Jacob and Zach, two prospects, are waiting to serve us behind the bar while the patched members and Phantom are in church. When Soul invited Phantom to join them, I was shocked. I, once again, was overlooked. If Soul thinks he’s going to get intel from Phantom, he’s sorely mistaken. Phantom is a Hellfire Hacker through and through and won’t divulge anything without my permission.

“Nine shots of tequila, and three pitchers of margaritas, gentleman,” Skye orders while the rest of us all move to sit on the open couches in the common room.

Even though I’ve only been away from the club for a week, it seems like months. It’s a balm on my tattered soul to see all my sisters. I wasn’t bluffing when I told Soul I was done hacking for the club, but it doesn’t mean my decision isn’t wreaking havoc on my heart. I feel as though I’m leaving the MC unprotected from those threats they can’t see coming or providing the intel they need to dispose of sinners.

They’re big boys. They can figure it out. Besides, they have Lock and Fort.

I internally groan. This is affecting more than I realized.

Zach brings the shots and leaves the bottle and then rushes back behind the bar to get the margarita glasses. Once he and Jacob have us set up for at least thirty minutes, they go over to the pool tables to flirt with the new bunnies, giving us some semblance of privacy.

Mel lifts her shot glass first. “I hereby declare the weekly meeting of the Badass Bitches Club in session,” she hollers.

“Here, here!” we all say in unison and toss the shots back.

Heather fills our cups full of margaritas, and Skye lines up another shot for us. All eyes are on me, but no one makes a move to say anything.

These ladies are so damn nosey. I wonder how long they can last before their inquisition starts.

“Where’s Jack and Harper?” I ask in hopes of steering the conversation toward anything other than me.

Jack is Ivory and Spike’s son. Little guy had a horrific entrance into the world, but he’s a fighter and doing so well now at three months old. Harper, my niece, is eighteen months old and always getting into things.

“Bunny is with them,” Cece responds.

“She’s becoming quite the helper with the kids,” Ivory interjects.

“Maybe you should talk to Soul about having her become a full-time nanny,” Violet offers. “Last time I talked to her, it sounded like she was over doing… well, you know. I think she might want to leave.”

Ivory’s eyes swing to Cece. “I wouldn’t mind Bunny being a nanny for Jack. She’s great with him.”

“The kids seem to love her,” Cece agrees. “I’ll talk to her and see how she’d feel about a new role, and if she’s interested, I’ll bring it up with Soul to see what he thinks.”

I roll my eyes but keep my mouth shut, a move that doesn’t go unnoticed.

Mel smirks over the rim of her glass. “Something you’d like to add, Jez?”

“No.” I throw back the rest of my drink and refill my glass.

Heather leans forward. “Youhave nothing to say? I highly doubt that.”

“Alright, you want to know what I was thinking?” I ask, but it’s rhetoric. “I was thinking who gives a fuck what Soul wants. It’s not only up to him. You and Ivory are the mothers here, and if you both feel comfortable having Bunny watch your kids, and she wants to do it instead of lying on her back for the men of this club, why the fuck does Soul need to sign off on it?”

I guess I’m still pissed off at him.

Delaney laughs. “Don’t hold back or anything, Jez.”

“Yeah, tell us how you really feel,” Skye eggs on.

I rub my hand over my face. “Ugh, sorry. Don’t pay any attention to me, I’m just frustrated.”

“Sexually?” Apple prods.

“Wait… what… No,” I huff out.

Cece and Mel share knowing looks while the others suddenly find their drinks very interesting.

“Did anyone else see the looks that Jez was getting from Demon and the other guy when they walked in?” Ivory asks innocently.