Mac opened her mouth, and I could almost see her denial. Her refusal. I could almost hear her setting the record straight that she wasn’t a Mayhem woman.

Instead, she smiled at him again. “You might regret that offer.”

“I only cook for people who appreciate it. And since you do, I’ll never regret doing it for you.”

“I like your cooking,” I said.

“You get her leftovers,” he shot back.

“Chopped liver who’s wasting away,” I muttered. Moving to where Mac sat, I crouched in front of her. “Ready, baby?”

Her dark brown eyes darted around before she leaned closer. “Ophelia said some of the brothers are hanging out for dinner then watching a movie.”

“Probably.” It was rare there weren’t brothers or prospects hanging out at night.

Hesitating, she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

“You wanna stick around a while longer?”

She nodded before quickly adding, “Unless you think it’d be weird.”

Christ.

She fuckin’ kills me.

Her wanting me at her appointments meant the world to me. Nothing would top her sharing that experience with me.

But the fact she’d asked to see my clubhouse and wanted to hang out longer meant a helluva lot, too.

“Not weird, baby. We can stay.” Grabbing her hands, I stood, taking her with me. Once she was up, I stole her spot and pulled her onto my lap.

“Told you.” Ophelia shot Mac a conspiratorial smile I didn’t trust. “Mayhem men are bossy even when they’re silent.”

She wasn’t wrong.

Like at the cookout, Mac started out quiet. Nervous, like the bunch of bikers were gonna kick the school psychologist to the curb ’cause she didn’t belong.

She sure as shit did. In my arms. On my lap.

In my life.

And none of my brothers made her feel otherwise. They asked about her, the baby, her life. Scythe oohed and aahed over the ultrasound pictures like he was spearheading a baby shower.

After a while, Mac must’ve realized she was part of the group—whether she wanted to be or not. She loosened up, joining in the conversations and jokes.

Every damn time she laughed, she’d tilt her head back and look at me. Like she wanted to make sure I was in on it.

Like she wanted to share her happiness with me.

Mac didn’t just enjoy being there in the chaos and comradery.

She reveled in the mayhem.

After a couple of prospects showed up with enough pizzas to feed a fraternity for a week, Judge put on a movie that was more explosion than dialogue.

Sitting in my MC clubhouse, I had my woman on my lap. I had my brothers around me. I had Squish kicking the shit outta my hand where I had it resting on Mac’s stomach.

That.

All of that.

Brought peace to my stained soul.

24. No One Does Honest Like a Kid

CHAPTER 24