Page 6 of Festive

Six winks at me as I gesture for Amber to follow me. I lead her toward the clubhouse doors, watching her every move. Her eyes widen as she enters, taking in the main room and the bar to the right.

“Wow, this place is huge.”

I smile, leading her toward the bar. “It is, and it’s home. We love it here.”

“So you all live here?Together?”

Her tone makes it sound weird. It’s not. We’re one big happy family in my eyes.

“Some brothers have homes off-site, but most of us live here together… yes.”

“Interesting,” she mumbles. “So you live here with your childrenandSix?”

Is she dense? Didn’t I just say that?

I narrow my eyes on her. “Yes.”

She purses her lips. “That’s actually really cool. I think you’re super lucky to have something like this. A big club. A family atmosphere. And a man like Six. I would giveanythingto be in your position… two kids, one on the way, and someone as gorgeous as Six. Wow! That sure is something.”

I’m not sure what it is about Amber, but there’s an edge about her that instantly unsettles me. I don’t have a reply for her, so I simply continue showing her around, taking her over to meet the other club girls and old ladies she will spend much of her time with. “Nessie, this is Amber. She is going to be starting here as a new worker. So, as head club girl, I will need you to take her under your wing a little and show her the ropes.”

Nessie weakly smiles like she, too, finds this whole situation strange.

We don’t need another worker.

But this is the hand we’ve been dealt.

So we will roll with it.

“Nice to meet you. I’ll be here any time you need anything… Amber? Was it?”

“Yes, nice to meet you.”

“So, how did you become a part of the club?” Nessie asks.

Amber drops her eyes to the floor, picking at her thumbsnervously. “My ex, Bradley, broke up with me, stole my dog, and kicked me out of our home. I have nothing but what’s in my car and the clothes on my back. He took everything from me. Unfortunately, I was at the gas station when Bradley found me. He attacked me. Six stepped in and saved me.”

Well, shit! I didn’t realize how bad it was.

Now I feel bad.

Suddenly, Kenna runs up and cuddles into my legs. She smiles up at Amber and tugs on her skirt. “You’re super pretty. Do you wanna come play?”

I let out a laugh, bending down to my five-year-old. “Firefly, Amber’s just gotten here. Let her settle in before you bombard her, okay?”

Amber shakes her head. “No, that’s okay. I love kids. I trained in childcare a few years back and have a great rapport with them. They love me. Let me take her off your hands for a bit. We’ll just sit over there and let you get off your feet. In your condition, you need to rest. Looks like you’re about ready to burst.”

You fucking calling me fat?

I really want to say that out loud.

However, I simply smile, biting the inside of my cheek to stop from actually calling her a goddamn whore straight to her face.

Prinie steps forward, practically shoving Sephy in Amber’s arms. “Here, take mine as well. This is Sephy, she and Kenna are cousins. They love drawing, so feel free to take them to the craft station over there and spend some time with them while us moms prepare your room.”

I give Prinie a look, silently thanking her while Amber grabs Sephy and Kenna. “I don’t want to be too much trouble. I am happy to sleep anywhere. I’m just so grateful to be here.”

“I bet you are,” I murmur, and Prinie elbows me in the side when Amber walks off, completely oblivious, with the kids to the craft table.

---