Hell's Claim (Hellfire MC Book 13), page 13
“Mom’s not been an old lady for a long time.”
“She was Bullets. That means Cherry is Hellfire’s,” Big Al retorted.
“Fuck me, now you bother with her? You didn’t for twenty years.” Sunny laughed bitterly.
“Sunny, we sent her yours and Bullet’s cut from the profits. We reached out several times but were rebuffed, and when Cherry fled, we guessed it was too painful for her. Sure, we didn’t know where she was, but the money went into her bank every month. Just like it does for Samantha, Slash’s widow,” Chance explained.
“Can’t deny that,” Sunny said. He couldn’t. The money had arrived on the first of every month, although Cherry never touched it. She put it into an account for Liv. Liv would be incredibly comfortable when Cherry turned the account over.
“What now?” Diesel asked.
Sunny noted how antsy Diesel was being and realised the SAA was recalling the last time they were all up here. The cult bombing.
“Go home, relax,” Sunny ordered Diesel, who managed to look affronted.
“Ain’t running,” Diesel replied.
“This has bad memories for you, get out of here,” Sunny ordered.
“I’m cool. How’s Cherry?”
“Fighting mad,” I answered with a smirk.
“Was that Liv?” Bear asked.
“Yeah.”
“She’s beautiful,” Big Al said. Sunny wondered if that was a peace offering.
“We’ll have church tomorrow. That dead asshole and Cherry’s attack just threw a spanner in the works,” Chance announced.
Sunny nodded. He watched as some of the brothers exchanged grim looks. This was proof. Before, all they had was Sunny’s word. That was easily dismissed. Not now. Diesel held his gaze.
“No way would you sanction an attack on Cherry, not if Liv could have been harmed,” Diesel added.
“Good of you to recognise that,” Sunny responded sarcastically. “Thanks for coming, but she won’t want a fuss,” he said in a more genuine tone.
“If you need us, call,” Pyro replied and left. Most of the brothers followed him out.
“I’m staying,” Tati stated from behind Sunny and made him jump.
“Not sure how Mom would feel about that,” Sunny muttered.
“Don’t really care. Cherry and I were close once,” Tati retorted and sat her ass down. Big Al took his place next to her.
“I’m staying too, Bear. Go back to the clubhouse. Keep your eyes open,” Chance murmured, but Big Al sent Chance a look.
“I need to call Callie,” Sunny muttered and headed outside.
The phone rang twice before Callie picked it up.
“Are you okay? How’s your mom? Clio called me,” Callie asked in a rush.
“Calm down, kitten, Mom’s going to be fine. I am sorry our plans this evening got messed up,” Sunny said.
“Don’t even worry about that. But I’m owed an explanation. Still, your mom comes first.” Callie’s tone was soothing.
“Come to mine tonight. I want you to meet Mom and Liv.”
Callie fell silent. Sunny waited.
“Are you sure?” Callie asked in a small voice.
“Definitely. She will be excited to meet you. Wait, shit, my house is off-limits as a crime scene,” Sunny said.
Cherry would actually be shocked as fuck to meet Callie because she’d no idea Callie existed. Sunny hadn’t told anyone about her, not wanting to jinx himself. Liv would also be surprised.
“Okay. Come to mine, we have a couple of spare bedrooms, and your mom and Liv can stay here. I’ll cook dinner,” Callie replied. Before Sunny could tell her not to worry, Callie hung up.
With a brief smile, Sunny made his way back into the waiting room. When he got there, he discovered Liv with Diaz on her heels, staring at Chance, Big Al, and Tati.
“Dad,” Liv cried, looking relieved.
“Baby girl,” Sunny murmured, laying an arm across her shoulders.
“Nana’s going to be okay. They’re releasing her and giving her some pain relief. The doctor said she might be stiff and sore in the morning. He suggested lots of Epsom salts and heated pads to ease her muscles,” Liv reported as she eyed the three in front of her.
Chance and Big Al were doing their best to seem non-threatening, but Tati had her head tilted and was studying Liv carefully.
“You’ve got Julie’s nose and eyes. But fuck, girl, you’re a beautiful version of your father,” Tati said.
