Page 42 of The Club Family

“Just wanted to check in before it gets too late.”

Hearing music playing in the background, I assume she’s in the bar.

“What are you up to?” she asks.

“Waiting on Effie’s pricks to show up. So far, it’s quiet, and I’m missing you.”

“Aw, you’re too cute.”

“So what are you doing?”

“I’m with Cas and some of the guys. I’ll probably head over to bed soon because my back’s aching. I think your son likes to stretch his legs out.”

My heart pounds at the thought. “It won’t be long till he’s here.”

“I know. I can’t wait, in a terrifying, exciting way.”

“I hear ya.”

“Have you heard Cas’s plan to build homes here at the club using the land around the back of the bar?”

“No. How did you hear about it?”

“He told me.”

“Okay. So what about it?”

“How would you feel about living here permanently?”

It would certainly take away the ball-ache ride from town to the club.

“I’d be down for it, as long as that’s what you want.”

“When Cas was telling me about his plan, I could see it, Jay. I saw us here with our son. I felt safe, like we belonged.”

“Whatever you want is what I’ll do. I’m only here to make you happy. You happy means I’m happy.”

“I love you,” she blurts out, and I smile.

“Love you more.”

Someone taps my shoulder. I turn to see Zach jerking his head toward Darius, who’s on a call. “They’re coming,” he mouths.

Shit.

“Babe, I’ve gotta go. I’ll call you before you go to bed.”

“Okay,” she replies warily. “Make sure you do.”

Code for, I better still be alive to do so.

“Without a doubt.”

Ending the call, I shove the phone in my pocket before joining my brothers.

Luca’s barking orders to Dog’s Blood gangbangers, pointing off to yards across the street for them to plot up in, and then Darius is leading us around to the back of the house.

The roof is apex. To be honest, I’m not looking forward to scaling it. Not that I’d admit it to these fuckers.