Page 67

Remy

I gasp as Rex’s strong hands grip my hips, lifting me onto the worn wooden surface of my desk. Orders scatter to the floor, but I can’t bring myself to care. My skin tingles where his fingers trail up my thighs, pushing my maxi skirt higher.

“You drive me crazy, you know that?” I smirk, wrapping my legs around his waist to pull him closer.

“That’s the idea, baby,” he chuckles, his brown eyes dark with desire.

His lips crash into mine, hungry and demanding. The heat of his body presses against my swollen belly. Rex’s hand slides under my shirt, calloused fingers tracing the inked dragons that coil around my arm. The desk creaks beneath us as he pushes me back, scattering more papers.

“We shouldn’t be doing this here,” I mumble half-heartedly between kisses. “What if someone walks in?”

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. “Since when has that ever stopped you, darlin’?” I can’t argue with that. The thrill of potentially being caught only adds to the excitement.

Rex’s lips trail down my neck leaving a burning path in their wake. I gasp as he nips at my collarbone, my fingers digging into his muscular shoulders.

“God, I’ve missed you,” he pants against my skin.

The raw need in his voice sets me alight. It’s been weeks since we’ve had a moment alone, between club business, the kids, and preparing for the baby. We’ve barely seen each other outside of crashing into bed for a few hours of sleep.

“You’re so beautiful,” Rex whispers, his gaze roaming over my body. “Carrying our child...it drives me wild.”

I feel a rush of warmth at his words, a mix of love and desire flooding through me. I capture his lips again pouring all my pent-up longing into the kiss. My fingers fumble with the buttons of his shirt desperate to feel his skin against mine. The remaining buttons of Rex’s shirt give way under my eager fingers revealing the muscled expanse of his chest. My hands roam greedily over his warm skin. I lean forward, pressing my lips to the inked names of our children over his heart.

Rex’s breath hitches as I trail kisses down his torso. His hands tangle in my hair guiding me back up to claim my mouth in a searing kiss. In one swift motion, he pushes my skirt up around my waist and tears my panties away. The cool air hits my heated skin making me gasp.

“Need you now,” he mutters.

I nod frantically, fumbling with his belt and zipper. Rex helps, shoving his jeans down just enough to free himself. He grips my thighs, pulling me to the edge of the desk. I wrap my legs around his waist urging him closer.

With one powerful thrust, he’s inside me. I cry out, overwhelmed by the sudden fullness. Rex stills for a moment, his forehead pressed against mine as we both adjust. Then he begins to move, setting a frantic pace that has the desk creaking beneath us.

I cling to his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin as waves of pleasure wash over me. The angle is perfect, hitting just the right spot with each thrust. Rex’s hands roam my body, caressing my swollen breasts and the curve of my belly.

“Rex,” I moan. “Please...”

Rex holds me tight, his large hands splayed possessively across my swollen belly.

“That’s my girl,” he murmurs. “So beautiful like this, all round with my baby.”

His touch is reverent as he caresses my stomach, tracing the stretched skin and new curves. I can feel his arousal pressing insistently against me.

“Look at you,” Rex breathes. “Glowing and gorgeous. Can’t keep my hands off you.”

He nuzzles my neck, beard tickling sensitive skin as he plants open-mouthed kisses along my throat. I moan softly, oversensitive and trembling in the aftermath of my release.

Rex’s hands roam my body worshipfully, cupping my tender breasts before sliding back down to my belly. He seems fascinated by the changes pregnancy has wrought, unable to stop touching me.

“Mine,” he growls. “All mine. Carrying my child, marked as mine forever.”

The possessiveness in his voice sends a fresh wave of arousal through me. I shift against him, silently begging for more. He knows exactly what I need. One hand slides between us, his thumb finding my most sensitive spot. I bury my face in his neck to muffle the sound. My entire body feels like it’s on fire, every nerve ending alight with pleasure. I shudder against him, waves of pleasure crashing over me as I reach my peak.

“That’s it, darlin’,” Rex growls in my ear. “Let go for me.”

His words push me over the edge. I come apart in his arms, waves of ecstasy crashing over me. Rex follows soon after, his hips stuttering against mine as he finds his release. We cling to each other, both panting and trembling in the aftermath.

