Page 11 of Baby for the Bikers

“Waited for what?” Maddox is definitely in my space now, all predatory grace. “For us to find you?”

Yes. No. I don’t know anymore. Everything’s spinning out of control.

“I’ll pay for the damages.” My voice sounds steadier than I feel. “However much it takes.”

“Five thousand’s a lot for a baker just starting out.” Brick’s eyes narrow. “Unless there’s something else funding your fresh start?”

The question hits too close to the truth. My hand twitches toward where I hid my emergency money.

“Here’s what’s going to happen.” Brick’s voice drops to something dangerous and smooth. “You’re going to tell us exactly who you are and what brought you to our town.”

“Or?”

“Or we start asking questions you don’t want answered.” His smile makes promises I can’t think about. “Your choice, little baker.”

Ryder shifts beside me, his hand brushing my hip. Reminding me that he has my underwear in his pocket.

“Let’s start with the truth.” Maddox takes another cupcake, watching me over it. “About everything.”

I fold my arms, mirroring his stance even though my pulse is hammering in my throat. “There’s nothing to tell.”

Brick’s gaze sharpens. “You sure about that?”

“Positive.” I tilt my chin up, refusing to flinch under the weight of his stare. “I’m not hiding anything.”

Maddox snorts, licking a stray bit of frosting off his thumb. “See, that’s funny. Because people who aren’t hiding anything don’t run from the scene of an accident. And they sure as hell don’t look like they’re planning an escape route mid-conversation.”

I force my shoulders to stay relaxed, even as Ryder shifts closer. His presence is like a weight pressing into my skin, demanding my attention without a single word.

“I panicked.” It’s not even a lie. “I heard the crash, and I freaked out. Where I come from, if you stick around after you break something, it usually doesn’t end well.”

Brick exhales through his nose, watching me too closely. “And where is that, exactly?”

“Nowhere important.”

“That so?” Maddox leans against my counter like he’s got all the time in the world, licking frosting off his fingers. “Because the way you keep dodging makes it seem real important.”

I shake my head. “Look, I get it. You’re pissed. You have every right to be. But I didn’t wake up this morning planning to wreck your bikes, and I sure as hell wasn’t trying to start trouble.”

Brick and Maddox exchange a look—one of those silent conversations that only comes from knowing someone for years. It makes my stomach drop. Whatever they’re thinking, I’m not going to like it.

“You owe us five grand,” Brick finally says. “What’s your plan to pay it back?”

I blow out a slow breath, my mind racing. “I?—”

And then it hits me.

I glance at the counter, at the row of perfectly frosted cupcakes. At the way Maddox is already reaching for another one, his expression shifting into something almost reverent.

“You own a business, right?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

“Black Dog Garage,” Brick confirms, arms crossed over his broad chest.

“But there’s more than just the garage,” I press. “People said you’re starting up a new business, right? A lounge? Something.”

Maddox’s grin is lazy, amused. “Look at you, asking questions like we don’t already have you backed into a corner.”

Brick ignores him. “Yeah. We’ve got a diner. It’s new, opening soon.”

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