Page 61 of Piper's Pyro

“Does that mean you like me?”

“Something like that.”

Damn him for not giving me a straight answer. “Will you come home with me?”

“Yes, but only because you asked so nicely. And I’m dying to fuck you.”

I giggled. “Wow, how romantic.”

“Hey.” He jerked back and firmly held my face. “You could’ve died today. It messed with my head. So if I don’t say the right things, I’m sorry—it’s unintentional. I need time to process. Do you understand?”

I nodded, tears pooling in my eyes. Why did it feel like we had a monumental breakthrough? Like our souls embraced for the first time and would never set each other free.

“I like you, Piper. Fuck, I more than like you. My mind doesn’t understand how I can feel what I feel after only three days, but fuck it. I’m not going to fight it.”

“Good, because I can’t let you go. You’re mine.” After what I’d been through, I wouldn’t play the tough don’t-give-a-shit biker princess.

I had feelings.

Needs and desires.

I’d make damn sure Russell Cullen knew he was my end game.

“I have a question.”

“You can ask me anything.” My organs twisted into a knot as I sensed I wouldn’t like his question.

“What did Forrest mean when he said you killed your baby?”

I deflated in his arms and lowered my chin to my chest in shame. “Everything that happened today is because I refused to be with him years ago after we had a one-night stand. I’d gotten pregnant and aborted it.” I shook my head. “I’m not proud of my actions.”

“Okay,” he replied in a weird tone.

“Okay?” I looked him in the eyes. “He was obsessed with me. He tried to hurt my family and even took his rage out on the city… All because of me.”

“Relax, sweetheart.” He gave me a sweet kiss. “I’m not judging you. I just wanted to know what happened. I am curious, though.”

“Curious about what?” My muscles tensed.

“It got me thinking… Is it possible you’re pregnant with my baby? I mean, I didn’t put on the latex last night.”

“Anything is possible. Only abstinence prevents unwanted pregnancy.”

“Our baby wouldn’t be unwanted,” he said decidedly.

“Jesus fucking Christ.” Spectre fumed at the door. I wished they’d make a damn sound or knock before coming in instead of catching us in these moments. “We’re waiting on you both.” He turned on his heel and left.

“I swear he wants to beat the shit out of me.” Russell hugged me.

“Probably. But I’ll protect you.”

20

Bone

The same unease and trepidation I felt earlier had returned as I parked the truck in front of the farmhouse. I’d be forced to speak to Lady M, which I wasn’t looking forward to. Hopefully, there’d be no more emergencies. I could never forget seeing the strongest woman in the world’s knees buckle and almost fall. I’d reacted on instinct because I loved her and would never let her fall, just like she’d never let me. Enough about that.

I couldn’t wait to see Destiny. I felt like a chump for not thinking about her while at the hospital, but I knew she’d understand.

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