Page 47 of Baby Me

Vina patted the hand I had settled on her thigh. “She was different to your face. It’s what psychos do. They charm, they lie, they do whatever it takes to reach the goal they want. They eliminate the people who hinder that or find ways to sweeten up the ones who have to help with their efforts.”

“You sound like you know from personal experience.”

Vina sighed and turned to look at me. “I had a shitty upbringing and if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not spend our one night away talking about my miserable existence prior to me getting involved with the Savage Vipers.”

“Fair enough, but eventually, we will talk about it.”

“I imagine there will be plenty of time to discuss both of our families in depth.”

She had me there, since I’d never willingly told anyone else about my upbringing, mom, or my father and brother – both of whom were formerly members of the club. They were probably both rolling over in their graves knowing that I was the president of the Savage Vipers MC. Then again, they had both been locked up before I ever even started prospecting for the club.

When we got to the clubhouse, Vina looked a little shellshocked to be there again.

“It’s all good, I promise.”

She shook her head, but I could see a sheen of tears in her eyes. “Sorry,” I know it’s ridiculous, but I never thought I’d be back here again.”

“If it bothers you, we can go somewhere else. I’m fairly certain the apartment Mack and Viv rent out is free again.”

“No, we don’t have to go anywhere. Being at the clubhouse isn’t a bad thing, Tripp. I just never thought… I always dreamed of making this place my home, you know?”

“You did?”

She looked up at me with a sheepish grin on her face. “You weren’t the only one who had dreams of what it would be like if only that other person noticed you and took you seriously.”

“I always noticed you.”

“Maybe, but you didn’t take me seriously because of my position as a club girl.”

“It wasn’t just that.”

“Then what?”

“Your age, sweetheart. You’re closer to my kids’ ages than mine.”

“We’re only 14 years apart, Tripp.”

“Yeah, and you’re only what? Five years older than my son?”

“Whatever. I assume you realize that it doesn’t matter now?” She phrased it as a question as if it was important for me to answer.

“You’re right. It isn’t something that matters now. It shouldn’t have mattered then, but I panicked.”

Davina laughed. “I think we’re all entitled to a little panic from time-to-time. Lord knows, I panicked when I hauled ass out of the club after that test came up positive.”

“Prez!” Someone called out. When I looked around and couldn’t pinpoint who it was, I decided to nip shit in the bud.

“Listen up!” I yelled. Everyone got quiet and turned their attention to me. “As you can see, I have Davina with me. In case any of you missed the fucking memo, she is my woman. We’ve had a little bit more to worry about beyond getting her a property patch and ink, so it hasn’t happened yet, but you will all treat her as if it already did.” A few catcalls and hoots and hollers went up, but I held my hand up to silence that shit too.

“When the time is right, we’ll celebrate our union. For now, we’re both exhausted and in desperate need of some sleep. Aside from the food I’m about to order, I don’t want to be disturbed for anything unless someone is coming to tell me they found the woman we’ve been looking for.”

I didn’t wait for responses from anyone and continued through the clubhouse and back down the hall to my room.

“You just claimed me in front of your club,” Davina said, sounding as though she was in shock.

“Already claimed you with my club before. This is just the first time you heard it. Not the first time I told you that you were mine, though.”

Once I had the door shut and locked, I looked at Davina and smiled. “Why don’t you get undressed and lay face down on that bed?”

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