"You got a problem with me, Baker?" Kodiak's low voice deepened even more. "Then throw down. Say it with your fists. But don't stand in front of me pretending this is about Chopper. This is aboutyounot liking what you don't control. Roma belongs to me."
Baker's jaw worked, his fists curling like he wanted to fight, or maybe he was considering the odds of him winning against Kodiak. She held her breath. Baker had always been her biggest supporter, almost a grandfather to her. Whenever she looked upset, he'd comfort her. He had the best advice, even if she never took it half the time.
"I'm not throwing down with you,Prez," Baker said, voice rough. "But if you won't step up and do right by her, I'll be happy to watch out for her myself. Someone has to."
That was her cue. Baker had the situation wrong. Kodiak took the best care of her. He always had.
Roma stepped into view, spine straight, hands loose at her sides. "I love you, Baker, but Kodiak has always taken care ofme. He was Dad's best friend. My dad loved him like a brother. I trust him and want to be with him."
Baker scoffed. "You don't know what's—"
"I know who I want in my life."
Kodiak put his hand on the back of her neck. "You don't have to convince anyone."
"I know, but I'm happy with the way things are. I don't want anyone thinking you're doing something wrong when I'm exactly where I want to be," she said.
Baker shook his head in frustration and opened his mouth, but she cut him off.
"My dad's gone. I know that left a hole in this club." Her chest tightened. "But Kodiak's been there for me, not for protection, butfor me. I trust him. You don't have to like it—but I'm not going to change how I feel because you think our relationship is wrong."
Baker's eyes softened for a beat, some of the fight bleeding out of his shoulders. "You think you know what you're doing, Roma," he said. "But you're still young. Kodiak is more than twice your age."
"Twenty-seven years to be exact." She cocked her brow. "What are you trying to say?"
"I respect the hell out of him as our president. But that kind of difference—it's not about age. It's about the life he's led and the things he's seen. You're walking into a life that has already been decided for you. You lost your dad two years ago, during the most important time that a girl needs her daddy. You're still grieving. Youneedsomeone to look after you. Youwantsomeone to take care of you. But you're not thinking straight, sweetheart."
Emotions balled in her throat, choking her. She understood what Baker was saying, and she agreed with him—somewhat. But no one knew her relationship with Kodiak. If Royalla taughther anything, it was not to judge. She expected the same in return.
She threw her arms around Baker. "Thank you for caring about me."
Baker palmed the back of her head. She pulled back and stood beside Kodiak, making her choice apparent to both of them.
Baker looked to Kodiak, something unreadable flashing in his eyes, then back to her. "If he hurts you." His gaze narrowed. "I will hold him accountable and make sure the club hands out his punishment. You hear me?"
Roma nodded. She loved Baker, but he would have to learn that she wasn't changing her mind. She'd loved Kodiak her whole life.
Without another word, Baker walked away from the garage and toward the clubhouse. She pressed a hand to her pounding heart.
Kodiak squeezed her neck. "You didn't have to do that. We don't owe anybody an explanation."
Maybe. Maybe not. She had no idea what was happening beyond them having sex. Kodiak wasn't sharing his plans or wishes with her. She only knew what she wanted.
She looked up at him. "Baker's family. Like the others. They'll all learn that I love you. I'm not hiding that fact anymore. Not from them. Not from you."
Chapter 24
Kodiak sat at the head of the long table, resting his forearms on the polished surface. They were no closer to getting answers or catching the Deception Motorcycle Club member responsible for the threat to Royalla.
The meeting room buzzed with tension and reeked of men who rode around the clock and hadn't seen a shower in days. Low murmurs, the occasional cough, and the softclinkof rings or buckles as the men shifted in their chairs grated on Kodiak's last nerve. The officers of Royalla MC filled every seat. Some slouched with crossed arms, others leaned forward, elbows on knees, ready for whatever he dropped on them. The other patched members stood behind the chairs, all eyes on him.
This was their war room, their church, their sacred place. The walls were lined with framed photos of brothers long gone. A bloodstained Deception MC patch—torn and faded—hung nailed to the far wall like a trophy. Or a warning.
Kodiak's eyes scanned the room, his gaze stopping on each man long enough to make his point. This wasn't another check-in.
He cleared his throat, gaining their attention. "First, it was the message on the fence in retaliation for killing Curtis Monroe, a Deception member. As you know, we all, regardless of the patch we ride under, have a universal rule. An eye for an eye."
The room went still. All fidgeting ceased. A few curses broke the silence. Patchholders exchanged glances, the kind that said,'We knew this was coming.'
