Page 24 of Bear

It’s just that I love him and I don’t want to lose him.

“We can’t make any promises,” Brewer said. “But we’ll try to keep it quiet if we can.”

I nodded. That was as good as I was going to get and I’d gladly take it.

“Now,” Crow said as he approached the cart. “Let’s see that shopping list.”

“Oh, but that’s not necessary - ”

Despite my protest, Brewer plucked the list from my fingers and passed it to Crow.

“You can have Rooster and Crow for the rest of the day. Get them out of my hair while I finish shopping for the clubhouse.”

“I really appreciate it but I can manage on my own,” I replied.

Brewer placed a large hand on my shoulder.

“We know you can, Shelby. But that’s not the point.” As he turned away, he tossed back over his shoulder, “Put her bill on our tab, boys. Make sure she gets everything she needs. The clubhouse will cover it.”

“I…” Words failed me as I tried to speak.

It felt as if my life had fallen apart when Justin had walked away. And yet, here I was in the middle of a supermarket with three bikers looking out for me as if I was their sister. My throat felt tight, overwhelmed with gratitude.

Crow helped me sort out diapers, formula, and any other baby-related items I needed. Meanwhile, Rooster took care of all my groceries. Then they helped me load everything into the car.

I spotted Crow scanning the parking lot while I buckled Maisie into her car seat. He was the quiet, serious one among the crew, watchful and observant. That’s when I realized that Rooster and Crow weren’t simply there to lend a hand with my shopping. They were acting as my bodyguards.

As if he could read my thoughts, Crow caught my eye.

“Do you think Justin will come back?” I asked softly.

Crow lifted one shoulder in a half shrug.

“I don’t need to tell you what you already know. He tracked you down, Shelby. Found you in the supermarket. Alone. Threatened you. You’re a smart woman. I believe you’re well aware of what that will add up to in the end.”

Trouble,I thought.

Maisie squirmed in her car seat, her little eyebrows drawing together with concern. I took her tiny hand, smoothing my thumb over her knuckles.

Had I made a mistake falling in love with Bear? Had I incited Justin’s jealousy to a dangerous level? And how could I get Justin to leave me alone now that I had a different man, a better man in my life?

I sighed and rubbed at my forehead.

How ironic this had all turned out to be.

A few months ago, I was practically begging Justin to spend some time with his daughter, with me. I’d been denied, again and again. But now that I was moving on, Justin wanted me back and I couldn’t shake his unwanted attention.

“Come on,” Crow said gently as he touched my elbow. “Get in the car. Go home. We’ll follow you.”

Maisie cooed a wordless question. A rare, brief smile graced Crow’s lips. He traced a fingertip lightly over her cheek.

“That’s right, princess. Your uncles are going to make sure you get home safe and sound.”

Chapter Nine

Bear

By the next morning, Carlos was gone. At first, I thought he might have ran away, but his clothes were still in his bedroom, so I assumed he planned to return. My stomach was still a bundle of knots and would likely stay that way until I saw him face to face again. I sent a quick text.

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