do trust him, but there’s always that tiny sliver of doubt. Nadia would say that’s my rational brain trying to get a word in over the loud thumping of my heart, but I think it’s just my deepest fears making themselves known.
“Okay, just be safe,” I say, kissing his lips.
The next morning I’m feeling relaxed about being home alone. I know Crow must have been worried about leaving me, even though I’ve assured him that I was fine.
And when he comes home with a German shepherd puppy in his hands, I can’t contain my excitement.
Well played, Crow. Well played.
“Oh my God,” I squeal, holding my arms out. “That is the cutest puppy I’ve ever seen in my life.”
“You said you wanted a guard dog, so I got you this little guy. He’s from a line of police dogs, and I met both of his parents. They have an amazing temperament, great with kids but also very protective and intelligent. We’ll need to get him proper training, and he’s going to need a shit load of exercise and mental stimulation, but I think he’s the perfect addition to our family.”
“He is perfect,” I agree, holding him against my chest. He licks my face and I fall in love with him a little more. I know he won’t be able to protect me now, but he’s definitely going to keep me busy.
“And when he’s big and fully trained, he’s going to protect you whenever I’m not here,” Crow promises, smiling. “He’s going to be a big dog. I have his bed and food in the car. You just need to choose a name for him.”
If he wanted to distract me while he was gone, he did just that. Between Quinn and a puppy, I’m definitely going to have my hands full, but also my heart.
“How about Ghost?” I suggest.
“Ghost it is,” Crow says as he pats his head. “You look after your mom tonight, all right, Ghosty?”
Crow gets ready to leave, and I get Ghost settled in, sorting out his bed, blanket, toys and food bowls. He’s a longhaired dog, so I make a note to buy a good brush and to look into puppy school.
Like when Quinn was born, everyone drops in to see Ghost, just as Crow leaves. I don’t know if this was all planned out, but I kiss him goodbye and watch as everyone dotes on both Quinn and Ghost.
Again, well played.
Epilogue
Two Months Later
“I’m going to miss you around here,” I tell Crow, pouting. “Who’s going to bring me lunch? And annoy me all day? And make me want to rip his clothes off in public?”
“The answer to that better be no one,” he replies in a dry tone, grinning and giving me a quick kiss. “I know, babe. I’m going to miss you too. But Temper wants me at the new club, so that’s where I need to be. Fast & Fury is running itself now, especially with you here. I’m needed elsewhere. I think we’ll both be a bit more productive if we work apart for a few hours. Besides, I’ll still bring you lunch and annoy you all day.”
“Yeah, I know,” I grumble, smiling up at him.
After moving Crow to Divine, Temper had his younger brother Trade take over Fast & Fury. I don’t know Trade that well—he’s not officially in the MC—but he comes around the clubhouse. It’s not like he’s a stranger. Besides, he’s dating Izzy’s sister, Ariel, who is a sweetheart.
Speaking of Trade, he steps into the garage. “Hey,” he says when he sees the two of us.
“Hey, brother,” Crow says to him, glancing down at me. “You know Bronte, she’s the one who is going to keep this place from falling into madness.”
“Nice to see you again,” I say to Trade, taking his hand as he offers it for a shake.
“Likewise,” he replies, grinning.
He’s a good-looking man. Tall. Man bun. Muscled. I wouldn’t have pegged him as being Temper’s brother, because Trade is much prettier.
Chains is next to step into the garage, dressed in all black leather, his dark eyes scanning the room. The girls were right; he did come around with me. Well, as much as Chains can come around.
“Guess who’s a new employee here?” he asks, grinning, flashing his straight white teeth.
I glance up at Crow, who failed to mention that part.
He simply shrugs. “Temper wanted more man power.”
“He’s not working with customers, right?” I ask, eyebrows rising.
Because if he is, we’re going to lose some.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make