"But wouldn't that be giving the traitor, if there is one there, information they can use against us?"

"Not really. You're a very smart woman, Swan. You know what to say and when to shut up. I'm sure your dad trained you on hidden interrogation techniques."

Actually, he was right. If I fell back on my training, treated this like one of my dad's messed up tests, I could get through it. I wouldn't approach them like a woman meeting another group of women for the first time, like one of my teenage nightmares of rejection by the cool kids coming to life. I would treat this like I was interrogating suspects. Some steel returned to my spine and I was grateful that Smoke helped me find a way to deal with this.

Now I just hoped I didn't let him down.

I chewed on my lower lip while brushing my hair. "I don't know how helpful I'll be. I mean, I'm not the easiest person to get along with, and I'm not very good at schmoozing."

By not very good I meant horrible, but Smoke just shook his head. "Don't sell yourself short, baby girl. You're an amazing woman, smart, funny, and loyal to the bone. You'll be fine."

I watched in silence as he armed himself with a gun and a couple knives along with a pair of brass knuckles and a shiny silver Zippo lighter. "What are you going to be doing?"

"None of your business," He said it in a gentle voice, but I fucking hated those words.

"Why is it none of my business?" I gritted out through clenched teeth as I tried to keep my temper from flaring to life.

He obviously caught my tone because when he looked up while adjusting his shoulder harness his expression was guarded. "'Cause it isn't. You let me worry about handling my end and keep yourself alive. That is your number one mission goal. Live."

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down, but my anxiety level was getting higher by the moment. I could feel my inner bitch beginning to wake up as I began to go on the defensive.

"So I'm just supposed to trust that you're off taking care of business while I sit around and chat?"

I swore a chill raced through the room as displeasure tightened his features and goosebumps broke out over my skin. "You don't trust me?"

Uh-oh. Obviously, I had inadvertently struck a nerve. "I do trust you."

"Then trust me when I say it's none of your business."

My emotions were flip-flopping between being pissed and wanting to soothe Smoke. "You do understand that's really screwed up, don't you? That it's crap of the highest order? If I said that to you, I have no doubt you'd throw a huge hissy."

"A hissy?"

The humor in his gaze made me want to smack him. "You know what I mean."

Smoke's phone beeped, and as he read the message, his face closed down into a cold, unreadable mask. While he typed he spoke in a tight voice, "Look, I don't have time for your chick bullshit right now, Swan. Can't you, just once, do what you're fuckin' told without riding my ass about it? Shit, I'm tryin' my best to keep you alive, but I can't do it if you're gonna fight me every step of the way. If you don't trust me, it could get us both killed. Like I don't have enough of a clusterfuck to deal with right now."

I stood there in hurt silence while he gathered up his shit. The part of me that needed to please the people I loved in my life wanted to apologize, but my inner bitch was having none of that. It was taking all my self-control not to pick a real fight with Smoke right now, but I had enough sense to know that this wasn't the time or the place. However, that didn't mean Smoke and I weren't gonna have a conversation in the near future about what kind of shit I would and would not deal with from him. Like dismissing me as though I was a moron who couldn't handle the truth.

I sucked in a deep breath and willed myself not to cry. Did I really want to be with a man who doubted me so much? Did I want to spend the rest of my life with someone who hid things from me? Memories of Smoke holding me like I was his lifeline, the way he looked at me, how sincere he sounded when he said he loved me battled with the fact that at times he could be a royal dick. I couldn't help but wonder if, in a screwed up way, I loved Smoke because he could be like my father, harsh yet caring. The ramifications of that thought scared me down to my bones, and I sucked in some deep breaths while staring at my reflection in the mirror and fighting off a panic attack. I didn't have time to freak out right now. It was an indulgence I had to ignore, because losing my shit right now could prove deadly. There was a knock on the door that startled me enough I dropped my brush on the dresser.

