Page 24 of Double the Redemption

“We can fix that. Scarlett!” Wren called, waving for her to come over.

Naomi tried not to panic as the stunning redhead made her way over, followed by Royal, Esme, and the woman she was pretty sure was Harlow, Steel’s Old Lady. She was still trying to figure everyone out and wasn’t sure she was ready to meet a bunch of people right now.

“It’ll be all right,” Ink murmured, giving her knee a gentle squeeze. “They’re all great.”

Easy for him to say. The only group of women she knew was the ones Diego hired to take care of his estate and to screw when he felt the urge. All of them took great joy in rubbing that in her face. They were mean, catty, and enjoyed tormenting her.

She wasn’t ready for a repeat.

10

NAOMI

“Hi, Naomi, I’m Scarlett,” Scarlett said, extending her hand for a handshake from next to Wren, who wrapped an arm around her waist and rested her head on her shoulder. Naomi hoped Scarlett couldn’t tell how nervous she was or that her palms were sweaty.

“Hello,” Naomi muttered.

“Ice, up,” Esme groaned, smacking the man’s shoulder. Ice rolled his eyes but got to his feet, holding out the chair for her. She collapsed into the chair and glared at Royal and Harlow, who didn’t bother to hide their snickers.

“Shut up, bitches,” Esme grunted. “I’m as big as a fucking whale. If I don’t have this baby soon, I’m going to lose my fucking mind.” Her gaze moved back to Naomi. “Sorry, but this baby is overdue by a couple of days, and I’m over it. Actually, I’ve been over it for a couple of months now, but they don’t seem to want to get their ass out of there.”

Naomi gave her a small, knowing smile. “I was overdue with Asher by a couple of days too, but when he came, he came fast. Maybe that will be your luck.”

“As long as we get to the hospital and I get the good drugs, I’m fine with that.” She waved at Harlow. “This is Steel’s Old Lady. Her son, Harley, is a little terror and was a giant baby. As long as this one isn’t the same, we’ll be good. If they are, I’m going to slice Fury’s dick off when I’m better. Who needs cock when you have amazing toys?”

Wren wrinkled her nose while Ink burst out laughing. Ice and Savage flinched, their skin turning slightly green.

Naomi shrugged. “There are two veins in a penis, and you won’t kill him, but you can make him bleed and cause serious damage if you cut them properly, instead of taking the whole thing off.”

They stared at her, and she froze. Oh, shit, she’d said that out loud. Her face flamed as the women all grinned.

“We got another one!” Esme crowed. “Watch out, boys, we have a genius around now, and she can help us make it hurt and do the most damage.”

Naomi wanted the floor to open so she could sink into it. “I’m so sorry. I don’t … I don’t know why I blurted it out. I-I spit things out when I’m nervous or find something interesting. I wouldn’t … I wouldn’t actually …” She waved her hands, unsure how else to answer.

Ink took her hand in his and said, “Babe, you’re good. Though, remind me to never piss you off and hide anything sharp when we’re talking. I happen to be attached to the goods and have many more uses for him.”

“Jerking off into a sock probably,” Esme muttered, hissing when Scarlett gave her a light slap on the arm. “Right, sorry, no talking about sex in front of the twins. Wouldn’t want them to get any ideas.”

“It’s not us she’s worried about. It’s more about Rogue knowing we know that information.” Wren snickered. “I’m so glad I’m a girl.”

“So, what other interesting things do you know, Naomi?” Esme prodded, grinning. “We need some good shit to scare the men a little more around here. Keep them in line.”

Savage, Ink, and Ice snorted. “Like hell.” Savage scoffed, yanking Royal into his lap.

“You banned guns, so we have to figure out other ways,” Harlow agreed, eyes sparkling.

“I banned the fucking guns because you all love to shoot at me or point a gun at my face,” Savage griped.

Naomi’s eyes widened. They’d done what?

“We’ll tell you later,” Esme promised. “Now, what are we doing over here?”

“Oh, right.” Wren laughed. “Got distracted. I wanted Scarlett and Naomi to get to know each other because I offered to watch Asher while she learned stuff with Rogue and Esme at the garage tomorrow night.” She gave Esme an apologetic look. “He went to talk to Fury, so surprise for you.”

Esme nodded but didn’t look angry at finding out that a stranger was taking over for her. Naomi swallowed hard. “I-I’m not trying to come in and take over. They asked me, and I’m not trying to push you out or anything.”

“Sweetheart, I’ve been stressing about who would help run things, so knowing you’re stepping in, I can finally relax,” Esme assured, with a warm smile. “You’re smart, and you’ll probably figure out a better way to run things. As long as you can show it to me when you’re done, then I’m happy. Besides, Fury has been after me to stop for weeks.”