The kids’ room was next, and I stuffed their bags as full as I could. Who knew if they even had a washing machine at the clubhouse. I needed to pack as many options as I could since I had to change them at least once every day, often more than that.
The bathroom was next, and I shoved our toiletries in a plastic bag, the only thing I could find on short notice.
Gears showed up when I squeezed the bags shut and forced the zipper closed. “It’s not so bad there. You might even like it,” he said and shrugged when I narrowed my eyes at him.
He took the bags and walked out of the room. Luca had been following me around the house, and I could hear Lena’s voice in the living room, telling Sebastian a story about a unicorn and a ball that made no sense. My girl had an active imagination and a vast vocabulary for a two-year-old.
I stalked back to Sebastian, my nostrils flaring. I was sure I looked like an angry bull, ready to charge. Which was exactly how I felt. I didn’t get riled up very often, but once I got to this stage, it was hard to talk me off the ledge.
“Let’s go,” he said, turning on his heel and carrying Lena out with him. I had no choice but to follow, Luca skipping along next to me.
“This is ridiculous,” I argued.
“You’ll get over it. Now move. I’ve got shit to do.”
“Language,” I ground out.
As usual, he ignored me. He put Lena in her seat, even buckled her in. I didn’t want to be impressed that he’d figured out the car seat so fast, but I was.
Once the kids were safely in the car, I walked around to the driver side. Sebastian stopped me as I was about to get in. “I’m going first. Gears and the guys will take up the rear. Stay close.”
I stifled the urge to flip him off and got in the car, slamming my door with enough force to rattle my teeth.
I took deep breaths the whole way there, putting every ounce of energy I had into calming down. There was no point in pissing off a bunch of bikers.
The thought finally got my emotions under control and stopped my head from exploding. I’d sit this out just like I had so many other things that came before. This was another bump in the road. Nothing more, nothing less. A bump that came with a building full of bikers. Easy. I could do this.
My newfound confidence evaporated when we drove through the big entry gate and stopped in front of the massive warehouse. There were a few people outside, standing in groups and talking.
They all turned as one when my little car gave off the backfire to end all backfires, making me jump. It didn’t help that the squeal of the brakes was loud enough to wake people three miles away. I took one last deep breath for good luck and turned the motor off.
Guess this is it. A glance in the rearview mirror confirmed my kids looked as happy as they did when we got in the car. I hoped they would stay that way.
“To the bikers’ den we go,” I said, opening my door.
Sebastian opened Luca’s door, and I got Lena out. Luca wasn’t good with new people, especially not with so many guys at one time. I didn’t blame him. There was a lot of muscle, a lot of hair, and a lot of leather.
“Hey, everyone,” I said and waved at the bikers closest to us.
“Hey, darling,” an older guy with a long Santa beard said.
I gave him a wobbly smile, and his expression told me he saw right through my false bravado. Oh well, couldn’t win them all over.
Lena wiggled in my hold, but this time I refused to let her go. I needed her right now. She was something else to concentrate on instead of all the people staring at me.
I looked around for Luca and saw him hiding behind Sebastian’s leg. Poor buddy.
“Sötnos,” I called out to him, but he didn’t move from his spot. “Do you want me to carry you?”
I still received no answer, and Sebastian put his hand on my son’s head. “Buddy, you good?”
His deep voice was low, and I appreciated his effort to not freak Luca out more than he already was.
“Wanna hold my hand?” Sebastian tried again.
I saw Luca’s little head peek out from behind Sebastian’s leg, and to my surprise, he took the outstretched hand.
“I’ll show you to your room,” Sebastian said, and I followed him into the warehouse.
I was just as impressed with the inside as the first time I was there. This time there were more people here, making the space feel more lived in.
“Who’s this?” a giant of a man asked, coming up to us.
I stepped closer to Sebastian while Luca hid on his other side.
“This guy here is Luca,” Sebastian said, nodding down at the human currently attached to his leg. “And this is Lena.” He nodded to my girl, then lifted his chin in my direction. “And Nora.”
Our eyes locked, and I couldn’t read the soft expression on his face. He was usually all hard angles and tight mouth, but if I hadn’t known him, I would say he almost looked proud to introduce me.
But that was just crazy talk.
“This is Grim,” Sebastian said, looking at the big guy. “If you need anything and I’m not around, you go to him.”
“I finally get to meet your girl,” Grim said, his eyes crinkling at the corners with what must have been a smile under his beard. “We’ve barely seen this guy lately. You’ve kept him busy.”
My face went hot, and I was glad for my olive complexion to hide the worst of my blush. Sebastian cut in before
