He shot me a dirty look in the rearview mirror. I raised my hands in surrender, putting on my seatbelt and starting the car. “Sorry, sorry. Did you grab the diaper bag?”

  “Yeah. We’re set. Just go.”

  I’d just pulled out of the driveway when he added, “Oh, we have to pick up Ms. Brooks first. Do you know where she lives?”

  Okay, now I had questions. “What’s going on? Why would Simone need to come along for you to hang out with Xander? No one mentioned anything to me.”

  “We’re going to be late,” he said in lieu of answering me. “She’s probably already waiting. Do you want her to think you’re the jerk who makes her wait?”

  His dig got me moving, but I was still reeling when I pulled up in front of Simone’s place. She came out right after I pulled into the driveway, like she actually had been waiting for us, and slid into the front seat with a big tray in her lap.

  “What’s that?”

  “Food,” she answered vaguely. “Did you remember to pack a spare outfit?”

  “I did,” Jasper answered from the back seat.

  She nodded, raising her eyebrows at me when I just sat there staring at her.

  “What’s going on?”

  Her brows furrowed and she cast a glance at the back seat. I looked in the rearview mirror again, but missed whatever expression Jasper made. Simone shook her head, patting my leg gently. “Just think of it as a surprise. Now we should get going. I don’t like being late.”

  “Told you,” Jasper sassed. I jerked my head back.

  “You two are acting weird.”

  Neither gave up the secret and I drove to Wraith’s place still scratching my head over what was going on. Maybe I was still asleep. This being a weird dream would make a lot more sense than whatever was happening right now.

  Familiar vehicles were parked in front of Wraith’s place. Not a bike in sight, but those cars belonged to some of my crew. Hope filled my chest and I studied the house for any signs of what was going on as I got Isla out of the car. Jasper had the diaper bag, and Simone had the food. Jasper led the way toward the front door, his focus on his phone as his thumbs flew over the screen. I frowned at him. Since when did he text anyone? He didn’t have any friends as far as I knew. He wasn’t interested in making any yet.

  Wraith’s front door opened and Xander came jogging out, waving us toward the back. “Everyone’s out here. Come on.”

  I followed, still confused, but hopeful as familiar voices filled the air. Xander opened the metal gate for us, nudging Wraith’s massive dog out of the way with his knee and ushering us in. When I saw the group by the fire, I felt some of the tension in my shoulders ease.

  “Zero! Settle a bet for me,” Vegas called, waving me over. He had his sleeping daughter strapped to his chest and a beer in his hand. Brewer, who stood next to him, offered me one when I approached, and when I hesitated, Simone patted me on the arm.

  “Go ahead. I’ll drive us back tonight.”

  Stunned, I took the offered beer, releasing Isla when Jasper snatched her out of my arms and brought her inside. I shot a confused look at Brewer, but Vegas interrupted my train of thought.

  “Weirdest hook up place. Parking lot of a church or mall bathroom?”

  “Uh… First one?”

  Wraith, who apparently had been sucked into the conversation, made a face. “You’re more likely to get caught at a mall.”

  “Yeah, but the question was the weirdest place, not most likely to get caught,” Brewer argued. “I bet tons of teens hook up at the mall all the time. That’s where they gather, right?”

  He gave me a look, but I just shrugged. “Beats me. I don’t have to worry about that for a few years yet. Why are we talking about this?”

  “Because I like winning,” Vegas said simply. “What about you? Weirdest place.”

  Pursing my lips, I thought about it. I couldn’t decide between the laundry room and the car in the driveway. Simone and I had needed to get creative and both were a first for me.

  “Uh, I guess the back seat of a car, but in my own driveway.”

  All three guys looked confused. “Wait… If you were in your own driveway, why not go inside?”

  I shrugged, tipping my head toward the house where Jasper had disappeared with Isla and Xander. “Kids in the house. My room is right next to Jasper’s and he doesn’t go to bed until late. We had to get creative.”

  Snorting, Vegas tipped his bottle at me. “Alright, fine. You win. That’s fuckin’ weird.”

