Page 28 of A Crossroads Christmas

I leaned in and kissed her, pushing enough promise into it that she’d know what I planned for later. “Do me a favor?”

“What?”

“Skip the panties. Give me unlimited access later. After dinner, I’m havin’ you for dessert.”

She shivered. “Bodie.”

Yeah, she was sayin’ my name a hell of a lot softer now than a few minutes ago. “No panties.”

Her cheeks grew pink, and I loved that I could still get that reaction from her. “Okay.”

“Can’t wait to taste you and that lasagna.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

“It’s a date.”

I left the house, meeting Waith outside as he stood on my driveway.

“You ready?” he asked as he flicked ash from one of his Marlboro Reds. He’d been tryin’ to quit but he couldn’t seem to stop completely.

There were a few brothers lookin’ to make healthier choices. Different things motivated each of us but our ol’ ladies and their concern for our health topped the list.

I joined him on my driveway, staring at the quiet street. Since we moved in, nobody fucked around in this neighborhood. I felt safe leaving Sasha and my son. Who’d be stupid enough to mess around where half the houses belonged to a motorcycle club and their families? “Yep. Where are we ridin’?”

“Not far. I wanna pick something up.”

When your club brother said something that vague, it meant we had to stay vigilant. Since this little detour didn’t involve club business or a decree from Grim, I knew there wasn’t a reason to be concerned. Either way, I had his back and nodded.

“Let’s roll out.”

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH,” Icomplained to Nylah, throwing a paper towel in the trash after I dried off my hands. “Yesterday, I had to pull Vaseline layered plastic wrap off my fucking Harley. Last week, grease was smeared all over my riding goggles. When I took them off, I looked like a goddamn raccoon,” I seethed. “This is getting fucked, Beloved.”

She nodded and agreed with me. “I know.”

“I can’t tell who the hell is messing with me. Chrome ain’t heard shit either. If it’s a member of the club, they’re holding onto that secret pretty damn tight.”

“Rael?”

“Yeah?” I asked, swallowing my irritation. It wasn’t aimed at my beautiful ol’ lady.

“Why don’t you wait around and see who it is?”

Huh. Well, I could. “It’s not a bad idea.”

“Right? Whoever is doing this carefully plans when to drop off the presents. What if you don’t leave and you keep watch?”

“From the porch? They’ll see me,” I reminded her.

“Not if you find a place where they won’t notice you. Maybe Scythe can help.”

I felt his presence and decided to shake things up a bit. “I’m going to ride to The Crossroads and let them think I’m gone. Then I’ll take one of the shop SUVs and double back.”

“That’s a good plan. I’ll keep the boys in the living room with me today. We’ve been planning some holiday arts and crafts.”

“You’re a wonderful mother,” I praised her, gathering my woman close as my hand slid around her back, pressing her into my chest. “I love you, my Beloved.”

“You’re so good to me.” Her lips met mine as I lowered my head. “Now, find out who’s leaving those gifts.”

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