It’s heavy.
“I’m never leaving the house again,” I tell Crow when I resurface. “Or maybe you should get me a few bodyguards to follow me and Quinn around. Also, I would like a few trained dogs—maybe some German shepherds?”
“Come here,” he murmurs, wrapping me in his arms. “I’ve never been as scared in my life as I was today. My God, Bronte. If I had lost you both, that would have been my whole fucking world destroyed. You can have anything you want, I’m just happy that you’re here, unhurt. I can’t believe this happened. It just goes to show we need to always be careful, not only when there is some drama going on, but always. I think the dogs and guards are a good idea, or even if one of the brothers comes with you whenever you’re going out alone. I’m not letting this happen again. I’m not going to lose either of you.”
I start crying again, and this time, he cries with me.
Out of everything I’ve been through, this has been the worst. I don’t care what life has to throw at me, but bring my baby into the picture and it takes it to a different level.
Having a child is like having your heart outside of your body, and it makes you vulnerable, both weaker and stronger.
Nothing ever fully prepares you for that.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
I don’t go anywhere by myself for the next week, and I know I’m being ridiculous, but I’m being cautious. While I still can’t believe something like this happened to me, I know I did everything I could to protect my daughter. I’d do it all again. But that doesn’t mean I want to leave my house.
“Come on, we’re going out for a drink,” Cam demands when she comes over, sick of my shit. “Now.”
There’s determination in those blue eyes, and I know she’s not going to give up.
“I don’t want to go out for a drink. Who is going to watch Quinn? Crow is—”
“On his way home right now and he’s going to be with her. Come on, Bronte, let loose a little. Get your ass in the shower and put some makeup on. We’re going back to Kamikaze for more margaritas,” she says, doing a little shimmy dance move. “And we’re going to do a dirty grind on the dance floor. You can show me those moves of yours.”
I pout, considering her offer. “Can we get food afterwards?”
“That’s a given.”
“Fine,” I groan, looking over at Quinn. “See the things your auntie makes me do?”
“Yeah, like have fun,” Cam says to her. “And when you’re old enough, I’ll take you out to have fun, too.”
“Where to? The nursing home?” I tease, running into the bathroom as Cam throws her shoe at me. I have a quick shower and throw on one of my little black dresses, some hoop earrings and block heels, then listen to Cam and add some makeup, a little lipstick, mascara and eyeliner.
“Can you do my hair?” I call out to her, and she comes into the bathroom and helps me curl my hair into beautiful beach waves.
Crow sticks his head in, eyes widening as he checks me out. “You look amazing.” He then lowers his tone and adds, “And I’m glad Saint and Renny are going to be at the club.”
Cam rolls her eyes. “You’re such a Neanderthal. She will be fine. And she can handle herself if any men get out of control, can’t you, Bronte?”
I nod. “Yes, of course. We’ll be fine.”
I remember that Abbie and Sky have also been kidnapped. Maybe it’s an initiation to become a Knight. I laugh to myself, because if I don’t laugh, I’ll probably cry.
“What are you laughing about?” Crow asks.
“Nothing,” I say, waving my hand. “I just realized that Abbie and Sky and I were all kidnapped—it must run in the family, that’s all.”
Crow does not look amused, but Cam laughs.
Crow is such a good dad and I’m lucky to be able to leave the house without any worries, knowing she is being well looked after. I know not all parents have that luxury. He gives me a long, lingering kiss goodbye, and then Cam and I head off.
I know she wants to get me out of the house, and I appreciate that. To be honest, it will be nice to spend some time with her and the girls.
When we arrive at Kamikaze, Abbie rushes out to meet us. “You both look stunning,” she says, taking my hand. “Come on, the place is packed, but we get VIP treatment.”
She’s right—we walk to the front of the line and they let us in.
I see Saint as soon as I step inside. He’s sitting at one of the private tables, Sky on his right, a bottle of Grey Goose on the center of the table. He sees me and calls me over.
“Nice to see you,” he says, offering me a seat.
You look hot, Skylar mouths to me, patting the spot next to her. So does she, her long red hair framing her pretty face. “I’m so glad you came out tonight. How have you been?”
“Not too bad,” I reply, accepting the drink Saint offers me. “Cam insisted I get out of the house tonight.”
“I’m glad.” She smiles.
Temper, Renny and Izzy come and sit with us, and I find myself wishing Crow were here. Still, I make the best of my time out, dancing with the girls until my feet are sore and having a few drinks in the mix. At the end of the night, when Saint and Skylar say they are leaving and ask me if I want a lift, I take them up on it.
Quinn is fast asleep in her crib when I get home, and Crow is naked, spread eagle on our bed, also passed out. After sliding off my heels, I place them in the corner of the room and strip down, then climb on the bed and crawl up his body.
“How was your night?” he asks, eyes fluttering.
“Good,” I reply, laying my head on his chest and smiling. “I missed you, though. You should have come out.”