  The normalcy of the conversation, the ease of it all, it tugged at something in my chest and it felt for the first time in over a week like I could breathe. I relaxed into it, enjoying my beer and helped Wraith start a fire once the sun went down. The food Simone brought wasn’t the only thing offered, and when Axel showed up with some nice steaks, I actually groaned, my mouth watering at the sight. I couldn’t be trusted to cook steak. The two times I’d tried since Jasper and Isla showed up, it ended up being really chewy.

  The boys came outside eventually, Isla on Jasper’s hip, giant two liter bottles of soda as their drinks that seemed like a lot of sugar all at once. I didn’t comment on it. If I could enjoy myself, then so could Jasper. It was just one night.

  Wraith put his arm out when Xander joined our little circle, squeezing his shoulder affectionately. “Thanks for this. It was a good idea.”

  Xander shrugged, but he looked pleased with the praise. “It wasn’t just my idea. Jasper and I planned it together.”

  Sucking in a breath, I looked at my cousin. He grimaced, like he wasn’t comfortable with the recognition, but when he glanced at me, I saw the emotion there. He must’ve seen how upset I was and decided he was going to help. I beamed at him.

  “Thank you. This is exactly what I needed.”

  He shrugged, looking anywhere but at me. “It’s whatever. Are you and Mel related? Because she’s burning stuff in the kitchen a lot like you.”

  Wraith, who’d just taken a sip of his beer, choked on it, jerking his attention to the house. “Someone let Mel cook?” He shot an incredulous look at Xander. “And you didn’t stop her?”

  Xander’s grin was too wide when he admitted, “She wanted to surprise you. I thought she’d be fine with two other adults inside.”

  I looked at Jasper, who shrugged again. “Ms. Brooks is helping her. That’s why Isla’s with me. I don’t need her getting smoke inhalation. Between the two of you, she’s gonna have smoker’s lungs before she even becomes an adult.”

  “Hey!” I argued. My tone was definitely pouting when I pointed out, “I haven’t burned anything in…”

  “Three days,” Jasper answered for me. “You tried to cook that special dinner for Ms. Brooks on Sunday, remember?”

  I winced. I’d forgotten about that. We ended up going out to eat instead with all the windows open to air out the house. Brewer barked out a laugh when he saw my expression, shaking his head at me.

  “I should’ve known you’d be a menace in the kitchen. You’ve been paying guys at the clubhouse to cook for you for years.”

  It was my turn to shrug. “It was easier. And I didn’t risk getting reamed by Butch if I burned anything.”

  Sierra came out of the house carrying a tray, Simone and Mel following after her. I raised my eyebrows at the treats, wondering if the lack of decent lighting was why they looked tasty. “I thought dessert was burnt?”

  Mel gave a mock scowl to Xander, who gave her an innocent smile. “We salvaged it.”

  Shaking his head, Wraith pulled her closer, smacking a kiss on her lips. “Baby, what the hell were you doing in the kitchen? You know better.”

  Pulling a face, she said, “I figured I couldn’t screw up with rice krispies. It’s just butter, marshmallows, and cereal.”

  Vegas picked up one of the treats, studying it closely. “It looks fine to me. How’d you save it?”

  “More marshmallows,” Simone explained, plucking one off the tray and handing it to me. When she grabbed one of her own, she took a very small piece off the corner and gave it to Isla, who looked pleased as punch for a sugary sweet. Jasper made a face, but didn’t argue, handing her off to Simone so he could have his own treat. He couldn’t balance that two liter and the baby while eating. I loved seeing how easily he passed her off to Simone. He trusted her. Which made me hopeful that she could be around for the long haul without messing with the peace we’d made recently.

  Simone stepped closer to me and I put my arm around her automatically, snorting when I leaned in for a kiss and Isla patted my face with one slobbery hand. Simone just grinned against my lips, offering Isla more of her treat to distract her from putting those sticky hands on anyone else.

  It was weird not wearing our colors, not to see a line of bikes out front, but it made me feel a little better knowing the crew was still the same. The chaos that ensued when we were together was more tame, but with kids around, that was going to be true anyway. If this was all I could have of my crew, I’d take it. It was better than nothing. And I appreciated the hell out of Jasper for giving me a chance to have a night with my friends. I’d need to find some way to show him how much it mattered to me. Something that wouldn’t embarrass him, but would show my appreciation all the same.

