Page 32 of Owned

“Thanks.” I link my arm with hers as we make our way to the main area where everyone is congregating. I spot Hayden grabbing two beers to pass to Astera and me.

“I can’t drink,” she whispers.

“More for me,” I take the bottles from his hands. “I can drink enough for the both of us.”

“Congrats. You and Griffin will be great parents.”

“Thanks, Hayden.”

With a hand Astera’s elbow, Hayden asks me, “Can I steal Astera for a minute?”

I look at him suspiciously before answering,” Yeah.”

They walk toward the back door and out into the cold air. I have to wonder what he wanted her for, but push it out of my mind as I sip my beer and keep an eye on Lauren and her interactions with the other members.

I am determined to get to the bottom of who is messing with me. I have to catch her at the right moment.

Astera returns with a wide grin on her face. “What did you two talk about?” I question her.

She straightens her face. “It’s nothing serious.”

“You mean you really can’t tell me?”

“I mean, if Hayden wanted you to know, he would have said it in front of you. Sorry, I don’t mean to sound like a bitch.”

Smiling, I roll my eyes and take the last swig of my first beer. Across the room, I look at Hayden as he talks to Cutter and Griffin, and I realize this man is it for me. It’s not just the fact that he professed his love for me, but I feel it deep down that he is the only one for me.

Hayden catches me watching him and flashes me a wink and a small smirk.

“I think I’m going to lie down; this pregnancy is making me super tired.”

“Yeah. Go rest. If you need, let me know.”

“Will do. See you later.”

I watch as she walks toward Griffin telling him she is going to lie down. Lauren walks into the club, and I turn my attention to her to watch what she does and when she comes and goes because I know she is up to something. I haven’t figured it out, but I know I will eventually. It’s only a matter of time.

“Whatcha doin’?” Hayden bumps into my shoulder with his.

“Keeping my eye on her,” I nod in her direction.

“Yeah.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CLAIRE

In bed, I stretch my body, turn my head to look at Hayden, and he is already watching me. “How long have you been watching me sleep?”

“A little bit.” He gets out of bed, put's a pair of dark wash jeans on, followed by a long sleeve tee, and pulls his club vest over it.

“Where are you going?”

“I need to go do something, so I will see you later,” Hayden bends down to kiss my forehead.

I eye him suspiciously because he has been acting weird for a couple days now, and I don’t know why.

“Okay.”

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