“You know who this was?” I asked, knowing that my Pops was going to interject, but I had to keep trying.

As if on cue, “It’s club business, Princess, let it go.” It was Pops’ way of giving me a direct order without me flying off the handle. I loved that he knew me so well.

“Pops, why didn’t you tell me that Cruz has an ol’ lady?” No offense, but the brothers knew me and knew that I didn’t mess around with them. To have not one of them tell me that Cruz had an ol’ lady pissed me off considering most of them were there in the ringside seat for the kiss.

“He doesn’t. And it’s not my business to tell,” Pops stated firmly. I knew he wouldn’t ever tell another brothers business when it came to women, but I had hoped being his daughter it’d be different. Once again, I was wrong.

“I just met her, Pops. Mel and Cooper,” I said, gazing into the fire, pulling from the bottle in my hand, trying to tap down emotions I had no right to have.

“That’s just his kid’s mom. She’s been trying to get back with him for years. He doesn’t want her. She’s a whore.” I didn’t respond. There was no use. I knew what I saw, and she was staking a claim on him. Fine. Whatever. Time to get over it.

“So, how’s it feel to be out, girl?” Dagger’s voice came from behind me. Dagger has been my uncle, which I use the term loosely because he’s always trying to fuck me, for as long as I could remember. He got his name because; I hear; he’s very good with his knife. Not that I’ve ever seen him in action. A light beard and mustache lined his face, falling down to his chest. His hair was tucked under his stocking cap with the Ravage MC skull with flames symbol on the front. He sat next to me, and I turned to face him.

“Like coming home,” I answered honestly.

“Well, we’re glad to have our Princess back in the fold. We missed your smart little ass around here.”

I rolled my eyes. Some loved my mouth, while others still didn’t get me. “Hey, someone’s gotta keep you boys in line.”

“We’re damn glad you’re back to do it, girl.” Dagger wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me tight into him. Resting my head on his shoulder, I smelled the familiar smell of leather and smoke making being home real. Closing my eyes, I let the warmth of the fire and Dagger flush through my body.

Dagger was known as a ladies’ man. His ol’ lady, Flash and him, have some sort of arrangement, or so it’s been said. All I knew for sure was I’ve seen Dagger with many club mommas in and out of this place, and Flash never bats an eyelash. Flash was a huge flirt with all the guys, but I have no idea if she hits any of it. It’s really not my business.

“What the fuck?” Cruz’s growl had my eyes popping open, but I didn’t move out of Dagger’s arms. I had no need to. In one arm, he was carrying Cooper, and not too far behind him was his woman.

“Problem?” I asked, faking boredom with the question.

“Why the fuck are you curled up with my brother?” his voice turned dangerously angry, sending pin-pricks up the back of my neck. I didn’t know him, but from being in the ring with him and the concern shone in his eyes after he hit me, I didn’t think he’d ever physically hurt me.

I couldn’t take it. “He’s welcoming me home.” Yeah. I was egging him on, sue me.

Cruz stalked closer, handing off Cooper to Pops. I watched closely, staying still. I could hear Dagger’s slight chuckle, but he didn’t say a word. “You think I’m fucking kidding when I tell you all she’s my girl?” His question was directed at Dagger, and not me.

“I’m not your girl,” I clipped, but my words were ignored.

“I’m just providing our girl with a little comfort.” Dagger was baiting him; that much was clear, but why? For shits and giggles?

“If she needs comfort, I’ll fucking provide it. Get off of her.” My anger was growing, but I tapped it down. Dagger released his arm as I sat back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest, pushing my breasts up higher in my shirt.

Cruz grabbed my arms roughly and pulled me up to him, so our bodies were flush against each other. He slammed his lips down on mine, and my body gave in. Gasping, I pulled away. “I’m not doing this. Especially in front of your ol’ lady and your kid.” I tore myself out of his grasp and walked towards the clubhouse.

Cruz didn’t let me get far. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulled me flush to his body and I tried to pull away. He leaned to my ear. “You think that whore over there is my ol’ lady? Fuck no. She’s Cooper’s mother. That’s as far as it goes.”

“I will not be someone’s piece of ass. Not Ever.”

“No, you definitely won’t, but you will be under me tonight.” His arrogance was annoying as shit, but the authority he gave off was making my panties wet. I needed space. His presence was just too much.

“Fuck no. Dream on.” Fighting to get out of his grasp, I was at a disadvantage with all the alcohol coursing through my veins.

