No one would ever believe a man like Splice could change, or that he’d want to change his old patterns and behavior of not attaching to anyone or anything.
All it had taken was a woman who’d once meant the world to him coming back into his universe.
And Splice wanted to turn his world upside down to fit her into it with him.
Game on, sweetheart, he smirked darkly.
FOURTEEN
Lisa
The first sign that their girls’ afternoon would not go as usual was Monroe’s refusal of dessert.
All the bikers’ wives and Lisa were sitting in Scarlett’s conservatory that day. Lisa had brought a selection of pastries, and Scarlett rustled up alcohol-free mocktails.
The only ones who couldn’t make it were Lottie, who was on shift at the hospital, and Joelle, whose kid wasn’t feeling well. Aurora wasn’t up to going out that day, so the ladies had her on video chat through the iPad. And Kylie, who owned a funeral home, rushed in an hour late.
“Sorry. There was a huge car pile-up on the interstate last night, and I had four people to take care of.”
Ugh. And Lisa thought her days were harsh if she had to translate three different languages. No way could she do Kylie’s job.
“Park your sweet ass, girl.” Nina told her, “I’ll get you a drink.”
“That’s why you’re my favorite.” She grinned.
“Don’t believe her; she says that to us all, fickle bitch.” Accused Casey.
“Monroe, there’s a last éclair; are you sure you don’t want it?”
“Someone else grab it. I’m not hungry right now.”
“Who’s gonna start?” Asked Scarlett, sitting comfortably.
“I’ve got something to share,” Monroe said, looking a little pale. “I, um, I don’t want anyone to panic, especially you, Scar, but I’m almost sure I’m having labor pains.”
It was quite comical how all seven women jumped to their feet, Aurora included.
“How sure are you?” Asked Casey.
“I started having tingly pains last night, but I just thought the baby was kicking an organ. I didn’t think it was labor. We even had sex!”
“Monster dicks will surely bring on labor,” Casey added.
“And you still came out today? Lady, you’re crazy.” Nina said.
“I need Chains.”
“Good idea, let’s get your hubby here. You need the hospital; those pains are coming in faster now.”
“Tell him to bring the hospital bag and pillow. And my music! Tell him not to come here if he forgets my music.” Huffed Monroe, half-leaning over the back of the couch, swaying from side to side while Lisa rubbed the base of her back. “Babe, press harder, like you hate me,” Monroe instructed.
Seeing her friend suffer would reinforce Lisa’s decision not to have children. She said nothing about how awful it looked and kept rubbing her friend’s back.
Monroe’s husband came through the door, not even ten minutes later, like an avenging demon. His mouth and forehead were tight with lines as he headed for Monroe like a missile with her name on it. He crouched by the chair and cupped her cheek.
“How’s my Lucky? I called your doctor and told her everything Nina passed on to me. She wants you to go in right away.”
“But... I wanted to have a shower first, Jon, and change into my cute sweatpants and hoodie.” Monroe was close to crying.
