Page 85 of Playboy’s Purgatory

I brush a few strands of hair away from her face, my tone apologetic, “I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think Lola is ever going to step-up and prove herself to be any version of a mother that Vanessa needs in her life.”

Lara’s shoulders slump and she nods. “I know.”

“It’s a damn good thing she already has you. No one else needs to apply or try to weasel their way back in,” I say it with finality.

Lara’s laughter has me sitting back in the chair, the two of us rocking gently. I’m in complete awe of this woman.

“Omen is being patched in,” I blurt out the words into the quiet of the room.

Lara startles slightly and looks up at me with wide eyes. “Okay?”

“Will you come to the party with me? Rumble could keep Vanessa for the night, or I’d be happy to pay for a babysitter. Oh, or Lorraine would do it,” the words tumble out of me with embarrassing speed.

I just want her to know that I’m aware of her priorities. Fuck, I feel like I’m asking a girl out on my first date like back in the day. It’s unnerving.

My belly flips and flops while she searches my face in silence.

“Okay,” she sounds a little uncertain, but that doesn’t stop me from grinning.

I kiss her hard, sealing her agreement, even if she doesn’t know it.

It’s a date.

CHAPTER 21

LARA

I regret agreeing to come to the party the moment I step inside the clubhouse. It’s not the number of people and the noise, even though both are a lot, it’s the fact that the first person I see is Lola.

On her knees in a dark corner.

Why the hell did I see her first? I don’t know; it’s a fucking mystery.

Forcing my eyes away, I scan the room. Snake, Graycie, Ryker, and Ezra are on the couches looking very cozy.

Not too cozy, but they are clearly enjoying spending a little time together.

Before I can look for him specifically, an arm slides around my shoulders. I look up into chocolate brown eyes that are filled with excitement, amusement, and a little pride.

When he looks me over, those same eyes heat with desire. His fingers gently trace over the tattoo on my shoulder which is exposed completely by the top I chose for tonight.

“Come on, Cupcake,” he drawls, “let’s get you a drink.”

He leads me deeper into the main room of the clubhouse and to the bar. Omen is standing behind it along with Bolt.

I must look confused to see Omen still working like a prospect, but Jettson leans down and whispers in my ear, “You haven’t missed the show yet. They used to do patch ins only in church, but when the club brats started prospecting. The Old Ladies complained and wanted to see the faces of their sons. Now it’s a little different.”

A shiver works its way down my spine as his breath ghosts over my ear and neck. I always knew this man was potent, but with him here in his territory? Holy shit, I’m not strong enough.

I’m just a woman.

A weak woman with needs.

His hand slides up my spine before his fingers wrap around the nape of my neck and squeeze. The move is possessive and hot as hell.

Opal bounces over out of nowhere and wraps me up in a big hug before turning toward Bolt and demanding a drink. “I’ve already taught you how to make a Cosmo,” she reminds him. She looks at me with a question in her eyes and I nod. “Make it two.”

“Make it two,” Bolt grumbles under his breath but I can see the way one corner of his mouth tips up.