For a long moment, we stay like that, tangled together on my desk. Rex’s hand strokes my back soothingly, his lips pressing gentle kisses to my temple. I nuzzle into his neck, breathing in his familiar scent of leather and his minty aftershave.

“We should probably move before someone really does walk in,” I cajole though I make no effort to disentangle myself from him.

Rex chuckles. “Probably,” he agrees, but he doesn’t move either.

I reluctantly pull away from Rex’s embrace, my legs wobbling as I slide off the desk. The room spins for a moment, and I grip the edge to steady myself.

“You okay?” he asks, concern etching his rugged features.

I nod, offering him a reassuring smile. “Just a little dizzy. It’ll pass.”

We straighten ourselves in comfortable silence, stealing glances at each other like lovestruck teenagers. I smooth down my skirt, wincing slightly at the tear in my panties. Rex notices and gives me a sheepish grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Sorry ‘bout that,” he says, not sounding sorry at all. “I’ll buy you a new pair.”

“We certainly made a mess of my office,” I remark, crouching down to pick up some of the orders now littering the floor around my desk. I stand, and another wave of dizziness washes over me. I grip the edge of the desk, trying to steady myself. Suddenly, Rex’s arm is there, surrounding me, supporting my weight to keep me from falling.

I let him guide me to the couch. He kneels in front of me, his dark eyes searching my face.

“When’s the last time you ate something?” he asks.

I have to think about it. “Uh...breakfast? Maybe?”

Rex sighs, shaking his head. “Rem, you’ve got to take better care of yourself. Both of you,” he adds, gently touching my belly.

“I know, I know,” I grumble. “I just get caught up in things and forget.”

Rex stands, his imposing frame filling the doorway. “I’m gonna grab you something to eat. Don’t move.”

As he leaves, I lean back against the couch, closing my eyes. The baby gives a particularly strong kick as if agreeing with Rex. I smile despite myself, rubbing the spot.

“Alright, I hear you,” I concur. “We’ll take it easy for a bit.”

I hear the familiar rumble of motorcycles pulling up outside, followed by the jingle of the shop’s bell. Voices drift in from the front. The rough, boisterous tone of one of my club sisters starts to fill the space.

“Yo, Remy! You in here?” Harlow’s voice calls out.

“Office!” I shout back, struggling to push myself up from the couch. By the time she appears in the doorway, I’m on my feet, albeit a bit unsteady.

She takes one look at me and frowns. “Girl, you look like shit. What are you even doing here?”

I roll my eyes. “Nice to see you too. I’m fine, just a little tired.”

Harlow snorts, unconvinced. “Uh-huh. And I’m the Queen of England. Sit your pregnant ass back down before you fall. You’re lucky Linny isn’t here. She’d be ripping you a new asshole for trying to do too much.”

She’s not wrong. Between Rex, Mama, and the Queens, I have not had a second of peace since announcing my pregnancy. Apparently, carrying a baby means I can’t do my job or run the club without constant supervision. A development that has driven me crazy for months.

“Let me guess. You didn’t eat again.”

Before I can argue, Rex returns with a sandwich and a bottle of water. He nods a greeting to Harlow before turning his attention to me.

“Eat,” he commands, pressing the food into my hands.

I glare at both of them but comply, sinking back onto the couch. “What are you doing here anyhow?” “Tinsley sent me over.”

“To check on me?”

“No, she asked me to swing by and grab some extra bags of candy for the parade float.”

“And?”

Harlow shrugs, a glint in her eye. “And maybe to check on you. You know how she worries.”

I take a bite of the sandwich, chewing slowly as I consider my response. The Queens have been hovering more than usual lately, especially since I hit the six-month mark. It’s touching, in a way, but also frustrating. I’m pregnant, not helpless.

“I appreciate the concern,” I say carefully, “but I’m fine. Really.”

Rex snorts, earning him a sharp look from me. He holds up his hands in surrender but doesn’t back down. “You nearly passed out, Rem. That’s not ‘fine’ in my book.”

Harlow’s eyes widen. “Shit, really? Maybe we should call Linny...”