“I’ve seen pictures of Mom. Dad says the same,” Liv replied.
“Well, kid, I’m your Aunt Tati. You might be a bit old for princess dresses and sparkling shoes, but there’s other shit we can do to bond,” Tati stated.
Liv looked at Sunny with wide eyes, and he nodded at her. “Tati is cool.”
“We will make a date. Pick something fun because Diaz hates shopping,” Liv said.
“Come to the clubhouse tomorrow. We’ll get to know each other,” Tati ordered.
Liv glanced at Sunny before nodding.
“Don’t be bossing my grandbaby about Tatianna,” Cherry announced from behind them.
Sunny turned and reached for Cherry, drawing her gently into his embrace. “You okay, Mom?”
“I’m fine, son. Tati, you seem well,” Cherry declared, turning to face Tati, Chance, and Big Al.
“Thank you, you look wonderful,” Tati replied with a genuine smile.
“I got old, but thanks. Chance, Big Al.” Cherry held their gazes.
“Can I?” Chance asked. Cherry cocked her head, and Chance reached out and hugged her. Big Al did the same.
“Is this bullshit going to end soon?” Cherry questioned as Sunny wrapped an arm around her waist and began leading her out.
“Hopefully,” Chance answered.
“Find the filth. Bullet is owed justice, and so is Sunny. They shot my son, your friend and brother. It’s time to end this, Chance. Let them rest in peace now,” Cherry said.
Chance held her gaze and nodded. Sunny was surprised that Chance didn’t hit back by telling Cherry it was club business and to stay out of it. Sunny appreciated the respect Chance was showing his mom.
“Take care, we hope to see you soon at the clubhouse,” Big Al murmured as he hugged Cherry goodbye. He reached out and held Liv, who stiffened but returned the hug.
Sunny watched them leave.
“We are not going home. Um, the house is a crime scene, and we’re not allowed in. But we’re going to… my girlfriend’s,” Sunny said awkwardly.
Sunny was grateful they were outside the hospital as two pairs of incredulous eyes turned to stare at him.
“I didn’t hear that correctly,” Cherry stated, her arms crossing over her chest.
“I’ve been dating someone. Clio’s younger sister. Callie is the fourth of the quads,” Sunny stumbled over his words as Liv arched an eyebrow.
“Sorry, Dad?”
“Callie’s younger than me by over twenty years. Let’s not make a big deal of shit. Her sisters are Clio and Thalia, Chance and Bear’s old ladies. Don’t make her age an issue.”
“Fuck that, I’m shocked that you’re dating,” Liv exclaimed.
“You’ve never brought a woman home. Not since Julie. This Callie must be pretty special. I can’t wait to meet her.” Cherry grinned.
“How did you meet?”
“Does she know about Liv?”
“What does she look like?”
“Did you say her name was Callie?”
Sunny bit back a groan as the questions came thick and fast. This was his worst nightmare!
◆◆◆
Liv squeaked. Sunny couldn’t call the noise anything else.
Cherry stared at Callie wide-eyed and gripped onto Liv’s arm. She mimicked her granddaughter’s squeak. Callie began shuffling her feet.
“You didn’t say she was Callie Dixon!” Liv managed to find her voice.
Sunny drew Callie in closer and wrapped an arm around her waist. Callie leaned into him for reassurance as she held their gazes.
“Nana and I make it a night in to watch your programme. We get coke, hot chocolate with marshmallows, popcorn and chips with pizza and binge your linked episodes at once,” Liv announced in a rush.
“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Cherry said, recalling her manners.
“You too, I’ve heard so much about you,” Callie replied softly, looking to Sunny for reassurance.
“Wow. Callie Dixon! You’ve upped Dad’s cool factor by ten gazillion!”
“Thanks!” Sunny chuckled.
“Come to the kitchen, I’m just finishing up dinner,” Callie suggested and led the way into the rear of the house. Sunny pulled out stools for Cherry and Liv to sit on and headed for Callie’s fridge.
“Wine, kitten?” he asked.
Callie nodded shyly and turned to check the pans on the stove.
