral staircase and to the stage area where he took the microphone.

  “Party as long as you want. Taking my Ol’ Lady home.”

  Short and to the point as always. Without warning he leaned over and grabbed Nealy behind her knees. She landed over his shoulder and he carried her out among cat whistles and applause.

  * * *

  Home. Their home.

  Brick dismounted, lifted Nealy from the back of the bike and carried her across the threshold and up the stairs, pausing only long enough to kick the door closed.

  He had been a man of his word. It had been difficult at times, but he had given her the bedroom and he used the guest room downstairs. No intimacy until tonight. No more waiting.

  She laughed as he tossed her on the bed.

  His mouth turned up as clothes flew to the floor. He kicked off his boots then removed her shoes and tossed them over his shoulder. As he pulled his cut off, she began working the buttons on his shirt. She came to her knees and Brick reached around to unzip her dress. He pushed her arms above her ahead with her dress and flung it across the room.

  Nealy knelt on the edge of the bed next to where Brick stood, their bodies pressed together. He fell on the bed pulling her down with him. Instantly his mouth found her nipples and went to work as his hand ran down her firm stomach and delved between her thighs. Wet slickness gripped his fingers as he teased her until her first release came.

  His mouth muffled her scream as he moved between her legs. On his knees, he pulled her to him and pushed in. A moan escaped her and he pulled her against his chest. His release came as Nealy hit another orgasm. Holding tight, Brick laid back with her still wrapped in his arms.

  She pushed up and pressed her lips to his before relaxing on his chest and drifting to sleep.

  He knew this time would be quick. He also knew it would be only the first round of the night. He had missed her body and it would take all night to get his fill. Only they didn't have just tonight. They had a lifetime. He smiled into her hair and closed his eyes.

  * * *

  Near dawn they relaxed on the balcony. Only the heat of their bodies and a blanket kept the cool night air away. Stars still dotted the sky.

  “We should get some sleep before heading out.”

  “No schedule.”

  She laughed, “Does that mean you’re not done with me?”

  “Never.”

  She curled closer to him.

  “Nice surprise,” his lips brushed her hair.

  “You’re surprised you still want me?” Now raised on one arm questioning him.

  His laugh was deep. She loved that laugh.

  “The cake.”

  She had the chef prepare a wonderful cake with blueberries, topped with blue and purple pansies on buttercream icing. The blueberries were a surprise when sliced.

  “Oh,” with a very pleased smile. “No better place than spending our lives together. Building a happy place with you; I thought it was appropriate.”

  He nodded and pulled her on top of him until their eyes met only inches apart. His gaze darkened.

  “Glad you didn't listen,” he told her.

  She smiled, “I always listen to you.”

  “Told you to stay away.”

  “Yeah, but your eyes told me to come back.”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “You have the most wonderful eyes. Mesmerizing. I couldn't stay away. Besides, you are my rock, my protector, my supporter, my lover, my life. You are my brick wall against the world.”

  He kissed her. “That I am. Because you love me.”

  “And you love me.”

  Epilogue

  Almost a year later, Brick and Nealy along with their month-old daughter, Mercy, relaxed in their private dining room at Brick House.

  “Sir.”

  “Yeah,” Brick motioned for the hostess to come
in.

  She hesitated, before entering. “There’s a couple downstairs. The woman is insistent to speak to you.” She glanced between Brick and Nealy.

  “Problem?”

  “Well, she insists that the pictures in the foyer are of her daughter.”

  Nealy gasped, “My face is not in those pictures.”

  “Ankle. Birthmark,” Brick reminded her.

  “My mother would know that,” she whispered slowly.

  “I told her you dined here often and I would check. But the photos belonged to the owner.”

  “Thank you, I’ll go.”

  “I put them in dining room one,” she informed him before leaving them alone.

  “Your call.”

  She was not sure she wanted to see her mother. She was so happy now and her mother made her feel less than perfect. Her life was perfect though.

  “Won’t be long.” He stood and placed a kiss on his wife’s lips and his daughter’s head.

  Brick stepped into the dining room commanding attention as always; dressed in his boots, jeans, and t-shirt topped off with his cut. He nodded as they looked up, and went straight to their table.

  Mr. Kinman stood and held out his hand.

  “Good evening.”

  In a loud whisper Mrs. Kinman looked at her husband. “You know this, this…um…man?”

  Brick smirked at her wariness.

  “Mother, Father.”

  He spun as did her parents to see Nealy and Mercy approach.

  “Oh, darling look at you!” her mother bolted around the table. She touched her cheek to Nealy’s and stepped back.

  Her father stood next to her now. “You look wonderful baby girl.” Then shifted his focus to the baby, “Hey there little one. Come see Grandpa.”

  She handed the baby over and noticed her mother never acknowledged Mercy.

  Grandpa, baby, and Dad stood to the side talking as her mother continued boasting.

  “I knew that was you in those photos. The hostess said you pose only for your husband. So, you married a photographer. No doubt by his work he’s well known. The others will be so jealous when I tell them.”

  She grabbed her hand, “And look at this ring! I see he keeps you in the best names, and no skimping on jewels,” she exclaimed examining the diamonds on her wrist and emeralds on her ears.

  “Mother, stop it,” she pulled her hand away.

  “But, darling, you…”

  Nealy’s hand flew up halting her mother’s rant.

  “Stop. My husband is not a famous photographer. It’s just a hobby of his since I refuse to let anyone else photograph our daughter or myself. I have done well and am extremely happy. He is a wonderful husband and father. He does like to buy me things but does not let his financial standing change the person he is. And I love that.”

  She held her hand out and Brick stepped to her, giving her courage and strength with his arm around her shoulder.

  “Mother, this is Jethro Jackson. Mercy Jae is six weeks old and we’re about to celebrate our first anniversary.”

  Her mother's eyes widened with surprise and disappointment.

  Her father stepped up. “Want to hold your granddaughter?” He beamed.

  “You know I’m not a baby person,” she waved her hand at him.

  “It’s okay; you’re the one missing out…again.”

  The waiter came in at that moment to check on things.

  “On the house. Anything they want,” Brick instructed.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Brick took the baby and shook his father-in-law's hand and headed for the door.

  “You needn’t do that,” her mother hissed. “Your father can pay. Besides, it’s a bit pricey.”

  Brick chuckled and shook his head.

  Nealy’s body tensed and burned with anger. She took the jabs at herself but disrespecting the man that meant the world to her and showed her how wonderful life could be, was not tolerable. She rounded on her mother and spoke slowly. “You don’t get it. He owns this place. Enjoy your meal.”

  As she reached the door she stopped again. This time a smirk appeared as she glanced at Brick then focused on her mother.

  “Oh,” her voice cheery now. “How are Conner and his father doing? Please relay my best wishes to his mother.”

  Her mother’s mouth dropped open, aghast.

  Her father grinned and began eating.

  She watched the news. She had seen the man her mother was so insistent she marry go to prison for embezzlement, along with his father.

  Back in their dining room upstairs, Nealy melted into Brick’s hard chest.

  “Proud of you.”

  “I had to try one more time. No more; I feel free now.”

  “All behind you now.”

  “You know Honey; I think I can handle anything as long as I have you to lean on.”

  “I'm your wall, Sweet. Not going anywhere.”

  About the Author

  Jewelz Baxter and her husband call Louisiana home. They love spending time with their children and grandchildren whom all live nearby. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found on a motorcycle exploring the back roads with her husband.

  Connect with Jewelz

  e-mail: authorjewelzbaxter@gmail.com

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  * * *

  What to Read Next...

  Voodoo Troops MC Series

  King Loyal (book 2)

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