“I wasn’t invited,” he replies, grinning.
“Well, you should have come up with the idea and invited me then,” I tease, kissing the side of his neck. “I did dance, though, so I might be a little sweaty.”
“Is that why you woke me up? You want to get a little sweatier?” he asks, rolling me over to my back.
If I’m being honest, that’s exactly why I woke him up. “Maybe.”
Definitely.
And then Quinn starts crying, and reality sets in.
“I’ll get her,” Crow murmurs, kissing me once more, and makes a sound of frustration before getting out of bed, sliding on some boxer shorts and leaving the room.
After he settles her and returns, though, he kisses all the way down my body, and makes me come so good, I put a pillow over my face so my screams aren’t too loud.
And then I ride him, covering his mouth with my hand to do the same.
* * *
The next morning, I decide to go and do some grocery shopping.
With Quinn.
This is the first time I’ll be leaving the house alone with her, but I’m feeling good about it. I did protect her last time, and I will protect her always. Besides, it’s not like any of our enemies are loose on the streets; they are all behind bars.
I put her in a carrier around my chest, leaving my arms free, which makes me feel more in control.
I think it’s the randomness of the situation that had me so paranoid. How was I to know that a young woman complimenting my baby was planning on kidnapping us for revenge? However, I can’t live my life being suspicious of everyone. I can pay more attention to my surroundings and trust my gut if something doesn’t feel right.
I stop for coffee on the way home, sitting in a café, just me and my daughter people watching. Feeling more confident, I realize I am in control. I’ve come a long way since I was working with Nadia. I can’t stay at home forever, hiding from life. That’s not who I am.
Smiling to myself, I take a deep breath and pick up Quinn. Looking into her eyes, I say, “Your mom is strong, and we aren’t going to be hiding anymore, are we?”
She grins.
Whe
n I get home, Crow is waiting for me, and the house has been cleaned, which I find extremely sexy about him. He just does what needs to be done without complaint.
“How did it go?” he asks, taking Quinn from me.
“It was just what I needed. I even went out for a coffee, and yeah. I’m feeling pretty good,” I admit. “I’ll go and grab the bags in the car.”
“I’ve got it,” he says, handing Quinn back and heading to the front, returning with his hands full of bags. “There’s a lot of chocolate here.”
“I know,” I reply, smirking.
“Chocolate and baby stuff. Did you actually buy anything for lunch and dinner?” he asks, amusement filling his tone.
“Yes, I’m going to make a new recipe for us, actually,” I say, and help him unpack all the groceries. “Do you have to go into work today?”
He shakes his head. “No, but tomorrow I have to go to the clubhouse. Prez wants me to go on a run with him, and it might be overnight. Do you want to call Cam or Abbie or someone to come stay with you? Or are you going to be okay staying here alone?”
I reply instantly. “I’ll be fine alone.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod. “Yeah, I’m sure. What does one do on a run anyway?”
Crow hesitates, and I know we never really speak about a lot of the things that go on with the club. We’re a family now, though, so I think it’s time he let me in a little. I’m not going to judge anything he does, as I’m not completely naïve and know what I’ve gotten myself into. Still, a little insider knowledge would be nice. Like where are they going? What are they going to do? Is he going to be safe?
“Basically we’re going over to another chapter of ours to talk some business with them. They need our help, we come. And vice versa. I think they are having some problems with their usual gun dealers, and want us to help them by hooking them up with our own,” he explains, watching my reaction very closely. “Then they’ll throw a party. It always ends in a party.”
“So lots of women throwing themselves at you all,” I guess, my eyes narrowing.
He shrugs, but doesn’t deny it. “Does it matter? I’m a taken man and I’m not interested in anyone else.”
“I know that, but it’s hard to picture you sitting there and having all these beautiful women trying to get your attention, even if it’s not reciprocated,” I mutter.
“You have nothing to say about the gun trade deals? All you heard is the party part, didn’t you?” he asks, lip twitching. “Babe, you have nothing to worry about. I can’t stop women from looking, but I can make sure they know flat out I’m not interested. I’m not an idiot. You’re the love of my life, and I’m not going to fuck that up for anything, okay?”
I do know that and I do trust him, but there’s always that tiny sliver of doubt. Nadia would say that’s my rational brain trying to get a word in over the loud thumping of my heart, but I think it’s just my deepest fears making themselves known.
“Okay, just be safe,” I say, kissing his lips.
The next morning I’m feeling relaxed about being home alone. I know Crow must have been worried about leaving me, even though I’ve assured him that I was fine.
And when he comes home with a German shepherd puppy in his hands, I can’t contain my excitement.
Well played, Crow. Well played.
“Oh my God,” I squeal, holding my arms out. “That is the cutest puppy I’ve ever seen in my life.”
“You said you wanted a guard dog, so I got you this little guy. He’s from a line of police dogs, and I met both of his parents. They have an amazing temperament, great with kids but also very protective and intelligent. We’ll need to get him proper training, and he’s going to need a shit load of exercise and mental stimulation, but I think he’s the perfect addition to our family.”
