Page 56 of Outlaw Xmas
Kimber closed the door. “Is Evan married?”
“Yes. Why?” Belle asked.
“It may just be a coincidence, but some horny bitch named Christiansen has the hots for Throttle. She has an account with his business, and she keeps wanting him to come by to talk about the work they’re doing. Throttle told her he’s too damn busy and they could talk by phone, but she’s a persistent one. This damn bitch is the poster woman for bored suburban housewives.”
“I hadn’t heard that he and Britany were having any trouble. They seem to get along at the functions. Not like Torey and Mitch,” Belle said.
“Or Lindi and Dale. I still can’t believe he agreed to be Santa Claus. The last few years he didn’t even show up.” Clotille brought a glass of orange juice to her lips.
“It’s probably a cousin or something. I just don’t want to beat the shit out of someone he’s related to because that’s what I’m aiming to do to the Christiansen who keeps calling Throttle.”
The women laughed, but Belle was a hundred percent sure Kimber wouldn’t hesitate to do it.
“The name’s sort of common. Maybe there’s no relation at all,” said Cherri.
“Talk about wanting to beat the crap out of someone, Chas’s mean-as-hell ex is back in town,” Addie said.
Kimber shook her head. “Fuck.”
“Are you serious?” Belle said.
“That fucking sucks,” Cara added.
“I’m so sorry,” Clotille said.
“She’s up to no good. Jax said she’s an awful bitch,” Cherri commented.
“And she works here, apparently. She’s a damn receptionist. I’m here all the time helping out. I can’t believe I’m going to run into her.” Addie folded her arms on her chest.
Belle went over and patted Addie’s shoulder. “Don’t you dare let this stupid woman get to you. And don’t make Chas think you question his loyalty. According to what Banger’s told me, he went through the ringer with this woman.”
“And didn’t she abandon her son?” Clotille asked.
“She did. And before that, she was awful to Jack. He’s already told me that I’m his mother forever. It was so sweet, I cried. He doesn’t want to see her, but she’s pushing it with Chas. I know she doesn’t give a shit about Jack, she just wants to get back with my husband. The fucking bitch. She’s acting like she’s a changed woman, but a leopard can’t change its spots.”
“Chas knows that. Remember, he went through hell with her. She cheated on him and everything,” Cherri said.
The door opened and Baylee came in wiping her mouth with a tissue. Belle took in her peaked appearance. “Are you feeling all right?”
Baylee shook her head. “I’m not. I went to the doctor last week, and you all were right—I’m pregnant.”
Belle hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I just knew it,” Clotille said. “There’s no mistaking morning sickness. I had it bad with Andrew and James, but it was worth it.”
“Harley was a breeze. I was surprised because I was so much older than I was when I had Emily and Ethan. I’d sort of freaked myself out that it was going to be horrible due to my age, but it was a piece of cake.” Belle brushed Baylee’s hair from her damp forehead. “How’d Axe take the news?”
Baylee gripped the table, then flopped into a chair. “Not so good. We’d decided we didn’t want kids, and now he acts like I broke that promise.”
“Youbroke your promise? That sounds just like a man. They can be so goddamn selfish. What a jerk. All these bikers think they’re not responsible for shit!” Cara turned away from the group and went over to the window, standing with her back to them.
Taken aback by her outburst, Belle made a mental note to speak with Cara after the other women left. She put her hand on Baylee’s. “A lot of men freak out about being a father. It just took him by surprise.”
“And me too.” Baylee took another tissue and mopped her face.
“The important thing is to stay healthy and strong for the precious baby you’re carrying. Axe will come around, but you both need to sit down and talk about it without blaming anyone.”
“I know. I’m going to go home and rest. How long does this morning sickness last? My doctor said it can be the whole pregnancy. I’m not sure I’ll survive it if it is.”
