Lizzie—

It’s Valentine’s Day, and Darko takes me for a short bike ride to the clubhouse. The day is sunny, not a cloud in the pretty blue sky.

I’ve been amazed at how quickly he’s recovered, but nothing was going to keep my man off his motorcycle. I’ve given up arguing, so today I caved and let him have his way.

When we pull up, there are a bunch of other bikes and vehicles.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“Just got some club business to take care of, that’s all.”

“Oh.”

Darko leads me inside. There’s raucous conversation and laughter going on until Rock emits a sharp whistle, and everyone quiets, turning to look at us. All the brothers are here, and so are all the ol’ ladies. I even spot Eli standing with them, grinning. Darko has been ecstatic that he’s decided to stay here with us and make Colorado his home. I frown, wondering how the boy got here and what’s going on.

“You ready, VP?” Rock asks.

“Never been more ready.”

At their cryptic exchange, I glance at Darko, but he ignores me, leading me into the center of the room, where I see there’s a single chair.

“Sit down, Lizzie,” he says.

“What’s going on?” I glance around the room. His club brothers are forming a circle around us, their arms crossed.

Darko just lifts a single brow, letting me know I need to obey without questions, so I sit.

Rock steps over and hands something to Darko. It’s black leather and looks like a vest.

Darko unrolls it and holds the back toward me.

There’s a top rocker that reads Property of , and a bottom rocker that reads Darko .

My mouth falls open, and my eyes flick up to his face.

His warm brown eyes are filled with love, but he’s not smiling, and something makes me think he might be nervous. He’s presenting this to me, but maybe he’s afraid I’ll refuse. This is such a big step.

“Lizzie, this patch signifies a deep bond of loyalty, love, and unwavering support between you and me. It underscores the committed and cherished relationship we have.

“I know you may think this phrase seems possessive, but it reflects trust and mutual respect. It also serves as a clear signal you are protected and honored by the entire club, not just by me.

“You’ve demonstrated such loyalty and strength, both pivotal to this life, and I know you’ll make a fine ol’ lady, but some rules come with this, and I need to tell them to you before you agree to wear this.”

I nod.

“An ol’ lady never disrespects a patch holder in public. You never interrupt when a patch holder is talking to another. And you never call these men brother . They are not your brothers; they are mine. And finally, you never touch my colors. Being an ol’ lady is all about living in a precarious place between what you should and shouldn't know. Club business is club business, and it is not for you to know or ask about.

“As my ol’ lady, you are my support system, and every member of this club knows the importance of having a strong ol’ lady at our back. It makes the job of being a Royal Bastard that much easier. In return, I promise to give you respect and protection. The love part… Well, you’ve already got my heart, woman.”

I give him a big smile.

“Will you accept this from me and be my ol’ lady?”

“Can I talk now?” I whisper.

He grins. “Yeah, babe. You can talk now.”

I stand and throw my arms around him. “I’d love to be your ol’ lady, Darko.”

The entire place erupts with cheers and applause.

Darko slips it over my shoulders.

“I’m not sure if it’ll fit me.” I glance down at the vest.

Darko’s eyes narrow and scan over it. “I think it looks like it fits you real good.”

“But not for long.” I reach into my pocket and pull out the folded-up pictures from the ultrasound I got the other day. I’ve been nervous to tell him, but after all his beautiful words, I know he’ll be just as excited as me, albeit a little shocked.

“Wait. What?” he stutters, his eyes traveling over the length of photos in my hand.

Kate lets out an excited scream, and Utah is having a hard time keeping her from rushing me. I’m sure he’s trying to give us a moment before she does.

“Congratulations, Papa!” Rock shouts, and the whole club cheers.

“Are you serious?” His eyes search mine. “I thought you couldn’t—”

“I thought so, too, but maybe I wasn’t the problem or maybe my body worked itself out. I don’t know, but it’s real.” My eyes flood with emotion.

“C’mere.” He pulls me to him, kissing me.

“That’s not all,” I whisper in his ear.

He pulls back, searching my eyes with a frown.

I hold the pictures up again. “Look closer.”

He scans from one picture to the next until he gets to the one labeled Baby A . Then he quickly moves to the next. Baby B . He goes through the rest of the photos, ensuring there aren’t any more letters. “Two? Are you serious?”

I nod vigorously.

“I can’t hold her back much longer,” Utah warns.

“We’re having twins!” Darko roars to another round of raucous cheers.

Kate bounds across the room and wraps her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you!”

“Shots for everyone,” Rock hollers out, then points at me. “Except you, little lady.”

Kate grins. “I guess I’ll have to drink yours.”

She and Evelyn lead me over to the bar where I’m handed a Sprite, and I meet their eyes and gesture to the vest. “Did you two know about this?”

“Club business?” Evelyn pulls her chin back. “Nah. Of course not.”

Katie bursts into giggles, then raises her shot glass. “Welcome to the club, ol’ lady.” Then she waggles her eyebrows. “And Mama.”

Rock comes over and gives me a hug. “Glad to have you in this big crazy family of ours, darlin’. You happy about this?”

“I’m so happy, Rock. Thanks.”

He winks, then pats Darko on the shoulder and walks away.

“You think Eli’s happy?” I rub my hand over my still flat belly.

“Let’s ask him.” He emits a sharp whistle. “Eli! Come here.”

The boy makes his way through the crowd and grins at me. “Hey, Lizzie.”

“She wants to know what you think about the babies,” Darko says, putting it right out there.

“I’m happy for you both.” He looks at his father. “Guess we’re turning the extra room into a nursery, huh, Dad?”

Darko throws his arm around him. “We are. How good can you paint?”

Eli grins and shrugs. “I’ll do my best.”

I grin and hold out my arms. “I need a hug, Eli.”

He walks to me and holds me tight.

“I’m so happy you’re staying here, honey.”

“Me, too,” he agrees.

“We’re going to need your help with the babies. You up for that?” I ask.

“Sure. It’ll be fun to be a big brother. Are they boys or girls?”

“We won’t know that for a while, yet.”

“Oh.”

Utah hooks an arm around him. “Come on, Eli. I’ll teach you how to play pool.”

After they walk away, Darko wraps his arms around me from behind and leans to my ear. “We’re gonna have such a life, Lizzie girl. I promise.”

I press my face against his, knowing in my heart the truth of his words. I’ve had my share of looking back at what might have been. From now on, I’m only looking forward.

“I love you, Darko.”

“Love you more, little mama.”

Thank you for reading Paying the Price . Here’s a sneak peek at the next book in the Royal Bastards Durango chapter…

CROSSING THE LINE: A Brother’s Best Friend, Steamy MC Romance

I knew Keno was dangerous the second he walked into my bar.

He’s a nomad with the Royal Bastards. A badass biker. The kind of man who won’t take no for an answer, and my brother’s best friend.

I thought I’d escaped my past, running thirteen hundred miles from New Orleans to Colorado to start my own life, but it just showed up on my doorsteps in the shape of the man I’d always crushed on.

Before, Keno barely knew I existed.

Now that I’m all grown up, he’s suddenly set his sights on me.

But I’m not his for the taking.

I’m trying to save my business, and the last thing I need is a possessive biker with a cocky smile obsessed with me.

Only Keno won’t backdown.

Not when he’s decided I’m his.

Not even when I sass him at every turn.

Not even when my brother finds out.

Because Keno won’t stop until I belong to him.