Chapter 176: Plotting
*You just need to know how to present a good argument. Have your facts and balls ready. – Colton*
Having watched Werewolf’s kids talk him into things, Knuckles had a good idea about what he needed to do. Plus, he grabbed the man’s oldest son and asked for tips.
Colton was willing to help. Not because he was a fourteen year old romantic. But because he was a typical teenager who would love to see his father conned into changing his mind.
Have a good argument.
Sound facts.
A plan.
Contingency plans.
Present the option you don’t want first.
Be willing to change.
Coffee.
Some of aunt Mia’s cookies.
No fear. He can sense it.
And protect your balls.
Knuckles entered the Cookie Jar through the back door. He nodded to the kitchen staff before he started up the stairs, taking two at a time. Bypassing the store room, Knuckles went to the office door and leaned against the door frame.
He couldn’t help but smile at the sight before him. A bassinet was already set up to the side of the room, a rocking chair next to it. Against the wall was a box from a local furniture store declaring it to be a changing table with two drawers. At the desk on the other side of the room, a very pregnant woman sat with her head laying on the desk. A quiet snore confirmed that she was asleep.
“Mia.” He said gently and she lifted her head.
“Hey, Knuckles.” Mia said sleepily. Smiling at him, she brushed her hair out of her face.
He pushed off from the doorway and walked to her. With surprising tenderness, fingers that declared they PROTECT WHAT’S MINE wiped away some drool from her face.
“A good nap?” Knuckles asked.
“I have heartburn, indigestion and insomnia. I take my sleep whenever and however I can get it.” She said only slightly embarrassed.
Knuckles sat in the rocker as she turned to face him. “I have a huge favor to ask.”
She rested her hands on her large belly. “I can do huge.”
He chuckled. “I want to take Nessie on a date.”
“And what does my brother say?” she smiled.
Werewolf was meticulous with his company and security contracts. Nessie’s life was constantly in danger. He would not allow her to go out. Not without guards, plans and contingency plans.
Her five hours at the mall had taken two weeks to plan. The spontaneous stop at Mia’s bakery was planned. Werewolf paid Zee to keep them updated on their location. When she had asked about lunch, he agreed, under certain conditions.
The other ladies thought it was a spur of the moment. The Cookie Jar was a common hang out for Wolf Pack guards and Saints. Only Mia noticed the increased numbers.
“Every other time I’ve asked, it’s been no. Even when she went out with the girls, not only were there drivers, but guards inside the restaurant and mall.”
“But?” She grinned, knowing more than he did.
“Your expansion is ready to open, but the windows are still covered.” He said in reference to the middle section of the building that would be opening in January as a full diner.
“A safe place.” Mia sat back in her chair, rubbing her hand over her belly, trying to soothe the squirming baby inside.
“Yes. Someplace outside of our room, away from prying eyes of my brothers and where she doesn’t have to cook or oversee the meal.” He let out a sigh. “A date. An honest to God date.”
“Talk to Werewolf. Tell me when and what you want. I’ll make it happen.”
