Ruin’s Embattlement (Tenillo Guardians AIMC #19)

Desi Chapter 15

I needed a peaceful weekend after the week I had. The accounting issue I found was finally resolved, thank goodness. I wanted to kick myself when I discovered the cause and why it was across all businesses. Why I didn’t think of the actual cause sooner, I don’t know. When it did occur to me to check into it, I went to Tamysin. It was in her area of expertise, not mine.

It seemed that last month, the software the Infidels used for their accounting system had an update. Nothing unusual. Those happened all the time, so no one thought anything about it. Only this time, it caused problems for the club and all the users. The company was scrambling to correct the problem Tamysin found, but they weren’t getting far. They couldn’t figure out what was causing it, and they’d been working on it for over a month. The company hadn’t thought to reach out to their end users to tell them. They were covering their asses and trying to do it quietly to prevent losing business.

It took Tamysin and Phantom less than a day to find the cause and write the code to correct it. Then, they ran it through the version used at the club’s businesses. Once the issue was solved, they contacted the software company and explained what was wrong and how to fix it. The developers were less than thrilled when they discovered it wasn’t an unforeseen glitch.

It seemed someone on their programming team was out to make money. He’d embedded code to make the system go wonky, and while everyone was chasing their tails to figure out how to correct it, he was skimming money away from the software company and into an offshore account. As their top programmer, he was the guy heading up the team trying to solve it, so he felt sure no one would find it. He’d let it go as long as he could before disappearing with millions of dollars.

It was too bad for him. He didn’t count on people more intelligent than him and outside the company to locate and fix it. He was led away in handcuffs. It made the national news. The whole club congratulated Phantom and Tamysin for solving the issue and me for thinking of it in the first place. I gave all the credit to our dynamic computer team, but no one would listen. I was just relieved it was over, and the club wasn’t in trouble financially.

This resolution came just in time for the weekend, but I was wound up instead of feeling relaxed and ready to kick back and have a drink. Ruin and I were being presented to the club as a couple. Sin had continued with his plan to do it. I wanted our extended family to know, and I prayed they’d all be happy for us, but what if some weren’t? Since that run-in with Wylie, I’d been concerned about what people may think due to Ruin and I being foster siblings. They could believe we were somehow wrong to feel the way we did. They’d gossip about how we’d lived in the same house for years, and just like Wylie, they could jump to the conclusion that Shane was Ruin’s. I didn’t want gossip or mean people saying things to my son.

I didn’t dare tell Ruin how I felt. He would’ve assured me but probably gone to find Wylie to beat the shit out of him for putting the thought in my head. I talked to Isaiah about my concerns. I knew telling Mom or the others who knew would result in them placating me and telling Ruin.

Isaiah set me straight. He asked me if I’d give up Ruin if the worst did happen and people acted that way. I’d been outraged and immediately shot that idea down. When I did, he told me that no matter what people might say, the ones who mattered would know the truth and stand behind us. You couldn’t control how others act and feel, only yourself. Eventually, he calmed me down on that part, but I was still apprehensive about the big reveal today with the club.

Sin and the others had gone all out. I thought it would be just us, Isaiah, and a few others hanging casually at the clubhouse. Wrong. It became a huge party, with food and babysitters brought in to watch the kids when late evening arrived so the parents could stay and have adult fun time. I discovered this when I spoke to Mom at the house a few minutes ago. When she got done telling me, I went hunting for Ruin.

He was somewhere on the compound, but I had no idea where exactly or what he was doing. I knew he had things to do before we had to be at the clubhouse. Sin told everyone to be there by two. It was eleven. Shane was off with PawPaw working on a secret. He told me enthusiastically when he left the house an hour ago. We’d spent the morning together.

When I couldn’t find Ruin in the clubhouse or his trailer, I decided to be smart and text him rather than run all over the place.

Me: Where RU? Need to talk, if not busy. Not a 911.

I paced in front of his place. I got an answer in a matter of moments.

Ruin: In the bike garage. Where RU? I’ll come.

Me: No, I’ll come 2U.

I don’t know why I didn’t think to go there. It was literally attached to the clubhouse. I was losing my common sense. I circled the clubhouse to the far side, where the garage addition was. The main garage door was closed, so I ended up entering through the small side door. Getting inside, I heard voices and the clang of what I took to be metal tools hitting the concrete floor.

I craned my neck and then spotted Ruin. He wasn’t alone. Konrad and Arrow were with him. While I wasn’t avoiding Konrad on purpose, I hadn’t been face-to-face with him since our second date. Ruin assured me he didn’t have hard feelings about us. Still, I hated to think I might’ve hurt his feelings. Taking a fortifying breath, I made sure I was smiling as I went over to them.

I got smiles from all three. I was bummed that since not everyone knew, we weren’t able to kiss each other since Arrow was there. Relief did fill me when Konrad smiled back and greeted me.