Before I could move, Smoke had his gun out and was standing to the side of the door. "Who is it?"

"It's Breaker."

Smoke holstered his gun before he opened the door and allowed the other man to stroll in. Breaker was wearing a faded Aerosmith t-shirt beneath his patched up vest and a pair of broken in jeans that flattered his lean waist. He gave me a quick once over, then turned his attention to Smoke. "You crazy kids ready to go?"

Smoke nodded, his attention back on his phone. "That tip we got earlier, any results?"

"Yeah," Breaker's gaze darted my way and then back to Smoke again. "We can talk about it at my house."

The men exchanged a look that was loaded with meaning only they understood before Breaker turned his charming smile on me. "You ready to go, doll?"

"Sure." I went to grab my helmet, but Smoke stopped me.

"You'll be riding with Breaker in his cage."

"My SUV," Breaker supplied helpfully at my puzzled look.

"What? Why can't I ride with you, Smoke?"

"Too dangerous, too exposed on my bike right now. I want you safe."

Obviously trying to lighten the situation, Breaker smiled at me. "Don't look so bummed out. I'll let you control the radio."

I shrugged, unable to form an answer for fear that I'd start crying over something as stupid as my feelings being hurt because I wouldn't be riding behind Smoke.

My man came over and gave me a soft kiss on the forehead. "Love you, be safe."

With that, I was left standing in the middle of the room trying to make sense of the events of the past few days, the here and now, and what was about to happen. With the way my mind worked sometimes, this was proving difficult if not impossible. I was good with straight logic, a whiz with numbers, great at calculating risks, but human beings utterly stumped me, and I hated how easily I was thrown off my stride.

Breaker ran his hand through his curly blond hair and sighed. "Girl, you gotta toughen up."

Those words cut through my scrambled thoughts, and I stood up straighter. No one accused Mike Anderson's daughter of not being tough. My breath hitched a bit, but I scrubbed at my face then busied myself with going through my pack. "Give me a second and I'll be ready."

When I grabbed my backpack with two of my dad's homemade grenades hidden in it, Breaker raised his eyebrows. "You don't got a purse?"

"My purse won't carry all of what I need."

The white lines around his eyes narrowed. "And what the fuck do you think you'll need at my home?"

"Never hurts to be prepared." Smoke's words about my lack of trust began to invade my thoughts, but I pushed them back into a corner of my mind to be dealt with later. If there was a later. "The people looking for me won't give a shit where I am. If they want me bad enough they'll come for me, and I have to make sure I'm ready for them at all times."

"Paranoid," he said with a small smile. "I like it. Makes it easier to keep you alive. Don't worry, my house is secure. You think I'd let anyone or anything near my old lady and kids?"

I tilted my head in acknowledgement. "Ready?"

We quickly made our way through the clubhouse, stopping a couple times so Breaker could introduce me to a couple different guys he called Enforcers. They treated me like I was a visiting dignitary, and soon, Breaker and I were going out the front door. I honestly had expected Smoke to be waiting for me on his bike, but only nature surrounded me as we got into Breaker's SUV. I buckled myself in and noticed a small, plush, pink panda on the floor of the vehicle. I retrieved it and held it up to Breaker with a small smile.

"This yours?"

He chuckled while we pulled out of the lot. "Toss it in back with the girls' other crap. I swear I clean their shit out of my cars constantly or it ends up looking like I have a fuckin' yard sale goin' on in my back seat."

The rough affection in his voice made me smile. "How old are they?"

"Eight, eleven, and fifteen." He gave a mock shudder. "All beautiful like their Mom."

I couldn't help but laugh, seeing shades of my father in Breaker in an odd way. "Oh, man, you're in trouble."

He sighed. "Don't I know it."

We were both quiet for the remainder of the ride, and I used that time to try to process everything that was going on or zoning out while I listened to the classic rock station Breaker had playing.