“He is perfect,” I agree, holding him against my chest. He licks my face and I fall in love with him a little more. I know he won’t be able to protect me now, but he’s definitely going to keep me busy.
“And when he’s big and fully trained, he’s going to protect you whenever I’m not here,” Crow promises, smiling. “He’s going to be a big dog. I have his bed and food in the car. You just need to choose a name for him.”
If he wanted to distract me while he was gone, he did just that. Between Quinn and a puppy, I’m definitely going to have my hands full, but also my heart.
“How about Ghost?” I suggest.
“Ghost it is,” Crow says as he pats his head. “You look after your mom tonight, all right, Ghosty?”
Crow gets ready to leave, and I get Ghost settled in, sorting out his bed, blanket, toys and food bowls. He’s a longhaired dog, so I make a note to buy a good brush and to look into puppy school.
Like when Quinn was born, everyone drops in to see Ghost, just as Crow leaves. I don’t know if this was all planned out, but I kiss him goodbye and watch as everyone dotes on both Quinn and Ghost.
Again, well played.
Epilogue
Two Months Later
“I’m going to miss you around here,” I tell Crow, pouting. “Who’s going to bring me lunch? And annoy me all day? And make me want to rip his clothes off in public?”
“The answer to that better be no one,” he replies in a dry tone, grinning and giving me a quick kiss. “I know, babe. I’m going to miss you too. But Temper wants me at the new club, so that’s where I need to be. Fast & Fury is running itself now, especially with you here. I’m needed elsewhere. I think we’ll both be a bit more productive if we work apart for a few hours. Besides, I’ll still bring you lunch and annoy you all day.”
“Yeah, I know,” I grumble, smiling up at him.
After moving Crow to Divine, Temper had his younger brother Trade take over Fast & Fury. I don’t know Trade that well—he’s not officially in the MC—but he comes around the clubhouse. It’s not like he’s a stranger. Besides, he’s dating Izzy’s sister, Ariel, who is a sweetheart.
Speaking of Trade, he steps into the garage. “Hey,” he says when he sees the two of us.
“Hey, brother,” Crow says to him, glancing down at me. “You know Bronte, she’s the one who is going to keep this place from falling into madness.”
“Nice to see you again,” I say to Trade, taking his hand as he offers it for a shake.
“Likewise,” he replies, grinning.
He’s a good-looking man. Tall. Man bun. Muscled. I wouldn’t have pegged him as being Temper’s brother, because Trade is much prettier.
Chains is next to step into the garage, dressed in all black leather, his dark eyes scanning the room. The girls were right; he did come around with me. Well, as much as Chains can come around.
“Guess who’s a new employee here?” he asks, grinning, flashing his straight white teeth.
I glance up at Crow, who failed to mention that part.
He simply shrugs. “Temper wanted more man power.”
“He’s not working with customers, right?” I ask, eyebrows rising.
Because if he is, we’re going to lose some.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he doesn’t scare too many away,” Cam says, smirking. I’m so grateful to have her working here with me—she’s become such a good friend to me, and we’ve bonded over our grief from losing Billie.
I’m truly surrounded by some amazing people.
“At least no customers will be rude when he’s around,” I joke.
Cam wraps her arm around me. “Change is hard, isn’t it? It’s going to suck here without Crow. I’ve never not worked with him.”
“Tell me about it, but at least we have each other.”
Her blue eyes smile at me. “Exactly. We’ve got this.”
And we do.
With everything that has happened, I’ve learned one thing, and that’s that I’m strong.
Crow pulls me into a hug and kisses my forehead. When he touches me, and kisses me, I can feel the love pouring out of him.
He loves me with all that he has, and I love him back in every way I know how.
I was made to be right here—Crow’s woman and Quinn’s mommy—and everything that comes along with that.
And with him at my side, I will always come out on top.
* * *
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Acknowledgments
A big thank-you to Carina Press for working with me on this new series!
Thank you to Kimberly Brower, my amazing agent, for having my back in all things. We make a great team, always have and always will.
Brenda Travers—Thank you so much for all that you do to help promote me. I am so grateful. You go above and beyond and I appreciate you so much.
Tenielle—Baby sister, I don’t know where I’d be without you. Thanks for all you do for me and the boys, we all adore you and appreciate you. I might be older, but you inspire me every day. When I grow up, I want to be like you.
Christian—Thank you for always being there for me, and for accepting me just the way I am. I always tell you how lucky you are to have me in your life, but the truth is I’m pretty damn lucky myself. I appreciate all you do for me and the boys. I love you.
To my three sons, my biggest supporters, thank you for being so understanding, loving and helpful. I’m so proud of the men you are all slowly becoming, and I love you all so very much. I hope that watching me work hard every day and following my dreams inspires you all to do the same. Nothing makes me happier than being your Mama.
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