“Honey, what’s going on?” Mel stood before us. I looked into her eyes, and I wanted to claw them out. I hated her just for breathing. Shit.

“Don’t fucking ‘honey’ me. Get the fuck back in the club.” She took a step back and walked towards the door.

“Wait!” I yelled as she turned, facing me, her eyes laced with ice. “You his ol’ lady?” I wanted to hear it from her mouth.

She paused for a moment as I waited for the words to come across her lips. Her face looked pained to say them, “No. I’m not.”

“But you want to be,” I said, not missing a beat.

“I am the mother of his child,” she clipped, putting her hand on her hip.

“And that don’t mean shit,” came from Cruz’s hard body behind me.

I turned in Cruz’s arms facing him. “Look, I’m not big on all this drama. That’s why I stay clear of the brothers.” I gave him a soft peck on the lips. “Bye,” I pulled out of his arms and flew back to the clubhouse.

Rushing through the crowds of people, I made my way to the bar. “B.Boy, I need a shot of Jack, please.” He placed it on the bar, and I took it, quickly feeling the burn as it reached my stomach. There was no need to slow down, Pops’ room was only a few feet away even if I had to crash on the floor or I could always bunk with Casey.

Speaking of which, where did she go?

Looking out over the sea of people, many of the brothers were already in the throes of getting laid. And it made my stomach clench. I wasn’t supposed to be on lockdown. I was supposed to be out finding me a dick, but instead I get to sit back and watch. Fun times.

“Hey, Baby.” An unfamiliar voice came from my side. Standing before me was a tall man, broad shoulders, blonde hair, and green eyes; attractive in his own way. His smile was bright before he put a smoke inside of it. He wasn’t wearing a rag. He didn’t look like a preppy boy but definitely not a biker, either. Promising.

“Hey. Who are you?”

“Buzz and Breaker’s brother, Nick. They told me I needed to come down here. I’m hanging around… thinking of patching in.”

I eyed him. “But you’re not a Prospect yet?”

“Nope. But I will be soon.” This couldn’t be more fucking perfect.

“I’m Harlow. Nice to meet ya.” I smiled my most seductive smile knowing he’d be putty in my hands. I reached out, grazing my hand on his chest, turning the heat up a few notches.

“Wanna tell me what happened to you?” he asked, looking at the black and blue on my face, but not seeming to be put off by it in the slightest.

“Minor squabble.” I shrugged.

“You’re still hot as hell,” he said stepping closer into my space. I grabbed the Jack, downing another gulp.

“Really? Wanna show me how much?” I asked, not beating around the bush. There was no point. As of that moment, this man had no affiliation with the club, and it would just be a one night thing. The chances of him actually becoming a Prospect were slim, judging by his demeanor. He was too soft for this life; nothing like his brothers seemed to be.

“Absolutely,” he said, stubbing his smoke out and standing. “Can I borrow your room?” He asked the B.Boys.

“No!” they yelled in unison. “You’re not fucking her,” one of them said adamantly.

“Now… now boys.” I said, letting my words drip like sweet honey. “It’s all right. We’ll make due,” I said, grabbing his hand.

“Dude. You wanna get patched in… this is not one to touch,” one of the B.Boys said.

“Come on.” I pulled his arm before he had a chance to think. No one needed to know. It’d be a quick fuck and done. I raced to the hallway because I needed his dick inside me now.

Reaching the bathroom, I slammed the door and locked it, pushing Nick against the door and kissing his neck while tearing at his clothes. His chest was defined, and his stomach had a small pouch to it, but I didn’t give a flying shit. Ripping his pants off, I got to work.

Chapter 5—Cruz

After settling Cooper in his crib in my room, I searched for Princess, but everywhere I looked she didn’t turn up. I knew she had to be here somewhere. No one would dare let her leave the property.

Finding Breaker and Buzz, they pushed me a beer across the bar. “You seen Princess?” They both eyed each other as if they were talking between themselves with their eyes. It was pissing me off. What the fuck was going on?

“I asked you a fucking question. Where is she?” I growled, slamming my hand down on the bar causing everything on it to shake.

“We had our brother come here for lockdown,” Buzz said, visibly nervous as he should fucking be.

“She’s fucking him?” Fury raced through my body as they ignored my question. I was gonna crush this little asshole and then spank her fucking ass. “Where?”