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Hattie grumbled with frustration, pressing her lips into that characteristic thin line of disapproval.

“I didn’t come here to talk about sex.”

“Plans change sometimes, sweetheart,” I replied. “Learn to roll with the punches and enjoy it.”

She crossed her arms, fixing me with a stern look.

“A body showed up at the police station this morning. Turns out, he’s related to the case I’ll be testifying in next week.”

I kept my expression neutral, giving nothing away. The less she knew, the better. Lying to Hattie was usually a necessary evil to ensure she stayed safe. But she rarely let me get away with it.

“What a coincidence,” I replied.

“I couldn’t pry any more details out of the officer I spoke to, but something tells me this might have to do with the intruder who broke into Connie’s house. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

I shook my head.

“Not really.”

Hattie gave a skeptical hum and gestured at the breakfast layout.

“For the record, I don’t believe you. But I’d hate to think I made the trip here for nothing. Why don’t you invite me to stay for a bite to eat?”

She didn't have to tell me twice. I'd jump at the chance to spend more time with my wife.

“Big G,” I said. “Get my woman whatever she wants.”

Chapter ten

Hattie

While Neil put together a plate of food for me, he introduced everyone in the room. Big G and Gatling were the only faces I recognized. I marveled at how the club had changed and grown since I’d left for Seattle. So many new people had entered Neil’s life. He’d moved up the ranks and earned that President patch, like he’d always wanted to.

Big G emerged from the kitchen, bearing a tray loaded with a steaming mug of coffee, a little pot of cream, and a bowl of sugar, just the way I liked it.

“You boys always rolled out the red carpet treatment every time I showed my face at the clubhouse,” I said with amusement.

“And you deserve nothing less,” he replied.

“I’m just a civilian now though. I’m not Neil’s Old Lady anymore.”

He propped a hip against the counter and took my hand, making an exaggerated show of examining my bare ring finger.

“I don’t see you wearing another man’s ring. According to club law, Kingpin’s claim on his woman still stands.”

I shook my head.

“Sexist, archaic cavemen—all of you.”

“That’s part of the appeal, sweetheart,” Spike chimed in from the other end of the bar with a wink.

Neil growled and shot him a dark look.

“It’s bad enough when Big G flirts with my wife. I won’t fucking tolerate it from you.”

Spike held up his hands in surrender.

“Cool your jets, boss. Your woman still has her clothes on, doesn’t she? If I was flirting, that would be a very different story.”