“You have a bookie?” I asked. “I didn’t realize you gambled.”

  “Booker. Remember him? VP of the club, and he’s also a hacker.”

  “I met so many people at family night, honey, you’ll need to refresh my memory.”

  “Dani’s his wife.”

  “Oh,” I breathed out. “She’s super sweet. Austin, right?”

  “Yeah, we call him Booker, but anyway, he found the money.”

  I sat up. “Found what money?”

  “The money Bryce has been hiding from you.”

  “Shut up.” I stood and started to walk toward him, but Harm shook his head.

  “Sit your ass back down, beautiful. You’re supposed to be relaxing.” I huffed and took my seat again and Harm grinned. “Booker wants to know what you want to do about it?”

  “What are my options?”

  “You can confront the asshole, which I’d rather you didn’t, or Booker can secretly ‘retrieve’ it from his account and hide it from him for you.”

  I bit my lip. “Is that illegal?”

  “Ish.”

  “How ‘ish’?”

  “No one but you, me, Booker, and Hatch would know. And Mack because he’ll legally protect it for you.”

  I bit my lip. “The second choice.”

  Harm nodded. “I like that one. We’ll get it sorted.”

  “If I can’t come to you, will you please come to me so I can thank you?”

  He grinned, making his way to me, and leaning down to kiss me.

  “Thank you,” I breathed out.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Love you.”

  “Love you, too, baby.”

  With one more kiss, he went back to feeding me.

  * * *

  One year later...

  Pressure on my boobs forced me awake and I couldn’t stop a groan as I rolled onto my back and pain shot through my chest. “Harm?”

  Glancing at the clock as I grabbed my boobs, I realized it was almost nine in the morning and Harm wasn’t in the bed next to me. I’d slept for almost ten hours. No wonder my tits were about to burst. I slid out of bed and padded down to the nursery, finding Harm sacked out in the rocking chair, our three-month-old daughter, Tallulah, whom we called ‘Tally,’ also just as sacked out over his shoulder.

  Oh my god, he was so gorgeous. He had PJ pants slung low on his hips but otherwise, nothing else on. I saw an empty bottle sitting on the table beside him, so he must have woken up in the middle of the night to feed her. The love I felt for the man really could not be measured, especially since we’d had our daughter.

  Tally must have heard me because she blinked her eyes opened and smiled. A flood of milk instantly soaked my shirt, and I closed the distance between them.

  Harm started awake and held Tally closer.

  “Sorry, honey, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  He smiled sleepily up at me. “It’s all good. I fed her at four, so she’s probably ready for more.”

  “My boobs certainly are,” I said, and we switched places. “Thank you for letting me sleep.”

  “Of course.” He leaned down and kissed both of us. “I’m gonna go get coffee. You want some?”

  “Yes, please.”

  I settled Tallulah to my breast and reflected on the last year. Harm and I had been married in a sweet and intimate ceremony down by the Columbia River. I had nearly completely lost my composure when Baylor and Briggs informed me that they’d decided they’d like to change their name to Rivera but had gone even further by asking Harm to adopt them, totally emancipating themselves from Bryce.

  They’d asked me to ask Harm, and it was the first time I’d seen my man shed any kind of tears. The second time was when Tallulah was born.

  Booker had in fact ‘retrieved’ the money Bryce had been hiding from me, and Mack had set up living trusts and college funds for Briggs, Baylor, and Tally, plus enough so that if we had any future children, they’d be taken care of as well. Bryce had tried to confront me about it, but I was able to play dumb and it’s not like he could go after me... he’d have to admit all the shit he’d pulled. So, we were all well and truly free of Bryce and his interference.

  Baylor had graduated and found a great position in Portland working for one of Harm’s biker brothers, Mack, while he completed law school. I’d worried a bit about nepotism, but Harm had assured me that Mack would have never hired him if he didn’t think Baylor was a right fit.

