Page 24 of Just Heartbeats (Royalla Motorcycle Club #1)

Raised voices grabbed Roma's attention from the phone call. She stood, stepping around the desk to peer into the garage to see what the commotion was all about.

"I don't want to hear you speak Roma's name." Kodiak held up the wrench and pointed it at Cannon, Baker, and Hunter. "From any of you."

Hearing her name, she said, "I'm sorry. I'll have to call you back."

"Do you want me to start on the order with the items we have already?" asked the supplier over the phone.

"Yeah. That's fine." She disconnected the call and hurried to the doorway, curling her fingers over the frame.

The men had moved out of the garage and stood outside the bay. She stepped forward, trying to stay out of sight but wanting to get closer to find out why her name would be in the conversation.

It hadn't been a regular conversation that contained directions like give Roma the car title or have Roma get a paint match . Kodiak was ticked.

Tension hung in the air. She stepped carefully, her sneakers silent against the concrete as she moved closer. Avoiding the oil stain in the middle of the bay, she flinched at the sharp edge in Baker's voice.

"You think this is what Chopper wanted?" Baker's coarse rasp, tight with frustration, sliced through her at the mention of her dad's name. "He died for Royalla, and you think you can go and mess around with his daughter? That's not protection, Kodiak. God damnit, man. That's fucking betrayal."

Roma's breath caught in her throat. She pressed her hand to her chest, keeping her heart from leaping out of her body.

"I'm not messing around, Baker. What I do with Roma—what we do together—ain't club business. Not yours, not anyone's. Chopper wanted her safe. And she is. With me."

A rush of warmth flooded her, having never heard Kodiak speak about their relationship like that with her or anyone. She leaned forward, wishing she could see his face, but he had his back toward her.

"Doesn't look that way," Baker spat on the ground. "She's young. Too young for you. You don't see the power you've got over her, but I do...everyone does. If you can't keep your hands off her, maybe someone else should be the one to keep her safe."

Kodiak took a step forward, and even from behind the rusted Mustang shell, Roma could see the way he shifted his weight. His whole body hardened.

"You got a problem with me, Baker?" Kodiak's low voice deepened even more. "Then throw down. Say it with your fists. But don't stand in front of me pretending this is about Chopper. This is about you not liking what you don't control. Roma belongs to me."

Baker's jaw worked, his fists curling like he wanted to fight, or maybe he was considering the odds of him winning against Kodiak.

She held her breath. Baker had always been her biggest supporter, almost a grandfather to her.

Whenever she looked upset, he'd comfort her.

He had the best advice, even if she never took it half the time.

"I'm not throwing down with you, Prez ," Baker said, voice rough. "But if you won't step up and do right by her, I'll be happy to watch out for her myself. Someone has to."

That was her cue. Baker had the situation wrong. Kodiak took the best care of her. He always had.

Roma stepped into view, spine straight, hands loose at her sides. "I love you, Baker, but Kodiak has always taken care of me. He was Dad's best friend. My dad loved him like a brother. I trust him and want to be with him."

Baker scoffed. "You don't know what's—"

"I know who I want in my life."

Kodiak put his hand on the back of her neck. "You don't have to convince anyone."

"I know, but I'm happy with the way things are. I don't want anyone thinking you're doing something wrong when I'm exactly where I want to be," she said.

Baker shook his head in frustration and opened his mouth, but she cut him off.

"My dad's gone. I know that left a hole in this club." Her chest tightened. "But Kodiak's been there for me, not for protection, but for me . I trust him. You don't have to like it—but I'm not going to change how I feel because you think our relationship is wrong."

Baker's eyes softened for a beat, some of the fight bleeding out of his shoulders. "You think you know what you're doing, Roma," he said. "But you're still young. Kodiak is more than twice your age."

"Twenty-seven years to be exact." She cocked her brow. "What are you trying to say?"

"I respect the hell out of him as our president.

But that kind of difference—it's not about age.

It's about the life he's led and the things he's seen.

You're walking into a life that has already been decided for you.

You lost your dad two years ago, during the most important time that a girl needs her daddy.

You're still grieving. You need someone to look after you.

You want someone to take care of you. But you're not thinking straight, sweetheart. "

Emotions balled in her throat, choking her. She understood what Baker was saying, and she agreed with him—somewhat. But no one knew her relationship with Kodiak. If Royalla taught her anything, it was not to judge. She expected the same in return.

She threw her arms around Baker. "Thank you for caring about me."

Baker palmed the back of her head. She pulled back and stood beside Kodiak, making her choice apparent to both of them.

Baker looked to Kodiak, something unreadable flashing in his eyes, then back to her. "If he hurts you." His gaze narrowed. "I will hold him accountable and make sure the club hands out his punishment. You hear me?"

Roma nodded. She loved Baker, but he would have to learn that she wasn't changing her mind. She'd loved Kodiak her whole life.

Without another word, Baker walked away from the garage and toward the clubhouse. She pressed a hand to her pounding heart.

Kodiak squeezed her neck. "You didn't have to do that. We don't owe anybody an explanation."

Maybe. Maybe not. She had no idea what was happening beyond them having sex. Kodiak wasn't sharing his plans or wishes with her. She only knew what she wanted.

She looked up at him. "Baker's family. Like the others. They'll all learn that I love you. I'm not hiding that fact anymore. Not from them. Not from you."