Page 24 of Xavier

“Holy shit,” he breathed out. “Holy. Shit.” He was as winded as I was. I had to smile.

I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped me as I felt Xavier’s warm breath against my neck.

“What’s so funny?” he murmured, nuzzling against my hair. He didn’t sound put out, merely curious. If I knew Xave, he wanted to share in the merriment. He played as hard as he worked. And I loved playing with my gruff biker.

“Nothing. Just happy.” I sighed contentedly, pressing back against him. “I never thought I’d have this.”

His arms tightened around me. “This?”

“Safety. Happiness.” I twisted in his arms to face him. “Love.”

Xavier’s eyes softened as he traced my cheek with his thumb. “You’ve got all of that and more, baby. Forever.”

We lay there in comfortable silence, our breathing synchronizing as we basked in the afterglow. Eventually, Xavier pressed a kiss to my forehead.

“We should probably get cleaned up. Meeting with Knuckles is in an hour.”

I groaned, reluctant to leave our cocoon. “Do we have to?”

“Afraid so. Man doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” He grinned, dropping a quick kiss on my lips before sliding out of bed. “Come on. We can shower together.”

I grinned. “Sounds perfect.”

Knuckles would just have to get over it, because I had the feeling we were going to be late to that meeting.

Chapter Eleven

Xavier

“Good thing I’m a patient man.” Knuckles lounged behind his desk, one booted foot propped on the edge. “I told you an hour and a half ago the meeting was in an hour. There a good Goddamned reason you kept me here half an hour before you decided to show up?”

I grinned. “Yep.”

Knuckles grunted, nodding at Tillie, who held firmly to my hand as we walked into the other man’s office. “Probably has something to do with that sweet girl you corrupted after you went to prison, so I guess I can’t really fault you.” Knuckles pointed at Tillie. “Family first, honey. He tries to put the club first, you come talk to me. I’ll kick his ass.”

Tillie sniffed before clearing her throat. “I swear to God, Knuckles, if you make me cry I will put hair remover in your beard oil.”

My president sat up straight, a look of horror on his face. “Now, look here, little miss. No messin’ with the beard. That’s a step too far.”

Tillie laughed so hard she was crying, and Knuckles gave me a wary look. “Don’t you let her mess with my beard oil, Xavier. I didn’t make her cry. That’s all on her.”

I chuckled, pulling Tillie closer to my side. “Can’t make any promises, boss. Woman’s got a mind of her own.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Knuckles muttered, but his eyes were warm with affection when he winked at Tillie and grinned. “All right, let’s get down to business. First things first. Your property situation.”

He pulled out a thick manila folder and dropped it on his desk. “Got some good news and some better news. Which you want first?”

Tillie squeezed my hand. “Good news?”

“Menendez cartel won’t be bothering you anymore. Ever.” Knuckles’ expression turned cold and deadly. “Let’s just say they got the message loud and clear that you’re under our protection. And they know we are the muscle for the Miles family.”

I felt Tillie tense beside me, but she didn’t ask for details. Smart woman. Knuckles seemed to be studying her reaction but said nothing.

“And the better news?” I prompted.

Knuckles didn’t take his gaze from Tillie’s. Instead, he started a line of questioning I wasn’t really comfortable with.

“Tillie, do you know the Miles family?”

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