“Well, look what came hunting. What’re you up to this fine day, Desi?”

“I don’t know if you’d call it hunting, but I did need to talk to Ruin for a minute. I’m actually good. You? Arrow, nice to see you, too. What has you three huddled around your bikes? Sorry to mess up guys’ time bonding over your bikes,” I threw in teasingly.

“Hi, Desi, no need to apologize. We’re showing this cretin here why he should think about a Harley the next time he buys a bike,” Arrow said, elbowing Konrad.

“Hey, that’s not fair. I was the one to tell you guys I wanted one. You can’t fault me for drooling and asking what specs and accessories you recommend. Ruin converted me to the Harley mindset long ago. I’ve been saving up,” Konrad defended himself.

“Don’t let anyone make you feel bad. There’s nothing wrong with your bike. At least you can ride and feel the wind in your face. That’s the number one thing. How did you escape to drool? That’s my question. Sounds like Sin is making today’s shindig a big one,” I observed.

“Oh, he is. All the officers have been directing us for the past four days. We’ve still got more to do, but the bulk is done. I took a lunch break. Niam is lurking somewhere. Hopefully, he’s actually doing some work rather than evading it,” Konrad said, muttering the part unhappily about Niam.

“Speaking of Niam, tell us honestly. Does he do his share, or is he foisting most of it off on you unless someone is around to see it?” Arrow asked.

“Don’t mind me. I’m just irritable today,” Konrad was quick to say.

“Kon, don’t do that. Arrow asked you a question. Tell him what you’ve told me. The more of us who know, the better,” Ruin added.

“He does some work, but it’s usually only where members can see him. If they’re not around, he disappears, and I have no clue where he goes or what he’s doing. I get the impression he wasn’t able to do that when it was only him, but now that I’m here, he does.”

“I haven’t heard anyone complaining that his work isn’t done,” I felt compelled to say. I knew if his tasks weren’t done, someone would’ve said it where I heard it.

“Well, that might be my fault,” Konrad said uncomfortably.

“Why?” Ruin asked. He appeared as puzzled as Arrow and me.

“Saint oversees the task list for the prospects, as you know. He posts it so there’s never any doubt as to what is to be done and by whom. He even puts the due dates. When I see things are coming due and not done, I complete the tasks.”

“Man, you’ve got to stop that! He’s using you, and it’s not fair. The members need to know this. How long has it been happening?” Ruin asked. His frown told me he wasn’t happy. I was upset on Konrad’s behalf.

“I know, but I’m the new guy, and I have to pay my dues. Besides, I didn’t want anyone to think my personal dislike of the guy was causing me to complain. I really want this to work out. I’ve only been at it a month, but I love this whole club life.”

“I admit, I haven’t known you as long as Ruin, but I wouldn’t have thought you were doing it out of spite. As for disliking Niam, you’re not the only one. I know Ruin doesn’t like him, and Hazard and I don’t either. I bet there’s a whole lot more who don’t if we asked,” Arrow told him.

“I don’t have the same stake in his prospecting as you guys do, but there’s something about him that’s off. He gives this off-putting vibe. He’s sneaky. The other day, I almost had a heart attack when he surprised me as I was getting a Coke from the bar. He was all pissy acting. It sounds mean, but I hope he doesn’t patch in,” I admitted.

“He got ugly with you?” Ruin asked with a growl.

“I handled it, but he’s just not a fit, in my opinion.”

“That’s it. After the month we agreed upon is done, we take it to the others. Let’s use the time until then to build our case. Anything he doesn’t do, attitude issues, whatever, document it. If you can, take pictures. Konrad, that means you stop doing anything on his to-do list unless told to do it by a member or asked by an old lady. If that happens, note what it was, the date, and who had you do it. It’s time to send him packing,” Ruin told them decisively.

We all nodded. Right after we did, Arrow added, “Enough talking about that loser. Desi needs to talk to you. I need to get back to work on something, and I know Konrad does. We’ll see the two of you later. It’s going to be a fun time.”

A swift goodbye was all I had time for before Ruin swept me out of the garage and led me to his trailer. When we got inside, he took me to his chair and sat, bringing me down on his lap. “I need my kiss,” he pleaded. I gladly gave it to him. After thoroughly addling our brains, I broke it.

“That’s better. Tell me what you came to see me about. Is everything alright?” he asked.

“I’m freaking out.”

“About what?”

“About today. I thought it was a simple, quiet family thing, but Sin and the other officers have been planning for days. You heard Konrad. Mom told me that not only is the food a blowout, but the couples also have babysitters coming so they can stay and party. Is there something else the officers are planning to reveal? What if this is all for nothing, and some of them aren’t pleased for us? We’re assuming everyone will be happy for us, but they might not. And more than just Infidels and a couple of others are coming.”