Around thirty minutes later, we pulled up to a really nice ranch house in a gated community with an amazing view of the mountains, and I blinked in surprise. This was a very pretty mega-home, perfectly landscaped, with a white Mercedes SUV in the drive along with a black Corvette, and a mini-van. Parked next to the Corvette was a motorcycle I was not familiar with, and I wondered if Smoke was already here and if that was his borrowed bike.

Breaker parked his SUV behind the white one and turned off the engine. He looked at me for a moment, studying my expression, before he said in a low voice, "Ain't none of my fuckin' business how my brother handles his woman, but I will say you gotta give Smoke a chance to figure things out. This shit with you is all very, very new to him and I know he's fuckin' crazy about you. Guy's crazy in general, but with you, he's a certified psycho."

I didn't disagree with this so I simply nodded, not sure what Breaker was getting at.

"Kid, one thing marriage has taught me is that communication is essential. You gotta listen to each other or you're never gonna work. You make him happy in a way I've never seen so I want you two to work. Even if you do turn him into a madman, you're good for Smoke, and it's obvious to everyone that he worships you. When a man is that wrapped up in a woman, he doesn't always think rationally, and sometimes he'll say stupid shit, but that doesn't mean he doesn't love you. Just means fear is running his mouth. Plus, you two are still learning each other. I've been married to my woman since we were seventeen, and I feel like I hardly know her even now. Show a little kindness to the man while he figures out how not to be an asshole."

My mind flashed to the clothing that his sister bought me and how much it meant to me when I realized that he understood he'd fucked up, and apologized in his own way by having her buy me some amazing outfits.

"Here we go. You ready to meet the old ladies?"

Before I could respond he was out of the car, and I had no choice but to follow him. The front door of the picture perfect home opened, and I half expected Donna Reed in all her pearl-clad glory to come stepping out. Instead, the auburn haired woman who greeted us was probably an inch or two taller than I was and blindingly attractive. She was dressed in a pair of black yoga pants and an oversized, stylish blue shirt along with Kermit the Frog socks, and she glowed with happiness. I swear she reminded me of Tawny Kitaen back when she was hot. As soon as her gaze landed on Breaker, a genuine warmth sparkled in her eyes that matched her bright smile. Her love for Breaker beamed from her like sunlight, and I wondered if that was what I looked like when I looked at Smoke.

Tears filled my eyes even as I scolded myself for acting like an emotional flake. We walked up the steps, and the woman gave me an odd look before she said to Breaker, "What did you do to make her cry?"

He actually looked panicked, and I took pity on him, not wanting to get his wife upset by a misunderstanding. "It's okay, he didn't do anything. Smoke was just acting like an asshole earlier."

I winced as the words poured out and waited for the stare that would silently ask if I was mental.

Clear, loud laughter poured out of the redhead, and there was nothing but understanding humor shining in her eyes. "Oh, honey, they're all assholes. No wonder he was so pissy when he pulled up a few minutes ago. Come on inside, everyone's on the back porch."

She ushered me in, and I noticed she didn't try to shake my hand or touch me in any other way. The home was as pretty on the inside as outside, decorated in bright, modern colors, and I could faintly hear women's voices coming from somewhere deeper in the house. The redhead turned to me with a smile. "My name's Cathy, and I'm a friend of your sister's."

"Hi, I'm Swan," my voice faltered, "I'm...I think I'm still Smoke's old lady."

She cut her gaze to Breaker and frowned. "What's going on?"

Breaker sighed and rubbed his face. "Young love between a stubborn woman and her pigheaded man. Not that we would know what that's like. They're good, trust me, Smoke is totally pussy-whipped."

With a giggle and a fond look at her husband, Cathy shook her head. "I've been waiting for years for Smoke to find the right woman. It'll be nice to see someone stand up to him, but I'll warn you now-that man is stubborn."

Breaker made a disgruntled noise. "I'm going down to the basement. Try not to fill her head with too much bullshit, and send Smoke down when you're done with him."

