Page 108

“Apparently, from what I heard, it’s long past due.”

Interesting. And a bit worrisome. “What did you hear?”

“That you and my oldest are…uh…close.”

“We’re banging, Mom. I’ve never known you to sugarcoat shit.”

Holy fuck.

Vi’s mother’s eyebrows rose as she took in her daughter. “But you’re only banging him, right? Nobody else?”

Nobody else? She better not be⁠—

“Yep.”

“And that’s why I wanted Reaper to join us tonight.”

“To put him on Dad’s shit list?”

“To get him off it,” Jewel answered.

Vi rolled her eyes again. “Good luck with that.”

“Uh…” Reaper started, unsure where to jump in.

Or maybe he should just go jump into the Allegheny River. That might be smarter.

“Where is he?” Vi asked while lifting the lid on the pot and peeking inside. “Ooo. Your homemade bourbon baked beans. Yum.”

“Garage.” Jewel washed her hands at the sink as she added, “And I know those are your favorite.”

“He probably heard us pull up.”

She dried her hands off next. “He might think you’re alone and on your own sled.”

“Wait. Mom, you didn’t tell him Reaper was coming with me?”

Jewel suspiciously ignored that question and turned to him. “I keep hearing from the girls what an asset you are to the team.”

Nice deflection. “And I heard you used to keep the OG crew in line.”

“Growing up in an MC, I was used to dealing with pig-headed men.”

“Was one of them the one you married?”

Jewel grinned. “You already know that answer.”

“Mom, does Dad really not know Reaper’s here for dinner?”

“I thought it would be best to leave it as a surprise.”

“Holy shit,” Vi whispered.

“It’ll be fine. You know your father. All bluster.” Jewel flapped a hand in the air.

“Yes, I know him. He’s not all bluster. With you, maybe…”

What the fuck did he get himself into? Was this woman worth serious bodily injury?