Page 74 of War

“No, they had some shit they wanted to look into,” War says from the front.

“I’ll be your taste tester,” Haze rasps, clearing his throat.

“I’m sure you’ll be too busy for that,” Lu replies in a saccharine sweet voice before her tone takes on an edge. “Wouldn’t want to keep you from all the women you need to fuck to use as a distraction from your own reality.”

Ouch.

When Lu needs to strike, she does so with force.

She fits in with the Serpents more than she knows.

Haze slams his hand down on the steering wheel, the action making me jump.

“Haze,” War snaps in warning. “You scare my woman one more fucking time, and we’re going to have a problem. I don’t know what the fuck is going on between you two, but Lu is under my protection, and you need to sort that shit out.” He then turns to me, searching my face. His voice and dark eyes soften. “You okay, baby?”

I nod. He’s being sweet but ridiculous.

And I’ve never felt safer than when I’m with War.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

ORA

I’m sitting in the kitchen the next morning when Ghost pulls a chair out and plops down. It’s not always comfortable to be around Ghost. He’s got a weird energy—it’s dark but also awkward. It’s like he wants to be a part of things but doesn’t know how.

I go about my morning, finishing up the batch of pancakes I’ve made for everyone. I know War doesn’t want me cooking for the club, but I have nothing better to do, especially now that I won’t be at work until the bakery is back up and running. Absently smoothing my hands over the small bump on my stomach, I pour myself a glass of juice and sip on it while I make Ghost a coffee. When I place it in front of him, he brings his steel-gray eyes to mine.

“Thank you. I’m sorry about the bakery,” he finally says, running his hand over his bald head. “And about Pippa. I didn’t know she was…” He trails off, licking his lips. “Both her and Sarah will get what’s coming to them.” He clears his throat. “I want Xanthe to move into the clubhouse for protection.”

My eyes widen. I pull out the chair next to his and take a seat. “Have you seen Xanthe since she was here last time?”

Because I haven’t.

She’s been busy at work, and I’m sure she does not want to be around us due to the constant life-threatening situations and drama. She’s a schoolteacher and the last person who needs spies, fires, shootings, and kidnappings in her life.

“I’ve seen her, but she hasn’t seen me,” he replies, leaning back in his chair and stretching his legs out.

“There’s a lot to unpack in those few words,” I mutter, licking my dry lips. “I’ll send Xanthe a message, but if she’s not on their radar, it’s probably best she stays away from us.”

He watches me, contemplating something in his head, then shrugs. “Okay. We never had this conversation.”

I’m sitting there replaying his words when War joins me. He woke me up early, went down on me, then left the bed. I tried to get him to fuck me, but he’s still holding out until he’s officially divorced, like I told him to. I’ve never regretted saying those words more in my life.

“Where have you been?” I ask, smiling against his lips as he kisses me.

“Had some club business to sort,” he replies, nuzzling my neck. “We’re having a party on Saturday night. We’re meant to have our charity fundraiser, but it’s probably not the best idea with everything going on.”

“But a party is okay?” I ask in a dry tone.

“No outsiders,” he comments, then serves two pancakes and puts them down in front of me. He also cuts up a plate of fruit with some yogurt for me. “We need to celebrate Prez being alive and the fact we’re having a baby. We’ve had some losses, but fuck if we don’t have plenty of wins.”

“That’s a good way of looking at things. You have the pancakes, and I’ll have this,” I say, moaning around a slice of mango.

“What did I tell you about cooking for everyone?”

“What did I tell you about telling me what to do?” I fire back, arching my brow.

His lip twitches, his eyes scanning my every feature as they roam over my face. “You don’t need to take care of anyone. Just focus on yourself and the baby.”

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