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“I’ll text Vapor.”

While we wait for a response, I stand rooted to the spot. I may not know why she’s here yet, but I know this for certain—Isabella Vasquez is more than she appears, and I’m going to find out exactly what she’s hiding. My gut churns with a mix of anticipation and dread because, damn it, she’s gotten under my skin. She’s not just hot, but she’s smart too. I saw it in her eyes.

“Ice?” Diablo nudges me. “Vapor says meet him at his place. We’ll hold Church there since the new clubhouse isn’t done yet.”

“When?”

“Now.”

“Let’s roll out,” I command, leading the way out of the club, my thoughts already racing ahead to what I’m going to tell Vapor. Just the facts. He doesn’t need to know about what this chick is doing to my dick. I can keep that in check. If she’s just another employee, then it’s hands-off anyway. But I’ve got a bad feeling about her. I don’t think employment is her goal.

My bike roars to life beneath me, a beast ready to tear through the streets of New Orleans. As we ride, I can’t shake off the image of Isabella’s smile, nor the feeling that our encounter has changed everything.

When we arrive at Vapor’s house, a three story Victorian in the Garden District, Blue opens the door. She places a protective hand over her belly, reminding me that there’s more than just the club at stake. She’s carrying Vapor’s kid. If we fuck up thisIsabella situation, the fallout could destroy more than just the club, it could destroy this baby too. I’m not going to let that happen.

“You look gorgeous as ever,” I say, hugging her gently.

“I’m not breakable,” she chuckles. “Not yet anyway.”

“How much longer do you have?”

“Three months. I feel like a stuffed sausage already. Getting any bigger than this seems impossible.”

“What did you say about my sausage?” Vapor asks, coming up behind his wife and sliding his hands over hers.

Blue giggles and turns to kiss her man. If it wasn’t so cute it would make me want to vomit. But they’re perfect for each other. He’s one lucky son of a bitch.

“Sweet cheeks, we’ve got some club business to attend to, but after, how about a late night dinner? You can reheat that stew from earlier.”

“Not a chance!” Babet pokes her head out from behind Vapor. She’s like the club’s honorary grandmother. She’s staying with Vapor and Blue while the new clubhouse is under construction. Eventually, she’s supposed to move to it, but I have a suspicion she’s going to stay with Vapor and Blue to help take care of the baby. “I’ll whip something up from scratch.”

“I’ll help,” Blue says.

“No. No. You need to drink the tea I brewed. It will help with the swelling in your feet.”

“Yes, mom,” Blue says, grinning.

“We’ll be in the kitchen,” Babet calls as she guides Blue away from Vapor.

“The other guys should be here—” The sound of rumbling bikes cuts him off. “—now.”

Fang, Bones and Tank join us.

“We can use my office for Church,” Vapor says.

The wood-paneled room is as silent as a tomb. Vapor had it sound-proofed right after they moved in so he could conduct club business without worrying about anyone listening.

We drag various chairs around the room into a circle. Vapor grabs his gavel off the desk and slams it, signifying the start of Church.

“Bring me up to speed on this Vasquez situation,” he says.

“We held the amateur competition at the club earlier tonight,” I say, glancing at each man to make sure I’ve got their attention. I do. “Isabella Vasquez showed up.”

Fang frowns and types away at his laptop. “This is the most recent photo we’ve got of her. She’s rarely seen in public.”

“Looks way hotter in person,” Diablo says.

Vapor tilts his head slightly and slides his gaze to me, checking my reaction. I don’t flinch a single muscle. There’s no way I’m going to let them know what a mere photo of the woman is doing to my dick. They don’t need to know because it doesn’t matter. I’m not fucking the enemy.