“Dad calls her kitten! That’s so cute!” Liv whispered loudly.
Sunny faced her and rolled his eyes, and Callie finally laughed.
“I’m a normal person, Liv, nothing special. I hope you like chicken carbonara?”
“We’re perfectly fine with that,” Cherry said. “Can I do anything to help?”
“Nope, please sit there and relax. It’s been a trying day for you. Everything is under control, thanks,” Callie replied.
“Where’s the salad?” Sunny asked, opening the fridge and pulling ingredients out.
“Why bother asking?” Callie demanded with a roll of her eyes.
Sunny grinned and grabbed her tee, hauling her close and kissing her. Callie was flustered when he broke it off, and Sunny tapped the tip of her nose. “So cute.”
“Sunny! Liv and your mom are watching,” Callie cried.
Sunny turned and saw Liv and Cherry with a soft expression on their faces. Callie blushed when she caught them staring at her.
Cherry smiled gently. “I’m so glad my son met you,” she murmured, and Callie grew redder.
“Thank you.”
“Liv, Callie keeps her plates and stuff there, go lay the table, it’s in the next room,” Sunny ordered as he put the salad together.
“Been here often?” Cherry questioned, sipping the diet cola that Sunny had poured her.
“Just once. A couple of days ago, Callie cooked dinner for me. I’ve been taking Callie out on dates,” Sunny answered.
“Oh?” Cherry perked up, and Liv paused in laying the table.
“You’ve been dating a while?” Liv asked.
“A few weeks. Callie has trust issues, and honestly, I did her wrong at the beginning, but we got over it,” Sunny said.
Cherry reached up and slapped him around the back of the head.
“What was that for?” Sunny demanded.
“For being an idiot,” Cherry retorted, and Liv began laughing.
Callie was unsure of herself, and Cherry winked. “Sweet girl, he is a good man, but he can be bull-headed. A slap every now and then reminds Sunny he is human and mortal.”
“He’s okay,” Callie agreed.
Sunny felt insulted. “Okay?”
“Yup. How about fine?” Callie teased, and Sunny lunged and tickled her. She squealed with laughter as Cherry and Liv looked on in approval.
Callie
“That was amazing. You added something to it?” Cherry asked.
“Most people use a crisp, dry white wine. I use a lighter wine, a fruitier one. I discovered a wine that worked really well and haven’t digressed from it since,” I answered.
“You need to share the brand because that was wonderful,” Cherry replied, smiling. She winced a little and shifted.
“Mom, you okay?” Sunny asked immediately.
I liked that. Sunny was obviously very close to his mom and Liv. Before he ate anything, he made sure the three of us had our plates full. Sunny got our drinks, brought the breadbasket and salad, and generally ensured we were happy before he ate himself. That level of consideration I was unused to, although Liv and Cherry took it in stride.
“I’m fine,” Cherry replied, but she clearly wasn’t.
“Let’s move into the living room,” I suggested.
Cherry looked relieved. “That would be nice.”
“I made cheesecake, we can eat in there,” I said, and Cherry glanced at the stove.
“There’s so much left over,” she murmured, stricken.
“Ah, no. That’s for the others when they come home. They were out doing some checks on an investigation and should be back in an hour or so,” I replied.
“You’re on an investigation?” Cherry asked, looking excited.
“Yes, but a private one, not for the programme,” I answered as Chance helped Cherry up.
“I didn’t realise you did that,” Liv responded as she began gathering the dirty plates.
“I’ll do that,” I said, and Liv shook her head.
“Go talk to Nana. You cooked so we clear. Come on,” Liv cocked an eyebrow at Sunny.
“Hey, I made the salad,” Sunny protested.
Liv screwed her face. “That ain’t cooking, Dad. Move your ass!”
I chuckled as I led Cherry into the living room. She sat down gingerly, and I placed cushions around her for comfort.
“Would you like coffee or another drink?” I asked.
“Sit down, Callie, Sunny will do all that.”
“I don’t mind,” I replied.
“Relax. That was a wonderful meal, thank you. It made a nice change not to cook,” Cherry said as she relaxed back with another wince.
“Do you need some medication?”