  Briggs had decided he wanted to be close to his new sister, so he’d transferred down to WSU Vancouver for the new fall term, and Harm had insisted he move in with us. I had an unfinished basement, so his club had come in and finished it, giving Briggs essentially his own apartment with a separate entrance, and it saved us a mint on his living expenses.

  It also meant he was close, and he was always available to babysit. Partly because he was onsite, and partly because he’d broken up with Delaney.

  My pregnancy had been so much easier with Tally. Harm was seriously the best partner a woman could have. I never had to ask for anything. He took care of everything. I worked when I wanted to, and if I was feeling at all like I might be lightheaded or nauseous, I stayed home. There was never a question.

  I realized pretty quickly into my pregnancy that most of my issues the first two times around were due to anxiety but having a relatively stress-free pregnancy with Tally made all the difference in the world.

  Harm walked back in the room with a tray, laden with coffee, a bagel and cream cheese, and a giant jug of water.

  “Have I told you how much I love you?” I asked.

  He grinned. “Not today.”

  “Well, let me rectify that.”

  He leaned down to kiss me.

  “I love you,” I said.

  “Love you too, baby.” He fed me while I fed Tally and then asked, “You up for having another one?”

  I glanced down at our angel, and she smiled up at me as she continued to eat. “Yeah, Harm, I’ll have another one.”

  “No shit?”

  I met his eyes. “No shit. I’ll have twelve more if they’re all this easy.”

  He grinned. “Then, I’ll make sure they’re all this easy.”

  “Deal.”

  He settled his hands on each of the rocking chair arms. “You are the strongest woman I’ve ever known, Bryn. I’m honored to know you, and I will never take you for granted.”

  I blinked back tears. “Thank you.”

  “Okay, let me burp her, so we can start makin’ number two.”

  I laughed. “Do you ever not think with your dick?”

  “How about you think about my dick and tell me you’re not wet right now,” he challenged.

  I squirmed, handing Tally to him. “I’ll neither confirm nor deny.”

  “Meet you in the bedroom, baby.”

  I kissed him quickly, then made a run for our room, stripping on the way.

  I truly was the luckiest woman alive.

  2020-2023 Trixie Publishing, Inc.

  Copyright © 2020-2023 by Piper Davenport

  Aero

  My life is chaos. I’ve been on a downward spiral since my sister’s death, but a call from an old biker friend in Monument, Colorado might just provide a much-needed change of scenery, and reignite my passion for the road.

  Unfortunately, not every new start is a clean start. Especially, when a gorgeous blonde wraps herself around my heart and I realize she might just heal me in ways I could never have expected. But she wants something else. Something I’m not sure I’m willing to give.

  Violet

  I’m a reluctant MC princess, and quite frankly, I’m over the life entirely. I’ll happily ditch my crown if it means I can graduate and find a nice, boring man to take me away.

  The problem is, the heart wants what the heart wants, and when it steers me toward a new club prospect, I’m forced to make a choice. Stay within the safety of my father’s grimy, yet gilded tower, or walk away from the only man who can satiate my hunger.

  CHAPTER ONE

  Violet

  Two years ago(ish)...

  I peeked out of my bedroom door and listened for signs of life. No one was supposed to be home, but with my dad and two brothers, they could show up unexpectedly at any time. It was annoying when I was the only girl in a family of overprotective biker men.

  But tonight, was my twentieth birthday and my best friend, Everly, and I were heading out for a night on the town. My dad thought she and I were studying. And he thought we were studying because it’s what I’d told him when he’d wanted to plan a big birthday celebration. We’d compromised and celebrated with the club last night, so I’d have the whole night tonight to hit the books. What he didn’t know, wouldn’t hurt him.

  Because I didn’t want to alert my nosy brother, Drake, the only non-biker male, of my plans, I decided to get ready at home rather than Everly’s. Drake and I shared a bathroom and he would notice all my ‘hair shit’ was missing, then he’d start questioning me. We’d been here before, so tonight, I wasn’t taking any chances. I got ready at home and packed a change of clothes in my backpack for when it was time to sneak back in.

