He turns around and smiles. “Yeah, angel.”
“You’re banned.”
He throws his head back, laughing, and walks out the door, and I know without a doubt he will be back to annoy me tomorrow, and a part of me can’t wait.
One
Madison
I’m standing in the parking lot of the local steakhouse, debating whether I should just turn around and go home. It’s been a long ass day at the bakery. Add in the fact that I know someone has been breaking into my bakery keeps me up all hours of the night. So, I’m definitely running on zero sleep right now. It’s not like they are stealing money, just some sweets I have left over. Which seems to be the case at the general store. Like me, Grandma Silvia also found a note saying they were sorry and would find a way to pay us back. I’m not so worried about someone taking from me. I'm worried because wethink it could be a kid, and that just makes me sad to think about someone going hungry like that.
The guys came up with a sort of stakeout plan where we are going to hopefully catch this person and get them the help that they need. And we are going to use my bakery to do it. It’s not ideal, but it’s what we’ve got right now. Even my cameras aren’t showing much except a small figure. They have kept their face hidden from view, which is driving Crow absolutely crazy. The only thing I’m dreading is that it’s going to be me and Joker all alone tonight. I tried to fight Blade on it, anyone but him, and he didn’t want me to even be a part of this, but I put my foot down. It’s my bakery, damn it. So unless I wanted to sit this one out, I didn’t have a choice. It’s not that I hate the guy; it's just that I’m running out of excuses to say no to the man. I don’t even know why I’m saying no at this point. God, he’s maddening and sweet at the same time.
“Debating about running, aren’t you?” An amused voice says behind me, making me jump high in the air.
I turn around to see Crow standing there with a shit- eating grin on his face. “OMG, Crow, you scared the crap out of me.”
He just shakes his head, laughing. “I could see that by the ten-foot jump in the air.”
“Ha ha, very funny. And to answer your question, yes, I’m debating being a chicken and running.” He steps up in front of me, giving me that look that all the men have perfected, with his eyebrow raised and arms folded as if he’s going into interrogation mode.
“And why would that be, Madison? Would a certain biker be the reason?” He has a smirk on his face, waiting for me to break, and it only takes but a minute of his intense stare.
I throw my hands up in the air and start to pace the parking lot. “Fine, yes, it has everything to do with that man in there that drives meabsolutely insane most days. Hell, I don't even know what I’m doing anymore. I banned him from my bakery, only for him to show up the next day. Only a crazy person does that, you know. My customers now come in and take bets on whether he will show up. I don’t know if I want to smack that smirk off his face or kiss it most days. Add in the fact that I’m going to be stuck with him tonight on this stakeout and I'm either going to give in or you're going to be down a brother and you will find his big ass in one of my ovens.” By the time I’m done ranting, my chest is heaving, and I probably look like a crazy person as I look at Crow, who has a shocked expression on his face by my word vomit. Lord, this is what the lack of sleep has reduced me to.
“Okay, wow, that’s a lot to unpack there, darlin'. There is only one possible solution to your problem.” He has a smile on his face, one I'm not really likely at the moment.
I take a step closer as if he’s going to give me all of life's answers and wait. “What’s that?”
“Go on a date with Joker. This way you'll know if you love him enough to want something with him. Now wait, before you try to kill me; hear me out. We all know you two have this love- hate relationship going on here. This way, you will finally have your answers. Because I hate to tell you this, Joker isn’t going anywhere.”
My shoulders slump because I know he’s right. I’m just scared. “Crap, you're right.”
Crow barks out a laugh. “Jesus, Madison, don’t sound so excited there.”
I wave my hand in the air as my face goes red. “No, it’s not that.”
Crow smiles at me with a soft look on his face. “I get it; you’ve been hurt before, so it’s only natural to be scared. But I will tell you this: Joker is one of the good ones. He may be a goofy fucker, but he is loyal. Just think about it, okay?”
“Yeah, I will. Thanks Crow.”
“Anytime, darlin'.”
“Hey you guys coming in or what? We have some pretty hangry pregnant ladies wanting to order. They almost robbed the waiter as he was bringing out an order.” Joker says, laughing at his own joke. Jesus, I swear that man has a death wish when it comes to the girls.
Crow and I walk towards the door, and before we reach Joker, who hasn’t taken his eyes off me yet, I ask Crow for one more favor. “Hey Crow, if by some chance I die tonight when things go south with Joker’s plan. Donate all my organs to those in need, except my middle finger- give that to Joker.”
Crow throws his head back and laughs, making Joker narrow his eyes at us. “You got it, Madison.” Crow walks in ahead of us, leaving me with Joker.
“What was that all about?”
We walk towards the table, and I can see everyone waiting for us. “Nothing, I was just telling him a joke.” I walk towards the table with Joker trailing behind me. I know he didn’t buy what I was saying but didn’t push me on it, which I’m grateful for. “Sorry I’m late guys, it's been a day.” I take my seat in front of Hailey, who is absolutely glowing. Hell, so are Savannah and Scarlett. If I didn’t know any better, I'd say the guys planned this—getting them all pregnant at the same time. I’m so happy for my friends and can’t wait to get in some baby snuggles when the babies are born.
“It’s okay. Scarlett and Ghost just got here themselves. BFG was just being nosy and wanted to see what was taking you two so long.” Hailey has a massive smile on her face as she looks at Joker, who takes the only empty seat left, which is right beside me.
“Now, that doesn’t surprise me at all.” I can feel Joker lean into me, his breath against the side of my face. I don’t move an inch, nor do I breathe as he rests his arm on the back of my chair.
“If you're a good girl later, I will show you an even better surprise.” My body shivers at his naughty words. Good Lord, this man is trying to kill me, and we haven’t even had dinner yet.
