Page 39 of Nanny for the Bikers

She pauses in the doorway, turning back with a mischievous grin. “You know, I’d love to meet this Ayla sometime. From what you’ve said, I think she’d fit right in with our little circle.”

I freeze, unease trickling down my spine. Ayla, meet the Black Wolves? She has no idea about my involvement with the club, the dark underbelly of our world. Exposing her to that, to the risks and dangers... I’m not sure I’m ready for that step. Not sure she’s ready.

Jamie must see the conflict on my face. She squeezes my shoulder. “Just think about it. No pressure.” With a final warm smile, she slips out the door, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.

The door clicks shut behind Jamie, and I’m enveloped by the heavy silence of the office. My gaze drifts, unfocused, as my mind wanders back to that stolen moment with Ayla. The soft press of her lips against mine, the way her body melted into my embrace. It felt so right, so perfect. Like coming home after a lifetime of being lost.

I close my eyes, savoring the memory. The sweet taste of her, the intoxicating scent of her hair. I can almost feel the silky strands sliding through my fingers, the warmth of her skin beneath mytouch. A shiver runs through me, desire and longing tangling in the pit of my stomach.

But as quickly as the warmth blossoms, it’s chased by a cold wave of doubt. What am I doing, letting myself get caught up like this? I’m the president of the Black Wolves, with a mountain of responsibilities on my shoulders. I don’t have time for distractions, for complications.

And Ayla... she deserves better than being dragged into my mess of a life. She’s so pure, so innocent. I can’t taint that, can’t risk ruining the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

But god, I want her. Want her with an intensity that scares me, an ache that goes soul-deep. I’ve never felt this way before, never craved someone’s presence like I crave hers. It’s like she’s the missing piece I never knew I needed, the light to balance out my shadows.

I groan, scrubbing a hand over my face. I’m torn, caught between conflicting desires. The urge to protect her, to keep her far away from the ugliness of my world. And the desperate need to hold her close, to claim her as mine in every way possible.

21

AYLA

Ismile as I peer into Piper’s room, watching her little chest rise and fall in peaceful slumber. The house is quiet, save for the soft snoring of Kip and Clay down the hall. Teller is nowhere to be seen…usual.

I head back to the guest room, changing into my pajamas, just as my phone buzzes. Frowning, I pull it out and glance at the screen. Lila. My sister’s name glows in the darkness.

Don’t answer.I don’t want to. But I can’t ignore her forever.

With a sigh, I swipe to answer the call and lift the phone to my ear. “Hey, Lila.”

There’s a beat of silence on the other end, as if she’s surprised I actually picked up. “Ayla. I wasn’t sure you’d answer.”

I sit down on the bed. “Well, I did. What’s up?”

Lila clears her throat, and I can practically feel her choosing her words carefully. “I just...wanted to check in. See how you’re doing.”

I snort softly. “Since when do you care about that?”

“I’m your sister, Ayla. Of course, I care.” Her voice is tight with tension.

I close my eyes, fighting the urge to snap back at her. If she cared at all about me, she wouldn’t have slept with my boyfriend. “Right. Well, I’m fine. Just busy with work and stuff.”

“Well Mom’s engaged to Kyle.”

I take a deep breath and settle into my bed, Shadow curling up at my feet. The baby monitor sits silent on the nightstand.

How could Mom be so blind? So desperate for love that she’d willingly tie herself to a man like that?

“She’s an idiot for marrying that monster.” My hands clench into fists at my side.

“Ayla, how can you say that?” Lila’s voice cracks through the speaker, disbelief coloring her tone. “Mom loves Kyle. She wouldn’t stay with him if she didn’t.”

I grip the phone tighter, my knuckles turning white. “Love? You think that’s love?” The words taste bitter on my tongue. “He’s manipulating her, Lila. Just like he always has.”

“You don’t know that.” Lila’s defensive response only fuels my frustration. “He’s changed. Things are different now.”

A humorless laugh escapes me. “People like Kyle don’t change. He’s a monster, and he’s got Mom wrapped around his finger.”

The silence that follows is heavy, broken only by the sound of Lila’s breath on the other end of the line. I can practically feel the tension crackling between us, the weight of unspoken words and buried resentments threatening to crush me.

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