  The question was: How?

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  ZERO

  It took some doing, but I planned an outing for Jasper that I felt he’d like and would show him how much I appreciated him. I had to ask Simone to babysit, which I felt bad about because she worked all week, but she was the only one Jasper truly trusted and I didn’t think he’d enjoy himself if Isla was with anyone else. When I told her my plan, she agreed without hesitation, which was a relief.

  “He’s been feeling the echoes of your struggles. I think some time together relaxing and having fun will do good for both of you.”

  My shoulders slumped with relief. I’d timed the phone call for her lunch break since I didn’t want to spring babysitting on her last minute. I’d honestly expected to need to make pretty promises to get her to agree.

  “I really appreciate it. He trusts you, and if I asked anyone else to watch Isla, I think he’d spend half the time checking his phone for updates. If she’s with you, I think he might actually relax.”

  I could hear the smile in her voice when she replied. “I’m glad he trusts me, and I’m happy to help. Do you want to drop her off here, or would you prefer I watch her at your place?”

  I thought about it while stripping the wires of the project I was working on. The phone was tucked between my shoulder and ear, my hands moving like a habit without me thinking about it.

  “If you don’t mind coming to mine, I think Jasper would prefer it. Unless your place is as baby proofed as mine is.”

  She chuckled. “Considering Isla is the first infant I’ve spent much time with, I never felt the need to babyproof before now. Your place is fine. I’ll bring over some things and have a little spa day with her.”

  My chest warmed hearing her make plans with Isla. She wasn’t just planning to watch her. She was going to make a day out of it.

  “You’re really fuckin’ perfect, you know that?”

  “Language,” she chastised, huffing out a laugh. “I need to get ready for my next class, so send me the details on when you’d like me to arrive and I’ll see you later.”

  We hung up after saying our goodbyes and I tucked my phone away, a smile pulling at my lips. When Isla and Jasper came into my life, dating was the last thing on my mind. Stumbling into Simone’s classroom felt like fate. She was exactly what I needed to get through the hard parts. I was already thinking of claiming her and it hadn’t even been a full month of dating yet.

  The thought made my chest twinge uncomfortably. I couldn’t claim her how I wanted to until the restrictions were lifted. Not only was I not allowed to wear my cut or get her one of her own, but I didn’t want her tied so publicly to the crew right now. Not until shit died down. She was already targeted just by being on the road at the wrong time. Giving her a property patch would be like putting a fucking target on her back.

  Shaking off the thought, I pulled up my contacts and selected a different number. I knew if I wanted to pull this off, I couldn’t just have it be me and Jasper alone. He’d find it awkward and I honestly didn't blame him. I figured a teenager would have more fun with other kids his age around, and I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of being the sole guardian in that situation, not with all the shit that’d been happening. I knew of at least one person who would jump at the chance to join in.

  “Yo, Zero!” Rooster greeted cheerfully. “How’s it hanging?”

  I rolled my eyes at the greeting. “Hey, Rooster. Got a favor to ask.”

  He hummed noncommittally, and with the noises in the background, I got the feeling he was doing the same thing I was, phone tucked against his ear while he got his work done. The thought made me smirk.

  “Depends. Will it make up for the fact that you had a gathering and didn’t invite me? I’m hurt, Z. I thought we were friends.”

  Should’ve known Rooster wouldn’t make this easy. Idiot was always causing trouble.

  “I didn’t plan that. Jasper and Xander did. But yes, this should make up for it. I want to take some of the kids to the arcade. Jasper’s been looking out for Isla and me, I want to give him some time to just relax and be a kid. I was thinking the arcade at the mall, but after the last time I was there went to hell, I’m not comfortable going alone. Would you be down for joining and playing chaperone with me?”

  His tone turned serious. “You’re right. Alone would be a bad idea. Happy to help, man. Have there been any sightings of Battle’s crew at the mall since last time?”

  “I haven’t heard anything.”

