He pats the bed he is sitting on.
I tilt my head. “Where will you be sleeping?” My cheeks flush as panic rises within me at the thought of us sharing a bed.
He points to the floor, and I instantly feel terrible. “No, absolutely not. You can’t sleep on the floor! I’ll sleep on the floor with Charlie, and you can sleep in your bed.”
I begin grabbing the nearby blankets and laying them out on the floor.
He shakes his head and lets out a laugh. Then he walks over to the closet and pulls out a small cot. “ Charlie can sleep here, and you and I can share the bed. I’ll put multiple pillows between us; we can have separate blankets so you’ll be safe.”
I shake my head. “No, no, no. I couldn’t possibly. This is your space. I can sleep on the floor. I promise it’s going—”
I am cut off mid-sentence when Hunter steps into me. “You will sleep in that bed and that is final. No more arguments. No more thoughts.” He taps my head. “I’ll make it as comfortable for you as you wish. But youwill notbe sleeping on the floor.”
I stare at him in shock, embarrassment creeping up my spine. Did he just chastise me like a child? I fold my arms over my chest, swallowing down the heat racing to my face.
But underneath the embarrassment is something worse-fear. I am terrified of sleeping in the same bed as him. What if something happens? Not because I don't trust him but because I don't think I can trust myself. Plus, I fucking snore. What if he can’t stand my snoring? What if I keep him up all night and hegets irritated with me? What if it’s too much? What if I am too much?
My anxiety is already through the roof. How am I ever going to fall asleep with him in the bed with me?
“Mommy, can we go outside so I can play now?” Charlie whines, pulling me from my spiral.
“I guess we can join the rest of the party now.” I sigh. The people out there scare me to death. Am I really going to be welcomed when we go out there, or will they all take one look at me and judge me by my looks and instantly hate me?
Chapter 27
Hunter
I usher both ladies out of my room with my hand on Blake's lower back. We pass back by one of the house mice, who throws a grim look my way. Her name is Candace, and she has been trying to get in my pants for years. In fact, I think I might be the only biker she hasn’t slept with aside from Xavier.
I just give her a nod and walk us outside. The fresh night air hits me like a warm caress, and I close my eyes, relishing thefeeling of it through my beard. The air and smell here are like coming home. It brings me a sense of peace as we walk toward the rest of the crowd by the fire.
“Can I go now?” Charlie bounces next to her mother, and she finally lets go of her hand.
“Yes, but be careful!” she calls after her as she bounds toward the other children.
I place my hand on Blake’s lower back again and give her a little nudge. “Come with me; I want to introduce you to some people.”
As soon as we’re within earshot, Xavier gets up from his chair and starts walking toward us. “Hunter! It took you long enough, man.” He embarrasses me with a clap on my back. “For a second there, I thought the house mouse got her claws into you.”
I cringe at his words. I don’t want to have to explain that to Blake right now.
“What’s a house mouse?” The soft voice comes from behind me and draws Xavier’s attention toward her.
Oh god.His smile beams as he moves around me and stands fully before Blake. “A house mouse is one of our beautiful ladies who takes care of the house and the riders.” He pauses for dramatics. “If you get what I’m saying.” He wiggles his brow.
“Okay, that’s enough,” I grumble, and he turns his smile toward me.
“Get the stick out of your ass, Hunter, and live a little.” He nods to someone behind me and then says, “Have a beer and let loose.”
I look over my shoulder at Viper, who is walking toward me with two beers in his hand. I graciously take one from him and take a long swig. Then I remember Blake is standing by me. “Did you want one?” I hold my beer out to her.
She shakes her head. “No, thank you.” She scans the area for Charlie, and I find myself doing the same. We are both keeping a protective gaze on her at all times.
“So,” Xavier says. “Who do we have here?” He wraps his arm around Blake’s shoulder.
I clear my throat. “This is Crash.” I start, but Blake interrupts me.
“My name is Blake, thank you very much.” Her eyes bore into my soul.
