Once the Reed family filled up the family room, they spilled out to the dining room and then the porch and soon the wider yard. Everyone spoke in small groups, with people moving from one conversation to another.
Sutter ended up outside with the kids. Elle dodged me by bouncing from one location to another. She even sat in the grass with the kids at one point.
“You’re more skittish than I assumed you’d be,” I told her when I pinned her near the fridge after everyone got their plates of food and sat at various tables to eat. “I thought you biker chicks were tougher.”
“Life is complicated,” Elle said, holding my gaze. “I’m tough in most situations yet also skittish with a man who keeps claiming he plans to steal my kid away and let me visit.”
“I don’t trust anyone more than myself. This kid is mine and needs protection. That’s why he’ll live with me.”
“Your reasoning makes sense, but we both know it’ll never happen.”
“We’ll see.”
Elle cocked an eyebrow and smiled seductively. “If you were nicer, I might have put out again. But you insist on acting like an oozing canker sore instead.”
Grinning, I wrapped her soft blonde hair around my index finger. “There’s the feisty side of Elle Reed.”
“Why do you use my entire name? Are you secretly into my dad and are banging him using my pussy?”
“I can hear you!” Ford announced.
“Sorry. I thought your old man hearing would protect you. I’ll speak more quietly now,” Elle announced before whispering to me, “You’re getting me in trouble.”
Leaning down, I smiled and murmured, “I don’t want to fuck your dad.”
“Good because he’s taken. Ugh, why can’t we talk like normal people? Let’s try. So, Zodiac, what are your plans for the weekend?”
“I’m thinking about abducting a blonde biker and putting her in my dungeon until she gives birth to my son, Megatron.”
“Just between us bros, that plan seems destined for failure. You should know bikers don’t like being stuck in boxes.”
“Oh, I think this blonde biker will be very happy with the box I choose for her.”
“No,” Elle insisted, losing her playful tone. “I heard she’s a mean bitch who bites and will cut off your balls if you try to stick her in a fucking dungeon.”
“Wait, who is in a dungeon?” Sabrina asked as she entered with her girlfriends, brother, and sister.
“Me,” Elle said immediately while refusing to break my gaze. “There’s leftover shrimp, pasta, and steak, but they’re getting cold.”
Sabrina considered starting trouble. That seemed to be her main hobby, but she didn’t say anything before grabbing her food. Everyone made their plates while Elle eyed me.
Once we were alone again, she smiled. “There’s no bonding with a man like you, is there?”
“Are you looking to become my BFF?”
“I’m looking to know what kind of man I made a kid with.”
“You know who I am.”
“I know the biker president. Is there anything else to you?”
Despite being curious about Elle, I sensed I wasn’t safe to admit my interest while in enemy territory. “No.”
“Well, then, I’ll see you in six months for the custody battle.”
“I want those ultrasound pictures and updates on your medical status,” I insisted as a way to poke at her. “You should also send regular updates on your diet and physical exertion levels.”
Losing her temper, Elle growled, “You really don’t want to get back in my pants, do you?”