“Shh, Mon Désir , you’re working yourself up for no reason. Our family is going to be ecstatic. And if they’re true friends, so will the others who are coming. Anyone else, they don’t matter. You’re thinking about what that ass Wylie said the other night, aren’t you?”

I hated to admit it, but with him asking me straight out, I refused to lie. I nodded. “Yes, it got me thinking. I know our circumstances are unconventional. People have definite ideas about what is and isn’t acceptable. Even though we’re in no way related, there are those who won’t see it that way. They’ll make a big deal out of it. I don’t care for myself. It’s Shane I’m concerned about. If people say things in front of him or to him, it’ll confuse and possibly hurt him.”

“Desi, if anyone has the audacity to say or do anything to either of you, I’ll take care of it. They’ll learn that my family is off-limits to bigoted bullshit. And I have no doubt every member of this club will back me up. I want tonight to be special. We’re celebrating with those we love the most, the start of our family and us.”

I snuggled closer to him and inhaled his comforting scent. As I did, I relaxed. “You’re right. I am getting wound up for no reason. Thank you. Can I sit here and let your confidence sink into me for a few minutes? Then I’ve got to get back to the house and get ready, as well as assist Mom in packing up the food we’ve been making.”

“I’d love nothing more.”

???

A few hours later, I was relaxing. We’d all come together, and even though the big announcement hadn’t happened yet, the way everyone was laughing and grinning put me at ease. Those additional people invited were technically either extra family or close friends of the members. Luciana’s nephew, Lorenzo, and his mom, Lila, came. They’d come a long way since she was alone and pregnant when Luciana’s horrible brother was killed. They were often invited but only occasionally came.

Ember’s dad, Edward, came. He usually did to most family events. He adored spending time with Ember and his grandchildren—Morgan, Braxton, and Blaise, as well as the other kids. He said he’d missed out on most of Ember’s childhood, so he was making up for it. It was common for him to be one of the babysitters when we needed one.

Lucas and Helen came. They were initially friends of Sara’s but had become friends with the rest of us, especially Lucas. I took it as my opportunity to introduce Lucas and Isaiah. The smile on Isaiah’s face told me he was impressed. Too bad he wasn’t able to show his true self. I thought they’d make a good couple.

Jude, Lorelei's former neighbor and pseudo-father, was here. He was a somewhat crusty fella, but he reminded me of a tough biker or military man. Jude was the latter and fit in. He was protective of those he considered friends and family, which extended beyond Lorelei and Zavier to encompass the rest of us.

Due to Londyn and Bella, we had their friend Diane and her daughter Sadie. There were a few years between me and Sadie, but she’d come a long way since her kidnapping back when Londyn and Torpedo got together. She was nineteen, in college, and making new friends. She was happy, which, in turn, made her mom that way.

Bella’s stepdad, Michael, and Boomer’s mom, Serena, were the last two. After Bella was reunited with Michael, he moved to Texas to be close to her. Boomer’s mom, Serena, did the same. When those two met, it was an instant attraction. As time went by, they moved in together, and eventually, they got married. The club liked to tease Boomer and Bella that they were stepbrother and sister, even though they hadn’t grown up together. I guess Ruin and I weren’t as unusual as I thought. The teasing was done all in fun.

We’d been gathered for over an hour. We’d gone outside since the sun was out and the day was warm. The kids were screaming and playing on the playground. If the weather had been warmer, people would’ve been using the swimming pool. It would be a couple of months before it was warm enough to do that unless the heater was turned on.

Ruin and I stuck together. Shane was off playing. We’d warned him repeatedly not to say anything about the two of us. By some miracle, he hadn’t let the cat out of the bag. I was startled when Sin’s voice came blasting out. I looked around and found him on top of a picnic table nearby with a bullhorn.

The sight of the tall, bald president of the club on a table and using a bullhorn was enough to make everyone get quiet without him saying, “Shut up and listen, you savages. There’s an important announcement. Do you think we did this just to be nice and feed you?” he asked with a mock scowl, which earned him laughs and jeers.

He waited until the noise had subsided. “We wanted to do this not only because we haven’t done one of these in a while but also because we have something wonderful to celebrate. As you all know, we recently patched in Ruin. We’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow from a teenager to a man and serve his country. He came home and brought not only himself but a prospect. Those things alone are more than enough reason to commemorate the occasion. However, there’s more. Ruin, you should come up and tell them. I believe you have an announcement.”

As Sin jumped down, Ruin squeezed my hand before walking off. I stayed where I was. If he wanted me up there, he would’ve taken me with him. He took Sin’s place on the table. I noticed the officers and Dad had moved to stand around him. The murmuring increased as the others began to question what Ruin had to tell them. My heart was racing. Mom came over and stood next to me. Her hand was on my back.

