Page 150 of Break Out

I nodded and whispered. “It’s all good, honey.”

With his lips pressed together, he nodded, then wandered to his bedroom to take the call.

“That was a fuckin’ rush, but damn am I glad we went legit,” Blood said.

“I wish they’d go legit,” Shelly muttered from the kitchen sink where she was washing dishes.

I felt bad not helping, but nobody would let me lift a finger.

“Volt suggested this could be the time for Steel to do that,” Blood said.

“That would be nice,” Shelly said.

Since Steel wasn’t in the room, this was my chance. I twisted my head to the kitchen where Mom was drying dishes. “Mom, what am I having?”

She stilled with a damp pot and a towel in hand. Her expression softened. “Now, sweetie, don’t let that asshole take this joyous surprise from you.”

“I could have died not knowing, Mom.”

Uncle Cal set his beer bottle down with a harsh thud. “You didn’t and that shit is never happening again.”

I focused on Mom. “Tell me, please. I know you peeked.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t.”

My head reared back. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” she said, drying the pot.

“Get the envelope. I’m sure it’s in your purse.”

She shook her head again. “Left it at home.”

“She’s right,” Shelly said. “Don’t let Corrupt Chrome take anything more from you. It’s the best kind of surprise to get.”

I sighed. “Guess I should thank Josie the next time I see her. It’s only because of her that I’m pregnant.”

“You aren’t ever seeing her again,” Uncle Blood said.

I turned to him. “Why not?”

Shelly came to the table. She laughed while she grabbed the empty salad bowl. “Josie’s a loose end. I don’t know about these brothers, but Steel is incredibly ruthless. He does not leave loose ends behind. Somebody comes looking for Knuckles, you think she’s gonna keep her trap shut? Nope. Loose end. She’s gone.”

My brows furrowed. “But she helped me… a little.”

Mom tilted her head. “She’s also the reason you got taken. Serves her right.”

“Wow,” I breathed.

With a self-satisfied smile, Mom arched her brow. “Are you sure you were made to be a president’s old lady?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Then get something straight, Simone. Steel is the reason you’re pregnant. Not anybody else.”

I nodded. “I wish I knew what happened to Knuckles.”

“Are you gonna thank him, too?” Blood asked.

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