“Get some fucking ice,” I ordered to the room at large, knowing someone would hop to.
Layla’s gorgeous eyes grew round. “Is it bad?”
The noise around us dimmed as a majority of the people in the room disbanded.
“A biker just kicked you in the face, babe. But it looks kind of badass,” Ginnie commented from underneath X’s arm, which I doubted she’d be getting out from under anytime soon.
Layla looked up at her with a scrunched-eye grin.
“Glad you’re so fuckin’ amused,” I muttered in frustration.
Then she turned that smile to me. And despite her fucked-up eye, she was as beautiful as ever and oddly enough, she looked as happy as ever.
“Not thrilled I got a black eye out of it, but I’m having fun. Is that weird?” she asked with adorable sincerity.
Just as I was about to reply, Wren snorted. “No, Layla, that just means you’re one of us. Crazy? Maybe. But one of us.” She winked from her spot next to Max. No doubt he’d gotten in the fight over her in the first place.
“Maybe the two clubs should do trust falls or something. Kill all this tension,” Emmie put in.
The girls laughed, while Gunner eyed her carefully. “Are you drunk?”
She looked at him like he was crazy for asking. “Hell yes, I’m drunk. Aren’t you?”
“My girl.” Gracie grinned.
“To bed with you.” Gun grunted, hauling a now shrieking Em over his shoulder and carrying her out.
“Does he mean with him?” Layla asked in confusion.
“He wishes,” Gracie replied.
“And doesn’t she?” Ginnie put in dryly just as Wes threw an ice pack my way. I placed it gently on Layla’s temple and had her sit back on the arm of the couch.
“Put that on for a few minutes, then we’re leaving,” I told her firmly, still pissed as hell this had happened to her under what I considered my roof.
“She all right?” Thorn’s voice sounded from behind me.
“She got kicked in the face,” I said by way of answer.
“I’m okay,” Layla answered with far more generosity than I was feeling at the moment.
“Sorry, darlin’,” he apologized. “These men are still getting used to each other. But that’s no excuse. Boon would like to apologize to you, if you’ll let him,” he added, referring to the man who’d kicked her.
“Not necessary,” I grunted, not wanting anyone unfamiliar near her. “But thanks,” I added somewhat begrudgingly. I’d seen the whole thing happen, and while I was pissed as hell, I had to admit the guy hadn’t done it on purpose. Hell, Max had launched him over the sofa in the first place.
Thorn clapped me on the back. “All right. We’ll be in touch. Take care of that eye,” he added toward Layla.
“Thank you.” She offered him a wave.
Cole strode back into the room after having likely talked to some of the Riders. He was a natural leader, and though they weren’t his men, I wasn’t surprised he’d want to have a word. Much like Thorn had done with us. “Appreciate you not adding fuel to the fire.” He offered me a chin lift in gratitude. “What did Thorn want?”
“Sounds like he knows where my mark is, offered to help.”
He cocked his head to the side. “You gonna take him up on that?”
“Probably,” I replied, as he’d likely expected.
“Make sure you have someone to watch your back,” he instructed before he turned eyes to my girl. “Sorry as hell about your eye, Layla. I hope we haven’t scared you off.”
“Not at all,” she assured him.
He smiled. “Good. ’Cause we all know Walker’s a hell of a lot less of an asshole with you around.”
Her cheeks flushed as she smiled with a nod of thanks.
“All right, baby. You ready to go?” I pressed.
She nodded, accepting my hand as I helped her up.
“Let’s hang out tomorrow if you’re around. I’ll text you,” Grace called as I slung my arm over Layla’s shoulder. “Maybe manicures with Riley or something.”
Layla nodded in parting as I guided her out to my bike.
When she reached for her helmet, I stopped her, cupping her face in my palms. “You really okay?” I demanded, looking with concern at the welt on her face. It had to hurt like hell.
She put her hands over mine. “I’m fine, babe. Really,” she assured me. “It hurts but it was an accident.”
She was protecting me, which meant I needed to take matters in my own hands and take care of her. “Let’s get you home,” I replied, helping her with her helmet and up onto the bike. She looked so natural and goddamn gorgeous sitting there, waiting for me to wrap her arms around.
As we rode home, my conversation with Thorn and what I’d almost told him rattled around in my mind. The inclination to tell him everything had been strong, surprising me.
I wondered what I’d do if the opportunity arose again.
Time, I figured, would tell.
****
“Pancakes?” Riley murmured hopefully the next morning as she lay in between Layla and me after having climbed into bed with us in the night as she often did. Oscar lay at the foot of the bed; at some point he’d decided he’d put up with me. I still wasn’t sure the feeling was mutual.
Layla raised a brow at me, and despite the bruise at her temple, looked as gorgeous as ever. I preferred her this way—free of makeup, with her gorgeous mane of hair in disarray and sleep marks still imprinted on her smooth skin. I relished the fact that I was one of the few who got to see her this way.
“Sure, baby.” I smiled at Riley, my voice hoarse with sleep. “And some coffee for your mama.” I winked at Layla before hoisting myself out of bed.
I looked down at my girls, Riley now snuggling into her mama’s arms where she’d remain until I called them down for breakfast.
It had become a weekend routine, so different from the chaotic weekdays trying to get Riley off to school. I loved these lazy mornings making breakfast for my girls. I’d never thought of myself as much of a cook, but then again, I’d never had anyone to cook for.
I’d just finished plating the pancakes, Riley already digging in and Layla on her second cup of coffee, when the doorbell chimed.
Layla cocked her head to the side, looking at me questioningly. I shook my head, indicating I hadn’t expected anyone, before striding to the door.
When I found Thorn Archer standing on the other side looking like he hadn’t slept a wink, my pulse quickened. “Can we talk?” he asked gruffly.
“Yeah,” I agreed, gesturing for him to come inside. “Coffee?”
“That’d be good.” He nodded a greeting toward Layla and Riley, who were both looking at him curiously.
“We can talk out back.” I nodded toward the back patio once Layla had filled his cup. She shot me a discreet look of support before I led him out the patio doors to the outdoor table already bathed in warm sunlight.
We sat across from each other, my eyes on him, his on the yard. “You putting in a pool?” he asked, looking at the work already started in the back yard.
“Yeah,” I grunted, not interested in small talk.