Page 29 of Property of Bones

“Spike and I had to take Asher to a doctor’s appointment,” Riley says. “It was just around the corner, so we thought we’d stop in and enjoy your company before heading home. Lucky timing.”

“Well, I won’t complain,” I say, smiling. “How’d the sweet baby do?”

“He’s healthy as a horse,” Riley laughs. “I’ll need to take him in for bloodwork next week, but that’ll have to be a solo trip.”

“Afraid your husband might punch a nurse for making his son cry?” I tease.

“Yes,” she answers, completely serious. “They’re in the car waiting for us. Do burgers and fries sound okay?”

“More than okay,” I grin as my stomach lets out a traitorous growl.

Riley leads the way to the car, where Spike is standing with the back door open, arms crossed, and that trademark Iron Shadows scowl locked and loaded. As we approach, his eyes narrow.

“Have you lost weight?” he asks, eyes scanning me like a laser.

“Spike!” Riley gasps. “You can’t just say that to someone.”

“I can when that someone is one of mine and it looks like she’s not taking care of herself.”

One of his?

The words hit somewhere in my chest like a tiny firecracker. I remember that same claim from weeks ago, the one I half convinced myself was just talk. Just kindness. Just temporary.

But I haven’t seen anyone from the club since Jack’s text, aside from Riley and Abby. And that’s on me, right? I mean, they’re busy. And I’m just… me.

Still, hearing him say it again makes something stir. The way Jack made that same claim. But it felt deeper somehow. More intense.

And I hate how much I want it to be true. I’m not alone in life. Sure, I have no friends, but I do have Mama, Aunt Molly, and Ashley. And, that’s always been okay.

“I probably have,” I admit with a shrug. “Been busy. Not much time to snack. But hey, I’m big enough to survive a few missed snacks.”

Yeah, that was the wrong thing to say. Spike’s face tightens like I just kicked his puppy.

“Get in the car, Sunny,” he growls.

I glance back at Riley, who’s totally failing to hide her smile.

Whatever. As long as there’s a burger at the end of this ride, I can handle one grumpy biker and his protective instincts.

Luckily, Spike takes us to the Iron Café just around the corner. Good thing, too. If I don’t get food in me soon, I might start eyeing the baby’s cheese puffs like a snack goblin. Honestly? I don’t think I’ve eaten since breakfast yesterday.

About thirty minutes and a very satisfying cheeseburger later, Spike pushes his chair back.

“I’m gonna hit the can before we leave,” he says. “Sunny, I ordered you a burger to go. They’ll bring it out when it’s ready. I expect it eaten before the night’s over.”

“Sir, yes sir,” I salute as he walks away. “Your husband’s kinda bossy.”

“Kinda?” Riley snorts. “Girl, my husband is bossy on a professional level. Like, he could teach a course.”

A waitress drops off a brown paper bag beside Riley.

“Here’s your to-go order, ma’am.”

“Oh, we just got the sandwich,” Riley says, eyeing the treat bag on the table. “Not the cookies.”

“Every take-out order gets cookies,” the girl replies with a fake smile before walking off.

“I’ve ordered take-out here a dozen times and never got a cookie,” I mutter. “Though I usually preorder the night before and grab it before work.”

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