Page 40 of Archer (Dirty Misfits MC 3)
I chuckled as I wrapped my arm around her waist. “No point in televisions in the guest rooms. I rarely have guests over.”
She furrowed her brow. “Then, what’s this massive house for?”
I scooped her as close to me as I could get her. “Ever thought about the fact that I might want a family someday?”
A smile slowly blossomed over her cheeks. “I don't know why, but I never pictured you as a family man. You know, considering all you’ve been through with your own family.”
I kissed her forehead. “One day, I’d love to fill this house with children. That’s why I bought such a big place away from the rest of the guys.”
She nestled against me. “I think that’s wonderful.”
I wanted to ask her if she wanted children someday, but I resisted the urge. That was well down the line and completely contingent on if we could get the crew settled out once more and get rid of all the fucking drama. I couldn't bring children into this kind of atmosphere.
But, with Brooks as our President?
Well, that changed things quite a bit.
“Come on,” I said as I scooped her into my arms, “let me get you settled in bed before I go hunting for medicine.”
She sighed playfully. “Oh, my hero.”
I laid her against my mattress and damn it, she looked good in my bed. I helped her pull back the covers before she slid underneath, and I perched on the edge of the bed as I turned on the television for her. I had every streaming service known to man, so I knew she wouldn't be hurting for things to watch. But feeling her finger looped through the back belt loop of my jeans showed me everything I needed to know about where she wanted me for the evening.
Which is why it made me sick to my stomach when my phone vibrated in my pocket.
“Fuck,” she murmured.
I handed her the remote control. “Pick whatever you’d like. I’m going to go take this call really quickly.”
She sighed as she took it from me. “Just be careful going back to the clubhouse, okay?”
Her voice broke my heart as I answered my phone. “This is Archer.”
Tanner spoke, even though he was calling on Brooks’ phone. “Sorry for the confusion, Brooks handed me the phone and told me to call you.”
I peered over my shoulder. “What’s up?”
Josie hunkered down against the pillows as she flipped mindlessly through the series of television shows splayed out for her on the screen.
“We need you back at the clubhouse for a few minutes. We’ve run across something that might hinder Josie’s project for tomorrow night, and we want your help smoothing out the kinks so we don’t have to deal with your attitude as well as her safety.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ll be there in a bit. I’m at my place.”
“Great. See you in thirty.”
And the second I hung up the phone, Josie waved at me. “Be careful, handsome.”
My stomach sank to my toes. “I will, beautiful. And hey.”
She peeked over at me. “Yeah?”
I pointed. “Tylenol and some water. Right there on the bedside table. Take it, okay?”
She nodded and turned back toward the television. “I will. Thank you.”
“I’ll be home soon, okay?”
“Take your time. I know this is important.”
“You’re important.”
She smiled softly, but she still didn’t look at me. “So are you. Always remember that.”
And her words echoed off the caverns of my mind as I made the soul-wrenching drive back to the clubhouse.
When all I wanted was to be curled up in bed with the woman I loved.
Eighteen
Josie
“Hey there, sexy. Can’t wait to see you later on.”
The back-door bodyguard addressed me as I walked in and I wanted to vomit in my mouth. Of course, I’d have to privately dance for him again. But saving these women was much more important to me. My gun in my right thigh-high pressed against my skin, giving me the confidence I needed to stomach a smile as I walked in through the backdoor.
But once I made my way into the dressing room, Summer raced to close the door.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” I asked.
She gathered the girls around me at the back of the room in a small darkened corner so we could all be shrouded.
And I knew this wasn’t going to be good.
“Tell her what you told me, Angel.”
I looked over at the only other dancer that had been there as long as Summer and myself. “What’s going on?”
Angel swallowed hard. “Well, I—I overheard some of the guys—”
Summer hushed her. “Whisper. We can’t risk them overhearing.”
The guys were all chattering in my ear, but I ignored them as Angel spoke again. “I overheard them talking about a shipment of some sort?”
I paused. “What kind of shipment?”
Her eyes watered. “I think they’re shipping women into the country. Just, in like containers.”
