Page 25 of Ginger

I stepped forward. "It was my idea—"

"I didn't ask you," Houston cut me off, but without real heat. "I'm asking my brothers."

"With all due respect," Reno said carefully, "this is a delicate situation."

"A delicate situation I should have been informed about immediately," Houston replies. "Vegas overheard KiKi being sick in the bathroom. When he asked what was wrong, she panicked and said she needed to talk to you two."

I glanced at Vegas, who was studying his fingernails with feigned indifference.

"She's pregnant," Bronx said finally. "And scared."

Houston leaned back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his face. "Jesus Christ."

"I'll leave," KiKi said suddenly. "I know the rules. I'll pack my things tonight."

"No one's saying that," Houston replied, surprising me. "Who's the father?"

KiKi looked at the floor. "I don't know for sure."

A heavy silence filled the room. I could almost see the calculations happening behind Houston's eyes—how this would affect the club, what Vegas would say, what the other members would think. I also wondered why Kii had lied. She at least had an idea of who’s baby it was. Did she think she could hide it forever?

The door opened behind us, and Vegas stepped inside. His cold eyes swept over KiKi before landing on Houston.

"So what's the verdict?" Vegas asked, his voice clipped.

"We're discussing it," Houston replies.

Vegas snorted. "Not much to discuss. Club rules are clear."

I felt my temper flare. "She's a person, not a piece of property you can just throw away."

"Actually," Vegas said, turning his icy gaze on me, "that's exactly what she is. Club property. And damaged goods now."

KiKi flinched at his words, and I stepped closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"That's enough," Bronx said, his voice low and dangerous.

Vegas raised an eyebrow. "You challenging me, brother?"

"No one's challenging anyone," Houston interjected, standing up. "This is my clubhouse too. If you’re going to be hotheaded, then I'll make the call."

"Your clubhouse too," Vegas repeated slowly. "Did you forget I’m the President?"

The tension in the room was suffocating. I watched Houston's jaw clench as he stared Vegas down.

"One month," Houston finally said. "She gets one month to figure out her next steps. During that time, she's off rotation."

Vegas’ face darkened. "She's costing us money."

"I'll work the bar," KiKi said quickly. "I can still be useful. Please."

I squeezed her shoulder, proud of her for speaking up.

"Fine," Vegas spat. "One month. Then she's gone." He pointed at me while looking at Reno and Bronx. "And keep your old lady out of club business from now on."

He stormed out, slamming the door behind him. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"Thank you," KiKi whispers to Houston.

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