“What are you going to do, spank me?”

“Why does everything have to lead to something dirty with you?”

“I’m a natural at it.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re the one who wanted to study. I’m here trying to help you, and all you can do is throw books around.”

“Look, Robin, I wanted you to come over. Your mom was being a bitch to you, and I couldn’t stand it. You know how she gets.”

Tonight was particularly difficult. Her mother was going on one of her new diets and believed it was the best thing for Robin to join in and have some fun.

“She means well.”

“No, she means to hurt you because you’re Bear’s daughter. Does he even know the kind of shit she tells you?”

“Oh, you mean the ‘men don’t like fat hips or a saggy butt,’ or I’ve got to strap my breasts up because ‘men don’t like them heading south too soon.’” Yep, some of her mother’s most spiteful comments usually came after a whole lot of drink. She shrugged. “I’m used to it, Bishop. I’m not going to go and tell my dad about every single little detail that she does. It wouldn’t be fair. There would be a whole lot to tell.” Her parents’ marriage had never been pretty. She knew the only reason Bear married her mom was because of her.

She’d been very much aware of the paternity test as well. Her mother’s reputation was hard to get away from. Most of the men at the club had been with her mother and from what she’d heard, some of the town men as well, including a few husbands.

The doorbell rang.

“That’s the pizza,” Bishop said. He pulled out some cash and handed it to her. “Be a darlin’, I’m so comfy.”

Taking the money from his hand, she got to her feet and walked out of the room, heading down the long corridor only to stop when she saw Preacher at home. She hadn’t even heard him come back yet.

“They’re waiting for their money,” he said, when he caught sight of her. “You better have ordered for me.”

He had a towel wrapped around his shoulders, and it looked like he was trying to cut his hair.

Shaking her head, she made her way to the door.

She saw Bishop had outdone himself with six extra-large pizzas. Handing the money to the guy, she took the pizzas and closed and locked the door. Returning to the kitchen, she saw Preacher still trying to cut his own hair.

“Did you order all of that?”

“Nope. This is all Bishop.”

“I’m starving.” Preacher put the scissors down, opened up the first box and took a slice, biting into it.

“Why are you trying to cut your hair?” she asked. “You know they have hairdressers for that kind of stuff.”

“Yeah, and I don’t trust anyone, so this is the next best thing. What are you doing here?”

“Studying.”