Page 95 of Property of Spike

“Mike can do it,” Knuckles says. “He told me that Max was training him to do piercings.”

“I’ll talk to him,” I nod. “I don’t want him piercing anything unless he’s fully and legally certified. Luckily, the shop is already fully staffed. Next up, Riley and Abby want a pool. The contractors are breaking ground next Wednesday. I need the shit out back cleared away.”

“Fuck yeah,” Skip shouts. “I knew that woman was gonna make this place better. She wouldn’t happen to want us to start a strip club, would she?”

Bones snorts. “Wishful thinking, brother.”

Knuckles shakes his head. “You just want an excuse to spend more time around naked men and women.”

Skip grins. “Like I need an excuse.”

I roll my eyes. “Let’s focus, yeah? Pool first. No strip club.”

Skip sighs dramatically. “Fine, but if she ever changes her mind, I’m just saying…Skip’s Sinful Sanctuary has a nice ring to it.”

“Good heavens,” Maverick mutters.

Ignoring him, I turn my attention back to Knuckles. “Talk to Mike. Make sure he’s comfortable running the shop for now. If he wants the position long-term, we’ll look into getting him certified. In the meantime, we keep things running as usual.”

I glance around the room. “Any other business?”

“Nope,” Bones says, standing. “Unless you want to finally admit that Riley is turning this place into a goddamn resort.”

I smirk. “And what’s wrong with that?”

He grumbles something under his breath, but there’s no real heat behind it.

Meeting adjourned. Time to get back to my wife and son.

***Riley***

When Skip said a party, I thought there would be a dozen people here, maybe two dozen. But as I look around at the sea of bikers and their families, there have to be well over a hundred people here. Probably closer to two.

But, on every face is laughter as Skip tells one of his wild, and I’m sure untrue, stories.

Well, everyone but Bones. I’m not even sure that man has teeth.

“Congrats, little bit.”

Gasping at the sound of a familiar voice, I turn and slam my body against Patch in the best hug I can muster.

“You came.”

“I did, but I’m leaving,” he says, hugging me back. “I just wanted to stop by to show my support.”

“I know this isn’t your scene,” I smile up at him. “But I’m so happy you came. Even if it is for a few simple minutes.”

“This is the only time you are allowed to hold my wife like that,” Spike says, pulling me from my new best friend’s arms. “Glad to see you, brother.”

“You too,” he laughs. “I’m actually leaving, though. Got you both a gift.”

He hands me a book and I read the title: How to Survive Marriage to a Hardheaded Biker: A Guide for the Brave (or the Crazy).

I barely get through the title before bursting into laughter. Spike, however, is less amused.

He glares at Patch, crossing his arms over his chest. “Really?”

Patch smirks. “Figured she could use all the help she can get.”

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