Page 14 of Property of Spike

“Next.”

“As of two hours ago, the gang has packed up and left,” Tank says. “The south chapter had to force the issue, but it wasn’t a big deal.”

“Good,” I sigh. “I’ll have to meet with Runner. He never should have let them make camp to begin with.”

As the conversation shifts to something else, I can’t shake the image of Riley’s tired face from last night. She wasn’t wrong when she said the baby would be up every few hours. It was like clockwork. Luckily, she was awake enough that she didn’t need my help.

I wasn’t disappointed by that. Not even a little bit.

Fucking liar.

“Your cousin left Palm Springs,” Tank says, pulling my focus back. “But I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to sell under our nose. Might want to warn the other chapters to be on the lookout.”

I let out a long sigh, pulling out my phone to send a quick message to a few of the guys.

If anyone catches Billy or one of his idiot friends selling shit in my territory, I want to know about it immediately.

I pocket my phone without waiting for a response from each chapter.

“I could just kill him, Prez,” Skip offers, grinning like he’s hopeful. “Might even take away that tic in your eye every time his name comes up.”

“Ask me again in a week,” I respond, deadpan. Billy’s pushing his luck, and if he keeps it up, I won’t hesitate to let Skip handle it for me.

Before the conversation can go any further, I hear a soft voice. “Uhm, hi?”

We all turn to see Riley standing just outside the war room door, looking a little out of place.

And still fucking beautiful. She has curves that make my mouth water, not just soft little curves, but enough to make me want to pull her close and feel her against me. I bet she’s soft all over. Those thick thighs would shake as I pound into her.

Fucking delicious.

Her auburn hair is pulled up into a messy bun on top of her head, and her green eyes, wide with apprehension, make me want to hunt down whoever made her look so fearful.

“You look better,” I say, my voice softening. “How do you feel?”

“Much better,” she replies, offering me a small smile. “I just wanted to say thank you before I left.”

Left? Not happening.

“Why don’t you take a seat,” I say. “Tell us what has you so scared.”

“Oh, uhm. It’s nothing,” she smiles. “I just needed sleep.”

“So, you mean to tell me that you feel perfectly safe leaving the security of my compound with your newborn son? And I’ll warn you now. I won’t tolerate a fucking liar.”

Harsh? Yeah. But I’d rather her stay here out of fear, knowing she won’t get hurt, than let her leave and walk straight back into whatever chased her here to begin with.

She gasps, taking a step back.

That’s right, little girl, see who the real monsters are.

“No one is gonna hurt you, Riley,” I sigh, running my hands through my hair. “Listen, I have to take care of some clubbusiness, so please, just sit down and talk to us. Let us see if we can help you.”

“I promise not to bite,” Skip smiles. “Too hard.”

“Skip,” I warn.

“Fine,” he sighs dramatically. “Alright, tiny female, tell us who hurt you.”

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