“Pretty sure I do,” she said softly.
He huffed out a broken laugh, brushing his thumb over her lower lip.“You got no idea how dangerous that sounds, baby.”
“I don’t care.”Her voice was quiet but steady.“I’ve been running my whole life.I’m done.”
Viper’s hand found hers, their fingers lacing together.“Then you stay,” he said simply.
Mara nodded.“I stay.”
Viper led her to the bed.They dispensed with their clothes and Viper pulled the comforter over their bodies.Both of them were too tired for sex, but perhaps later, after a bit of rest.She smiled when he wrapped his arms around her and Mara tucked herself against his big and scarred chest.
Mara might’ve lost her father tonight.He was the last thread of her old life, but Mara had found something else.She’d found a man who’d kill for her and she loved him for it.
Chapter Eleven
Aweek later, the clubhousefinally felt like home.Rumor had it that the Blood Vultures were done, what was left of them being swallowed up by the Iron Serpents.
That alone was enough to let Mara breathe again.Viper had sent his warning the same night they returned.It was a message to the Iron Serpents’ president that if they even thought about touching her again, they’d be starting a war with the Devil’s Crown MC.
The Serpents replied two days later.She’s yours.She ain’t worth the trouble.
They were finally free.King, in a rare show of goodwill, had given them one of the bigger rooms in the clubhouse.The place was rough around the edges and could use some work, but Mara loved it.
She’d replaced the thin mattress with a thicker one, added clean sheets, a plant by the window, even a small shelf with a few old books.Their room.
She caught herself smiling as she stirred the sauce on the stove.Mara used the smaller kitchen in the clubhouse to avoid getting in anyone’s way.
Mara had gotten home early from the repair shop that day, a rare thing.Her job had turned out to be something she actually enjoyed.She was surprisingly good at organizing orders, keeping track of payroll, and occasionally helping the mechanics when they needed a second pair of hands.
Benny had even taught her how to identify certain parts just by sight.She liked the guys and the rhythm of the place.
Tonight, she wanted to do something special.She’d picked up steak, potatoes, and the bourbon sauce Viper liked from the grocery store.There was even a small chocolate cake cooling on the counter, something she hadn’t baked in years.
Her hands trembled slightly as she worked.Not from fear but from nerves.She’d found out that morning.The test had sat in her jacket pocket all day, like a secret she couldn’t stop touching.Two lines, clear as day.
Pregnant.The word still didn’t feel real.
