Page 52 of Utah

Ria pushed my arm off her and sat up, angling her body toward me. “You thought you were going to die in Mexico, yet you still went?” A tinge of pink coated her neck and cheeks, and if I didn’t calm her down, I feared she’d start crying or fly off the handle. And neither situation was good for her nerves or the baby.

“I didn’t go to Mexico believing I would die,” I said, partially telling the truth. “It wasn’t until we met with who we went there to see that I thought perhaps things might turn against us. But like I said, everything worked out.”

“So, no more issues with the… with the cartel, then?” She stumbled over her question, and I couldn’t blame her. The entire situation was scary for the club, and we knew the logistics. For an outsider, I was sure the scenario was terrifying.

“No more issues.” Could Rafael change his mind in the future? Perhaps. But for now, the club was going to take him at his word. “Now come back down here.” I gently tugged her back to the bed, positioning her head on my chest. “Like I was saying, because I’ve been given yet another chance at life, I’m not wasting any more time. I want you to move into my place.”

“What about Evie?”

I appreciated she didn’t tell me we were moving too fast or that us moving in together wasn’t a good idea. I’d embrace the small wins.

“Hmmm… I forgot about your sister.”

“I can’t just leave her here all by herself.”

“For safety reasons or financial reasons?”

“I suppose both.”

Silence ensued as I contemplated possible solutions to our dilemma. Or should I say to Evie’s dilemma?

“Knox and I can install cameras and a security system. I’m surprised he hasn’t done so already. And as far as financially, I can pay your portion of the rent until she either gets another roommate or can handle this place on her own. Will that work?”

Her teeth harassed the corner of her bottom lip as she contemplated the options. I wasn’t sure what her response was going to be, but I prayed our discussion didn’t turn into an argument.

“We’d have to ask our landlord about installing cameras. And as far as the other thing, let me talk to her first before we make any decision.”

“So, you’re not going to give me a hard time about moving in together?”

She slid her gaze to mine. “No. I think it’s a great idea.”

“Now if only I could convince you to quit your bartending job.” I barely got the words out before she propped herself up on her elbow.

“About that.” She paused a moment before continuing, “I’m considering giving up my job. I’m only gonna get bigger, and it’s gonna get harder on me physically. I don’t want to end up endangering the baby because I want to be stubborn. The doctor said he or she is fine, but seeing that blood really freaked me out.”

I kept my relief in check because Ria could always change her mind. She was known to flip-flop.

“I don’t want you to worry about money. I got you.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I want to get another job until the baby comes. Maybe something in an office where I’m noton my feet all day. The last time I talked to Kyla, she said they were looking for a part-time receptionist.”

“You’d be working under Sanders?”

“He is the boss.”

“I don’t like that.”

“Why? Because Knox doesn’t like him? My brother is a bit of a jackass sometimes. Dr. Sanders is nothing but nice. He even checked in on me at the hospital.”

Irritation prickled my skin as I moved into a sitting position. “What do you mean he checked in on you? How did he know you were there? Why was he there?” The pinch of her brows would’ve been cute had I not been upset.

“He saw my name on the chart. And he said he helps a few times a month because the hospital is short-staffed.” We studied each other as I attempted to get my jealousy under control. “Don’t act all crazy about this, Utah. There’s nothing to be worried about.” She averted her eyes and tensed up.

“Is there something else you wanna say?” I asked, my gut telling me she might be omitting some information.

“No.”

Her shoulders deflated with her one-word response, and when she smiled at me, I relaxed as well.

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