“A house full of bikers, or you alone on a magical beach, I don’t know. I think I’d take you, us, alone.”
She rolled her eyes. “We wouldn’t be alone.”
“We’ve got some prospects, babe. Trust me, I’d have some of the guys on babysitting duty, and you and I would be alone.”
Angel was tempted to let him have his little fantasy, but she knew her husband. “Okay, so you would allow for us to be alone, just the two of us, for Christmas. You wouldn’t get to see our babies opening their presents, or enjoying a feast, hanging out, getting completely bloated on too much cake and chocolate?” Lash loved his Christmases with his kids and family. She knew it was always important to him.
He cupped her cheek. “You know what I think?”
“What do you think?”
“That you have the best ideas.”
She burst out laughing. “Is that how you’re going to save yourself?”
“I wasn’t thinking about everything else.”
“So, you’re happy they’re here?”
He groaned. “Okay, maybehappyis too strong of a word. I’m not sad that they’re here, but you, know, I’m waiting to see what happens.”
Angel pressed a kiss to his lips. “Why don’t we stop worrying so much? This is going to be an amazing Christmas.”
She stared into his eyes and waited to see what he’d say.
“You’re right.”
“Are you just agreeing with me so that I’ll shut up?”
“No, I’m agreeing with you because you’re right, and they’re family. Chaos Bleeds is family. Tiny told me today that Ned isn’t going to make it.”
“Ned’s sick?”
Ned Walker was Eva’s dad, but he also ran an illegal fighting ring. Angel liked the older man, but he wasn’t fond of the direction the clubs had taken. She didn’t know the full details, but she was aware that Ned was responsible for the drug and gun runs the club used to take. Lash had put a stop to it. As had Devil.
“No. That dude is fucking immortal. He’s not coming back. Sticking around Butch and the club.”
“How do Tiny and Eva feel about that?” she asked.
“I think it’s a good thing. Whenever he’s around, it doesn’t always end well, and it’s Christmas. None of us need that kind of bullshit right now.”
She stared down at his chest and couldn’t help that sick feeling that swirled in her gut. “Do you ever miss it?”
“Miss what?”
“Being on the road.”
“I’m always on the road.”
“Working for Ned.”
“No, I don’t.” Lash didn’t hesitate.
“This is the life you grew up with, Lash. You’re sure you don’t miss it?”
“My parents died because of this life. I’ve lost a lot. All of the guys, and all of you ladies, we’ve all lost a lot. So no, I don’t miss any of that. I’m not into thrill-chasing, Angel. Do you know why?”
She shook her head.