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“For God’s sake, he can’t hear you,” Natalia snapped, releasing the remnants of the fury she hadn’t fully spent on Wizard.

“I wouldn’t put it past him.” Raci gave Wizard a wave as they drove by.

Natalia forced herself to calm down then worried that she had made matters worse for Raci.

“I didn’t ask his permission. I hope you don’t get into trouble.”

“I’m good,” she assured her. “He texted me while you were getting into the car.” She paused then asked, “Were you upset that Wizard jumped tonight?”

“No,” she lied. “I’m mad I didn’t push him off before he could.”

CHAPTER 33

ITALIAN TORNADO

“Way to throw me under the bus, brother,” Doom gibed.

“Brother, I had no choice. I’m trying to get a ring on her finger. I have to play nicey-nice. Once the ‘I dos’ are said, I’ll set her straight.”

“Sure, you will, motherfucker,” Doom retorted.

Wizard shrugged him off unconcernedly.

Doom narrowed his eyes at him. “At least I won’t be the only one not getting laid tonight.”

“Speak for yourself. You think I’m going to miss out on fucking that hot-tempered Italian tornado tonight? I’ll give her a ten-minute head start, then I’ll show up at her house.”

“You’ll be back at the clubhouse before I get there,” Doom scoffed.

“Bet me.” Wizard took out a pack of cigarettes, placed one between his lips, and lit it. “You want one?”

Doom took the pack from him. “Might as well. Tink is going to make me sleep on the couch after Natalia tells her I made the jump.” Wizard felt a little responsible for bringing Natalia tonight. He’d wanted to make it clear to the other brothers that she belonged to him. He felt a tiny bit guilty. Doom should man up and show Tink who was boss.

“Maybe she won’t tell.” Taking a lazy drag, he tried to sound encouraging.

Doom rolled his eyes. “I give it another two minutes before Tink calls.”

They hadn’t finished their cigarettes before she did.

Flicking his cigarette away, Wizard left before he had to listen to Doom recount their argument. He had his own woman troubles.

He took his time riding to Natalia’s house, wanting to give her a chance to get over whatever had set her off, but not enough time to be in bed before he arrived.

Pleased to see the lights still on downstairs, he parked his motorcycle in the driveway. When she didn’t answer his knocks, he leaned against the door with a smile.

“Come on, Natalia. I know you’re still awake.”

Startled, he reared back when the door was suddenly flung open.

“Go away. I’m going to bed.”

He started to give a flippant reply but thought better of it. From her stiff posture, he didn’t want to risk her busting his balls like she had Buck’s this morning.

Placing a firm hand against the door, he managed to keep her from slamming it in his face. “I wanted to give you an update on what I’ve been able to accomplish regarding the post.”

Her hands stilled on the door. “So, talk.”

“Do you really want any of your neighbors driving past see us talking?” Removing his hand from the door, he pointed to the club jacket he was wearing.