“Yo,” Kevlar says, entering the house behind Rosemary, a grin tugging at his lips.
“Don’t even say shit,” I tell him, rolling my eyes.
“Wasn’t gonna say a word.” Kevlar smirks and shakes his head. “We’ll see you when you get back.”
“Right.” Grumbling, I grab my phone, wallet, and keys while telling them when Kale ate last. My boy was asleep in his bouncer and didn’t have a care in the world about what was going on around him. “Hopefully, this won’t take long, and I’ll be back before he gets put in his crib.”
“Okay,” Rosemary says, moving to the couch to curl up and turn a movie on. “We’ve got him. You just go do what you have to do and maybe have some fun.”
Fun. Yeah, like what we’re gonna be doing is fun.
At least I know I’ll get to enjoy the sight of Jacqueline in the dress I saw her wearing. Images of her in my bed, those legs wrapped around my waist, her heels digging into my back, pop into my head. Fucking hell. I can’t go there. That can’t happen. But in my gut, I know if I get the chance, that’s exactly where I intend to be.
Pulling my bike up to the front of the restaurant, I inwardly cringe. This is definitely not my style of a place to sit down and eat. It’s one of those places where you better know the differences between forks and bowls.
Fuck me.
I barely get my helmet off and run a hand through my hair when I spot Viper making his way toward me with Jade in his arms. She was dressed in a long dress that went to her feet. Her baby bump evident, with the way she has her hand resting on top of it.
“Ready for this?” Viper asks, smirking.
“Do I look like I’m fuckin’ ready?” I ask, shooting him a glare.
Viper lets out a snort and jerks his chin toward the restaurant. “Let’s get in there and get this over with.”
Following after him and Jade, we all make our way to the entrance. The hostess gives Viper and me both the come-hither look we’re known to get while ignoring Jade. Big mistake for her, considering Jade was Viper’s life. He’ll do anything for her and won’t allow disrespect. By the time we leave tonight, she’ll probably be looking for a new job.
Still, she shows us through the building to the back, where a long table was set up, and some peoplewere already seated. Izaiah being one of them. To his left sat Jacqueline, who was speaking to him and hadn’t yet noticed others having arrived.
Cordova’s gaze flickers to us briefly, but he keeps his attention on his sister. I gotta admit, I hadn’t expected the expression I’m seeing on his face while he listens to Jacqueline talk to him.
Clearing my throat, I cock a brow as Jacqueline whips her head around to find me standing there.
“What . . . what are you doing here?” she asks, eyes wide.
“Wolf, please have a seat next to my sister.” Cordova motions, earning a look from his sister. “Viper, this must be your lovely wife. Please have a seat.”
“Cordova,” Viper grunts and helps Jade into a chair across from me. “This is my wife, Jade.”
“Nice to meet you.” Jade smiles and looks at Jacqueline. “You’re Wolf’s neighbor, am I correct?”
“Yes,” Jacqueline squeaks out, clears her throat, nods, and repeats. “Yes.”
Taking my seat, I look to Cordova. “How big of a dinner is this supposed to be?”
“Several of my associates will be here tonight, along with one that you all know as well. MateoQuirino should be arriving any moment now.”
“I hear my name.” Mateo chuckles, coming into the room, eyes scanning, a grin in place. He stops on Jade, and his grin brightens. “Jade, you look as beautiful as ever. How is my cousin?”
I knew exactly what he was doing. He was ensuring those who came into the room behind him knew that he knew her and would protect her. Mateo was sending his message loud and clear.
“I believe she and Bride planned to torture Cyprus with Disney movies tonight while they painted nails and whatnot.” Jade laughs.
Mateo snorts and shakes his head. “I feel for Noelle’s man. He’s admirable for raising his little sister and giving her a good life. I must admit, Bride has a way of getting what she wants even from me.”
“I take it she’s had you watch the newMoanamovie with her?” Jade asks, giggling.
“On repeat.” Mateo smiles, taking his seat next to Jade. He looks at Cordova and nods. “Thank you for inviting me to tonight’s dinner party.”