Viper hands me a mug. “Thank you,” I say, inhaling the coffee’s rich scent.
“So you’re telling me there are no sexy doctors where you work?” Sophie asks accusingly.
I cringe. “That’s a definite no. Most are married, and the ones who aren’t are not my type.” A lot of male surgeons have a chip on their shoulder and think they’re God’s gift. I love confidence in a man, but not arrogance.
“Here I was thinking it would be like all those TV shows with all the dreamy men.”
I chuckle as Viper narrows his eyes at his wife. Sophie is a force to be reckoned with. She’s confident and not ashamed to say when a man is attractive. She’s well attuned to her sexuality, but simultaneously completely devoted to Viper.
“I’d better watch my niece enjoy her first Christmas,” I tell them, and go and enjoy the rest of the Christmas festivities.
* * *
After lunch,I’m four, maybe five glasses of wine in. I’m on a break from work, so I’m enjoying myself. I’m seated at the table with Twitch, Rage, and Cash. Twitch is beside me, and the other two are across from us. Mercedez is in the kitchen helping clean up, for which I’m grateful. She’s a sweet butt who’s always hanging off Twitch.
“Aren’t you guys going to see your family today?” I ask. Since it’s Christmas and all.
“Yeah, I’ll head off soon to see my mom and brother,” Rage replies. I notice he doesn’t mention his dad. Since it’s only Reaper and me, I’ve always been interested in other family dynamics.
Twitch shakes his head. “I called my mom earlier.”
“Don’t you have any brothers or sisters?” I ask him, secretly interested.
“Nah, it was just me and Mom, and I went to see her yesterday.”
I look at Cash. “And what about you?”
“I’m not close to my family. All my real family is right here at the clubhouse.”
My heart softens.Bless him.
“What about you?” Twitch asks me.
“Like you guys probably already know, Reaper and I grew up in foster care.”
Twitch frowns.
“It wasn’t bad. It’s just that it’s only ever been me and him. So all my family is here too.”
“Are your parents still alive?” Twitch asks.
I wince internally. “I’m not sure. Reaper and I decided that we’re the only family that matters.”
“I’d better get going,” Rage says. “See you guys in an hour or two.”
“Bye, Rage. Enjoy! Drive safe.”
Rage gives me a small smile over his shoulder before striding away. Watching him, I can’t help but feel a pang of worry. The MC men have become like family to me, and with Rage being the youngest, I feel protective of him. He’s like the little brother I never had, even though he’s more than capable of taking care of himself.
Still, there’s something about him that tugs at my heart. “Why does Rage fight?” I ask Twitch and Cash, my curiosity getting the better of me. I know the club runs illegal fights and Rage is one of their best fighters. He wins almost every match, but it doesn’t make sense to me. “He doesn’t seem the type, that’s all. He’s so kind and sweet. I’ve never seen the other side of him.”
Cash chuckles. “Yeah, I didn’t think so either until I saw him fight for the first time.” He cringes as if remembering. “He’s relentless. Like an absolute beast in the ring. He’s so talented I think he could go pro. He doesn’t even have to be the biggest guy—he’s quick on his feet and with his punches.” He lets out a low whistle. “Let’s just say he can throw a deadly punch that leaves a man on his back, unable to remember his own name.”
“Is that where he gets the nickname ‘Rage’ from?” I ask.
Cash nods. “He’s all nice, but in the ring he becomes this unleashed monster full of rage.”
“Is there a reason he’s like that?”
