Page 38 of Naughty Santa Daddy

“He chilled out and thanked me for saving you. Said if I wish for his blessing, I’ll send you back to him while we handle our problems here, and he’ll keep his precious daughter protected."

My breath catches. I don’t want to leave. I raise my head to argue. “Was I out of danger in New York? Their hideout won't be safe for me either. This is so much bigger than Papá realizes. Carlo possesses a vast amount of knowledge. He’s in thefamiglia, my papá’s trusted brother. Nobody knows what all Papá has said to him without thinking. And how do we know who’s really backing Carlo? My parents might not be as secure as they believe.” I can picture my papá accidentally revealing the location of Mamá’s secret cottage to Uncle Carlo at some point. I panic, knowing I need to talk to my cousin Enzo.

Just as I try to pull away, Braxton’s arm circles around me, drawing me closer. “I couldn't agree more. And that’s why your folks are coming to ‘Bama to hang out with you.”

Holy shit. “To the clubhouse?” My parents are used to finer accommodations, but I don’t dare say that to Braxton. He and his granny have been so hospitable.

“Nope, your papá said he's staying at your place.”

That made more sense since he pays for it. It's nicer than anything I can afford as a law student. To be honest, it will probably be nicer than what I can afford when I work at a firm. Obviously, I’m not including my trust fund in that.

Braxton’s silence allows me to gather my thoughts. I briefly struggle to comprehend the countless unanswered questions brewing in my head. When it comes to college, I’m aware that I'll have to apply for a medical leave since I won't be able to attend my finals. My education is too important for me to jeopardize. I’m determined to complete my degree according to my original plan. Braxton and this pregnancy don't change the fact that I still want my own life, my own dreams. Nevertheless, deep inside, I’m certain that this biker and a baby are what I want for my future, away from thefamiglia. But am I truly willing to be separated from my family when there's an infant involved? Braxton and I have a lot to talk about, but I focus on what's urgent.

There’s something he’s not saying.

“I take it I’m going to stay at my apartment too?”

He blows out a sigh of relief as I guess right. “Granny, too. The club members will stand guard until we settle this. Miller’s correct about one thing. Even though I want you close to me, I can’t take you to a shootout.”

“Why can’t you leave me here?”

“Wash knows the clubhouse too well, and I ain’t sure who else he got to. You’ll be safer at your apartment. It’s agreed.”

“Is that what you discussed in church?” I ask, my voice high.

“Alex, I ain’t talking about church with you. It’s club business.” Brax’s brow furrows. “There’s so much for us to discuss, about my lifestyle and your place in my world.”

“My place?” I sound as offended as I feel.

“You’re my woman, Alex, and the club has rules,” Braxton says through his teeth.

“I already told you. I may have wanted to get away, but this one last time, I have to be Alessandra Allegrini, Lorenzo Allegrini’s daughter and future head of thefamiglia. I can’t cower and hide. I have to save my family and avenge my friends. Why won’t you let me flush out Carlo? I can help.”

“And I told you, you won't do anything crazy to put yourself and the baby at risk.” Braxton’s so annoyed he’s growling. His voice goes deep, and he carefully chooses his words. “Because I can’t lose you. Your papá more than agrees with me. No chance we’re using you as bait. He’s got some guys with him he still trusts. Between them and the Jokers’ most faithful members, you, Granny, your mamá, and our little peanut will be safe. The plan is for Miller, Drake, and me to go after Wash, Dawg, and Rabbit, and your papá after Carlo and his men, but honestly, they’re all the same. The Jokers’ enemies, hell, some of our brothers, are working for your uncle. So, the Jokers are going to team up with Lorenzo Allegrini to take out the trash.”

Between my parents knowing about the pregnancy and Braxton teaming up with my papá to exclude me, I'm not happy with the plan, to say the least. I’m being left out. I say as much, trying not to raise my voice, but I’m trembling.

Braxton lays a soft kiss on my forehead before speaking against it. “You were already in a tight spot when we first bumped into each other. Are you down to do it all over again with our baby on board? Can't you simply have faith in me? Just trust that the club has a plan, and I can keep my woman safe. Give me a chance to prove to your papá I’m able to look out for you.”

Since he puts it like that with so much passion in his voice, I nod my head.

Braxton smirks a little when I submit and goes on, “Once I hung up, I informed Miller of our revised strategy. But, yeah, I was just lying here, knowing your parents’ jet is about to land. They’ll be expecting you soon. This evening. I was invited to come eat with y'all later. Then I have to hit the pavement. I gotta trust my brothers to keep you safe while I handle my club duties. You can count on me. But time’s running out. Alex, I want you…”

His words shoot tingles all over me. I run my hand down and wrap my fingers around his hard cock, my body melting at the feel of the steel against my skin. I crave Braxton inside of me and pump my fist to encourage him.

He seizes my wrist, making me stop. “I want you to know what you mean to me if I don’t make it back.”

Damn, I’m doused with cold water. I shift my palm from his cock to his heart, feeling a deep ache in my chest at the idea of losing him. “You’ll definitely return,” I argue, trusting my biker. “I hate to admit it, but the way you saved me reminds me of the only man I’ve ever truly looked up to. You’re a force, and as unstoppable as my papá. I prayed for you to save me, and you did. I have faith you'll come back to me.”

“Alex, there's more to it than just death. I'm on the hook… on parole. The fuzz gets a whiff of what’s going down, and I find myself back in the slammer. There's a ton you don't know about me, and it's time for that to change.” Before I can even ask questions, he spills out his life story.

I’m all ears as Braxton shares his heartfelt tale—his mom dying in a car accident when he’s nine years old, his Granny and his Gramps stepping up, and the struggles he’s faced. Miller and he get mixed up in a murder and make some hard choices. Decisions I never have to make in my cushy existence. Choices that lead them to the club and eventually land poor Braxton in prison for seven years to save one of his brothers from a lifetime behind bars. He gave up a lot for his buddy. Then he talks abouthis Gramps dying while he’s still incarcerated. It all brings tears to my eyes.

After dropping all of that, the biker gets up from under me and swings his legs over the side of the bed. The mattress shifts under his weight. Watching him push up effortlessly, all muscle, it’s not surprising he’s just out of prison. I admire his broad back, inked with the large three-piece patch of the Jokers MC. For the first time, I notice that some of his tattoos aren’t as nice as the others. No mistaking those, now.

Bending at the waist, he grabs the robe off the floor, giving me a glimpse of his glorious butt. My mouth twitches at the stunning sight. He stands tall, and damn, his cock is even more magnificent. I can’t take my eyes off it. But I give it a shot, considering the topic. I blush when I meet his raised eyebrows as he notices me drooling.

Sure, Braxton’s a bit older than anyone I’d usually go for. His brother, Drake, might tease him, but only the gray lightly peppering his beard hints at his age. Well, that and maybe that his deep blue eyes look like they’ve seen some shit. His body—God, his body—is pure power. There’s no question why he’s called Goliath.

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