“No!” I say more forcefully than I intended. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “ I just got a little dizzy. It happens sometimes.”

Rex and Harlow exchange a look.

“Look, Remy,” Harlow says uncharacteristically gentle. “We know you’re tough as nails. Hell, you’re the toughest bitch I know. But you’re growing a whole-ass human in there. It’s okay to take it easy sometimes.”

I sigh, feeling the fight drain out of me. “I know. It’s just...hard. I’ve got the shop, the club, the kids...I can’t afford to slow down.”

Rex kneels beside me again, taking my hand in his. “You can, and you will. We’ve got your back, Rem. All of us. The shop’s running smoothly now, the Queens can handle club business without you for a while, and Beaux is old enough to understand if his Mama needs more rest.”

I look into his eyes, seeing the love and concern there. It still amazes me sometimes how we found our way back to each other after everything. I squeeze his hand, feeling a lump form in my throat.

“Okay,” I say softly. “I’ll try to take it easier.”

Harlow grins, clapping her hands together. “Great! Now that that’s settled, I’m going to go run the candy to Tinsley. You two good?”

I nod, feeling a mix of gratitude and annoyance. “We’re good. Thanks, Harlow.”

As she heads out, Rex settles beside me on the couch, his arm draping around my shoulders. I lean into him, allowing myself to relax for a moment.

“You know,” he says softly, “it’s okay to let people help sometimes. Doesn’t make you weak.”

I snort. “That’s rich coming from you, Mr. I-Can-Handle-Everything-Alone.”

He chuckles, “Yeah, well, maybe we’re both learning.”

We sit in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the distant sounds of the shop a familiar backdrop. The baby gives another kick, and I guide Rex’s hand to the spot.

“Feel that?” I ask. “Kid has got your restlessness.”

Rex’s face softens, a look of wonder replacing his usual stern expression. It’s a side of him few people get to see, and it never fails to make my heart skip a beat.

“Strong,” he whispers. “Just like your mama.” The baby kicks once more, and a smile spreads across Rex’s face. “Hey there, little guy, quit kicking your mama.”

“You’re assuming it’s a boy.”

“It might be,” he shrugs.

“But it could be a girl.”

“Rem, I don’t care, boy or girl. All I care about is that you and our baby are safe.”

I lean into Rex, feeling the tension slowly ebb from my body. His warmth and steady presence are comforting, grounding me in a way few things can. The baby settles as if soothed by its father’s voice.

“I know you don’t care,” I say softly. “I just...I worry sometimes. About everything.”

Rex’s arm tightens around me. “That’s what makes you such a good mother. To Beaux, Birdie, to this little one, even to the Queens in a way.”

I snort. “The Queens would kick your ass if they heard you call me their mother.”

“Probably,” Rex chuckles. “But it’s true. You take care of everyone, Rem. Maybe it’s time to let someone care for you for a change.”

I roll my eyes at Rex’s comment, but I can’t help the warmth that spreads through my chest. “You’re such a sap,” I mutter, but there’s no bite to my words.

Rex chuckles, his hand still resting on my belly. “You finished eating?” he asks, eyeing the empty plate beside me.

I nod, suddenly feeling much better now that I’ve got some food in me. “Yeah, I’m done. Thanks for that.”

He takes the plate from me, setting it aside on the cluttered desk. When he turns back, his eyes are soft, filled with an emotion that makes my breath catch. “You know,” he says, “you’ve never been more beautiful to me than you are right now, carrying our baby.”

The sincerity catches me off guard, and I feel a lump form in my throat. “Rex...” I start, but he shakes his head.

“I mean it, Rem. I missed this with Beaux. I missed so much...” His voice trails off, and I can see the regret in his eyes.

Guilt washes over me, sharp and familiar. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, looking down at our intertwined hands. “I should have told you about him sooner. I should have-”

Rex cuts me off, his finger gently tilting my chin up so I’m looking at him again. “Hey, stop that. We’ve been over this. You did what you thought was best at the time. We can’t change the past, but we’re here now. Together.”

I nod, blinking back the tears that threaten to fall. Damn hormones.

Rex leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “And this time,” he murmurs against my skin, “I get to be here for everything. Every craving, every kick, every sleepless night.”

