Page 26 of Ruthless Obsession (Royal Bastards MC Chicago, IL Chapter)
SOPHIE
I can’t drink—not with a baby on the way—but I still like sitting at the bar.
I order food, crack open my bottled water laced with prenatal electrolyte powder.
Squid doesn’t comment. Karla does. I ignore her.
Pretty sure she suspects I’m carrying Ruthless’s baby.
She either needs a therapist for her obsession with him… or a new job.
Squid slides a basket of fries in front of me. “I’m heading out with Ruthless. Karla will take good care of you.”
Perfect. Another night with cheerful Karla.
I smile sweetly. “Thanks, Squid.”
Now that things have settled, more bikers actually talk to me instead of pretending I don’t exist.
Ruthless wanted to announce at church that I’m pregnant, but I told him to wait until I’m through the first trimester. Prez and the VP can know—no one else.
A rough, familiar hand slides along my neck. His cologne hits me first, then the warm press of his lips at my temple. “I’m headed out on a run.”
“Be careful.” I tug at his cut and steal a kiss from his lips.
“I will, baby.”
He steps back, gaze locking on Karla.
“Karla, end of the bar. Now.” His tone leaves no room for argument.
Great. Now I definitely won’t be asking her to grab the cheese curds I’ve been craving. No telling if she’d drop them on the floor and shove them back in the basket.
I watch Ruthless’s towering, muscled frame loom over her.
I try reading his lips. He tells her to stop. That’s really all I can make out. I notice her hand comes up to her face, and she wipes away tears.
She’s gotta go. I’ll have to kill her. I sip my black cherry flavored water. I’ll go back into my room soon. I have a zoom meeting scheduled in an hour with one of my clients.
It’s Friday night so it’s about to get real crazy in here. The band is performing later per my request. Maybe Ruthless will be back by midnight. If so I’ll drag him onto the dance floor. I smile at the thought.
I hear bottles slamming on the surface behind the bar. Guess Karla’s pissed. I eat my fries and watch TV.
Fifteen minutes later, I hear a cheery voice say, “Hey Sophie.”
I meet Jennifer’s gaze as I pop a fry into my mouth. “What’s up girl.”
She sinks onto the stool beside me. “I can’t thank you enough for all the advice.”
When I’m at the clubhouse Jennifer and I usually go out to the picnic area and talk about Gunner the biker she’s crushing on. I’ve been giving her tips. Like how to play it cool. Don’t act hard up. Guess my advice is working.
“He’ll be here tonight for sure.” She looks around the clubhouse.
“Can we talk? I need help getting to the next level with him.”
I beam. “Oh girl, for sure. Let’s go.”
Karla rolls her eyes at me. I’m happy to get a change of scenery. I snatch up my basket of fries and a napkin.
Jennifer and I slip out the back door into the warm night air.
“How’s work?” I ask, sliding onto the bench. The heat’s finally easing now that it’s after nine. I need to be back in my room by ten for a client call—she’s on the West Coast, so that slot works best for her.
“Stressful,” Jennifer sighs, sitting across from me.
“Is it wrong that I look forward to hanging out at the RBMC on the weekends?”
“Not at all,” I say. “Everyone needs to have some fun. The band is playing tonight. You should dance with me.”
She grins. “I sure will.”
“Ok what’s your question?” I ask popping a fry into my mouth.
Her gaze flickers. “Is it too early to go up to one of the rooms with Gunner?”
My situation with Mavis is different. We moved at lightening speed. But he knew for a fact he wanted to be with me.
“Your goal is to become a club fox then an OL’ Lady, right?”
Her eyes light up. “Yes.”
“Tonight, flirt with him. But don’t flirt too hard that he keeps pushing to take you upstairs. Make sure you tell him you enjoy spending time with him.”
“I said that the last time we were together, and it worked. He said he couldn’t wait to see me again.”
I squeeze her arm. “See?”
She covers my hand with hers. “I’m so glad we met.”
“Same,” I say.
“Let me show you the dress I’m wearing tomorrow. If it’s too much, I’ll get another.” She scoots beside me and hands me her phone.
I glance at the picture. “It’s cute,” I murmur— The word slurs, my vision tilts, and my eyes flutter closed.