Page 67 of Single Mom's Bikers

“Whatever it is,” Chase says softly, “we’re here.”

I lean into their strength, letting them hold me together while anxiety claws at my insides. Tomorrow, I’ll tell them—hopefully.

I tuck my girls into bed after I pick them up, kissing each forehead and making sure the nightlights are on. Only then do I let myself think about the tests hidden in my purse.

The brothers texted again about coming over, but I turned them down. I need this time to think, to plan, to figure out how to tell them without destroying everything we’ve built.

My phone buzzes with a message from Rick:“Miss you. Girls okay?”

I text back that they’re finally asleep and that tomorrow will be better. It’s not exactly a lie. Tomorrow, I’ll face the gallery, handle appointments, and pretend my world isn’t about to take a wild turn.

As I get ready for bed, nausea hits again. After I rinse my mouth, I study my reflection, searching for changes that aren’t visible yet. My hand drifts to my still-flat stomach. Somewhere inside, a new life grows—one that will complicate everything.

I crawl into bed alone, grateful for the space to process. If the brothers knew what I was going through, they would hold me through this fear. But first, I need to be sure. I need to protect my daughters from more upheaval. I need to believe this time will be different.

25

CHASE

The gallery transformsunder professional lighting. Skylar’s crew has turned my station into a mini film set, carefully arranging equipment to catch the best angles of her backpiece session.

“We’ll do a time-lapse of the outline,” her producer explains, checking camera positions. “Then cut to live segments for the details.”

I nod, focusing on setting up my station. This isn’t my first filmed session, but it’s definitely the highest-production-value one. Skylar’s social media presence demands perfection.

“Ready when you are,” she calls from the chair, already positioned perfectly. Her existing ink catches the light, making the Japanese pieces seem alive.

Evie appears with release forms, ever professional. “Just need final signatures before filming starts.”

“Live feed’s up,” Skylar’s social media manager announces. “Comments already flooding in.”

I start the outline. The buzz of my machine drowns out everything except art and skin. This is what I live for—creating something permanent and beautiful.

“Holy shit,” Skylar laughs softly, reading her phone. “Your fans are thirsty, Chase—‘Is the artist single?’ ‘Those arms, though!’ ‘Please tell me he’s available!’”

I catch Evie’s subtle smile as she works at her desk. “I’m taken,” I tell the camera with a grin. “By someone amazing.”

“Collectively breaking hearts across TikTok,” Skylar teases. “Your fans are devastated.”

The outline progresses smoothly. I lose myself in the work, barely noticing when they switch camera angles or adjust lighting. Skylar’s good at this—keeping up casual conversation for her followers while staying still under my machine.

“Your manager’s tattoo is gorgeous,” she comments during a break, camera panning to where Evie’s organizing appointments. “That snake design? Incredible work.”

Evie’s sleeve has ridden up, fully exposing the tattoo she never talks about.

“Old piece,” I say carefully, drawing attention back to Skylar’s back. “Ready to continue?”

The session runs long. Proper lighting means more breaks and angles to consider, but the results are worth it. The outline flows perfectly across her skin, ready for next week’s shading.

“This is going to break the internet,” her producer says, reviewing footage. “Especially that candid moment with your manager. Fans love seeing the whole shop dynamic.”

Evie’s expression doesn’t change, but I catch the tension in her shoulders. She hates being filmed and hates attention of any kind.

“Let’s focus on the art,” I suggest. “That’s what your followers are here for, right?”

Skylar nods, understanding immediately. She’s good at reading people. “Absolutely. The technical stuff is what they love.”

We wrap up the session and schedule next week’s appointment. As her crew packs up, I notice Evie’s already disappeared into the back office.

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