Page 158 of Outlaws of Tulsa

Copper gave me Hadley’s cell number and told me Koyn was okay with me communicating with her, which means she worked some magic on that mean-ass bastard. It feels like a huge step considering almost a year ago, I was on death’s doorstep with nearly a dozen pissed off motorcycle dudes wanting to cut my throat. The fact Koyn is allowing me to speak to his ol’ lady is huge. I can’t fuck this up.

“Do they know we’re together?” I gnaw on my bottom lip, searching his eyes.

He grabs me by my hips and pulls me to him. “They know you’re mine. I’m sure they’ve figured out that means in every sense of the word.”

Uneasiness settles in my gut. “We can’t flaunt it.”

“We can do whatever the fuck we want, little storm.” His lips press against mine, making my heart rate speed up. A large palm grabs my ass, squeezing. I’m ready to beg him for a quick fuck when the oven timer goes off.

I groan against his lips and he smiles, playfully smacking my ass.

“I’ll take care of you later, baby. Right now, grab your shit and let’s go. I’m fucking starving.”

He takes off to feed the dogs before we leave and I place the stuffing tray in a warm carrying case. My hands are shakingbecause this is the first time I’m going back to Koyn’s. I’ve seen some of the guys the one time they dropped by with Dragon, but that’s it. Hadley’s already had her baby. It feels like a lot of time has passed and I missed so much.

What if Thanksgiving doesn’t go smoothly as it’s always gone?

What if I’m met with a bullet to the chest?

Anxiety is a bitch today, making my stomach twist and roil. At least, I hope it’s anxiety. That fucker only remembers about twenty percent of the time to pull out. I’m nauseous today, but I’m believing in the fact it’s just nerves.

If I were to get pregnant with Copper’s baby, I would die.

It’s irresponsible and stupid considering the uncertainty of my life still.

Yet…a small part of me thrills at the idea of holding a beautiful piece of him swaddled in my arms.

Get your shit together, girl. You’re not pregnant. You’re lovesick.

I’ve almost talked myself from my deluded fantasies of being Copper’s forever woman and having a family with him when he walks back into the kitchen. His dark eyes sweep over me seconds before he prowls my way. Strong hands spear into my hair and he tugs, forcing my head back so I can look at him.

“I’ll keep you safe,” he murmurs. “You trust me?”

Locking eyes with him, I nod. “Yeah, I do.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

I’m emotional and due for my period…that’s late.

“Nothing.” I grin at him. “Perfect. Calla finally texted me back earlier.”

His brown eyes lighten at the mention of my sister and the corners of his eyes crinkle as he smiles. “That’s good to hear. Was she pissed at you going off the grid for so long?” Guilt flashes over his features, but he quickly recovers.

“She was indifferent.” I sigh and fight stupid tears once more. Yep, my period is definitely on its way. “Said she was going to a boyfriend’s for Thanksgiving.”

“What about Cove?” he asks. “We could have brought him here. Maybe they both can visit for Christmas.”

My heart stutters at his words. Weeks ago when he gave me a phone, I was shocked but happy. Since then, he’s listened to all my stories of my siblings and actually seems to care about my happiness. Sometimes, I wonder if I died in those woods when I ran away and all this is just a cruel dream.

“Cove is…” I sigh. Withdrawn. Sullen. Moody. “He’s probably busy. I’ll talk to him about Christmas.”

“You sure nothing else is bothering you?” His dark eyes search mine, hunting for untruths.

“I’m so nervous, I could throw up,” I blurt out. Not a lie. “I’m probably making it all worse in my head. It’s just the same idiots as always.”

He smirks. “Same ones. Let’s get this over with.”

I step out of Copper’s truck, pushing down my dress so it doesn’t fly up in the wind. Since Copper seems to have a thing for cowgirl boots, I softened my look today for him, choosing a floral print dress that hugs my breasts and waist before flaring out to wear with my boots. It’s not a short dress but doesn’t go to my knees either. My blond hair is in long, loose beach waves today. Rather than caking on the makeup, I brushed on some mascara and smeared on some pink lip gloss. Based on the way Copper’s brown eyes burn with intensity each time he sees me, I’d say he’s loving the look.

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