“It’s okay, Piper. We have one in the SUV.” Viper says—at least I think that’s his name.
“I thought you were bringing the truck,” Jax asks, looking between Diesel and the SUV.
“She wanted to tag along and insisted that we take the SUV.” Diesel points to the now-open backseat window of the SUV, where a little old lady is sitting.
“Hurry up. We need to get out of here.” She motions.
“I can’t believe you brought your grandma with.” Jax shakes his head at Diesel.
“Yeah, right, like I could stop her when she found out we were bringing home kids.” Diesel scoffs as he opens the back door, taking Paige from me and handing her to his grandmother, who expertly secures her in the car seat beside her.
We load our meager belongings into the back of the SUV and start to get in. “Not you, Piper. You’re riding with me.” Jax slipsa helmet over my head before I can protest, then leads me away from the SUV to his motorcycle.
“I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before.” I take a step back.
“Good. You're my woman. The only motorcycle you ride on is mine.” Jax’s possessive growl has me clenching my thighs together.
“But I’m still wearing my uniform from the diner.” I don’t add that it’s a skirt, and I can’t very well straddle a motorcycle wearing it.
“It will be okay, Princess.” He slides onto the bike, pulling me behind him, my skirt bunching around my hips as my thighs fit snug against his backside. I can only pray I’m not flashing everyone my panties. “Hold onto my waist and lean when I lean.
***
The ride to the compound took about an hour, but I wanted it to last longer. I love the feel of the motorcycle purring between my legs as I cling to Jax. Jax pulls his bike through a fenced-off area and down an asphalt road lined with nearly identical houses before pulling into the driveway of a gorgeous little yellow house. He parks his bike, kills the engine, and slides off, taking me with him.
“Is this your home?” I slip off the helmet and hand it to him. “It’s beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it because it’s our home—yours and mine.” He takes the helmet from my hand and places it on the bike next to his.
“Oh, Jax.” I throw my arms around his neck and pepper him with kisses. “I love it.”
“As much as I love all the kisses.” He leans back with a smirk. “It’s been a long day. I’m going to draw you a bubble bath, and you're going to relax while I call my club brothers. Then, after you’re warm and relaxed, I’ll explain everything to you.”
“What about the kids? And Prue and Phoebe? Phoebe, we have to save Phoebe.” The panic rises in my voice again as I think about my sisters.
“Diesel’s grandparents live next door. They’re going to take the kids for the night while you get some rest. My club brother Ghost has Prue, and my other club brother Sin has Phoebe.”
I sigh in relief knowing my sisters are safe. “I should at least check on the kids.” I glance at the house next door, realizing Jonah, Jovi, and Diesel’s grandmother are waving to me while they’re eating at the table on the porch.
“They’re fine, honey. Get some rest, and you can see them in the morning,” Diesel’s grandmother calls to me.
“Yeah, Piper. Mrs. Holt has a PlayStation 5. She said Jonah and I can play it tonight.” Jovi yells excitedly.
“Okay, but don’t stay up too late,” I yell back, knowing I can’t compete with a video game.
“We won’t,” Jonah assures me as he and Jovi follow Mrs. Holt back into her house.
“Alright, Princess, it’s your turn to relax.”
I let Jax lead me into his home—I guess it’s our home now—and try not to stare at how perfect everything looks. I don’t even question why he has a bottle of bubble bath in his bathroom. I have a sneaking suspicion that once Mrs. Holt found out he was going to be her neighbor and that he was bringing me home, she went shopping.
Jax turns on the water, making sure the temperature is perfect before plugging the drain and adding the bubbles. “Take as long as you need.” He stands and kisses my forehead before leaving me to soak in a bathtub for the first time in my life.