“No, sweet girl, I’ve got a couple of hours before I can take more. Tell me about you and Sunny,” Cherry urged, and I paused.
“We’re dating,” I finally responded, somewhat lamely.
“Which means you’re pretty special. He hasn’t dated anyone since Julie died,” Cherry informed me.
That gave me pause for thought. “Really?”
“Yes. Sunny didn’t love Julie, but he did care for her. When he joined the army, he was away, so it never gave him time to develop a real relationship. It was something that saddened me. Sunny has a lot of love to offer someone, and he aimed it all at Liv and me, prioritising our needs. I can’t say how happy I am that Sunny’s finally found somebody he can take a risk on.”
I considered Cherry’s statement. Her words touched me but also scared me. Sunny and I had been progressing in our dating, and he claimed he wanted me, but I wasn’t used to being wanted. Hell, even my relationship with my siblings was strained. Rain was just easy going, but my sisters were anything but.
“What is it?” Cherry asked softly, sensing my worry and stress.
“Did Sunny tell you anything about my life?”
“No. He said it was your story and nobody else’s,” Cherry answered with curiosity. “I am aware that you and your siblings were separated.”
“Thalia stayed with my grandmother as she was ill, but Clio, Rain, me, and Polly were given up. Good families brought Rain, Polly, and Thalia up. Clio and I weren’t so lucky, although Clio did end up finding the man she calls Dad. I was shunted from foster family to foster family. People hear stories of abuse happening in foster places, I was a victim of that. Not every home, but there was a lot of neglect, and I did suffer abuse.”
“Callie…” Cherry looked horrified.
“Please, let me finish. I survived but became used to being unwanted. That’s a feeling that haunts me. Cherry, I was truly not wanted, nobody cared if I lived or died, if I needed hugs and comfort. Desolation is a terrible emotion. Then my sisters found me, and we went on to find Rain.
“Sunny and I were friends before we became anything else. Our friendship is important to me. We had a blip, something happened, and I cut him out of my life for a bit. But when Sunny makes his mind up, he can be rather determined. Our beginning was messy, but I’m hoping the future won’t be.” I took a deep breath and hoped Cherry wasn’t judging me.
Cherry stared at me for several long, drawn-out moments. “Foster care was rough. I was also unwanted. And I understand… even all these years later, I hold physical, mental, and emotional scars. It’s how Primal was able to abuse me and leave me pregnant with Sunny. It was how I recognised real love when Bullet offered me it. Sunny is much like Bullet, he feels deep and loves hard.”
“Sunny has spoken a little about Bullet.”
“He loved that man as much as I did. Sunny did not know Primal as a father at all. Primal showed no interest in Sunny and didn’t even care when Bullet and I got together. The only thing Primal said when Bullet stated his claim was not to go to him for child support. Not that he’d paid it, anyway.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be. Bullet loved me, I’ve never had another relationship after him. Nobody could love me as much as him. Do not let fear take away your chance at happiness, Callie. Sunny, despite his ornery ways, is a good man. My son will worship you if you allow him,” Cherry said.
“I already care for Sunny a great deal.” And I did. Sunny was wriggling his way into my locked-up heart. It wasn’t just the gifts; it was the way he spoke to me and how he treated me. Little things like spending time with me and simple picnics meant more than a fancy meal at a restaurant.
A knock at the door startled me, and I excused myself, glad to have a few moments to compose my thoughts. I heard Sunny coming from the kitchen as I opened the door and stared at the stranger on it.
“Can I help you?” I asked.
“I need to speak to Sunny and Cherry,” he announced as Sunny approached.
“You!” Sunny hissed in pure hate, and I spun in fear. Whoever this was, Sunny hated them, which meant they were a danger.
“I gotta talk to you,” the guy demanded, looking pleadingly at Sunny.
“The fuck you do,” Sunny spat as Cherry called out.
“Stay there, Mom. It’s just a piece of trash that needs taking out,” Sunny replied.
“I have information… son.”
Chapter Thirteen.
Callie
“I’m not your son!” Sunny spat.
For a brief moment, I was confused as Sunny pulled me gently away from the door and placed himself between us.
