A phone rings. Sophie grabs it from her bag, answers, and lets out a long groan. “I told you already, there are female massage therapists here. I don’t understand how many times we have to go through this. So go tell those jealous men of ours that there are no men here.”
A few of us giggle at that.
“Okay... okay. Love you, bye.”
I glance at Zara. “Have you been feeling any better?”
“Unfortunately, no, and I’ve been getting these bad headaches. I’m just stressing out that something’s wrong.”
“It’s normal to feel that way, but maybe you should get a checkup.”
She sucks in a breath. “Do you think something’s wrong?”
“You should just put your mind at ease. Your doctor might give you something for the nausea and vomiting too.”
She gives me a tight nod. “Thanks. I’ll call to organize an appointment. I hope they can fit me in.”
“Don’t panic,” I emphasize, but I see it does nothing to ease her.
She reaches over and grabs her phone. “I’ll be right back.”
My stomach drops. I’ve made her nervous. But she’s better off getting checked out. I hope it’s nothing, but I’ve seen so many pregnant women turning up at the ER with problems that should have been addressed earlier but weren’t.
When she returns, she sinks back into her seat. “I’ve got an appointment later this afternoon.”
I give her a small smile. “Wonderful to hear. Are you finding out what sex the baby is?”
“We decided not to. I’d love a surprise. My niece wants me to have a girl, but both Bomber and I don’t mind. I just hope the baby’s healthy.”
When it’s Elena’s and my turn to have a facial, we lie down on the beds. “We are going to clean your faces first, using a gentle cleanser.” The cleanser cools my skin. After rinsing, the esthetician applies a light product and begins massaging my face and neck. Elena moans, while I snort, then we are both left laughing.
When I return to the clubhouse, I feel relaxed. My nails look fresh from the manicure and pedicure, and I feel rejuvenated. I need to spend more time doing stuff like that, especially the massage. It’s done wonders. Now all I want to do is sleep.
Everyone’s gathered around the large dining table for dinner. It’s awkward with me on one side of Twitch and Mercedez on the other, though when Twitch gives me a goofy smile while eating his meal, I smile back.
“I’m glad you’re back,” Reaper says to me. He’s sitting at the head of the table.
“Were you worried I wasn’t coming back to the clubhouse?” I tease.
“I wasn’t sure, but”—he lowers his voice—“I enjoy having you here.” He’s a big, tough biker and the president of the War Brothers MC, but he’s also a softy. It makes me wonder: If Reaper sees me happy with Twitch, would it be enough for him to let go of any resentment he has toward us? I’m worried he might carry some, given we’re going against his wishes.
“Aww, well, I like staying here too and... I think I’ll stick around for a while if you don’t mind.”
I hear someone coughing loudly, and I don’t have to look to know it’s Mercedez.
Ava claps with glee. “We would love you to stay here.”
“Yes,” Reaper adds. “That room can be yours. I’ll run it by the club in the next meeting, but I can’t see it being a problem.”
My heart could burst with happiness. I didn’t realize how much I felt like I belonged here. It seems more like home than my house does.
“So what did you get up to while you were away?” Mercedez asks with a fake smile.
My body tenses and Twitch clears his throat, but I look at her and give her a smile. “Not much, just some housework and watched some movies.”
She gives me a dead stare, and my heart races. Does she know something? Is that the reason for the question? But no one knew about the arrangement to go there apart from me and Twitch.
“How’s your family?” Ava asks Twitch.
