Page 128 of Beyond the Badge: Nox

“Do you even want to?” Jamison’s question was colored in surprise.

“If Nash asked, I would,” Cross admitted. “I’d do it for him.”

Jamison’s eyebrows shot up toward his hairline. “Has he ever asked?”

“No.”

Crew chimed in with all his deep wisdom, “I bet if you look up ‘opposites attract’ on Wikipedia, it would have a picture of you and your hubby.”

Cross shrugged. “Our situation isn’t perfect, but we make it work.”

“And that’s all that matters, brother,” Jamison agreed, since his wife was DAMC born and bred, unlike Nash who joined the DAMC as an adult.

Both Jamison and Cross were in similar situations. Their spouses were part of an MC family that didn’t welcome cops.

Hell, Jamison’s grandfather was one of thefoundersof the Dirty Angels and he wasn’t welcomed. All because he wore a badge. Tolerated? Somewhat. Welcomed with open arms? Fuck no.

Just like Nox most likely wouldn’t be accepted by Liyah’s family. At least the side that included her father and his club.

Crew nudged him with an elbow. “What’s that look for?”

He shuttered his expression. “Just thinking how much tension it could cause.”

“What do you mean?”

“The situations with the prez and Bella, as well as Cross and Nash. It can’t be easy.”

“But like Cross said, it might not be perfect but they make it work. As long as they’re happy, right?”

Nox shot Crew a look. “You really think love can conquer all?”

Crew’s face twisted. “Fuck no. Look at the disaster with me and Sasha. Anyway… I told Dylan he’s riding with you on Sunday.”

“He’s good with it?”

“Thrilled, if you want to know the truth. Most likely because he’s not stuck riding with me.”

“The kids will come around.” Nox sure as fuck hoped they would. For Crew’s sake.

Crew’s lips flattened and his jaw tightened. “Maybe.”

The task force leader could be a cocky asshole, but no one would ever doubt that he loved his kids. He ended up getting the short end of the stick when it came to his marriage. And divorce. And custody of his two children.

His ex caused problems every time it was Crew’s scheduled weekend, even though it was only once a month.

If Nox had kids…

He closed his eyes and breathed through the burn in his gut.

“You all right?”

He opened his eyes and answered Crew with a, “Yeah. I’m good.”

“You seem to be heading that way. What changed?”

“What do you mean?” He noticed that Jamison and Cross were now standing over in the kitchen area grabbing beers from the fridge and not paying attention to his and Crew’s conversation.

“Is it the therapist? The weekly group meetings?”

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