Page 41 of Naughty Santa Daddy

As my father’s loud, angry voice reaches me, I cast a worried look toward Mamá. Like Granny, she doesn’t seem particularly bothered by any of it. “They’ll be fine,” she agrees. “Your papá has some things he needs to get off his chest. He won’t hurt Braxton.”

That’s not all I’m worried about. Braxton’s a big man and can look after himself. If Papá isn’t satisfied with the new addition to the family, he can call out a hit on him, and Braxton won’t see it coming. I make a note to get a few minutes with Papá to myself to press on him how much the biker means to me, and that underneath all the brawn and tattoos, he’s a good man.

Mamá and Granny go back to cooking as if they’ve been in the same kitchen together for all of their lives. A few snarky comments with hints and suggestions go back and forth. Their elaborate dance around each other is resulting in an aroma tempting me to eat properly for the first time in a while.

After watching them fondly for a few minutes, I tug Enzo aside and into the living area. “Spill,” I instruct him quietly. “What the fuck happened to Carlo? And where does Dante stand?” It’s the first true chance I’ve had to talk to my cousin since I was kidnapped.

His eyes widen, and he swiftly moves to close the door to keep our conversation quiet. “I don’t fucking know what happened to our father. He’s gone completely mad, thinking Dante and I would go along with it.”

“Does he know you’re on our side?”

The corners of Enzo’s mouth turn up. “We’ve kept that card to ourselves. Right now, he’s blowing up my phone wanting to know how you escaped.”

Despite how much it goes against what Braxton wants, I can’t help but think drawing my uncle out into the open is our best chance. Which means me coming out of hiding. I let Enzo in on my thinking, and he’s alarmed at first. He, of all people, knows my background and how I’m able to think for and protect myself.

“I’ll back you,” he says once I’ve brought him around to my way of thinking. “Dante will too.”

Before I can start putting some substance to my plan, footsteps in the hallway interrupt. My finger moves to my lips,signaling to be quiet, as I turn to watch Papá and Braxton returning from the den. Based on their current expressions, it’s not easy for me to gauge the outcome of their discussion. They’re hardly walking out like bosom pals, but on the other hand, neither seems like they want to murder the other. With our circumstances, I take it for a win.

Papá gives me a nod, then a warning look toward Braxton. He beckons Enzo to follow and then continues his path to join the women in the kitchen.

Braxton positions himself in front of me, and I raise an eyebrow. His expression relaxes. “All good.” He pauses, takes a breath, and I wait to hear thebutI’m sure is coming. His face is unreadable as he adds, “As long as I put a ring on your finger.”

Well, I kind of expected Papá would take this approach. I’m worried about pushing my biker into something he’s not ready for. Cautiously, I ask, “How do you feel about that?”

Pulling me to him, he places his chin on my head and sighs. “Babe, you’re it for me. I was already planning to ask you to wear my patch. All I need to be happy. However, making it legal in your parents’ world is fine by me too. Although he expects you down the aisle before the baby comes.”

I snort out a laugh. “A shotgun wedding.”

“Don’t need no gun to my head,” his gruff voice replies, making my heart warm.

He lowers his head, lips meeting mine in the perfect kiss. The emotion he pours into the caress silently conveys he’s not being forced into anything. His tenderness lets me know I’m the woman for him, and I’m already certain he’s the man for me. Only one problem though… we both have to stay alive and get Carlo and Wash out of the way before we can have our happily ever after.

Goliath

I should have planned the getting down on one knee thing and had a property cut ready for her in advance. Her father caught me on the wrong foot and before I was prepared for it. I think he’d issued his demand as a way to test me, but it didn’t faze me at all. There is no way I’m going to let Alex go, not after I’ve found her again. And now she’s having my baby? Icing on the fucking cake. I’m a lucky bastard and thank the day I was forced to dress up like Santa.

Lorenzo expects us to marry by Christmas, which, again, is fine by me. Of course, before it can happen, there’s a lot of business that has to be concluded. I’m not tying her to me unless I know she’s safe and she won’t be shackled to a husband spending life in jail. Being limited to conjugal visits holds no fucking appeal either.

I ease back from our kiss, wanting to say something profound to celebrate the moment, but a vibration in my pocket interrupts me. Pulling out my phone, I sigh deeply.

Moving slightly away from Alex, I answer. “What do ya’ want, Miller?”

He hears the irritation in the tone of my voice and asks, “Bad timing?”

“Could be better.” Alex seems concerned, so I blow her a kiss.

“Sorry, Bro, but I need you here at the club.” The seriousness of his voice conveys I don’t have a choice in the matter.

My back straightens. I don’t want to leave Alex, but the sooner we can start taking the bad guys down, the sooner we can be together. “I’ll be there,” I promise and end the call.

“Brax—”

Pinching the brow of my nose, I shake my head to interrupt the objections I know she’s going to voice. “I’ve got to go.”

“Please,” worry lines appear on her forehead. “Braxton, let me come with you.”

“Can’t.” I know I sound abrupt, but I’ve got to leave her where I know she’ll be safe—here with her family. “It’s club business.”

---