“What’s up your ass?” Tiny asked.
“Nothing is up my ass,” Butch said.
“Really? You’ve been acting strangely since you got back. Whizz finds someone who has him whistling and looking like a proper human being and you’re downing him. Start thinking before you speak, as otherwise we’re all going to start having a serious problem.” Tiny stood up and headed out into the compound toward his bike. He found Zero, Killer, and Nash hanging around, smoking.
“Hey, guys, how are you doing?” Tiny asked.
“Is it true you’re going to propose Lash to have the gavel?” Nash asked.
“Yeah, he’s the best man for the job. I’m too old for this shit, and in a few years’ time I’m going to be stepping down for good. Spend some time with Eva and the kids.” He took a cigarette that Zero offered. “Do you boys have a problem with that?”
“I don’t.” Killer was the first to speak up.
“Me neither.”
Nash nodded. “He’s a good man, and he’ll be good for the club. The rules will stick with him around.”
“That’s the point. The Skulls will remain the same. We’ll all still vote on prospects, and we’ll even vote on the new leader. I just want you to know who I believe is right to take over the club.”
“I have to say I’m relieved, and I bet Prue will be, too. The thought of Tate, highly strung as she is, taking over from Eva scared the shit out of me. I’m telling you, Prue and Tate could start a third world f**king war. It’s a job to keep them apart.” As he was talking Zero was smiling, clearly happy with his woman.
“I love my daughter, but she doesn’t have what it takes. I’ll be talking to her soon enough. How did you hear about Lash taking over?” Tiny asked, curious. He’d only just spoken to him, and already some of the club knew.
“Angel was in the pantry about to start making some food, and we heard Lash talking with her. He’s not very good at whispering.”
Inhaling on his cigarette, Tiny thought about what they said. Once he finished his cigarette, he walked into the clubhouse in search of Angel. The scent of garlic met his senses, and he followed the smell through to the kitchen. The men had a variety of reasons why they all loved Angel, and her cooking was one of them.
She was standing at the stove, her blonde hair pinned above her head, and she was humming as she stirred a sauce.
Moving into the room, he leaned against the counter.
“Hey, Tiny,” she said, offering him one of her sweet smiles. In the early days of Angel with Lash, he hadn’t believed or trusted it. There was no way someone as sweet as Angel would ever be able to live with a tough guy like Lash. He’d been mistaken, and the couple had proven how wrong everyone was.
“Lash has told you what I’ve got planned.”
She paused in her stirring. “He’s told me.”
“What do you think?”
Angel glanced at him. “I don’t think either of us is ready for such a responsibility.” She went back to stirring with a frown on her face.
“But you’re not afraid of what I want you guys to do in taking over the club.”
Her blue eyes stared at him. “I’m not afraid of what you want us to do, but I don’t think now is the right time for a vote or takeover. Lash only tells me so much. He doesn’t want to worry me.”
Gash interrupted the moment as he walked in.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said, nodding at Angel then at him. “Wow, something smells good.”
Angel was staring at Gash with curiosity. Tiny looked between the two wondering what was going on.
Shaking his head, Tiny left the room knowing there was no point in starting something. He couldn’t argue with what Angel said, but he didn’t exactly agree with it either. Leaving the clubhouse completely, Tiny climbed on his bike and headed toward his woman. There was nothing else for him to do, and Devil was waiting around for wedding news. The Chaos Bleeds crew would need to be heading back home soon, as otherwise it was going to get cramped and way too busy.
Stopping by the florist shop, he entered to find Cheryl working with Alex and Matthew sitting behind the counter.
“Hey, Tiny,” Cheryl said.
Smiling, he walked up to the counter. Leaning over he found Alex playing trains with his son. “I see you’ve never lost interest in trains after all.”
Alex chuckled. “When all this is over I’m going to head to Vegas for a few weeks to settle some things before coming back for good.”
“This time you’re really going to stay?” Tiny asked.
“Yeah, the city life is great, but I’m done with it. I’m gathering everything together to work here.” Alex reached out to ruffle Matthew’s head. “I’m not going to be the absent father.”
“What can I get you?” Cheryl asked, standing behind the counter with a smile.
“Anything Eva likes. I’m going home to surprise her.”
“I can help you with that.” Cheryl walked toward the large selection of roses. “Eva loves roses, but she doesn’t have any one selection. She loves them all.”
He watched her start to arrange multiple flowers into a large bouquet. When it was done, she tied the stems with a bow.
“Here you go. If you’re wanting to get on Eva’s good side I’d suggest adding chocolate to that.” She took his money and placed the amount in the till.
“For once I’ve not pissed her off. I’ll get her the chocolates because she deserves it.”
Cheryl handed him change and placed the flowers in his hands.
“What’s going on with Butch?” Tiny asked, taking the flowers. Alex looked up from playing to shoot him a glare.
“Nothing.” Cheryl’s hands started to shake, and her cheeks went a bright red.
“Really? I saw him this morning, and I could have sworn something was off about him.” He pocketed the change, curious about the way she looked.
“No, nothing. He’s completely fine. Nothing new or shocking to report.” She took a step back almost tripping over Alex as she did. Alex caught her with his hands on her h*ps to steady her.
Something was off there, but he didn’t know what it was. Even Alex looked concerned.
“Sorry, I guess it was just me. I’ll see you around.” He took the flowers and headed out of the shop.
All thoughts of Butch and whatever was wrong with him fled his mind as he thought about Eva. She was going to spend the rest of the day with him, and tonight when the kids were in bed, he was going to f**k her and f**k her good.