Page 104 of Bronco

I shrug. “Embarrassment, I’d assume. She’s never been one to get into debt, not like that. I guess in her mind she thinks she’s doing the right thing keeping Olive safe, and me in the dark.”

“A problem shared is a problem halved.” Audrina places a hand on her large belly. “Or so they say.”

“Can I get you anything?” I wince because she looks really uncomfortable.

“Unless you have a special remedy back there for getting babies out, then I’m good.” She smiles again, stretching her back as I rack my brain for something I could do other than make her a cup of tea.

A few moments later, Manny comes through the doors, several shopping bags in his hands. “Hey, ladies. I heard the news,” he says by way of greeting. “I rushed out to get more supplies. If we’re stuck in here for a few days, we’re gonna need a shit ton of food.”

“Hey, Manny.” I run a hand through my hair. “Trust you to cook up a storm in the middle of a crisis.”

He presses a kiss to Audrina’s cheek. “I had to make sure our favorite Mama here has everything she needs.”

“Please tell me you didn’t go to the grocery store just for me.” She looks mortified at the prospect.

He waves a hand. “I was out anyway when West called, and it’s my pleasure to help a girl out.” He gives her a wink.

“I don’t know why we couldn’t stop off home to grab my things. At least we have the hospital bag in the car, that’s something at least,” she sighs.

“You know your old man, always bein’ protective,” Manny sing-songs. “Are you hungry?”

I shake my head. “I’m okay, thanks, Manny.”

“I don’t want to burden you,” Audrina starts. “But we were at Muso’s when Hustler rushed me out of there, and I didn’t manage to grab any lunch.”

Muso’s is Hustler and the club’s cafe in the French Quarter.

“It’s no burden to cook for a sexy Mama.” Manny waggles his eyebrows. “Any cravings?”

“One of your famous BLTs would go down a treat.” Audrina’s cheeks flush slightly. I know she hates asking for things, even when Manny is more than obliging.

“Comin’ right up.” He gives me a chin lift. “You sure you don’t want one?”

“Maybe you twisted my arm,” I say, knowing I’ll only offend him if I keep turning him down.

“Atta girl.” He takes off happily, whistling a tune.

“Nice to see some of us are handling lockdown with poise and grace,” I mumble, watching him go. “You’d think he’d be the one freaking out.”

Manny was shot protecting Lace. He’s a hero in my book, but he never acts like he’s too big for his boots. He’ll always do what’s right for this club, and the way he shows he cares is by feeding everyone.

“We’ve all been here before,” Audrina sighs.

I lean over and squeeze her hand. “This can’t be easy for you, after what happened.”

“I can’t say that I’m thrilled hearing those monsters who kidnapped me are still at large, but I have faith in the MC, and I also realize that the cops weren’t exactly as vigilant as the MC were when they showed up to rescue me,” she says. “But I know Cash and the boys will not make the same mistake twice.”

“You really don’t need this kind of stress with the baby being so close to the due date.”

“Tell me about it. West is beside himself, but I’ve been down this road before. Even if my first pregnancy was almost three decades ago, some things you just never forget.”

“Is it very different this time around? I’ll bet Nevada was the wild child even in your belly.”

She laughs. “He was a lot more active, and my morning sickness was worse. Now I’m older, maybe my body has changed so much that it doesn’t feel as difficult as the first time. With Asher I was only eighteen.”

“That’s so young,” I say.

“We were still in high school when I got pregnant. It was a lot. It was the only reason John and I got married. He was from a religious family, and mine were no better. I can’t say I haven’t had a good life, but it wasn’t all roses. Since meeting West, it has become spectacular. Clearly the universe had other plans for me, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”

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