  With the coast clear, I snuck downstairs, shoes off just in case, and slid out the front door, locking up and making a run for my car.

  I sped toward Everly’s as safely as I could, but admittedly, I was late. I usually was, and it drove Everly nuts. Drove my family nuts too, but, whatever, I am who I am. Plus, it was my birthday, damn it.

  Pulling into her driveway, I grabbed my bag and jogged toward her townhome, but she slipped out before I could reach the door. “I called the car,” she said just as it drove up. “If we’re going to get there while Polly’s working, we need to go now.”

  Our friend, Polly, was a server at the hottest club in Monument. Nocturn had just opened and she’d promised to get us in before the crowd arrived. Everly and I had IDs that may or may not be entirely legal, so we hoped no one else would notice and raise a red flag.

  “Drop your bag inside the door,” Everly said, and cracked it open for me. I set it inside and she locked up again.

  The car pulled up and we climbed in, securing our seatbelts before the driver took off toward our night of much-needed fun. Everly lived close to twenty minutes from the club, the downside of being rich, I suppose. Further away from debauchery.

  We finally arrived and made our way to the door, showing our IDs to the bouncer, hoping to god he didn’t question them. We were given entrance and I tried hard not to squeal in triumph as we rushed inside as quickly as we could.

  “There’s a table.” Everly took my hand and walked to our right. “Let’s grab it.”

  We approached the table and sat down, avoiding the stickiness that hadn’t been wiped off yet.

  “You made it,” Polly said as she rushed to our table. “Any trouble getting in?”

  “Nope,” I said, grinning big.

  “Let me get a rag and I’ll wipe off your table. What do you want me to bring you drinks-wise?”

  “Patrón margarita, on the rocks, no salt, please,” I said.

  “Same,” Everly replied. “Thanks, Poll.”

  “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

  A young guy sporting a crisp, black apron arrived and wiped down the table just as Polly returned with our drinks and waters.

  “Thanks, honey,” I said. “I never remember water.”

  Polly grinned. “Tip your server well, babe, that’s all the thanks I need.”

  “You got it,” I said, my eyes catching movement behind her.

  The best looking man I’d ever seen was currently taking what appeared to be a very drunk man to the floor without even breaking a sweat. Lordy, I could climb that mountain. Dark blond hair, longish but shaved at the sides and a beard I wanted to touch, he looked like a modern-day Viking.

  “Who is that?” I breathed out.

  Polly turned, then faced me again with a wide smile. “That’s Jasper. He’s our new bouncer. He’s been here about a week. Just moved here from Portland.”

  “You already know his life story?” Everly asked.

  “Kind of,” Polly said. “My clitty cat needs some attention and wants to rub up against his scratching post.” She sighed. “He declined my very generous invitation.”

  I nearly choked on my margarita, coughing to clear the liquid from my throat. “Oh my god, Polly. Did you say that to him?”

  “Well, I may not have used those words, exactly.” She sighed. “You don’t understand. The man’s ridiculously gorgeous and he’s nice. Super respectful, but alpha to the bone. I’d just like a taste.”

  I glanced back at Jasper and thought I might like a taste as well.

  He dragged the man up off the floor, now zip-tied, and as he turned his head, his eyes met mine and I smiled, but when he smiled back, I was pretty sure my panties melted right off my body.

  “Letti,” Everly snapped.

  “What? Sorry. I was distracted by the catnip.”

  Polly nodded slowly. “Right? God, he’s perfect.”

  “Is he a biker?” I asked.

  Polly frowned. “I don’t think so. He drives a truck. Why?”

  Everly chuckled. “Because Violet doesn’t want anything to do with her father’s business.”

  “Is your father a biker?”

  “You could say that,” Everly retorted. “Sexy as hell biker. Talk about wanting to rub up against—”

  “Oh my god, stop,” I hissed.

  “And then her brothers,” Everly started up again. “They are—”

  “Enough, Ev,” I snapped. “Jesus, put your lady dick back in your pants.”

