Page 66 of Centering Kaos

I’d left my hair down in soft curls that looked good, but probably wouldn’t survive the ride. Kaos had bought me a special outfit for the occasion, and as I donned the distressed jeans, biker boots, and a tight Harley Davidson T-shirt and made my way down the stairs, I felt empowered by the hungry look he gave me.

“You look like a badass, Mom,” Dylan said.

I probably should have called him out for swearing, but he was right. I did look like a badass. Besides, I’d gained a whole new appreciation for the more colorful adjectives of the English language, and I didn’t want to discourage my son from using the most appropriate word for the occasion. At least, not at home. School was another issue, but we were working on that.

“Thanks,” I said, hugging him as I took the black leather jacket that was dangling from Kaos’s hand. His mouth was hanging open, so I closed it for him, patting his cheek to let him know he was a good boy.

Dylan laughed. I doubted he knew exactly what was going on between me and my man, but my observant boy had no trouble picking up on our moods. He knew enough to find my actions funny.

“Hot damn,” Carisa said, looking me over as she came around the corner. “If I was into chicks, my cousin would have something to worry about.”

Giving her my cheesiest grin, I said, “Why thank you. You look pretty amazing yourself.”

She did, too. Carisa’s outfit could also be described as badass biker chick, and her thick dark hair had been straightened to within an inch of its life. It looked sleek and shiny. War paint on, lips a perfect shade of candy apple red, I feared for the biker hearts she was guaranteed to break tonight.

“Thank you for stopping by to pick up Dylan,” I told her.

She pulled me in for a hug only to dramatically push me away so she could look him over. “This handsome devil? Puh-lease. I should be thanking you. I’ve always wanted to be the lucky lady on the arm of the hottest guy in the place.”

Dylan’s cheeks turned crimson, and he let out an adorably shy giggle. “You look like a badass, too, Aunt Care.”

I loved that he’d given her a nickname. The two of them had gotten ridiculously close over the past month, and I had no doubt Carisa would look after him like he was her own. Even in a biker club.

“Oh stop,” she gestured for him to come to her. “You’re already my favorite nephew. Just don’t tell the others. We don’t want to hurt their feelings.” To me and Kaos, she added, “Ready to head out?”

“Let’s do the damn thing,” Kaos said, looking a little nervous, which was weird. I’d never really seen him nervous before.

We locked up. Carisa and Dylan climbed into her car while Kaos and I headed into the garage. He slid a helmet over my head, then popped open the visor to give me a kiss before putting on his own.

“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” I said.

“I only offered, angel. You could have ridden with Carisa and Dylan if you really wanted to.”

He kicked a leg over his bike and took a seat, offering me his hand. I let him steady me as I slid in behind him and wrapped my arms around his midsection. He was right, of course. I’d chosen to ride with him because I wanted to. I’d met most of his blood brothers, but this was different. I was about to meet his club brothers… the brothers he’d chosen. Tonight was important to him, and I wanted us to arrive together. United.

Besides, he looked damn fine in his leathers, and I needed to make sure any club hussies that were hanging around knew he was mine. Leaning against him, I held on tight as he navigated the route. I didn’t hate the ride. In fact, it was kind of exhilarating. I felt safe behind him, but also a little wild. We must have made quite the striking pair, because people stared as we rode by.

And for once, I didn’t give a single fuck.

* * *

Kaos

When Tina and I pulled up to the fire station, Emily and Naomi were waiting for us.

“How are you doing?” Emily asked, focusing on Tina.

“Good.” Tina’s smile lit up her eyes and made my fucking heart soar. “Great, actually. I cannot thank you two enough.”

Emily’s gaze snagged mine and I gave her a nod, letting her know I hadn’t changed my mind. “Good to hear,” she said, patting Tina on the shoulder. “Naomi and I were hoping to steal you away for a few minutes. We have something we want to run by you.”

“Is everything okay?” Tina asked, the pitch of her voice rising. “Matt’s not—”

“No,” Naomi said, cutting her off. “It’s nothing bad. Just a little bit of paperwork.”

Blowing out a relieved breath, Tina looked to me. “Do you mind?”

Ha! If only she knew. She would, soon enough. Stomach clenching, I shook my head. “Not at all.” Carisa pulled into the parking lot, and I waved at her. “I’ll get those two troublemakers settled and meet you in the dining hall.” Then remembering that she’d never been inside the club, I looked to the ladies.

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