He helps me to stand and then crouches down in front of me and holds my shorts open so I can step into them. He helps me into my vest and then throws the dishcloth into the waste bin. “You need sleep,” he whispers. He takes my hand and leads me from the kitchen and up to my bedroom. My head is spinning, and my entire body feels like it’s floating.
He stops at the doorway and I see that Malia is still sound asleep. “Aren’t you sleeping?” I ask. He shakes his head and places a kiss on my head. “G’night,” I whisper.
“Goodnight,” he says and smiles. He waits for me to go inside and close the door. I can’t stop the satisfied grin from forming on my face. I feel so relaxed and happy. I don’t want to jinx it, but I feel like I can finally begin to see a future for me and Malia.
I sleep for another two hours before Malia wakes me. Nothing can dampen my mood today and I practically skip down to the kitchen hand-in-hand with Malia to make her breakfast. Frankie is already cooking bacon. Riggs is at the head of the table reading the newspaper, Ziggy is stuffing choco pops into his mouth, and Michelle is watching the pair fondly. Malia sits next to Ziggy and I fill her bowl with the same cereal because they have to have everything the same. I smile when I feel Riggs’ fingers gently brush the skin at the back of my legs.
“Can’t we at least go for a walk?” asks Michelle.
“Nope. I’m not discussing this, Michelle. Not in front of Ziggy,” says Riggs firmly. His hand moves up my leg and rests on my ass. Michelle notices and her face hardens slightly.
“A walk in the park is hardly a death sentence. Nothing’s happened, and whoever you’ve upset probably doesn’t even know who I am. Ziggy’s my son too and I want to spend time with him.”
“Really,” scoffs Frankie, placing a plate of bacon and pancakes on the table. “You’re gonna go there?”
“I will not discuss this in front of the kids,” says Riggs and I hide my smile. I like the way he’s including Malia by saying ‘kids’. “Now, shut the hell up and let me eat my breakfast. I had a busy night.”
Michelle stomps out of the kitchen and Riggs tugs my hand until I lower into the seat next to him. “You didn’t get any sleep?” I ask quietly. He shakes his head. “Will you sleep later?” He shakes his head again. “Because you don’t have someone lying with you?” I ask. He stares at me but doesn’t confirm or deny the reason. “Maybe we can catch a nap later if Eva could watch the kids?” He grins and nods his head.
Riggs has work to do, so I go in search of Eva. I find her in her bedroom. It’s similar to the one I’m staying in— bright and airy. She smiles from her spot on the bed as she turns the page of a book.
“You’re looking mighty happy with yourself. You have a glow about you,” she says with a smile. “Does that have anything to do with a certain tattooed, hot biker who goes by the name of Pres?”
I bite on my lower lip and smile coyly. “Maybe.”
Eva sits up and pats the bed, and I sit down. “I need details,” she demands.
I close my eyes and groan. “Eva, he’s so hot!”
“That, I know. I want info about the bits I can’t see.” She grins.
“Let’s just say I think I had more orgasms last night than I ever had with Reggie for the entire time we were together.” We fall into a fit of giggles. “What about you and Cree?”
“I don’t know why everyone keeps asking me that. Mom asked the same thing over breakfast. Cree isn’t into me like that,” she says.
I roll my eyes. “How the hell do you not see it? Come with me, I’ll show you.” I take her hand and we go downstairs to the main room. It’s a little quieter today. People must be hiding out in their rooms or outside. Cree is at the same table as yesterday, with his laptop open, and he’s frowning down at a pile of papers. Gears and another biker are by the pool table and I pull Eva in their direction. “I wish I could play pool,” I sigh. “Are you guys too busy to show us?” I add, sounding hopeful.
Gears shrugs at the other guy and then smiles. “I guess we have time for you gorgeous ladies. I’ll take you, new girl,” he says to me. He’s called me that since my first day at the garage.
“Lake, that’s Eva.” Lake steps back and looks Eva up and down with a grin on his face.
“Pleasure’s all mine,” he grits out and kisses Eva on the cheek. I spot Cree looking up at the mention of Eva’s name. “I haven’t seen you around here before.”
“She’s with me,” I say.
“Well, for now, she’s with me.” Lake stands behind her and shows her how to hold the pool cue. She bends over the table and I know those shorts she’s wearing must be riding up enough to show some of her ass. Lake presses himself over her, helping her to line up the cue.
Cree growls and grips the edge of his table. His eyes are burning into the back of Lake’s head. I smile to myself. They pot the ball and Eva jumps around in delight. Lake’s eyes fix to her chest and I see Cree grit his jaw.
“Come on, new girl. It’s your turn,” says Gears, positioning himself behind me. I’d underestimated how up close and personal the guys
