Page 59 of Wild Night

My mother.

She loves to ask questions and wants every single detail down to the gnat’s ass. It’s something I know about her, so I don’t typically bring things up unless I do actually know everything about what is going to happen or, preferably, tell her something after it’s already happened.

“I’m not sure,” I say. “I think she needs to gain her bearings for a little while. She can work at the security supply for a bit if she needs to.”

It’s not enough detail to satisfy her questions, and I’m sure she has many more, like a million. Right now, she won’t say anything else, but I can feel my mother’s judgment about that statement seeping out of her and making its way toward me. I also don’t mention it because if I do, it will become a fight, and it’s not worth it.

The conversation shifts, mainly because I switch it. I ask them about their latest adventure. They have just returned from cruising Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. I’m only half paying attention to the stories and the pictures.

My mind is too focused on Posey… on thinking about her coming home. I’ve never been someone who pined after awoman. Not even on the one I lost my virginity to did I dream about this much—did I yearn for this much.

There is something inherently intriguing about Posey. The moment I saw her, I knew she was trouble. And, of course, she was in trouble. I thought that was what it was, that I could feel it, but that wasn’t it.

She is trouble for me. Because I fell in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her. I just didn’t know what the fuck it was.

But it was—is—love.

POSEY

“You have my number?” Void asks.

I smile as I take in his expression. He seems worried. It’s sweet. Looking over my shoulder, I am surprised to see a pickup truck pulling up to the curb with a motorcycle in the bed.

Shifting my attention back to Void, I give him another smile, and then, before I can talk myself out of it, I wrap my arms around his shoulders in a hug. Pressing my lips against the side of his ear, I thank him for everything.

“There is nothing to thank me for, but if you need anything, never hesitate.”

“I won’t,” I breathe. “Thank you for everything.”

He gives me a squeeze, and then we step backward. I walk away from the safe house and the comfort of Void. I’m not sure what the future holds for me. Maybe I’ll be back here one day, but I can’t deny that I’m excited for what could possibly come of me going back to North Carolina.

Even if it doesn’t happen that Ivy and I end up together, I’m pregnant. I’m going to be a mom, and that has seriously startedto sink in. I never thought I would have a baby. I’m thirty-six years old. Not married… and apparently never been married. This may be my only chance at having a baby.

I’m going to not only accept it, but I’m going to embrace it. And if it means that I do it alone, then that’s what I’ll do—happily. But I need to speak with Ivy in person and talk to him about it. About everything.

Turning toward the truck, I walk, tugging my bag behind me. A man jumps out of the front seat. He’s tall and thin. I don’t recognize him, but he’s wearing the right uniform of worn jeans and a Vicious Reapers MC cut… I was schooled between vest and cut a few days ago.

He jerks his chin toward me, then smirks right before two more bikes appear and pull up behind him. One of them is a three-wheeler that Shocker is riding.

That fits him.

Shocker and the other man climb off their bikes, and then I realize I’m staring at two versions of each other. They’re twins. I don’t remember them from the clubhouse, but again, I don’t remember many of the guys.

“Hey, darlin’ girl,” Shocker says with a groan as he moves toward me.

I don’t think I will ever get tired of the gruff way he calls medarlin’ girl. It’s like a big bear hug. He’s fatherly and comforting. No wonder this is the man who was sent to talk to me. I’m pretty sure he could talk me into going anywhere and doing anything. He feels just that safe.

“This is Maverick and Goose. Mav is your chauffeur for the duration of our trip. Figured you didn’t want to be on the back of a bike for days.”

Maverick reaches for my bag and slides it into the back seat before we all go our separate ways. Shocker and Goose climbonto their bikes, I ascend into the passenger seat of the pickup truck, and Maverick jumps into the driver’s seat.

He starts the engine, then turns to me with a smile. “You ready to get back home to the beginning of your new life?”

Beginning of my new life.

Beginning of my new life.

Placing my hand against my lower belly, I close my eyes and let out a breath—my new life.

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