top of the silvery paper. “Then decide.”
After ripping through the box, she sucked in a breath when she opened the lid. “No way.”
“Yes way.” He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I hope you like it.”
“When can I see it?” She scooped up the key and clutched it to her chest. “When? When? When?”
“This will have to suffice for now.” He passed her his phone. “I couldn’t risk keeping it here. You would have ferreted it out. The dealership will deliver it tomorrow. That’s where I went earlier. I had to finalize the paperwork.”
Her mouth fell open as she flipped through the pictures of the Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide he had bought her. The onyx finish would make it all but invisible in the dark, helped by a few sigils he had inlaid into the blacked-out chrome, and the crimson pinstripe was a nod to the Society to whom she had sworn her oath to protect Savannah.
“Heated leather driver and passenger seat,” she squealed. “Does this mean you’ll ride with me?”
“Whenever you wish,” he promised, grateful to have his mask firmly in place.
The gentle touch of her hand on his cheek told him she wasn’t fooled. “You hate bikes.”
“You love them,” he said simply, “and I love you.” He kissed her palm. “I want you to be happy.”
The minivan she had been driving was practical in many ways, and she did love the hulking beast, but she gave so much of herself to her work. Every so often, he found her gazing toward the garage, toward Jolene, even before the extra safety precautions of the last nine months had made her stir-crazy.
The Tri Glide was a trike, not a standard motorcycle. Three wheels instead of two. Perhaps not as sexy as Jolene, but the extra space between the rear wheels gave her storage for her kit on the go. A call home could have Moby en route. Linus was happy to play chauffeur when required if this put a smile on her face.
“That cinches it.” She shook her head. “You’re perfect.” She gazed up at him. “How did I get so lucky?”
Linus, who had been immune to the tears and crying jags thus far, felt his throat close again. “I often wonder the same thing.”
Invitation on her lips, she curled her finger, and he was helpless but to lean in. “Escort me to the bathroom, husband dear?”
“Of course.” He helped her up and led her down the hall. “I’ll wait here.”
“I’m going to kick your butt,” she promised, her true reason for wanting privacy revealed, “as soon as I’m able to lift my leg high enough.”
Rearing back, he studied her. “Why?”
“I warned you never to doubt your awesomeness, and it sounds like you’re struggling with the concept.”
“I don’t understand.” He canted his head to one side. “You just asked—”
“I’m allowed to be insecure. I’m pregnant. I’m a literal ball of insecurity.”
“I will submit to whatever punishment you deem fitting,” he vowed, “and I will endeavor to do better.”
“It’s hard,” she said softly, for him alone, “to believe in yourself.” She cupped his cheek. “I’m happy to keep doing it for you until you get the hang of it.”
After the door closed behind her, Linus rubbed his thumb over the knob, a silly curve bending his lips.
When she emerged, he guided her back to her throne and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead.
“What was in the box?” Lethe called. “I couldn’t see past the tender moment you were sharing.”
Snorting under her breath, Grier held up the key. “Linus bought me a new bike.”
“Oh, really?” Neely sailed in from the next room. “Then you might need this early too.”
With a flourish, he dropped a hefty box on her lap then stood back with a stoic Cruz to watch.
“Oh, hello.” She closed her eyes and inhaled. “I smell new leather.”
“Told you she was part gwyllgi,” Hood murmured to Lethe. “Fresh cow gets her every time.”
“Hood,” Lethe snapped. “Do not say cow in a room where a pregnant woman might hear you.”
“You’re both so stealthy,” Grier said dryly, “I’m sure no pregnant women will hear or take offense.”
“Open it.” Neely clapped. “I’ve been waiting for months.”
Proving she had stamina remaining, Grier ripped into the wrapping and threw aside the box’s lid.
“Oh. My. Goddess.” She lifted out a new black leather jacket with protective sigils stamped into the leather. The intricate details created an overall design as unique as Grier. “This is…” Her mouth worked. “It’s…” Her eyes filled. “Perfect.”
“It’s also