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“They’ve only just come out of the oven. Isn’t that too hot?” I furrow my brow, concerned that she’s going to hurt herself.
“Nah. When you grow up the way I did, food is food. Hot, cold, out of date… well, within reason. Sometimes I’d rather starve but, ya know.” She shrugs, as if the idea of starving is nothing.
“Shiz, Kincaid, I think that’s the most you’ve opened up since you joined the club.” Mac pauses from swaying side to side with baby Gryffin in her arms, her eyes wide as she stares at the blue-haired beauty.
“Whatever, it’s no big deal.”
“How did you grow up?” I don’t know if it’s okay to ask this kind of question, but I’m curious and I like Kincaid. She is a strong and powerful looking woman, and even though she is a few years my junior, I want to be her when I grow up. Everyone around her seems to hold this level of respect that I’ve only ever seen given to men. Well, truth be told, all of the women in the club are held with some kind of reverence, but Kincaid seems to be the only one they don’t try to protect with kid gloves.
Case in point: she’s our security today while the others are dealing with some club business.
“I didn’t grow, I was dragged, far from here, but that’s a story for another day. When we got a mountain of alcohol running through our system.” She winks and takes a large bite of the cookie, devouring half of it with ease and ultimately ending that line of conversation.
“Can we do that when I’m not still breastfeeding? I totally want in on that drinking sesh.” As if driving his mom’s point home, Gryffin burps to let us know how much he enjoyed his milk.
“Sure. Looking forward to it already.” Rolling her eyes, Kincaid finishes the cookie, and I’m beginning to recognize her sarcasm more with every interaction. Again, it’s not with any malice, it seems to just be the way she is and I love that everyone accepts it the way they do.
“I think your phone just went off, Athena.” Mac nods toward the cell Bear bought for me, sitting on the countertop beside the coffee machine.
She chuckles at me as I move so fast I almost knock the tray of cookies to the floor, but Kincaid manages to save them before there’s a disaster.
Bear:On our way back, Baby Girl. I miss you.
The smile that spreads across my face is unmistakable as I type out a reply. It takes me a lot longer than I’ve seen Mac’s fingers flying across her phone, but I’m still getting used to it.
Me:I miss you too. We made you something. :)
His response is almost instant.
Bear:I have a surprise for you too ;)
My heart feels like it literally skips a beat.
“I think the love spell you hit Psycho with has reared its head. It better stay the fuck away from me because no, thank you.” Kincaid huffs a laugh and reaches for another cookie, but I bat her hand away because I want Bear to at least see them before she eats them all.
Then I immediately step away in horror, my eyes wide, when I realize what I just did.
Kincaid stares at me, open mouthed, shock written all over her face before it creases with laughter, echoed by Mac.
“I’m so sorry!” I’m ashamed of myself for the action but their laughter is confusing me.
This goes on forever, heads thrown back with a hand on their bellies like they’re in pain, and I swear it’s the longest minute of my life. Once Kincaid calms herself, she looks straight at me with a smile still on her face.
“Girl, don’t even! It’s cool, I get it. You want the cookies for your man and I respect the shit out of you for standing your ground.”
“Funniest thing I’ve seen since Grinder fucked up his riding handstand last time they were filming for their YouTube channel. That shit went straight to the bloopers reel.” Mac has actual tears running down her face and Gryffin is looking up at her like she rules the world.
The roar of motorcycles from outside lets us all know Bear and Psycho are back, quickly followed by the front door practically slamming open.
“‘Thena!” I know that voice. My theory is confirmed as soon as Paxton rounds the corner to the kitchen and runs straight for me, wrapping his skinny arms around my shoulders. I’m small enough for them to fit all the way around me with him being only about a foot shorter than me. “Where you been? Mom and Maribel have been worried. Will you be coming back to the house soon?” He doesn’t let go of me as he peppers me with questions.
I return his hug, squeezing him slightly because I missed him and the ladies at the home too. In fact, Paxton is part of the reason I feel like I’m not entirely broken. His pure strength and determination is wild for a kid, but his crappy life so far has shaped him rather than destroyed him.
Before I have a chance to reply, Bear appears in the doorway next, quickly followed by Psycho shooting past him toward Mac, but my attention is on my big, beautiful man almost filling the gap.
“Told ya I got a surprise for you.” He winks and leans against the door jamb, a look of pure, unfiltered desire in his eyes as he watches me.
Paxton steps away and moves to side-hug Bear. I swear the sight melts my insides. It’s the first time I’ve seen Paxton comfortable enough to touch one of the men in the club. He usually stands at least a few feet away from them with a wary stare.