Page 12 of Dev

“Lex, you need to get out more,” I tell him, shaking my head and zipping the bag back up.

“Once the cameras are in place, press the button on the top. Two blue flashes mean it’s activated. I’ll send the link to your phone, you’ll be able to access the footage from any device you want.”

“Thanks, man, this is awesome.” I slap my palm into his before I make my way to the door.

“You’ll tell Raze I helped?” he calls after me.

“Of course, I will.” I look back.

“Tell him anytime he needs more shit like this…I’m his guy.”

“Sure thing.” I tap the bag and head back to my car, feeling my adrenaline start to pump. There’s no way the club will deny my request to prospect after I’ve got them unrestricted access to the men who tried to fuck up their run.

“Are you still thinking about the Irish?” Peyton asks as I slump my ass on the mattress and start taking off my boots. She steadily crawls up behind me, planting kisses on my neck, while her dainty hands try to knead the tension outta my shoulders.

“I have a lot on my mind right now,” I croak, lifting off my shirt and standing up to unbuckle my belt. My girl is looking hot-as-fuck with her pretty, lace panties poking out from under one of my old band t-shirts, and she’s got that look in her eye.

“Wanna lose yourself for a little while, Prez?” She rests back on her elbows and spreads her legs wide open.

“I’m tired, darlin’,” I tell her, looking away and trying not to get more frustrated than I already am. I know my answer is gonna disappoint her, and that's the last thing I wanna do, but right now I have to keep my head focused.

“Raze.” Peyton sits herself back up in a more modest position, and I can tell just from her tone that there’s a serious talk coming. “Are you having second thoughts about us making a baby?” she asks softly, looking as if she’s about to cry.

Hell, I don’t want her to cry.

“What would make you think that?” I ask, taking a cigarette from the packet and resting it between my lips.

“Well, there is a fundamental thing a couple has to do to make it happen.” She stands up and moves toward me, taking the cigarette outta my mouth and crushing it in the ashtray. “And you said you were gonna cut down on these,” she points out, reminding me that she doesn’t forget a thing.

“Ihavecut down,” I tell her, taking a fresh one and lighting it with my Zippo.

“You did for a little while, but lately you’ve been smoking more than ever. You know that article said it lowers your sperm count.” Her fingers pitter-patter across my open jeans, and I take her by the wrist and hold her steady.

“Darlin’, I’ve been smokin’ since I was twelve years old. I don't think it’s gonna make much of a difference.”

“It might help.” She looks up at me through her lashes and bites her lip, before moving away and picking up the book she’s been reading.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I bite, despite my intentions not to let this turn into an argument.

“Raze, we’ve been trying for a while now, aren’t you getting a little bit worried that nothing’s happened?”

“What? No.” I shake my head at her like she’s crazy. “You're just being impatient.”

“Impatient? I think I’m the mostpatientwoman in the world right now,” she snaps back.

“Okay, what's the underlying meaning of that?” I shake my head and take another drag of my cigarette.

“I don’t know, Raze, what do you think?” She holds up her hands. “You're distant, you're constantly in a bad mood. We’re supposed to be trying for a baby, and I haven’t seen your dick in a week.”

“In case you hadn’t noticed, a lot has been going on around here. The hits just keep on fuckin’ comin’ and I have to keep up with ‘em,” I tell her. “I’m sorry if knocking you up isn’t top of mypriorities right now.” I instantly regret my choice of words when I see her bottom lip start to wobble.

“Pey, I’m sor–”

“Don’t say you're sorry if you don’t mean it.” She holds her finger up to silence me. “There’s never gonna be a good time to do this, Raze. I get that the club has to take priority, and I know the pressure you're under. I just thought we both wanted this.” Her voice goes all soft and sweet, and I feel myself weaken. “Answer my question, are you having second thoughts?” She takes my hand in hers and looks down at where we touch.

“Sweetheart, I don’t have to tell you how much I love you,” I start, rubbing my thumb against the soft skin covering mine. “With all that's happening right now, do you really think it’s a good idea to throw a kid into the mix?” I watch her eyes fill up with tears and feel like a cunt for what I’m saying.

“Wrath and Eden are doing it. Alicia’s doing it by herself.” She frowns. “Lettie came from the enemy, and she’s choosing to stay here with Rory.”

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