Spike’s Perdition (Saints Purgatory MC #7)

28. Ivory

CHAPTER 28

IVORY

“Are you sure you’re ready for this level of commitment?”

Megan watches me with sharp eyes while I tie up some loose ends before going on maternity leave. Spike and I decided the best place for me would be the clubhouse until it was time for Peanut to make his way into the world. Spike feels better knowing that Abyss and Violet can care for me if something were to happen. Turns out Dr. Wilde has a multisite practice and is also registered at Boulder City Memorial. After I heard about that, my mind was made up.

I roll my eyes. “We’ve been over this,” I say for what seems the millionth time. “Abyss is going to be monitoring me until the baby comes. I’ll be back after maternity leave, and you can come visit anytime.”

Spike and the club gave Megan and Eric access to the clubhouse to visit whenever they want. That was part of our negotiations when Spike approached me about moving in.

“Quit trying to talk her out of moving in with him,” Eric scolds, walking into our office like he owns the place. He plops down in his favorite chair. “I, for one, am not missing out on all that yumminess, even if I can only look.”

Megan smirks. “I’m telling RaRa.”

“Heifer!” Eric shouts, no venom in his tone. “Don’t you dare! No human being can walk in there and not peruse the displays.”

“Enough, children.” I wince as Peanut kicks my ribs. “That includes you.” I tilt my head to my stomach and rub my hands soothingly over my bump.

“That kid is going to be massive,” Eric points out. “Be careful he doesn’t blow out your hoo-ha.”

“Damn it, Eric.” Megan cringes. “Keep the commentary to yourself. I don’t need those visuals in my head.”

We all laugh, and a pang of sadness hits me in the chest. I’m going to miss this.

It’s only temporary. You’ll be back before you know it.

“Do you want us to come help you pack up?” Eric asks.

“Spike is meeting me in a few hours, but I’m gonna head out as soon as I finish this paperwork to get a head start.”

“You never answered my question,” Megan speaks up. “Are you ready for this level of commitment?”

“Little late for that, don’t ya think?” Eric mumbles. “She’s ready to pop anytime.”

We both ignore Eric. Megan walks around my desk, kneels in front of me, and clasps my hands. “Just because you’re having his baby doesn’t mean you have to jump in with both feet.”

I don’t even hesitate. “Yes, I’m ready. This is what’s best for Peanut.”

“Are you absolutely sure this is what’s best for you, what you want?” she asks again.

My thoughts are in turmoil as I struggle with answering. Sure, Spike and I have had our ups and downs in our short whirlwind relationship. The fault lies at both of our feet for not communicating. But these last couple of months, we’ve worked hard to overcome everything that’s happened, and not being with him fills me with dread.

“I’m going to be right where I’m meant to be,” I state firmly. “I can’t imagine not having Spike near me every day. I feel… whole when he’s there.”

A huge smile spreads across Megan’s face. “You love him,” she states, conjuring up the conversation we started during the rock-climbing trip… the one Spike interrupted.

Love? Admiration and gratitude because he stepped up, yes, but love?

I let my thoughts wander as the last couple of months with Spike filter through my mind like a projector.

“Omigod!” I whisper. “I love Spike.”

Megan stands, pulling me out of my chair, and engulfs me in a hug. “Finally.”

I step back, my eyes narrow. “Whaddya mean, ‘finally’?”

Megan gestures to Eric. “We’ve known for a while now,” she says smugly. “We were waiting for you to catch up.”

How did I not see this? Holy shit… I love Spike.

A tear slips free, and Megan swipes it away. “No tears,” she proclaims. “This is a happy day. You’re having a baby, moving in with the man you love, and getting a much- needed vacation from this place.”

“Very true,” I grin. “Too bad you can’t say the same.”

Megan swats my ass. “You’re evil.”

I sit back down in my office chair and finish the last of the paperwork. As soon as I’m done, I turn off my computer and grab my cell.

Me: I’m heading out to start packing

Spike: Finishing up, be there soon

Me: Be careful. See ya soon

Spike: Don’t do any heavy lifting

Me: No promises

Three little dots appear on the screen and then disappear before reappearing again. He knows I won’t do anything to jeopardize my health, but I love getting him all riled up.

Spike: I will tan your ass red. You won’t be able to sit for a week

Me: I’m still waiting on handcuffs. You don’t scare me. Unfulfilled promises

Spike: Baby, don’t tempt me, or instead of packing today, I’ll spend the day balls deep in your pussy

I squirm in my seat. My panties dampen at the thought of fucking Spike instead of packing.

Spike: No response, huh?

Me: Guess we’ll have to see if you’re all talk or a man of action

I drop my cell in my purse, ignoring my pings. Megan’s phone goes off. She picks it up and throws her head back, howling.

“You’re in so much trouble.”

“Not me,” I feign innocence.

“Yes, you,” she teases. “Spike said to tell you that you better limber up, and he found a pair of handcuffs.”

“Kinky.” Eric bobs his brows suggestively. “What kind of sex games do you play, Ivory?”

My cheeks flame. “And on that note, I’m outta here.” I glance around the office, tears gathering in my eyes. “You’ll come to visit?”

Eric embraces me. “Try and stop us.”

“I expect daily updates,” Megan demands. “Spike better call us when you go into labor.”

“He will,” I promise.

“Go get your man!” Megan hollers.

I don’t need to be told twice. Giving a small wave, I head to my car.

My face hurts from smiling so much as I pull into my driveway. I hum Apple’s song Soul of a Saint as I unlock my front door and step over the threshold. I drop my purse on the entry table and turn toward the living room where Spike has already taped up several boxes to get me started.

When my eyes land on the person standing several feet away, my legs lock in place for a brief moment due to shock before pure red-hot anger burns through my body.

“Aubrey!” I gasp. “What the hell are you doing here? And how the fuck did you get into my house?”