  “I’m not wearing pants...ies, but I’ll try to contain myself.”

  “You’re not wearing pantsies?” I retorted.

  Polly laughed. “You two crack me up, but I need to get back to work. Want another?”

  I raised my almost empty glass. “Absolutely.”

  “Let’s dance,” Everly demanded, sliding out of the booth, and I finished my drink and followed her.

  For the next twenty minutes, we danced until I could barely breathe, and I bowed out even though Everly decided to stay on the floor for the next song.

  I walked back to our table to find it had been taken over by a couple of douchebags we’d walked in with. Even though I know they saw us take the table, it was a nightclub, so unless someone stayed behind to watch it, it was open season on seating.

  Well, shit.

  “Hey, gorgeous, you wanna share the table?” Douchebag number one asked.

  “No, I’m good, thanks.”

  “Come on now. We saw you walk in alone. We’ll protect you,” Douchebag number two crooned.

  I shook my head. “We’re good, thanks.”

  “Fuck off.”

  I turned to the sound of the growly voice and raised an eyebrow. Jasper stood in front of the table, hands crossed in front of him, glaring at the douchebags squatting at our table.

  “Who the hell are you to tell us what to do?” Douchebag number two sneered.

  “Management,” he said. “If you don’t want to be hauled out of here by your dick, I’d suggest you find a different table.”

  “There aren’t any,” Douchebag number one said.

  “Don’t give a shit. This table’s taken.”

  Two men, bigger and wider than Jasper, walked over to him, and crossed their arms, flanking him.

  “Time for you to go,” Jasper said, his smile lethal as he focused on the men. “You either leave the table, or you get thrown out of the building. Your choice.”

  They weren’t happy but they obviously realized they couldn’t take on the three men in front of them, so they slid out of the booth and Jasper nodded. “Appreciate you going peacefully. Butch and Walt will buy you a drink for your trouble.”

  The bouncers led the men away and I smiled at Jasper, trying like crazy to keep my panties on. “You didn’t need to do that.”

  He studied me. “When a beautiful woman is left standing when she so obviously deserves to be comfortable, it’s a fuckin’ sin.”

  “Does that work for you?” I asked.

  He leaned in slightly and smiled. “I don’t know. Verdict?”

  “Nope.” I couldn’t stop a snort as I tried to hold back a laugh, sliding into the booth. “But, thank you.”

  “You want another margarita?”

  “You noticed I was drinking margaritas?”

  “Don’t miss much, beautiful.”

  “Okay, handsome, take it down a notch.”

  He smiled again. Jesus, he was pretty. But I was not going to go for burly, alpha, or pretty anymore. I was gonna find me an accountant and hope to god he was good-looking.

  “You need anything, let me know,” he said.

  “I will. Thanks again.”

  He walked away and Polly arrived a few minutes later with fresh margaritas and bottled waters. “Compliments of Jasper,” she said, and waggled her eyebrows. “Never seen Jasper buy a girl a drink before. You made an impression.”

  “I can’t take that, Polly.”

  “Sure, you can,” she said, setting everything on the table.

  “Ooh, drinks,” Everly said as she returned to the table and slid into the booth.

  “Jasper bought them,” I said, laying a hand over the one she was reaching for.

  “So?” She tugged the drink away, sloshing a little over the side.

  “Men don’t buy women drinks unless they expect something in return,” I said.

  “Well, he can have whatever he wants from me,” she retorted. “But he coulda had that before he bought me a drink.”

  I rolled my eyes as Polly laughed and walked away.

  “I think you need to have your mind bent a little,” Everly said, sipping her margarita. “You need someone to take your v-card and burn it.”

  “What is up with you and the need for my vagina to burn?”

  She frowned. “Not the whole thing. Just the hymen.”

  I groaned, dropping my head to the table and Everly laughed.

  “Finish your drink. I want to dance more,” she ordered.

  I did as she demanded, and we headed back on the dance floor. Only, we weren’t there very long before I noticed someone I really didn’t want to see.

 

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