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Then he turns back to me and raises an eyebrow as though silently to say ‘told you so’. I shake my head and mumble a few choice words about where he can put his fucking smart-assery.
“Hey, I didn’t make the rules. I just follow them,” he chuckles.
Without further delay, I climb back on Grayson’s bike, as soon as he’s sitting on it. After securing the helmet, I wrap my arms around his middle. I won’t ever admit it out loud, but I like this. Being so close, I can smell the leather and the scent that’s all him. Not to forget about his ripped stomach, I like touching that as well.
A roar sounds as they all start their bikes simultaneously, as though they’ve rehearsed it. Considering how many times they’ve all ridden together, I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before. The sound is exhilarating. Excitement radiates from every single Cruz King, making it hard not to get swept up in the tide.
“To the hospital,” Rocco bellows over the sound of the bikes.
He’s the first one to take off, and the next is Grayson. He quickly catches up with his Prez, staying on his heel—or, rather, his wheel. We’re not directly behind him, but more to the right, making it clear he’s Rocco’s right-hand man. As I look to the left, I’m pretty sure it’s Gunner driving directly opposite. But since their bikes and helmets are all too fucking similar, it could be one of the twins.
The precision reminds me of old army movies I’ve watched, and I loathe to admit I’m impressed. With all the shit that goes down in the clubhouse, I never knew they could be this organized.
Only ten minutes later, we pull up at the hospital, and a group of kids and nurses come into view.
“Damn,” I gasp as I remove my helmet after Grayson parks his bike.
While I hand him the helmet, I’m unable to look away from the group greeting us. The kids are all wearing excited smiles, and some of the boys fist pump the air.
“Not what you expected?” Grayson asks softly.
Shaking my head, I’m unable to form words even if I wanted to. Embarrassment causes my cheeks to feel warm as I recall how I thought this was all for show. But these kids… there’s no way to fake that level of excitement. Now, I’m totally regretting not asking more questions.
I nervously hang back as Rocco and Grayson approach the crowd, waiting for them. But before I can come up with an excuse, Grayson notices I’m not with him, and he turns back, taking my hand and pulling me with him, just as Rocco is doing with Mama C.
We’re the only women here. I haven’t had time to ask why that is, but I will later. Right now, I’m busy discreetly staring daggers at Mama, who looks genuinely confused.
“Sorry we’re late,” Rocco says, shaking hands with a few of the nurses who all blush.
“Thanks for waiting for us,” Grayson supplements.
If the women were blushing before, it’s nothing compared to now as he gently kisses their cheeks. Acid spreads in my stomach as I witness the display, and before I can stop myself, I dig my nails into his hand that I’m still holding.
God, I hate the smug smile spreading across his lush lips. Almost as much as I hate the way it makes my heart skip a beat.
“Come on, Zoe. Let’s head inside.”
My head snaps toward Mama C, not sure I heard her correctly.
“Umm… why?” I ask.
Not giving her a chance to answer me, Grayson pulls me closer. Bending down, he whispers in my ear, “It’s customary for Mama C to visit the kids that are too sick to come on bike rides. She usually hands out presents and spends time with them. Since you belong to the VP, it’s your duty to do the same.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake. There goes my heart again, somersaulting in my chest at his words.
“Okay,” I murmur. Then I turn my head and graze his lips with mine. “Just for the record. If I’m yours, you’re mine. Don’t kiss other women.”
I almost burst out laughing at the shocked look on his face. Instead, I take advantage of catching him off-guard. Closing the distance between us, I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him deeply.
Not wanting to get lost in the feel of his lips on mine, his tongue against mine, I mentally reiterate my mnemonic list until he pulls away.
“Consider me warned,” he says with a wink.
While the nurses help get the kids onto the bikes, Mama leads me inside. I’m fully prepared to give her a piece of my mind when the elevator doors close, but before I can form a single word, she breaks the silence.
“I’m sorry he found you, Zoe.” The realness in her voice takes me aback. “Listen, you don’t owe me anything, but I’d really appreciate your discretion. If Gray or Rocco ever find out what I did…” She swallows harshly. “It could ruin me. They would kick me out… or do something worse.”
So, I was right. I do have leverage on the proud woman. Yet, now that I know, I don’t wish to use it. The sincerity and nervousness swimming in her eyes makes me feel bad for her. I guess I never fully understood what an enormous risk she ran.
