Page 82 of Twice the Rivalry

Glitch was silent for a moment. “I hope you’re right.”

“Now, what the hell is going on with you and Code?” she asked.

Glitch rolled her eyes. “Why does everyone keep asking me that? We’re having some fun, and we’re not trying to kill each other. I think that’s all anyone needs to worry about.”

Karissa pinned her with a look. “Yeah, see, you said that before, and we both know that’s not true. Something’s changed. You’re not fighting and bickering all the time.”

“That you know of,” Glitch corrected. “We’ve just learned to keep it in here or behind closed doors.”

“Fine. But you’re definitely not acting like he’s public enemy number one anymore either. And the two of you are working together like you've been doing it all your lives.”

Glitch turned to stare at her in disbelief. “Seriously? That’s what’s got you all up in a tizzy? He apologized, and I accepted. You know we don’t hold grudges. Fucks things up, and I’ve decided to apply that principle to Code. Everyone keeps saying how they want us working together, and now that we’re doing that, it’s some big problem? Would you make up your mind?” she demanded in exasperation.

“If I thought that was all it was, then yeah, I’d accept it,” she agreed. “But it’s not. How about the fact that you’re in his bed every night? Not just for sex, but you’re sleeping there. You never sleep-sleep with a man. Ever.”

“Well, apparently all the other men weren’t doing it right, because Code definitely wears me out,” she replied with a smug grin. “Is pretty boy not giving you the same, babe? Do I need to have a talk with him about how to actually please a woman? I’m sure I can find some lovely instructional videos on the subject.”

Karissa rolled her eyes. “No, he doesn’t need any help, thanks,” she answered drily. “Look, if I thought this was all good fun, I would let it go. But I know it’s not, and deep down, you know it too. I see it on your face when you look at him. Sure, sometimes there’s annoyance or anger there, but under that is this look of content and longing. You enjoy being around him, and you enjoy the attention and affection he gives you. There is nothing wrong with that. I want that for you. But at the same time, I know you’re never going to leave the team, and I don’t want you to be hurt when you have to leave Code behind. Hell, I don’t want Code hurt either, but my main concern is you.”

“I appreciate it, but seriously, Xena, I’m fine,” she assured her, though even to her own ears the words lacked conviction.

Before Karissa could push the issue any further, her comms rang with an incoming call, and she quickly turned back to her screen, grateful for the reprieve. She didn’t want any more questions about Code. She didn’t have answers herself.

For the next two hours, she guided the men on their run. Despite them not telling her specifics, she was quickly able to piece it together for herself when she heard the name Rogue said over the comms. She rolled her eyes. Seriously, they were that worried about some guns? It wasn’t like she hadn’t figured out in her initial investigation of them what they were doing for some of their money. Still, she managed not to say anything, keeping her thoughts to herself while she monitored the whereabouts of the local law enforcement, and ensured the club stayed out of view of any cameras.

By the time Savage announced they were heading back, she was ready to be done and take a nap, or at least find something to focus on that wouldn’t involve people asking her questions about Code. Karissa had left not long ago, bored out of her mind from sitting and listening to Glitch give instructions and information through her headset, and not being able to hear the other end.

When she walked out into the common room, she saw that all the women, including the twins, were back in the main room, with Tom behind the bar and Sam standing near the door. She headed for the group of women, nerves building in her belly when they all looked at her. The twins gave her small nods before turning away. Scarlett gave her a tired and sad smile, but didn’t look away. Glitch took a seat next to Karissa. “So, what kind of trouble are we getting into while the men are away?” she asked cheerfully.

Karissa snorted, while Esme and Harlow grinned. Royal’s expression was strained and Scarlett just shrugged. “I doubt that one would let us get into much,” Esme remarked, jerking her thumb at the Prospect behind the bar. “He’s just as bad as the patched brothers.”

“I think we could take him,” Glitch predicted, looking over at Tom, who held her gaze and gave her a calm, blank stare.

“You’ll have to take him without me,” Royal said morosely. “I can’t even get up on my damn own. I look and feel like a beached whale.” Her eyes grew wet. “I just want them out. I’m so tired of being pregnant.”

“They’ll be here soon,” Harlow tried to soothe her.

“I’m about ready to yank them out,” she moaned. She looked over at Esme. “This will be you soon, you know.”

Esme rubbed her small bump. “I’ve been through it before so I know all about it. I promise it will all be worth it.”

“Easy for you to say,” Royal huffed. “You only had one, I’m having a whole damn litter.”

“Two isn’t a litter, babe,” Harlow reminded her. Royal gave her a scathing glare, and Harlow winced and looked away.

Glitch bit back a laugh, since she didn’t want to deal with an angry pregnant lady. Hell, they were scarier than some of the worst criminals in the world when you got them going. “Alright, well, Royal, you can be our lookout. We can’t have anyone interfering with our fun,” she offered. “No one will dare to mess with you.”

“Sure, I’ll just threaten to sit on them,” she sniped.

“I was thinking that you could go into labor, but sure, that works too,” she joked.

Royal moaned. “I’m sorry, I’m just so tired and sore. My back is killing me, and I have to pee like every five minutes now. I just want to have them out so I can go back to feeling like me again.”

“How about we take your mind off it and do something fun?” Glitch suggested.

She quirked a brow. “What do you mean by fun?”

Glitch grinned wickedly. “Well, see, I have this thing that I like to mess with Code’s room. Earlier, he decided to barge into my room after picking the lock and tell me to get my ass downstairs while I was on the phone. Then he threatened to put me on a top shelf and leave me there, so I decided he needed a little reminder of who he was threatening.”

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