Page 26 of Double the Redemption

“I think we need a few more kids around here,” Ink stated, smirking at Scarlett.

Scarlett flipped him off but smiled. Naomi wasn’t sure what that meant, but the woman didn’t seem angry, so she had to assume it was a common joke.

“I think we should have another one.” Savage grinned at Royal.

She glared at him. “I gave you two. They seem to come in pairs. Talk to me when they’re all in school.”

Savage shrugged, but Naomi saw the glint in his eyes. He was going to do his best to convince her to give him another one long before then.

“Tesoro, we should get you home to bed,” Fury said, coming up to stand behind Esme. Naomi found it sweet that Fury looked so concerned.

Esme groaned. “I don’t think I can get up.”

Fury motioned with his hand, and she eased the chair back. Without so much as a grunt, he leaned down and lifted her into his arms. Esme grinned, and a collective sigh rippled around the table. Fury ignored them while calling for Gabe, who was quick to follow them out.

“Fucker is wrapped around her finger so tight.” Ice scoffed. “Thank God I don’t have to worry about that shit. Naomi, I’ll see you around.” Then he walked away.

“We should get the girls home too,” Royal said, pushing to her feet. Savage didn’t argue and followed her without a backward glance.

Soon, only she and Ink were left at the table.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Ink said.

“I’m just … overwhelmed.”

“Understandable.”

“And pissed off that you were testing me.” She bit her lip, glancing away. “I expected it, but it still hurts that people will never fully trust me.”

He at least had the decency to look apologetic. “I’m sorry, babe. We’re an MC, and things are done differently here. Women aren’t … We don’t bring women into club business, and sometimes, that means we look at things with a cynical point of view. If it matters, I brought it up because I think you should be the one to help out with my shop and Rogue’s garage. Not because I don’t trust you, but because you’re smart, can handle it, and will do a damn good job.”

She wanted to believe him, and instead of replying to that, she asked, “What about your shop? When do I need to start working on your stuff?”

“I’ll bring you everything over after tomorrow night. Get your head around Esme and Rogue’s stuff first, then we can look at mine.” He winked. “Besides, mine will probably make you want to quit; that way, I can charm you. I’ll even bring you dinner. What would you and Asher like the most?”

She shrugged. “We don’t eat out, so I don’t know. Probably something kid friendly, I guess. We don’t have any allergies, but Asher really doesn’t like fish.”

“Okay, kid friendly. Ax the fish. I can do that.” He smiled. “It’ll be all right, Naomi. I promise. Soon enough, all of this will feel like nothing. You’ll settle in, make friends with the women, and it’ll be like you’ve always been here. Just you wait and see.”

That was the problem, wasn’t it? She was terrified of becoming too comfortable here, too reliant on other people. What would she do when it was all gone, when she had to return to the real world?

It was a problem that kept her up most of the night, along with the thought of the man who made her feel seen in ways she’d never been. It was dangerous, and she couldn’t allow herself to fall for a man like him. Or any man, for that matter.

Protecting Asher was her only priority. She’d keep her distance from the others as much as she could but allow herself and Asher in when it felt necessary. It was the only way she could live with herself.

11

INK

ONE WEEK LATER

“I’m going to rip your dick off if you tell me to breathe one more fucking time,” Esme screamed at a panicked Fury as he helped her into her SUV. The same one she was pissed he showed up in yesterday because he was convinced she needed something safer to drive with Gabe and the new baby.

The new baby seemed to be arriving very soon.

Esme let out a throaty, pained moan, leaning against the SUV, her face twisted, clutching her belly. Fury frowned but didn’t say a word as she clamped down on his hand.

Ink winced at the purplish shade of that hand when Esme finally eased up and released him. Damn.