Page 69 of Royal Sons MC

Duke led the way into the clubhouse. Mack had the spaghetti, rolls, and salad on the large table; everything was laid out family-style. Although she'd said the guys didn't eat it as a rule, they'd had the fixings in the fridge, so Ayesha had thrown a big bowl together. If the MC didn't want any, they didn't need to eat it.

"Damn, something smells delicious, and it ain't pussy, which by the way, is my favorite meal." Duke grinned over his shoulder, winking.

"That's every smart man's favorite meal. I like to call it fifth meal and dessert," King agreed.

Heat spread across Ayesha's face at the men's easy sexual banter, uncaring that they were talking in front of a young girl. Tiana gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Did they have all the things you use at home?" Tiana asked.

Her sister's question brought her attention away from the dirty-talking bikers. "What?"

Tiana pointed toward the large pot of meat sauce. "It smells like what you'd make at home. Lots of garlic and other good stuff."

She felt her heart turn over. No matter what her sister went through or how old she was, she would always be her baby sister. "Oh, stuff can be found anywhere if you know what to look for." Bumping her shoulder into Tiana's, she couldn't help but tease the younger girl. Besides, you think I would ever serve up canned spaghetti sauce?" she asked in mock horror.

"I tried that but was shut down like I just asked her to give me her baby," Mack said.

"Whoa, what happened to you?" Tiana blurted.

Ayesha groaned. "Um, how about we sit down? Can I get anyone a drink?" She looked at King first; her instinct to see to him first was one she didn't question.

"I'll take a beer." His hand rubbed her hip before gently running over her ass.

She looked to Duke and the other men as she went behind the bar, feeling comfortable inside the clubhouse waiting on a group of tattooed bikers. The others waited for King to give them the okay before telling her their choice of drink. Again, she didn't question the way things were inside the club. The apparent rules actually give her a sense of security. When she'd been with Carlos, even though he'd had a family who were...more than the average family, she never felt safe. Around the Leglamos, Ayesha had always been on edge, worried she'd do or say the wrong thing, which would've angered Carlos.

She sighed, turning her thoughts back to the here and now. Once she had gathered all the drinks in her hands, two long necks secured in her right hand and two more in her left with another tucked under her arm, she made her way back to the long table set up.

"Now, that's one way to carry drinks," Duke remarked, eyeing her hands. He took the one from under her arm and twisted the cap off, tipping the bottle toward her in thanks.

Ayesha placed one in front of Keys, another in front of Coal, and the last two she gave to King. "Thank you, Ayesha." King grabbed her hand before she could move away, tugging her onto his lap. "You didn't grab you a drink?"

She licked her lips, her eyes darting to Tiana. "I...I didn't have enough hands. Besides, I'm not really thirsty." Her throat suddenly seemed too dry, making her statement a total lie.

King's eyes narrowed. "Let's get something straight. You can tell me you don't want to talk about something. I'll probably insist, but that's how I am. You can tell me it's none of my business. I'll tell you bullshit and make you tell me anyhow. But you need to learn I don't tolerate lying," he said in a low voice.

The shiver that went down her spine wasn't one of fear but desire. She wondered what happened to those who broke the rules. Oh, she saw what had been done to the club member Groot when he'd screwed up. However, she didn't think he and she were on that level. The heat and desire in his gaze matched what she felt. "I'm not lying. Or I should've said I wasn't thirsty when I got your drinks."

The moment stretched while he stared at her. One of his hands rested on her hip, and the other held her face. He then moved to her jaw and rubbed up and down her neck, touching her jumping pulse. She was sure he was checking to see how she responded to him.

His lips moved close enough that she felt his breath on her skin. "Fair enough. Go get you and Tiana a drink. Soda for Little Bit, something stronger for you, but not too strong," he cautioned.

She opened her mouth, but his thumb pressing on it stopped her. "You're awfully bossy," she said behind his digit.

"I'm Glad you realized that from the jump." King's words didn't sound as if he was ashamed—far from it. He gave her a little push, helping her stand. "Get going, I'm a starving man."

"You don't want the Prez to get hangry," Keys joked.

King raised his left hand, middle finger extended. "I'll show you hangry, fucker."

Tiana giggled.

Ayesha snagged a soda for the both of them, needing to keep her head on straight if she was dealing with King. Hell, she didn't think she'd be able to deal with King Royal even with her head on straight. What woman in her right mind could? Looking at the head of the table, meeting those all-knowing eyes, and the heat staring back at her, she couldn't deny she wanted to see where this thing with him was going. Hell, she wanted to do more than see. She wanted to explore exactly what all King had to offer, for as long as he offered, and damn the consequences. He'd helped her get Tiana back. She owed him, but that wasn't why she wanted him. No, she wanted him on a visceral level, a level she'd never wanted a man, not even her husband Carlos. After they ate, and she was sure Tiana was safely tucked in, she would sit down with King to hear what happened. After that...all bets were off. She only hoped he was on board with the same thing.

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