“It was aminorfire,” I argue, crossing my arms and trying not to grin. “And technically, the oven was already on fire before I got there.”
“Uh-huh,” she says, laughing as she slides a tray out and begins carefully boxing up cupcakes. “Sure it was.”
The scent of chocolate and sugar fills the air as she arranges the desserts, her movements precise, practiced. She hums under her breath, tying the white ribbon neatly around the box before giving it a tug to test the knot. “A dozen of our best. Perfectlymoist,” she adds with a wicked smirk, “and zero chance of baking disasters.”
“You’re a saint,” I tell her, handing over my card. I drum my fingers on the counter while the reader beeps. “You should come later. It’s just family and the MC guys.”
Her gaze sharpens immediately. “MC guys, huh?” She slides my card back, that sly grin spreading. “So, Blade will be there?”
Heat creeps up my neck. “Don’t start.”
“Oh, I’m starting.” Ansley props a hip against the counter, folding her arms. “One day you’re gonna admit you’re obsessed with him, and when you do, I’m bringing champagne.”
“I’m not obsessed,” I protest, though my voice cracks on the lie. I grab the box like it’s a shield and start edging toward the door. “Just… mildly interested.”
“Mildly,” she echoes, laughing as she calls after me. “Sure, Bri. Keep telling yourself that.”
“Bye, traitor!” I shoot over my shoulder, pushing through the door as the bell jingles above me.
Ansley’s laughter follows me out into the sunshine, sweet and smug, and I can’t even be mad. She’s right. I just wish she wasn’t. Maybe I am more than mildly interested. But Blade? He barely sees me at all.
THREE
BLADE
I knock once,and the door opens fast, like she was standing there waiting. Bella gives me her usual bright smile, messy brown curls tossed up in a bun, barely any makeup, and a worn hoodie paired with joggers that look soft as hell. She’s casual and cozy and glowing in that new mom way. I love that this woman settled Switch, I mean Switch, in a way no one else ever managed. She softened the rough edges and gave him the family he never thought he’d have.
“Hey, Blade,” she says. “Get in here. They’re already running their mouths in the living room.”
I nod and step inside. “Figured.”
The smell hits me immediately. Cheese. Garlic. Something baked and probably addicting enough to start a fight for leftovers. It’s warm in here. Loud in the best way. Classic Bella and Switch territory. This place always feels like home even if it’s not mine. Maybe because it’s one of the few places that doesn’t expect me to be anything other than exactly who I am. No front. No lies. Just the club and the people who figured out how to build a life around it.
I step into the living room. Rev and Switch are sprawled on the couches, beers in hand, grinning like the smug bastards they are.
“There he is,” Switch says, raising his bottle. “Didn’t think we’d see your greasy ass tonight.”
“Didn’t plan to come,” I mutter, dropping into one of the armchairs. “But your wife promised food and guilted me with that whole family dinner thing.”
Rev snorts. “Food’s the only thing that gets you to show up when Mason’s not breathing down your neck.”
“Pres isn’t here to babysit,” I say with a smirk. “Thank fuck for that.”
Mason, the president of the Iron Reapers MC, is the one who brought me in. He taught me how to survive this life and how to run with purpose. I owe the man more than I’ll ever repay. It’s still nice to breathe without his eyes burning holes into the back of my head.
“He’s coming too,” Switch says. “Bringing Carlie and the twins.”
I groan and shift in my seat. I’m still wearing the day. Jeans. Biker boots. My faded Iron Reapers tee that smells like metal and shop grease. It’s not that I don’t care about the guy. He’s also my boss. I spent all day wrenching on a custom build that fought me harder than most. My hands still ache. I don’t mind. Work keeps my head quiet.
Rev leans forward. “Speaking of Mason. There’s shit going down.”
Switch grunts. “Town’s shifting. You feel it?”
Yeah. I do. In my bones.
Rev cracks his neck. “More overdoses than usual. The hospital’s been buzzing. Two in the last week. Kids. One barely eighteen.”
My shoulders tense.
