I was the scared girl behind the polite thank-you/no-thank-you smile, who was always running to the next great idea, the next sure thing in an effort to forget, to let go, to leave the gloom, the sorrow, the insecurities behind me. I’d done it over and over again, yet each and every time, I’d bailed and moved on.
Becca had changed all that for me. She had become my new center, my joy. Providing for her, making her laugh while I fed her or read to her, hearing the ringing of that laughter as we sang goofy songs in the car, and then her sleeping peacefully at my side at the end of every day—it had grounded me in a surprising, wholly new way.
Finally finding Grace, being able to help her on her quest for motherhood, being a part of Rae’s life—all of it had given me a renewed sense of family and belonging that I relished.
My hand instinctively went to my round tummy.
I was grateful, content, happy.
And Boner?
“I love you, Firefly.”
My dark prince had kissed me awake in so many deep, real ways.
I needed to wake up.
Once Snow White had woken up, she hadn’t hesitated for one second, had she? The moment she’d opened her eyes and seen the prince, she had known, and she had been ecstatic. She’d immediately thrown her arms out and embraced the Prince—no holding back, no wondering, no second-guessing—gotten on the back of his horse and they both went off to their own kingdom.
My dark prince had made my bright fairy tale come true.
Embrace him.
“Our bright life can come true, Bone,” I whispered out loud to my reflection.
I couldn’t wait. I had to find him now, and I’d need the big guns to do it. Not just the Jacks.
Finger.
Finger had connections everywhere—or at least, it seemed that way to me. He wasn’t just the prez of any old MC. His Flames of Hell wielded power and influence throughout the country. People bowed down to him, licked his boots—literally.
I had witnessed that ritual one night, too, hadn’t I?
My breath caught at the memory. Yes, another Catch lesson in Don’t Fuck with the Flames. You Know Who’s Boss, Baby.
Maybe Finger might respect the fact that I was going to him myself.
Finger never struck me as the impulsive type, not like Catch of the strike-now-pay-the-consequences-whenever-and-who-really-gives-a-fuck-anyhow-as-long-as-I-make-my-point life philosophy. Finger might give me a chance to talk to him. He might listen to what I had to say.
My stomach took a dive. I was persona non grata at the Flames. Would they even let me see Finger once I got there? Would they even let me in?
Screw it. I have to try.
Time for the Flame’s Old Lady network. I dialed Krystal’s number. Her old man was now Finger’s Vice President. Luckily, I hadn’t deleted her number from my Contacts list, like I had been tempted to do after I left Nebraska behind.
“Girlie, is that really you?”
“Hey, Krystal. Sorry it’s been so long.”
“I get it. How are you? Heard your news.” She let out a throaty laugh. “Way to bounce back.”
“Krystal, something fucked up is going on, and I need to talk to Finger. Is he at the clubhouse? I need to see him. I’m ready to get in my car now and come down.”
“Seriously?”
“Very. Is he there?”
“He’s here, honey, but I don’t know if you’re gonna be able to see him.”
“This is life and death, Krystal. I have to try.”
“Is it Becca? Is she okay?”
“Becca’s good. This is about my old man.”
She sucked in a breath. “If you’re willing to try, I’ll see what I can do.”
“Okay.”
“Okay, you’re coming? Or okay, maybe you’re gonna fuck with me?”
“I’m coming. My old man’s life depends on it.”
“Huh. That’s my girl.”
I tossed my phone into my bag.
“Look, Mommy! For you.”
I turned around. Becca held up her black prince and princess masterpiece.
I smiled at my daughter. “It’s perfect. I love it, honey. Bo will, too. Come on, sweets. We’ve got to go.”
I swept all of Becca’s coloring books, papers, and crayons into her Hello Kitty tote. She dashed over to the sofa and grabbed her elephant and baby doll, while I got her diaper bag. We put our shoes on, and I took her hand.
We flew out the door.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?” Catch walked up alongside me in the Flames clubhouse lounge.
His hand cupped Becca’s cheek while I held her fast on my hip.
“Take your daughter.” I placed her in his arms.
“Jill?”
“Someone’s been following me the whole way from Meager. Black Ford Explorer. Two men in the front seat.”
His face furrowed. “Den!” Catch shouted, his arms tightening around Becca.
“Yo!” Den raised his head from behind a computer screen at the long center table.
“Black Ford Explorer’s been on Jill since she left Meager. Check it.”
The Flames were diligent about their security. They had hidden cameras all over town.
“On it.” The clip-clat, clip-clat of Den’s fingers powering over his keyboard filled the air.
“They have Colorado plates,” I said.
“Ah, fuck,” said Catch.
“They’re still in view,” Den muttered. “Got him. Running the plate.”
Catch’s attention snapped back to me. “What the hell is going on? Why are you here?”