Page 108 of Avenging Devil: Part 2

“Looks that way.”

I hesitate before asking, “And Cyn?”

He chuckles. “Sharp’s got her under control.”

Well, good for him. But I can’t quite believe it. And being her brother, I’m not sure I want to ask how.

I end the call but stay where I am for the moment, wondering how Saffie’s going to take the news. She knows we’ll eventually be returning to San Diego, but she’ll miss Cat, Grinch, and the other members here too. They’ve helped her overcome her fear of bikers which will hopefully bode well for the San Diego chapter.

When I make my way back into the clubhouse, Honor’s standing by the bar. I go straight over. In a few seconds I’ve summed up the query Lost had asked, about how Susie had known how to contact Duke. I really can’t write that off as a chance meeting.

Honor stares down into his bottle of beer for a moment, as though expecting to find answers. Then he looks up. “The feds aren’t actively looking for him. There’s nothing in their database. Grit was ex-fed, wasn’t he? What’s the bet he knew this second cousin of hers? The cousin knew enough about the Crazy Wolves to direct her there in the first place.”

I raise my chin. “Makes sense.”

“Yeah.” Honor drains his beer and places the empty bottle on the bar top. “We’ve not found the fucker yet. But now you’ve mentioned Grit, let me track back, see who he used to work with. Might have more luck if we find a connection there.” He slaps me on the back. “Thanks for that, Brother.”

I watch his back as he goes. Could I have given him a lead? Possibly. Turning, I scan the room, seeing Saffie deep in conversation with Cat. If I’m not mistaken, they’ve got a baby equipment catalogue in front of them. Anxiously, I study Saffie’s face. She looks at ease, but deep down I know how badly she’ll be hurting.

Saffie’s come a long way in the last few weeks, but however much she buries her pain, it’s always there, lurking just beneath the surface. I think about what I’d said to her father, that I was going to marry her as soon as she was free. She hasn’t questioned me on that, but I’m determined. She’ll be wearing my patch and having my name as soon as I can achieve it. Then, if she wants to try for another baby, I’ll be all in. I’d give that woman everything.

But first we have to find Duke, and I have to kill him.

Accepting a beer from Brute—now I’m off the horse painkillers, I’m allowed to drink—I wonder if that’s best achieved by staying here or going back to San Diego as Lost demanded. But what can I do here that I can’t do there? Sure, I attend church, but news can be communicated in any way.

Do I doubt these brothers would still have my back if I was out of sight?

Nah. I trust them to do what’s right. They’ll keep looking, I know it.

“What you thinking so hard about?” Saffie joins me and hops onto the bar stool at my side.

Avoiding her question, I ask instead, “You okay?”

She grimaces. “Yeah. I was just helping Cat choose some stuff for her nursery. I can’t help wishing that was me.”

Placing my hand behind her head, I draw her toward me, resting her cheek against my chest. “I know, darlin’.” Gently I smooth my hand over her hair. “You ever think about having another baby?”

She glances up, startled. “Of course I do.”

“See me as the father?”

Her eyes widen. “What are you saying, Niran?”

Shrugging, I explain, “You’re my old lady. I want you to be my wife. Doesn’t seem too much of a leap to say I want a family with you. If you want that sooner rather than later, I’m all in.”

“Niran!” She sounds shocked. Various expressions cross her face, and for a moment I think I may have overwhelmed her, especially when a look of disgust fills her face. “I can’t do anything while I’m married to Duke.”

Of course she won’t risk it. Even though there’d be visible proof the baby was mine, not his.

I sigh with relief that it’s not me as the father she’s objecting to and just can’t help myself. Leaning down, I whisper into her ear, “I’m going to enjoy trying to make babies with you.”

“Niran!” Again she uses my name, this time there’s a quirk to her lips. Then, fuck me, she raises herself up, “Think we’ll need to get some practice in first.”

“Yeah?” Carefully I examine her face. We’ve fooled around a lot, but never gone all the way. I haven’t wanted to push her. Now I’m wondering whether it’s time, and I can take the risk. “I’ve never tried to get anyone pregnant before. You’re going to have to tell me what to do.” I wink.

She bats at my arm and rolls her eyes. “Somehow I don’t think you’ll have any problem.”

I glance at the crutches propped by the bar. “Problems, I do have, Saffie. With no legs to speak of, it’s going to have to be all down to you. I’ll just have to lie there and take it.”

---