Page 13 of Double the Redemption

“Thanks, sweetheart, I appreciate it.” He practically shoved the folder into her hands. “And as a thank you, let me treat you to dinner. Since it’s not safe to go out, you just let me know what you like, and I’ll send the prospects to pick up something for us.”

“Oh, no, that’s all right. I already made something for Asher and me.” She hesitated. Wait, was that rude? Not inviting him in? Would Asher be all right with inviting him into their space?

“Another time, then. I won’t bother you if you’re already eating. Okay if I stop in tomorrow to grab the stuff?”

She relaxed. He wasn’t forcing himself in or getting upset that she didn’t invite him in. Maybe this would be all right after all.

“Ink!” Asher screeched. “Ink, eat. I made myself.”

She stiffened as Asher rushed out from behind the couch, running toward them with a bright face.

“Hey there, buddy,” Ink said, looking down as Asher wrapped his arms tight around her leg. Asher was vibrating with excitement. “You helped Mama make your dinner, huh?”

“Yes. I make myself.” He puffed up his little chest, and she stroked his hair with a soft smile. She was so happy to see him excited instead of scared.

“And what did you make?”

“’urger and ’ies,” he rushed out, slurring his words.

“And some corn,” she reminded him.

“And corn,” he repeated.

“Wow, that sounds delicious. You make sure you eat it all so you grow big and strong, right?”

Asher nodded, grinning up at him.

She softened and said, “Would you like to come in? I have extra, and I can look things over. As long as you don’t mind a toddler running around.” It might be one of her biggest mistakes, but she’d do anything to keep the smile on her son’s face.

His eyes widened before he schooled his face then smiled. “If you don’t mind the company. I don’t want to intrude.”

“Ink, come!” Asher ordered, releasing her leg and hurrying back inside. “See. See!”

Ink laughed and stepped inside. She was either insane or about to make a complete fool of herself. She didn’t know which was worse.

6

INK

“New rule: if you want to try out any new recipes, I want to be on the testing committee every time.” He moaned, easing back in his seat. That burger was delicious, and he was trying not to be a glutton and eat the rest of everything she cooked. “Best one I’ve had in a long time.” Asher’s little face was smeared with the ketchup he’d insisted having on his burger and slathered all over his fries. “Right, Ash?”

The little boy nodded, his eyes bright as he munched away. He wasn’t overly talkative while eating, except to ask his mom for help when needed.

Naomi blushed and looked away, but he caught the flash of pleasure.

“Thank you. I like to experiment when I have the chance.” She hesitated before adding, “Though, I guess I’ll have a lot more time now.”

He imagined this would be a big adjustment for her. He doubted his decision to bring her the paperwork to look over, but he got special permission from Savage and Ice. They wanted to know how good she was, and this was a safe way. The tattoo shop was one of their legitimate businesses, so there wasn’t anything for her to find.

Well, other than how terrible he was with recordkeeping, but that wasn’t really a secret.

They didn’t want her to be involved in anything else club-related, but maybe they could find her something to keep her busy while she was here. After she went to bed last night, they had a quick Church while the Devil’s Predators were on patrol.

A woman as smart as she was could be an asset and a problem. They had to make sure she wasn’t nearby when things were said or done that she could remember and use against them. Especially if the Feds wanted to sniff around. They were a 1%er club, so they weren’t exactly looking for that kind of attention.

Simba apparently assured Savage part of the deal was that the Feds leave both clubs alone since they were doing them favors, but everyone knew that wouldn’t happen. They might leave the Devil’s Predators alone because of who and what they were, but their club was fair game.

And after all that shit went down with the Devil’s Soldiers and one of their members was working with the Feds and feeding them information, well, they definitely weren’t going to take any chances.