Page 160 of Cook

Mel and Angel exchanged worried looks.

“I didn’t realize you would be ready for that so soon,” said my sister.

“I’ll testify if I have to,” I said, pushing ahead. “I’ll figure it out.”

“You sure?” asked Mel, and I nodded. I wouldn’t be backing out now.

“She’s got this.” Cook dropped a hand on my shoulder.

Mel looked up at him and let her eyes trace our connection.

Mostly to distract her, I asked Mel, “Are you going to the meeting?”

Angel immediately answered for her, “No.”

Mel whipped around, a retort almost visible on her tongue, but Angel leaned down. “I’d rather stay with you,” he said.

My cheeks burned.

“No way, fucker.” Wilde snapped at Angel. “We’re in this shit together. Otherwise, I’d’ve kept my ass curled around my ol’ lady this morning too.” Wilde eyed Bou, but she shook her head.

“I need a break from you before you induce labor prematurely.” Bou winked at him and then stretched her eyes wide at us with a small shrug.

“Wouldn’t be the first premature thing in your life, Prez,” Cook quipped.

Wilde backhanded him but chuckled at the same time.

“Honestly, ya’ll need to get the fuck on the road,” said Bou. “Don’t wanna keep Vegas waiting.”

That she wasn’t going raised my hackles. Did it mean that what the MC was doing was dangerous? I looked up at Cook, whose face was drawn but neutral. He revealed nothing, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to ask.

“What about you? You wear the patch too.” Celt let his gaze move from Roni to Bou.

“We”—Bou pointed to all the girls in a circular motion—“will be at my new house.”

“Yournew house?” scoffed Wilde.

“Yep.” Bou nodded and then beamed.

I liked when she smiled. It showed a softer side she seemed to hide.

Resting a hand on her belly, she continued, “We’ll have a slumber party or some shit. It’ll be my first real girlfriends’ experience.”

While my heart skipped a beat—this would be fun—the guys weren’t impressed. Celt and Cook stiffened, staring at Bou suspiciously. Was I missing something? Roni giggled, like she was in on the inside joke.

“Get out!” Bou pointed to the door of the diner. “You got shit to be doing, and it ain’t me.”

“Fine,” growled Wilde, stalking out of the diner. He pointed back at her before slipping through the door. “But you owe me when this is done.”

Bou rolled her eyes as she faced the table. “That man’s gonna fuck me silly one day.”

Roni laughed and Celt kissed her sweetly goodbye.

Cook leaned down toward me. “Be good,” he murmured in my ear. Then he lifted my chin to get access to my lips and gave me a lingering kiss. Pulling away, he whispered in my ear, “Stay wet for me, but no orgasms.”

I let out a small gasp, but then he pulled back his hand. Balling my hands into fists until my knuckles ached, I held myself back from grabbing his hand and shoving it deep between my legs. He kissed me on the cheek and then walked out with the others who had already said their goodbyes.

Chapter 27

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