Page 138 of Down & Dirty: Rage

“She ain’t my ol’ lady yet.”

“For now. I’m assuming you’ll ask for his approval prior to claiming her at the table.”

He had planned on it.

“Yeah, but we ain’t ready to take it there yet.” This level of their relationship was too damn new.

“No rush. She’s young and inexperienced.” She made a face. “Or was. I assume that’s changed.” She held up her palm to stop any response. “I certainly don’t want to know the details. She’s an adult, she’s responsible, and has a good head on her shoulders, so I trust her to make the right decisions. And if she decided on you, then I’m fine with it.”

Damn.“‘Preciate that, Jazz.” More than she’d ever know.

She squeezed his arm. “I’ve known you since you were born so I know you’ll do everything in your power to protect her, Rage, but that doesn’t mean you won’t hurt her. Whether you mean to or not. However, I know Crow better than anyone. My advice to you is don’t underestimate her father.”

There it was. The warning. But he was fully aware of what Crow was capable of. He’d heard the rumors growing up. Rumors the OGs wouldn’t confirm or deny.

He might be quiet, but he was also deadly.

“Never would.”

She nodded. “While my girl would make a great mother, I feel too young to be a grandmother yet, so I’m good with you taking your time. It would be smart to live together for a while before adding to our family.”

His gut twisted. With too many unknowns going on with the Russos and Souls, he’d rather Lyric not be pregnant right now, anyway. He was already worried about Lyric being a target. He’d never get a minute of fucking sleep if she was carrying his kid. Or after that kid was born.

It was way too early to go there, anyway. They had plenty of time, and when he and Lyric—and the club—were standing back on solid ground, they could consider it.

An image flashed in his mind of Lyric’s belly. Not flat like how he saw it earlier when she was walking around his bedroom naked, getting ready for today’s run, but rounded after he planted his seed in her.

Fuck.

Jazz patted his arm. “All right. I’m sure Crow is lurking around here somewhere, waiting for me to walk away. I’ll go grab something to eat so you can get it over with and enjoy the rest of your night.” When she hugged Rage this time, she whispered, “Please take care of my girl.”

“Plan on it,” he murmured back.

As Jazz predicted, less than two minutes later, Crow appeared in front of Rage where he stood under the pavilion.

“Brother,” Crow greeted quietly.

Rage responded with the same.

“Probably know what I wanna talk about.”

“Yeah,” Rage grunted.

“Lyric as your backpack made a statement.”

“Was meant to.”

“Yeah, but you know you should’ve approached first.”

“She ain’t ready to wear my cut yet.”

“She ain’t or you ain’t?”

“Both. This is too fuckin’ new.”

“Even so, shit’s happening pretty fuckin’ fast, ‘less you’ve been sneakin’ ‘round.”

“Hasn’t been long at all,” Rage confirmed.