I can’t help but laugh. “You say that now. Wait until I’m waking you up at three o’clock in the morning demanding pickles and ice cream.”

He grins that roguish smile that still makes my heart skip a beat. “Bring it on, baby. I can handle anything you throw at me.”

Rex’s phone buzzes, interrupting our moment. He pulls it out, frowning slightly as he checks the caller ID. “It’s Coffey,” he says, answering the call.

I watch as Rex’s expression shifts from concern to interest as he listens to whatever Coffey’s saying. I can only hear snippets of the conversation, but I gather it’s about the new clubhouse they’re building. After everything that went down with the old guard of the Zulu Kings, Rex has been working hard to rebuild the club from the ground up.

When he hangs up, I can see the conflict in his eyes. “They need me at the build site,” he says, running a hand through his short hair. “Apparently, there’s some issue with the foundation that they want me to take a look at.”

I nod, understanding the importance. The new clubhouse isn’t just a building. It symbolizes the new direction Rex is taking the Zulu Kings. “You should go,” I tell him, even though part of me wants him to stay.

Rex hesitates, his gaze flickering to my rounded belly. “Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you if you’re not feeling well.”

I roll my eyes, pushing myself up from the couch. “I’m fine. The sandwich helped. Besides, I need to finish up here, pick up the kids from school, and then head home to get them ready for the parade.”

Rex pulls me close, his strong arms encircling my waist as much as they can with my protruding belly between us. His lips find mine in a passionate kiss that makes my toes curl and my heart race. When we finally break apart, both slightly breathless, he rests his forehead against mine.

“I hope the kids have an early night,” he declares. “I’ve got plans for you later that definitely don’t involve them invading our bed.”

I feel a familiar heat bloom in my core again. “Is that so?” I tease, running my fingers along the nape of his neck.

Rex teases, his hands sliding down to cup my ass. “Careful, Rem. You keep that up, and I might not make it to the build site at all.”

I laugh, pushing him away playfully. “Go on, get out of here. The sooner you deal with whatever’s going on there, the sooner you can come home and make good on those plans.”

He steals one more quick kiss before heading out, leaving me alone in the office. The baby gives a little flutter. “Settle down in there.” I smile to myself as I watch Rex’s retreating form through the office window.

Shaking off the lingering warmth from our encounter, I turn my attention back to the pile of paperwork on the desk. There’s still plenty to do before I can head home to get the kids ready for the party.

As I settle into the chair, my phone buzzes with a text from Mama.

Don’t forget to swing by the house on your way to the parade. And please tell me you’re not still at the shop.

I sigh, typing out a quick reply:

Just finishing up some paperwork before I go pick up the kids from school.

I can almost hear her exasperated sigh through the phone. Before I can put it down, another message pops up.

Remington Laveau, you better not be overworking yourself. My grandbaby needs rest!

I roll my eyes but can’t help the fond smile that tugs at my lips. Turning back to the paperwork, I lose myself in invoices and order forms for the next hour. The steady rhythm of work helps calm my restless mind, and before I know it, I’m signing off on the last form. I gather up the paperwork, sliding it into a worn leather folder. With a final glance around the office, ensuring everything is in its place, I heave myself out of the chair.

My back protests the movement, a dull ache that’s become my constant companion these past few months. I stretch, feeling the baby shift and roll in response.

I make my way through the shop, flicking off lights as I go. The sudden quiet is almost eerie. A stark contrast to the usual soundtrack of power tools and classic rock that fills the space during business hours. With the parade happening tonight, I let everyone go early. Apparently, I’d been so wrapped up in my paperwork that I didn’t realize they were all gone for the day. My footsteps echo on the concrete floor, the sound mingling with the faint ticking of the old clock on the wall.

At the front door, I pause, taking in the sight of Papa Midnight Motors. The neon sign my father installed years ago casts a soft blue glow over the room, highlighting the gleaming chrome of the bikes lined up near the windows. Pride swells in my chest. This place, this legacy, is ours now. Mine and Rex’s, the Voodoo City Queens, and someday, maybe even our children’s, and that legacy is worth everything we’ve gone through to get here. Every fucking thing.