Page 79 of Single Mom's Bikers

And hope your daughters stay safe while you figure out your next move.

30

ZANE

I arrive earlyfor school pickup, parking my bike where I can watch both the playground and the street. Three cars have caught my attention—expensive sedans with tinted windows. Not Death’s Head’s usual style.

The men inside wear suits, not leather. They’re too still and watchful, like sharks circling prey.

My phone buzzes. Draven:“Four more on the west side. Professional surveillance.”

Before I can respond, the school doors burst open. Kids pour out, Violet’s voice carrying over the chaos.

“Uncle Zane!” She spots me, breaking away from her friends. “Did you bring your cool bike?”

“Always do, princess.” I scoop her up, using the movement to scan the sedans. One driver speaks into a phone, eyes locked on us.

Daisy approaches more cautiously, her sharp gaze taking in everything. Sometimes, I forget she’s only six—she notices too much.

“Different way home today?” she asks quietly.

“Thought we’d try a new route.” I keep my voice light. “Make an adventure of it.”

“Adventure!” Violet claps. “Can we get ice cream?”

“Maybe.” I help them with helmets, positioning myself between them and the watching cars. “The first one to spot a purple car wins.”

It’s an old game, one that keeps them scanning our surroundings while thinking it’s fun. Daisy catches on immediately, her eyes tracking movement while pretending to search for colored vehicles.

“There’s Uncle Draven!” Violet points to his bike, which appears at the corner, right in time to pick up his son.

“Ice cream break,” I announce, guiding them toward Draven and Owen. “Who wants sprinkles?”

The ice cream shop gives us clear sight lines of the street.

“Purple car!” Violet shouts, pointing randomly. “I win!”

“Good eyes, sweetheart.” Rose appears beside us, her casual tone belying the gun I know she’s carrying. “Mind if I join your adventure?”

“Aunt Rose!” both girls quip, hugging her.

The suits are still out there, but they’re keeping their distance now. They’ve spotted our backup.

“More sprinkles?” I offer, buying time for Clay’s crew to get in position.

Draven joins us with Owen. His military bearing softens around the girls. “Think I saw a red car that needs counting.”

“That’s not the game,” Violet corrects seriously. “We’re finding purple ones.”

“Let’s find red ones too!” Owen bounces.

Draven and Rose catch each other’s eyes, and sparks start flying as they always do whenever they’re in the same place.

It would be amusing if not for the sharks circling outside. One sedan moves closer, its driver speaking rapidly into a phone.

“Time to go,” Rose says quietly. “Clay’s got eyes on the west route.”

I get the girls settled on my bike, making a game of different paths home while Draven takes his son on his. They think we’re exploring new streets for fun. They don’t need to know about the MC members flanking us.

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