Page 19 of Razor's Edge
I scoop up Starla and bring her to my chest. Starla’s fussing calms when I get her close to my heart. The nurse hands me the bottle. Smiling at Starla, I rub the nipple on her lip, causing her to open her mouth and suck the formula like she has been starved.
“Slow down, little princess, you’re going to choke,” I chastise her, pulling the bottle away slightly. Starla’s brow furrows angrily at me. I love seeing her personality showing through. This little girl is going to be a spitfire.
The door opens, and Torch, Vixen, and Wesson come through with a struggling Star. At the sight of my face, Vixen takes a step back, and Star goes so white like she has no blood left in her body. That stupid bitch has no fucking idea what we are going to do with her. My brothers and I don’t look for trouble and operate mostly on the right side of the law, but the moment you hurt one of us or ours, we do whatever it takes to make sure you pay.
“Take her to the club. Vixen, do you mind staying with Starla here? I’ll be on my way shortly to speak with her. Flyboy, thank you for everything.” I look at the princess in my arms and kiss her on the forehead before handing her to Vixen, whose belly has come from nowhere overnight.
“Take care of her. Don’t let her out of your sight. Something doesn’t feel right.” I wish I could explain what my gut is telling me.
“I won’t let anything happen to her. Torch will have another brother come sit with Starla and me until you return.” Vixen smiles before pulling the bottle from Starla’s mouth and looking at the nurse for how to burp her.
The nurse steps forward. “Go ahead and take a seat. Sit her on your knee. Prop her chin in the space between your thumb and pointer finger and pat her back like normal.”
Vixen follows her instructions like a pro. When Starla burps, Vixen smiles triumphantly. Yes, this one woman will be an amazing mother and woman for my brother. I nod for Wesson to take Star with Flyboy. Torch and I will follow. We aren’t half down the hall when Blue, Steel, and a prospect appear. I drop my shoulders because, without a doubt, Steel would die rather than let anything happen to his babies.
We make it to the bikes, starting them simultaneously, sounding like rolling thunder. Time to get some answers—one way or another.
10
Edge
Iadmire the elegant gown Isaias sent over in the mirror. He’s been sending gifts every day since our first date. It’s only been a week. As much as spending time with Isaias has been an amazing distraction, my heart feels like something is missing—Vixen and the people I’ve come to love at the clubhouse. Ever since I walked away from the hospital, I’ve not answered any calls or texts. I check the ones from Vixen, making sure she and the baby are okay. But outside of that, it’s been no contact. I’ve got to move on. The club is Vixen’s family, not mine.
Candy comes into my bathroom with a low whistle. “Holy shit, bitch. You look so hot.”
“You don’t think it’s too short or shows too much?” I’m self-conscious about the scars. They are easy to hide in a dark club but with this low back …
“Shit, if I weren’t strictly dickly, I’d do you!” Candy pops me on the ass and hands me the glass in her hand.
“Have you done your computer girl shit on this man?” she asks, sitting on my bed and looking at the large screens lining my desk.
I sigh, leaning on my hands and dropping my chin to my chest. “I know I should. Fuck, I mean, people can’t be trusted, and everyone wants something from you. I can’t bring myself to do it.”
“Do you think that’s wise? We both know going in blind doesn’t always end the best for us.” Candy twists her hands. At the tone of her voice, I turn to look at my vibrant best friend to find the scared woman she hides. This causes my hairs and Spidey senses to tingle.
“Candy? What aren’t you telling me?” I ask, squatting in front of her.
“It’s nothing. Are you coming back to work?” Candy asks without looking at me.
“I plan on going back this Friday. Isaias asked me to take over some of the business dealings,” I tell her, smiling because this means I won’t be on the floor.
Candy looks up and, for a second, is angry before she exclaims, “That’s awesome. You get it, girl!”
Someone knocks, and Candy pops up. The bubbly, happy woman is back. “That would be your smoking hot date.”
She heads for the door, and I finish my makeup and downsize my purse before heading to the door. Coming around the corner, I’m taken back by their conversation. Dread runs down my spine, and I break out in a cold sweat. I’ve missed something big by drowning in my feelings and a broken heart. Stepping back into the hallway, I try to get out of sight while considering how to get out of this date. My movement catches Candy’s eye, and she looks my way. Isaias turns, too, and the anger in his eyes knots my stomach. Unlike Ice’s, in just a blink, it’s all gone. The smooth-talking man has returned.
“Oh, Cariño Mio! Aren’t you absolutely gorgeous!” Isaias says on a low whistle.
The mask I always wore with Ice falls into place. I will get through tonight and then break it off, praying I don’t lose my job in the process.
I smile shyly. “You are too kind. Are you ready? I’m starving.”
“Then let’s get the lady fed,” he says, coming to me, kissing me on the cheek, and pulling me close to him.
I smile at him, and for the first time since this started, the rose-colored glasses are removed, and I see the man for what he is—a wolf in sheep’s clothing.What have I gotten us into?
Candy is still leaning on the wall, white as a sheet. When we make eye contact, my heart shatters at the tears she’s holding back. Whatever this man has done to her, I’ll find out and rain hell down on anyone who hurts those who I love.
