“How was your night?” he asks, eyes fluttering.

   “Good,” I reply, laying my head on his chest and smiling. “I missed you, though. You should have come out.”

   “I wasn’t invited,” he replies, grinning.

   “Well, you should have come up with the idea and invited me then,” I tease, kissing the side of his neck. “I did dance, though, so I might be a little sweaty.”

   “Is that why you woke me up? You want to get a little sweatier?” he asks, rolling me over to my back.

   If I’m being honest, that’s exactly why I woke him up. “Maybe.”

   Definitely.

   And then Quinn starts crying, and reality sets in.

   “I’ll get her,” Crow murmurs, kissing me once more, and makes a sound of frustration before getting out of bed, sliding on some boxer shorts and leaving the room.

   After he settles her and returns, though, he kisses all the way down my body, and makes me come so good, I put a pillow over my face so my screams aren’t too loud.

   And then I ride him, covering his mouth with my hand to do the same.

* * *

   The next morning, I decide to go and do some grocery shopping.

   With Quinn.

   This is the first time I’ll be leaving the house alone with her, but I’m feeling good about it. I did protect her last time, and I will protect her always. Besides, it’s not like any of our enemies are loose on the streets; they are all behind bars.

   I put her in a carrier around my chest, leaving my arms free, which makes me feel more in control.

   I think it’s the randomness of the situation that had me so paranoid. How was I to know that a young woman complimenting my baby was planning on kidnapping us for revenge? However, I can’t live my life being suspicious of everyone. I can pay more attention to my surroundings and trust my gut if something doesn’t feel right.

   I stop for coffee on the way home, sitting in a café, just me and my daughter people watching. Feeling more confident, I realize I am in control. I’ve come a long way since I was working with Nadia. I can’t stay at home forever, hiding from life. That’s not who I am.

   Smiling to myself, I take a deep breath and pick up Quinn. Looking into her eyes, I say, “Your mom is strong, and we aren’t going to be hiding anymore, are we?”

   She grins.

   When I get home, Crow is waiting for me, and the house has been cleaned, which I find extremely sexy about him. He just does what needs to be done without complaint.

   “How did it go?” he asks, taking Quinn from me.

   “It was just what I needed. I even went out for a coffee, and yeah. I’m feeling pretty good,” I admit. “I’ll go and grab the bags in the car.”

   “I’ve got it,” he says, handing Quinn back and heading to the front, returning with his hands full of bags. “There’s a lot of chocolate here.”

   “I know,” I reply, smirking.

   “Chocolate and baby stuff. Did you actually buy anything for lunch and dinner?” he asks, amusement filling his tone.

   “Yes, I’m going to make a new recipe for us, actually,” I say, and help him unpack all the groceries. “Do you have to go into work today?”

   He shakes his head. “No, but tomorrow I have to go to the clubhouse. Prez wants me to go on a run with him, and it might be overnight. Do you want to call Cam or Abbie or someone to come stay with you? Or are you going to be okay staying here alone?”

   I reply instantly. “I’ll be fine alone.”

   “Are you sure?”

   I nod. “Yeah, I’m sure. What does one do on a run anyway?”

   Crow hesitates, and I know we never really speak about a lot of the things that go on with the club. We’re a family now, though, so I think it’s time he let me in a little. I’m not going to judge anything he does, as I’m not completely naïve and know what I’ve gotten myself into. Still, a little insider knowledge would be nice. Like where are they going? What are they going to do? Is he going to be safe?

   “Basically we’re going over to another chapter of ours to talk some business with them. They need our help, we come. And vice versa. I think they are having some problems with their usual gun dealers, and want us to help them by hooking them up with our own,” he explains, watching my reaction very closely. “Then they’ll throw a party. It always ends in a party.”

   “So lots of women throwing themselves at you all,” I guess, my eyes narrowing.

   He shrugs, but doesn’t deny it. “Does it matter? I’m a taken man and I’m not interested in anyone else.”

   “I know that, but it’s hard to picture you sitting there and having all these beautiful women trying to get your attention, even if it’s not reciprocated,” I mutter.

   “You have nothing to say about the gun trade deals? All you heard is the party part, didn’t you?” he asks, lip twitching. “Babe, you have nothing to worry about. I can’t stop women from looking, but I can make sure they know flat out I’m not interested. I’m not an idiot. You’re the love of my life, and I’m not going to fuck that up for anything, okay?”

   I do know that and I do trust him, but there’s always that tiny sliver of doubt. Nadia would say that’s my rational brain trying to get a word in over the loud thumping of my heart, but I think it’s just my deepest fears making themselves known.

   “Okay, just be safe,” I say, kissing his lips.

   The next morning I’m feeling relaxed about being home alone. I know Crow must have been worried about leaving me, even though I’ve assured him that I was fine.

   And when he comes home with a German shepherd puppy in his hands, I can’t contain my excitement.

   Well played, Crow. Well played.

   “Oh my God,” I squeal, holding my arms out. “That is the cutest puppy I’ve ever seen in my life.”

   “You said you wanted a guard dog, so I got you this little guy. He’s from a line of police dogs, and I met both of his parents. They have an amazing temperament, great with kids but also very protective and intelligent. We’ll need to get him proper training, and he’s going to need a shit load of exercise and mental stimulation, but I think he’s the perfect addition to our family.”

   “He is perfect,” I agree, holding him against my chest. He licks my face and I fall in love with him a little more. I know he won’t be able to protect me now, but he’s definitely going to keep me busy.

   “And when he’s big and fully trained, he’s going to protect you whenever I’m not here,” Crow promises, smiling. “He’s going to be a big dog. I have his bed and food in the car. You just need to choose a name for him.”