Page 16 of Double the Redemption

Shit. He was in trouble. She looked at him as if he’d just given her the best gift ever, and he wanted to do it again. He liked the way she smiled at him, the way she focused so wholly on him.

Yeah, it was definitely time for him to leave. Being a confirmed bachelor, he didn’t do relationships or attachments.

“Really. Come to the clubhouse tomorrow morning around the same time as today, and I’m sure she’ll be there. You can let her know what you’re looking for.” He glanced over at Asher. “Do you need help putting him to bed or anything?”

“No, that’s okay. I’ll leave him there while I work, and he’s still small enough that I can carry him to bed without any trouble.”

“Good. Thank you, Naomi. And just remember you asked for all this when you’re cursing me later.”

She gave a soft laugh. “I will. And, Ink … thank you. For everything. You and your club. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

Yeah, he needed to leave. Now. He had an outrageous urge to kiss her when she looked up at him like that. Like he was some savior or something. Nope, not going to happen. Bad idea all around.

“You’re welcome. Good night.” He went out the door, quietly shutting it behind him.

He needed a beer and some time with one of the club girls, or something to clear his head. Whatever that feeling, it needed to be crushed. Immediately.

7

NAOMI

With a room full of people, she was fighting the urge to run back to the apartment. She promised herself she would try to act normally today. Last night proved she could, with Ink in her space. Even Asher seemed lighter today. He skipped beside her, head on a swivel, taking everything in.

The heavy door of the clubhouse swung inward, drawing everyone’s attention. She squeezed Asher’s hand a little tighter and tried to smile, stomach twisting with nerves.

“Naomi, hey!” one of the twins—Win, maybe—called out, moving toward them from one of the tables a few feet away. Wren waved and followed close behind. “How’s it going?” Win asked with a grin. She patted Asher on the head. “Hi, Asher.”

Asher looked up at her with wide eyes, then his gaze shifted to Wren. “Twins?”

“That’s right, baby, twins,” Naomi praised. “Do you remember the story we looked at yesterday that showed what twins are?” He nodded and took them in. “Wren and Win are identical twins. So they look alike, but they’re very nice, aren’t they?”

“Pretty,” Asher said, stepping closer to her and gripping her pant leg.

“They are pretty, aren’t they?” Naomi agreed with a soft smile. The girls shared a grin.

“Would you like to come and play with us, Asher?” Wren asked, crouching down and extending a hand. “I heard from Ink and Ice that you love to play hide-and-seek.”

“Hide-and-seek?” Asher asked, perking up. “Play?”

“Yeah, we’ll go play. And Ronin and Gabe want to join us too.” She smiled at Naomi. “We’ll be staying in this room or the kitchen, so we won’t be far.”

Naomi swallowed hard, fighting her nerves. “Are you sure he’ll be okay?”

“Promise. It’s the weekend, so we’re off, and we have a few hours before we’re supposed to go to a birthday party at one of our friend’s places. Which means we have lots of time to play with them and wear them out.” She winked, and Naomi nodded.

“If you’re sure, then, okay. He’s not always great at the counting part before looking, so you might have to help him.”

“That’s fine. We taught Ronin, so we’re well-versed in it. Asher, do you want to come with us?” She crooked her fingers, and Asher slowly reached out to take them.

Naomi held her breath when he looked back at her, so she nodded, forcing her face to relax. Wanting him to have friends, she had to let him get used to everyone. He turned back and eagerly followed Wren and Win over to where the other kids were hanging out by the back sofas.

“He’ll be fine,” someone murmured behind her, making her jump. She turned to see Ink standing there, Ice behind him, and Rogue bringing up the rear.

“Looks like you already got someone interested in your girls, brother,” Ink joked, grinning at Rogue over his shoulder.

Naomi’s eyes widened at the murderous look that crossed Rogue’s face. “Who?” His tone was low and dangerous.

“Little guy, about this tall, baby-blue eyes,” Ink said, unfazed, holding his hand out to indicate his height.