My eyesopen to the sound of squeals. It’s Christmas Day. The kids must be awake. My head thumps.Oh, dear.Sophie’s cocktails are dangerously good. The buzz felt great last night, but now I’m not so sure. I sit up and cringe. I need a painkiller. I get up, pull a pair of jeans and a top from the wardrobe, and get dressed.
When I step into the hallway, I pause at Twitch’s room. My hand hovers over the doorknob. I want to thank him for last night... but what if Mercedez is in there? Our relationship is strained because she doesn’t like how close Twitch and I are. Her hatred for me isn’t a secret, but she won’t say anything because I’m Reaper’s sister. And she doesn’t need to. There’s nothing going on between Twitch and me—just my own fantasies of his kisses and what he looks like under that motorcycle vest.
The sound of footsteps makes me jump away from his door. Sophie and Viper are walking toward me, holding hands. Sophie is runway-model beautiful. Her long blond hair swishes as if she just left the salon, and her makeup is always perfect. Viper is just as striking. They would make gorgeous babies, though they don’t want any.
I shake my head with a smile. “You!” I point at her. “Those cocktails were dangerously good but potent. My head is throbbing this morning.”
She gives me a shit-eating grin. “They were amazing, but yes, I have a headache too.”
Another squeal comes from downstairs, making us both flinch. Jesus, the kids’ high-pitched voices are going to be a struggle this morning, even though I’m excited to see my niece Hope’s happy, chubby cheeks.
“Merry Christmas,” I say to them and give them each a tight hug.
“Merry Christmas,” they reply in unison.
“Let’s go get some pain relief and coffee,” I say, glancing down the stairs. “I think we’re going to need it.”
As we walk down the stairs, I smile at the enormous Christmas tree covered in ornaments, tinsel, lights, and bows that stands in the main living area. Everyone wanted to make it special for the kids this year.
The clubhouse is open plan, with a pool table, dartboard, and bar in the main area and a living space off to the side where we watch TV on a big screen. The atmosphere is still very much that of a space for men, but with the ol’ ladies here, there’s fresh flowers in the hallway and it’s so much cleaner than it used to be. It smells fresher too—not like the stale beer I remember from years ago. It’s a home for all of them.
I walk over to Ava, Reaper, Elena, and Axle. “Merry Christmas,” I say cheerfully.
“Merry Christmas,” they reply with big smiles. I give them all brief hugs and look at Hope, who’s sitting on a new rocking horse.
“I love the rocking horse. It’s gorgeous.”
“I’m so glad she likes it,” says Elena. “Axle and I got it for her.”
Christmas is so much more special with the kids around. Everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit, and I’m here for it. I kept a huge stuffed unicorn at my house for Ivy’s daughter Sammy so that she wouldn’t see it. I peer over to see Sammy ripping through the presents, sitting in a sea of wrapping paper. Ivy is leaning against Demon, his arm around her. I love that they found each other. They’re complete opposites, but she has softened him. I see the love he has for her, and I hope I find that one day. A quick glance reveals that Twitch isn’t here yet. That damn man consumes my thoughts far too often.
I watch Sophie and Viper head to the kitchen, which reminds me... coffee! I follow them, grab a painkiller from the medicine cabinet, get a glass of water from the fridge, and swallow the pill.
“What coffee would you like?” Viper asks me.
“A latte this morning, thanks.”
I peek out the back door. “You guys did such a great job on the kids’ playground equipment.” They were up late putting it together.
“That was all Demon’s idea,” Viper replies.
I smile. “He’s really changed for the better since meeting Ivy and Sammy. It’s good to see him happy.” Ivy, too, of course. She’s become one of my closest friends.
Viper chuckles. “It is good... a little weird... but good.”
“Having the kids here at Christmas is amazing. It makes it special. I heard children aren’t on the cards for you two?” I ask, curious.
Sophie snorts. “Certainly not.” She smiles at Viper. “I’m happy with just the two of us. I’ve never been a maternal person. Playing the fun aunt is fine, but I’m content with my life and don’t need children for fulfillment.”
I nod, understanding. Everyone’s different.
“Do you want kids?” Sophie asks, raising a brow.
I shrug. “My career is very important to me, and I’ve worked so hard to get where I am. Besides, to have a baby, I’d actually have to have sex with a man.” I can’t even remember the last time I did. It’s depressing.
Sophie bursts out laughing, but my vagina doesn’t find it funny.
I would need a supportive, stay-at-home dad or someone who understands my ambitions and the importance of my job. I’ve never met a man like that. Most are intimidated or want a traditional housewife, and that is not me.
