Chapter 30

Lug Nut

Today Ailee is having one of her best days so I’m taking her out. First I’m taking her on my bike.I’m waiting for her to get dressed. It is warm outside but on the bike I worried she might get chilly so I told her to dress in layers to make sure she was warm. When she comes out of the room I see she has on jeans, tennis shoes, a tee-shirt and a light jacket. “ Is this alright. I have never been on a bike before. I wasn’t sure what to wear.” Ailee asks. I wrap my arms around her waist. “ You are perfect. Are you ready to go?” I asked. Ailee nods “ Nervous but ready.” “ Don’t worry about a thing. I’m going to take good care of you.” I told her. Ailee kisses me too quickly for my taste and says “ Aye, you always do.”
Ailee

The ride on Lug’s bike was the most freeing experience of my life. To feel the wind in my hair. And to have my arms wrapped tight around him. The rumble of the bike between my legs. It was an experience I want to repeat often. Even if we did have Callen and Finn following us it still felt like we were in our own world. I knew we were going to the club but Lug to a very long way around to get us there so I could enjoy the ride longer. When we finally parked I was a bit disappointed that it was over so soon. When Lug helped me off the bike he assured me there will be more time to ride in the future. I haven’t been back to the club since the last barbeque. I haven’t seen Ace since then nor do I expect to. He made his choice. Now we both have to live with it. I’m not looking forward to the possibility of seeing that man but if I do I will just give him my best smile, be polite but otherwise ignore him. But the one thing I won’t do is let him think he is hurting me. Even though a part of me is. It is more than just his bone marrow. I met my father and he turned me away. Not every little girl's dream I assure you.

We have been visiting with a few brothers and their ol’e ladies and are relaxing by a fire. I’m sitting in Lug’s lap just enjoying my time with him. I don’t have to worry about chemo, work or anything. It isn’t often I can do this since I started training to take over for my grandda. Cancer doesn’t stop the training or the work. And it isn’t my grandda. It is me. I’m not going to stop living my life and doing the things I want just because of cancer. Yes, it has slowed me down but it will never stop me. The conversation is flowing around me. I catch bits and pieces but I’m not really paying attention. I’m just savoring having Lug’s arms wrapped around me. I have my head laid against his shoulder, he has one arm around my waist and the other rubbing up and down my arm. It seems to be the normal thing to do as I see the other couples doing the same.

I hear Trina say “ I wonder what is going on over there?” I look where she is and see ten of my grandda’s men standing at the back door talking to Viper. I see Viper point in my direction and I know my pleasant night is about to be over. “ Shite.” I say sitting up. “ What’s wrong, honey?” Lug asks but before I can answer the men are in front of me. They all kneel before me as a sign of respect. “ My queen. Pardon the interruption but you are needed.” The man in front says. “ Hello, Fregus. You may all stand. You know I hate when you do that.” They all stand but Fergus answers “ We know but you know the rules.” “ Aye, I do. Show me what you have.” I said. Fergus hands me a folder for me to look over. It appears that one of our low ranking men decided to make more money by helping someone kidnap young women. This shite makes me sick. “ Is this information confirmed?” I ask. “ Aye, my queen. We have him, but he isn’t giving us his contact.” Fergus said. And that is where I come in. I stand up “ Did you bring my bag?” A man steps forward handing me a black canvas bag. “ My queen,” he says. “ Thank ye, Shamus.”

Now to do something I don’t want to do. But duty calls. “ Lug, I’m sorry but I must cut our evening short. I have to go to work and I’m not sure when I’ll be done.” I told him. Lug stands and I think he is going to kiss me goodbye but instead he asks “ Let me come with you.” This is what I didn’t want. I’m fixing to turn to the ice queen as they call me and I never wanted him to see this side. I knew it would come up sooner or later. I was hoping for the latter. “ Lug, I don’t know if that is a good idea.I have to intricate someone and I.” Lug places his finger over my mouth to stop me from talking. “ Ailee, I have heard the stories. I get that you don’t want me to see this side of you. But I want to see all the sides of you. The good and the ugly. I have had the good for a while. Now it is time for the ugly. It won’t change my feelings for you if that is what you are worried about.” Leave it to Lug to get to the heart of the matter. He has an uncanny way of doing that.
“ Aye. If you are sure. You can come. You have to stay in the back and out of the way.” I told him. I wave my hand up and down his body “ I can’t have all of that distracting me. You can stay with Fergus until I’m done.” “ I will do as you say. This is your game not my. “ Lug says. “ I’m going to change. Fergus, this is Lug Nut. You will keep an eye on him while I work. Introduce him to your men.” I said and walked away. I turned my head and said “ And Fergus. Lug is very important to me. Don’t let me down.” Fergus nods “ Aye my queen.” I walk inside asking Viper for a place I can change. He takes me to his office so I can have some privacy. Right now I need it. I never have liked this part of my world but it is a necessity. I’m not worried about the interrogation. I have done it hundreds of times. I’m worried about Lug. He says his feelings won’t change but he won’t truly know until he sees. I just have to have faith in him and his words. So far he has been nothing but truthful and hasn’t let me down.