  He made a thoughtful sound. “I’ll send a message to VP, see if he’s heard anything on his end. I know he’s been monitoring their movements. Pretty sure he’s got Mojave feeding him updates too.”

  Smart. Mojave was prior military and suspicious of everything. He’d notice anything out of the ordinary before anyone else, easy.

  “Thanks, man. Saturday?”

  “Sure thing. I’ll bring Flash, you pick up Xanny. We’ll meet at the mall.”

  The older woman whose bathroom light fixture I was working on poked her head into the room right when I hung up. “Are you taking your kids to the arcade? You’re such a good daddy to do that. I hope they appreciate it.”

  Huffing a laugh, since I knew she was the nosy type and wasn’t surprised she’d been eavesdropping, I shook my head. “Not my son. My cousin. He’s thirteen. He took initiative to make my day better when I was struggling. I want to show him some appreciation.”

  Her smile was reassuring. I was a little worried my workload would lighten considerably with all the shit going on. Cut or not, people could tell what kind of crowd I ran with. I worried people would stop calling me and pay the fee for a guy in the city to come out to avoid me. Thank fuck that hadn’t been the case yet. None of my customers seemed bothered by me, despite a few giving me side eye when I first showed up. Doing the work well helped a lot.

  “You’re a good cousin, then. How’s it going in here?”

  Putting the cover back on the outlet, I said, “Let’s find out.”

  After turning the breaker back on, I came back to the bathroom, flicking on the light switch first. I tested the outlet with my voltage tester, and when the numbers came up exactly where I wanted them, I plugged in her hair dryer and turned it on. She beamed when it turned on without issue and patted my arm.

  “Oh, that’s wonderful. Thank you so much. I’ve been struggling with that outlet for months. My granddaughter finally got tired of me complaining and called you. I’m so glad she did.”

  “So am I, ma’am.”

  I cleaned up my tools and the mess I made on the counter, making sure everything was back to how I found it. I was heading for the front door when she stopped me, holding out a few crumpled bills and a paper plate with cookies on it.

  “Here’s a tip for a job well done.”

  There wasn’t a chance I was taking cash from an old lady. Her granddaughter paid the deposit and asked me to send her the invoice when I was finished. That was enough for me.

  Shaking my head at the bills, I told her, “You keep that. I’ll take the cookies though. I’ll share them with my cousins. Thank you.”

  Unlike the last customer, this one was happy to watch Isla while I was working. I’d planned the job for nap time so Isla wouldn’t be too much of a troublemaker, and she was asleep in the portable crib in the living room like she didn’t have a care in the world. She barely opened her eyes when I scooped her up, and thanks to weeks of practice, I could fold up the portable crib with one hand and get it in its carrying case without having to put her down. Getting her into the carseat was also becoming old hand, the buckles no longer rocket science. When she blinked up at me, she didn’t immediately start screaming like a banshee. She smiled, accepting the pacifier and her favorite stuffed animal as recompense for waking her, and gave her attention to the little toys with the numbers on them that Jasper had insisted we buy to attach to her car seat. I chuckled, tickling under her chin before closing the door quietly.

  My phone rang as I slipped into the front seat and cranked on the air for Isla. Tucking it under my ear, I answered distractedly while writing out the issue the old woman had and how much would be on the invoice.

  “Yeah?”

  “Mr. Fletcher? It’s Rachel Clark. Is this a good time?”

  Sucking in a breath, I sat up. It’d been over a week since I last heard from the social worker. We’d been so busy, I’d forgotten about her.

  “Yeah, sure. Now’s good,” I answered a little anxiously. I’d been chaotic as a guardian thus far, but now that we’d found our groove, I didn’t want to give her any reason to think I wasn’t good enough for the kids.

  “Perfect!” she said cheerfully. “So, how are things going? Have you made any progress with Jasper?”

  Blowing out a breath, I felt a smile tug at my lips. “Honestly? Things are going pretty well. Isla’s been sleeping better, Jasper’s doing well in school. Even got bumped up a grade in math because the kid is smart. A lot smarter than me. I feel like we’re doing good.”