Page 98 of Riot

I hate this. I hate that I’m part of the reason she’s standing there, breaking.

Seren fusses in her arms. “She needs to eat.”

“You take care of the princess. There’s baby stuff stored somewhere. I’ll see what I can find.”

Mace had insisted on stocking it in the three apartments we set up, even before he knew May was expecting.

Like a ghost, Ivy sinks onto the sofa and fumbles with her top.

I drag myself away, giving her a moment, and find the baby stuff in one of the walk-ins. There’s a travel cot, clothes from size newborn to two years, nappies, wipes—all the shit we might need.

I set up the cot at the edge of the double bed, my heart in my throat.

I’ve never been as afraid as I am now. Not in gun fights or facing down knife-wielding pricks. Not betraying my President and my chapter.

This feels so final.

She’s never gonna forgive me.

And she shouldn’t.

Forget about that. Just focus on keepin’ her safe.

My stomach churns, and I let out a breath.

I pull out my phone and dial my brother. Then I brace for the fucking hurricane that’s gonna make landfall the moment I drop this bomb on him.

He answers after a couple rings.

“Where are you?” I demand.

“Shoppin’. May’s lookin’ for a pram?—”

“Take her and Toby to one of the safe houses.”

There’s a beat and then, “Crank?”

Shit, he thinks this is club-related, and why wouldn’t he? He wouldn’t suspect this is happening.

“It’s Ivy.”

“Mace?” Maylie’s voice filters down the line. “What’s going on?”

“Nothin’, babe. Just give me a sec, yeah?” There’s a pause, then he says, “Talk.”

“Some fuck is stalkin’ her, sendin’ her flowers and messages. Earlier, there was a picture of Seren’s cot and that fuckin’ bear in it. Ivy came to the clubhouse scared to death.”

“Where is she now?”

“With me.”

“Okay, good. I’ll take May and Toby to the Star City apartment. Can you bring Ivy and Seren there?”

I hesitate. “I got her.”

Mace, astute as ever, doesn’t miss a beat when he asks, “Meanin’ what?”

“Meanin’ she and Seren are stayin’ with me.”

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