CHAPTER NINE

Nix

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” I slam the phone down the next afternoon and walk into the hall, kicking the first thing I see—a fuckin’ stool.

“What’s up your ass now?” Jesse asks from the sofa, sitting up from the racket. He just got back to the clubhouse from his trip to Beau, dropping the baby supplies off to the safe house.

“Fuckin’ Red is sick. Just cancelled on me.”

“Cancelled what?” Jesse asks.

“Shit. What about Kadence’s parents?” Brooks joins the conversation, walking out from behind the bar.

“They’re away for the weekend,” I answer, ignoring Jesse.

Fuck.

My fist slams down on the bar in frustration.

“What’s got your panties in a twist?” Jesse moves off the sofa and comes to stand by me.

“There’s always—” Brooks’ nods to Jesse.

“Fuck, no.” I watch as Jesse tries to figure out what we’re talking about.

“He’s your only hope,” Brooks pushes.

“Someone fucking tell me what is happening,” Jesse interrupts again, this time getting Brooks’ attention.

“Nix needs a sitter. You’re it.” Brooks slaps Jesse on the back and walks back to the bar.

“So, you finally need me,” he says, no doubt ready to rub it in.

“No,” I repeat, not in the mood for Jesse’s shit.

“Why not?” He folds his arms across his chest and cocks a brow.

“Yeah, why not? You’re desperate. Everyone’s out or busy,” Brooks repeats Jesse’s question, his grin pissing me off. Fuck, he’s right, and the last thing I want to do is cancel on Kadence.

“Fuck, fine. Can you watch the kids, Jesse?” I ask, watching his shit-eating grin spread wide.

“Ask nicer.”

“Fuck you, Jesse.”

He doesn’t respond, just waits quietly while I rack my brain thinking who else can watch them, but I’ve got nothing. Fuck.

“Fine. Jesse, can you please watch Low and Z?” I practically have to bite the inside of my cheek when asking.

“I have a date, but—” he shrugs, but I stop him from going on.

“No.”

“You didn’t let me finish.”

“You’re not fucking some whore on my sofa as my kids sleep upstairs.” He watches me carefully. I know he’s fucking with me, but this week has been fucking hell and I need this night with Kadence.

“Fine. I’ll do it for twenty an hour.”

“Fuck off.” I hit him over the head before walking away. “Be at my house at six. Don’t be fuckin’ late,” I warn, heading back into my office. Sometimes I really fucking wonder about the asshole.

“You owe me,” he calls out after me.

“Call it even after the shit you bring me daily.” He doesn’t respond. He gets it.

“Nix, I left the important info on your desk,” Brooks adds before I turn the corner.

“Info?” I look back, confused as hell. He raises his brows, waiting for me to get it. Oh, shit.

“Yep, thanks. Got it.”  I nod, walking back into my office.

“I want dinner too,” Jesse calls out one more demand, but instead of replying, I slam my door. It’s probably the worst idea to ask Jesse to watch the kids. Kadence might flip, or she might not. I’ll probably kill him before he even gets to the house anyway.

***

“Ten minutes, Kadence, or we’re gonna be late,” I yell from the bottom of the stairs later that night.

“I don’t know much about dating, since I’m only eleven, but I don’t think you should do that,” Z says to the TV screen as he plays one of his Xbox games with Jesse.

“Yeah, I’m with you there, bud.” Jesse fist bumps Z while Low sits beside them in her walker.

I ignore my son’s advice ‘cause he’s probably right, and decide to give Jesse one more warning. “You better not fuck this up, Jesse.”

“Nix, language,” Kadence reprimands me.

I turn and watch her take the last few steps down the stairs. “Jesus.” I clear my throat and turn, taking a good look. She’s wearing a pair of black jeans, practically painted on, and an off-the-shoulder top that hugs her tits and shows off her collarbones. Her hair is down in soft curls, just the way I fucking love it.

“Jesus, Joseph, and doggy-style Mary.” Jesse whistles from the sofa.

“Jesse!” Kadence scolds, breaking me from my stare.

“What? I was just giving Nix some words. He looks lost.”

“The kids.” Her eyes bug out, worried Z might have been listening but he’s too focused on the game to pay attention, missing out on the adult conversation.

“I got them, Kadence, all good.” Jesse smiles his stupid smile and goes back to the game. She looks back to me, but I’m still stuck in the moment, relishing what a fucking knockout my wife is.

“You okay?” she asks, picking up her purse.

“Yeah. Just not sure if I’m going to be able to handle you on the back of my bike.”

“We’re taking the bike?” Her voice sounds excited, shocked even.

“Yeah, that okay?”

“It's great.” She smiles and my gut twists. Jesus.

“You remember what I told you, Jesse?” She walks toward Low to say goodbye.