Sugar took up a spot beside Libby and poured herself a cup of wine. “She seemed really worked up over her daughter. She’s a beautiful little girl. Dark brown hair, fair skin, rosy cheeks, and a perfect cupid’s bow on her pink lips. She’s precious.”
“I suppose she had nowhere else to go with her home being three doors down from the parlor.” I grabbed a handful of pretzels. I wasn’t hungry, but I needed something to do with this nervous energy. Eating was it.
“That’d be too close for comfort if Casso’s men were looking to blow up the club’s businesses,” Tina said. “Especially with a child.”
We all nodded in agreement as Sugar’s sons waltzed in. Markey and Maddox each kissed her on the head. They were terrific boys, always doting on their momma. They’d graduate from high school at the end of May. Maddox was set on prospecting for the club after he turned nineteen. Markey hadn’t really talked about what he wanted to do, other than not be a biker.
She smiled at them. “How’s it going?”
Maddox shrugged. “Tensions are high, Mom. Grandpa just arrived with a unit. Storm isn’t taking the threats lightly.” He winked at me, a cute smile on his face. These boys were handsome, just like their dad and Storm. Sugar already had trouble with girls chasing after them.
I touched my stomach. I wanted to give Storm a son to carry on the Knight family name, but I hoped we’d have a girl first. The male Knights were not easy to manage.
“Yeah, Dad would be proud of the way they’re handling it.” Markey dug two cans of pop out of an ice chest in the corner. He handed one to Maddox. “Still, this shit blows.”
Sugar’s eyes shimmered at the mention of Matt. It seemed to happen more often as of late. I wasn’t sure what it was all about, but I found it endearing.
“Cobra, Buff, and Hustler should be here any time. They’re also bringing some prospects.” Maddox’s gaze darted behind me.
I turned to see Karma with a terrified expression. She looked as if she’d seen a ghost.
“Is everything okay?” I got to my feet.
“Oh, um.” Her eyes flitted around the room. “Yes. I just… just wanted to thank you for everything. I think it’s best if we leave.”
“But it’s so late? You and Nova are welcome to stay as long as you’d like.” I felt it in my bones. Something wasn’t right with Karma.
She shook her head. “No. We can’t impose.”
“I don’t know if Storm will let you leave now.” Sugar came to my side. “He’ll worry the compound is being watched.”
Karma looked down the hallway toward the room Nova was sleeping in. “We can’t stay.” Her panicked expression made my stomach flip flop.
I reached out and put my hand on her arm. “You’re both safe here.”
“Can you please just ask Storm if we can leave? I have family we can stay with. We’re not part of your club.” Karma appeared as if she would come out of her skin.
“I’ll go talk to the Prez.” Maddox stalked out of the room.
“Thank you,” Karma whispered.
“Would you like a cup of wine while you wait?” Libby lifted the bottle.
Karma nodded. “That’d be great.”
We all watched Karma sip her wine. She was beautiful with long, dark brown hair and blue eyes. It could be the low lighting in the room but I’d swear her roots were blonde.
I glanced at Sugar, then Tina, sensing they also thought something was off with Karma. Why hadn’t she ever mentioned her daughter? She’d attended a couple of club parties, but never revealed she had a child. It was strange.
Storm appeared in the doorway. I rushed over to him. “Are you okay?”
He hugged me. “Been better. What about you?” His hand went on my stomach as he pressed his lips to my temple.
“We’re fine.”
“Good. Karma wants to leave?” He peered around me. “What’s this about?”
“Yes. Please. Right now, if possible.” Karma jumped to her feet.