Page 50 of Choices

“She was supposed to have Rocco for a few days. Did you forget I’m going in for surgery tomorrow?” Rocco’s fingers curl in my hair, his head resting on my shoulder.

“No, I remembered. It’s on my calendar.”

“Don’t be a wiseass. You could at least pretend to care. Most husbands give a shit when their wife is getting surgery.”

“You’re going in to have a correction for a scar from your boob job not a kidney transplant.”

Rocco tugs on my hair, a small gasp slipping past his lips. “Look, Daddy.” Turning to see what has his attention, my chest squeezes. Kitty’s feet falter, her eyes expanding, dancing between Claire and me before homing in on Rocco in my arms.

“Are you walking a cat?” Claire asks incredulously. My gaze drops to the lead in her hand.

“I don’t want him getting lost. He’s an indoor cat.”

“That you’re taking for a walk?” Claire’s tone is condescending and mocking.

“You got a problem with that?” Kitty bites back.

“You always have been an odd one, Kitty cat.”

“It’s just fucking Kitty—no cat. You know that yet always add it,” Kitty grinds through clenched teeth, taking a step toward her.

“Can you watch your language in front of our son?” Claire snaps, looking to me for backup.

“Are you kidding? You brought him to a clubhouse.” Kitty scoffs in disbelief. She has a good point. Claire knows I don’t like him here. It’s no place for a kid.

“Cover your ears, Rocco,” Claire instructs, and Rocco holds both hands over his ears.

“You don’t have to be a bitch, Kitty. What have I ever done to you?”

Bending down, Kitty scoops up her cat and takes three calm steps until she’s boot-to-stiletto with Claire. “You know what, Claire?”

Claire folds her arms and cocks a hip out, glaring down at Kitty, and all I can do is watch. Something has gotten into Kit. The energy coming off her crackles against my skin.

“What?” Claire asks confidently.

“Fuck you, that’s what.”

CHAPTER 18

BAD LIAR

KITTY

Claire’s mouth drops open, and a clap of energy shoots through my veins. That’s been a long time coming.

And it felt good.

Really good.

Who brings a kid to a biker party at this time of night?I don’t even like kids and know better than that.

I’d thought seeing Cutter with his child would bother me. But it never has. That there’s zero resemblance to either of his parents helps, the betrayal not an automatic slap to the face. He looks nothing like my dad either. That would have been a fucked-up situation.

Keeping Keg in my arms, I push past a herd of giggling club sluts all trying to go into the same bathroom and slip out a side exit to the back of the compound.

The door swings closed behind me, engulfing me in peaceful silence. The cool night air caresses my skin and sends a ripple across Keg’s fur. Dropping him to the ground, I raise my gazeto the endless sky illuminated by starlight and crowned with a silver crescent moon smirking down like the Cheshire Cat.

Keg sniffs the asphalt before he starts walking, wanting to explore. Clutching his leash, I let him lead me around the perimeter fence. Dense trees line the back boundary line with no view of what’s beyond them. I wonder if that’s where Keg’s family is, wild and free.

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