Page 41 of Devil's Dilemma

She’s efficient and is quickly packed.

It’s rare I ride with anyone behind me. When she gets on, my bike feels strange, and I take a moment to adjust to the extra weight.

“I’m sorry, I’m too heavy…”

“Stop the fuck right there, woman.” I hate it when women disparage themselves. “I’m not used to a passenger, that’s all. You’ve ridden with Skull, just do the same as you’d do with him.”

“I put my hands around his waist,” she says, hesitantly.

Reaching back, I take hold of her wrists and place her hands firmly around my middle. “Now hang on,” I tell her bluntly, pressing start and selecting first gear.

Then, aware of the precious cargo she’s carrying, point the bike toward the compound and ride carefully through the streets of Pueblo.

When we arrive at the clubhouse, I place my hand on her arm, making her turn and look up at me questioningly.

“Speak to Vi,” I urge. “I know women like to keep shit about being pregnant quiet at the start, so I won’t be telling anyone else, except for Prez and VP as they already suspect. But you need support, Mel. Vi’s straight, and she’ll know what you’re going through. Let her help.”

She’s thoughtful for a moment, then nods. “You’re right. I wasn’t going to tell anyone. But I don’t have a clue about doctors, making appointments, and what I should or shouldn’t be doing. It’s a good idea to speak to someone who knows.” She breaks off and covers the hand which is still on her arm with her own. “Thank you, Pyro. For everything. I’m glad I didn’t find out alone.”

“You’re not alone,” I remind her.

But the look she gives me back tells me the one man she wants is still missing.

I enter the clubhouse carrying the saddlebags full of her clothes having told her I’ll dump them in Skull’s room, where she can sort them out later. I’m heading toward the stairs when a voice bellows out.

“Ro!”

“Prez? Can it wait a moment? Just dropping Mel’s shit off in Skull’s…”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Can you come in here a moment?”

I change direction and follow him into his office.

He’s standing behind his desk, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We got a problem. Well, same one as always. Lack of space.”

Okay. I shrug. That’s not news.

“Hellfire.”

“But he can… oh.”

“Yeah.”

Hellfire had given up his suite so Demon and Vi had a bigger space. Of course, most of the time they live off compound in Vi’s old family home which Demon had purchased as a surprise for her when she thought she had to sell it. But being on lockdown, means her, Demon and their son, Theo, will be staying here now.

“Beef’s moved into my old room.”

“So where are you putting Hell and Mo?”

He shrugs. “Skull’s is the only room available.”

Fuck. There’s no space for Mel. “Mel needs to be here, Prez. She took a test. Wants it kept quiet, but, yeah, she’s expecting. Being Skull’s she could have a huge fuckin’ target on her back. If she’s not here, she’ll need brothers protecting her at her…”

His hands slam down on the desk. “I’m all too fuckin’ aware she needs to be here, Ro. But things had to be decided fast last night. I had Mo swearing up a storm at having to come in on lockdown, what was I to say? That there wasn’t a fuckin’ room? Only solution I could come up with fast.”

As the ex-prez, if there’s anyone out for the club, Hellfire would be in the direct line of fire. No way he or his wife could stay home.

I shake my head, closing my eyes briefly. “Prospects?”

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