“Thank you, Sin, and thank you to everyone for not only being here but also to the officers and Dad. The other day, I sat with them and told them something that had been coming for a long time. They insisted you all be told during a party, so here we are. But this isn’t just my news, so, Desi, will you come up here and help me?”

I walked over to him on shaky legs. I stood on the ground and gazed up at him until Dad took my hand and helped me up on the table. I stood there nervously. He opened his mouth, and I prepared myself for him to tell them that we were together, but what came out was totally not what I was expecting.

“Desi, this isn’t just a surprise for our family. It’s one for you, too. You all might’ve noticed that Desi and I have been getting along and spending time together.”

This earned shouts of confirmation and comments such as about damn time. He gestured for them to quiet.

“Yes, it is past time, but it’s more than just we’ve resolved our differences and we’re now friends again. It seems there was a big reason Desi and I were fighting. We talked, and after soul searching, we determined the cause. It seems we’ve both been in love with each other for years. Being best friends wasn’t the only thing we wanted. So I’m beyond delighted to tell you that Desi has agreed to be not only my best friend again but to be mine.”

The screams and shouting this unleashed were deafening. As far as I could see, not a single person was upset by the news. I saw lots of nodding of heads and tears in the women’s eyes. Utter relief and joy began to fill me. I was getting that way myself when Ruin kept going.

“Thank you, we’re damn happy. I know I have to ask the club to vote on making her my old lady, but I was assured by Sin that no one would object if I jumped the gun a bit. Desi, I didn’t have time to get your property cut done for today. But I did get something else. I hope you’ll accept it as my promise until you get your cut.”

“Ruin, of course, I will, but you didn’t have to get me anything in the interim,” I shouted.

“Yes, I did. I never want you to think I don’t love you. I can’t wait to see what our life together brings. Shane, get up here, buddy.”

I was startled to see my son had joined us. Dad picked him up and sat him on the table next to Ruin. As I watched, Ruin dropped down. I thought it was to speak to Shane at his level, but then Shane reached into his pocket and handed something to Ruin. In turn, Ruin took it and fiddled with whatever it was for a moment, then lifted his hand. I gasped and almost stumbled backward off the table. A hand on my back saved me. In his hand was a sparkling object. As I focused, it became clear.

“Marry Ruin, Mommy. Please. He loves us, and I want him to be my dad,” Shane shouted as loudly as possible, grinning from ear to ear.

Ruin’s lips twisted as he softly said to me, “Not exactly my wording, but the sentiment is spot-on. Desiree Young, will you marry me? I want nothing more than to be your husband until the day I die, to raise Shane and any other children we have in a household of utter love. I love you, Mon Désir . Say you’ll be my wife and soon my old lady.”

I was speechless. Never in a thousand years would I have thought he’d ask me to marry him today or that he’d do it like this. The chaos around us faded away as I stared into his eyes. He was looking at me with absolute love and adoration. I knew he would never hurt me, and our love would continue to grow. We’d face tough times together, but they would be nothing when stacked against our love. I wasn’t able to say anything around the boulder of a lump in my throat, so I did the next best thing.

I dropped to my knees, opened my arms, and launched myself at him. He caught me and hugged me tight as he kissed me. Vaguely, cheering registered. When he stopped kissing me, I held up my hand. He took the hint and slid the ring on my finger. I gulped. It was exquisite.

“This belonged to my maternal grandmother. She gave it to Mom to save for me when the day came. It was the ring Granddad gave her. I hope it’s not too old-fashioned.”

“Tanner, it’s beyond gorgeous. I adore it. This was your grandmother’s? Oh God, what if I lose it? It’s too much.”

“I insured it, but if you like it, I want you to wear it.”

Shining back at me was a stunning dark blue sapphire. It was dark, like the night sky. It was emerald cut, not the customary round you saw diamonds come in. Surrounding the sapphire were twelve, I counted them, diamonds. The cut on them wasn’t something you typically saw. The sapphire was enormous.

“Honey, God, how big is this sapphire? It has to be worth a fortune.”

“It’s a two-carat sapphire, and the diamonds total one point two five carats. I’m told those are what jewelers call Old European cut diamonds. The setting is white gold. So, was the kiss, hug, and this on your finger a yes?”

“Yes!” I exclaimed.

And that was when the others began to register. Ruin reached out and brought Shane between us. We gave him kisses and basked in the moment. I needed just a few more seconds of just the three of us before the mob descended.

When we let go, I was helped to my feet and then off the picnic table. Shane was next, then Ruin jumped down. Ruin held onto me as we navigated the waves of well-wishers. I was hugged, congratulated, and kissed so many times that I was exhausted by the time we’d made all the rounds. All I wanted was to sit and relax. But the day was still young, and we had tons of food to enjoy and celebrate. Based on how everyone spoke and acted, it seemed my worry about someone not taking our relationship well was totally unfounded.