moment isn’t about his club, where his cool-kid demeanor never wavers. He’s on edge because his pregnant woman and kid are inside. Having those vulnerabilities is new for the thirty-year-old. He’ll get the hang of knowing he puts his family at risk every time he wags his dick. I learned that even before Summer ended up bleeding on the ground.
My maturity didn’t protect her, though. River can strut all he wants, but killing someone in a guy’s family is the easiest way to win a battle. Take out the wife or one of the kids, and a man loses focus.
River is just now realizing how he might be a young, strong badass, but his wife isn’t. His children aren’t either. That’s the life, and he’ll get used to it eventually. Just like his father did.
“I’m not in Shasta to discuss club shit, Majors. I needed to see my woman and kid. Soon, they’ll be in Elko, and I won’t have any reason to come down here.”
“Getting serious, huh?”
“I’m sure Lana told you that.”
“She doesn’t gossip much to Max.”
“But she does with Shelby, who tells you everything.”
River allows a slow, cocky smile. “Guess you’ve got your own inside info, then.”
I allow my own grin. Yeah, we both have our spies.
“Look, I get how you need to make a big shit out of this to appease your VP, who resents me. I understand that, but I don’t care. I only have a few hours down here. Our bullshit is taking time from that.”
“Understood. Where’s your other kid?”
“In Desi’s room.”
“That’s right. They’re best friends. Desi might have mentioned it a few times.”
I allow a little smile at his joke about Desi’s constantly flapping mouth. The kid is one of the friendliest, easiest-to-like children I’ve ever met. I’ll be happy when she calls Elko home and sees less of her shit-heel father. But that’ll have to wait for another day.
“Are we good here?” I ask, getting restless when I know my time is short with Lana.
“Maxine will finish up the burritos she’s making. Stopping her in the middle won’t be possible. Then we’ll head out. Shelby’s already leaving with her people. Shane knows not to bring Ramona and the boys here. You’ll have the house to yourself.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Lana invited us up to Elko,” he says, smirking as he heads for the screen door. “She wants to calm Maxine’s fear that you live in a shithole.”
“Who exactly is invited?” I ask, thinking of a bunch of Reapers in my fucking house.
“The Leroux ladies and their fella. Might want to expect Shelby to show up someday too.”
“Lana and Max can arrange that.”
River nods before disappearing into the house. Moments later, Lana returns with Carina.
“He actually said my equipment was wrong,” she mutters. “I let River listen to girl talk without dong-shaming him, but whatever.”
Grinning, I kiss her and then look down at our baby. “What’s that on her onesie?”
“Sharks. Shelby got matching ones for Carina and Kirby. They’re baby buddies, just like we were preggo pals.”
I allow a little smile. “It’ll be difficult for you to be away from your friends.”
“Shelby understands. She wants me to experience the same kind of good stuff she feels for her man.”
“The Reapers’ giant?”
“No, the club doesn’t own him. Shelby bought his heart fair and square,” Lana deadpans.
“Just like you got mine, huh?”
Forgetting to hide her feelings, Lana gives me a smile that says she’s counting the hours until she’s home. Because I have no doubt that’s what Elko is to her now.
PART 6: HOME SWEET HOME
LANA
Max cries when I get ready to leave to pick up Desi and head to Elko. Shelby asks me to text her forty times a day and then says a half dozen will suffice. My mom promises to drive up soon. I know she’s more worried about Max’s moodiness than my settling into Elko. I don’t know what Topanga told Mom, but her entire view of Bronco’s world changed overnight.
“If you need anything,” River says, walking out with me to my SUV, “you ask. No matter where you are or who you’re with, I’ll help.”
“You’re a good man, River.”
Despite his smile, River shares Max’s worries. They view Elko as enemy territory. I see it as my home.
Soon, I’ve picked up Desi, who sits in the back with Carina and Zathura. She texts Sidonie the entire two-hour drive. I hear her giggling more than once at whatever her friend writes her.
Arriving in Elko feels like a revelation. I’m really doing this, and my new