"Prick," Cathy said in a low whisper as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

They exchanged a long, lingering kiss that made me feel like I was intruding on their privacy. When their lips finally parted, Breaker whispered something in her ear that made her laugh, and she smacked his thick bicep before he let her go. She whispered something in his ear and giggled again when he growled a response. I wished Smoke was here. Pathetic but true. I felt so lost without him. I realized I was being very, very melodramatic and oversensitive, but I couldn't help it. Considering Smoke was my second boyfriend-maybe my first, because I couldn't count a guy who used me to cover up the fact that he was gay as a true relationship-I was way behind the curve ball on experience in a romance and dealing with new people in general.

Cathy smiled at me and said in a cheery voice, "Come on, honey. I've got us set up in the solarium and we have lots, and lots of booze to drown your sorrows."

"Thanks."

I trailed after her as she led me through the lavish home and into a solarium filled with plants in delicate, ornate pots. There was a comfortable seating area with a low glass table loaded with food and a rolling cart filled with alcohol and mixers. Overhead fans kept the room cool, and the vast windows were tinted enough that it cut down on the sun's glare.

Two other women sat around the table while the third was mixing a cocktail at the small bar on the other side of the room, while talking with Smoke. They were leaning close together, and Smoke had a smile on his face as he looked at the pretty blonde who grinned up at him. My jealousy began to roar to the surface. I managed to choke it back down after I noticed the large diamond ring on the other woman's finger as she poured some champagne into the crystal flute sitting in front of her, which contained what I assumed was orange juice. That didn't mean I was keen on the way she casually touched Smoke-not in the least-but I managed not to launch myself at her and rip her hand off his arm.

Jesus, I had to get a fucking grip before I started attacking any woman who even looked at Smoke.

Smoke seemed to sense my gaze on him. He quickly scanned the room until he saw me standing in the doorway, staring at him and the woman now sipping her drink and studying me with dark hazel eyes. She was a cute blonde, but not a threat. My gaze focused on her hand that appeared to brush against Smoke's firm ass and my fists clenched.

My attention was taken from her when Smoke crossed the room in three big strides, then lifted me by my waist to give me a devastating kiss that left me a little flushed by the time he released me. That delicious warmth curled through me, but I tried to not be distracted from my anger by his sudden demonstration of affection.

All too aware of the women watching us, and wanting to put on a united front, I reached up and buried my hands in his curls, tightening my grip enough that it must have stung as I whispered, "We're gonna have a talk, later."

His smile faded, but he nodded and leaned forward, forcing me to gentle my grip on his silky curls as he rubbed his nose over mine. "Later, when I can properly spank your round ass. Love it when your skin is all red and warm."

I snarled at him, but he laughed-the bastard-and gave me another gentle kiss before he turned me to face the room and wrapped me up in the warmth of his strong arms.

"I gotta go handle some business, but I wanted to introduce you to my old lady, Swan."

They all squealed and started talking at once, each expressing how happy she was to meet me. As I studied their faces, the pretty black woman in jeans and a red t-shirt, the blonde with dimples to match her cute smile who'd been talking with Smoke, and a dark-skinned brunette with full, red, painted lips, I tried to spot something that would tip me off as to their true intentions. I was pretty sure they were friendly. Still, my normal-or was it abnormal-reserve made me hang back.

In a stark contrast to their cheerful greetings, my hello was rather cold.

Smoke kissed my temple then released me. It took a great deal of effort not to cling to him, but when he whispered, "Remember your mission," I found the strength to let him go without too much pouting.

Cathy, who seemed to be a born hostess, gestured to a vacant chair, and I gratefully sank into its padded surface, nervous now that I was alone with these unfamiliar people. The other women arranged themselves around the table as the pretty black woman introduced herself as Sheena, the blonde as Alisha, and the woman with the full red lips as Bettie. Then Alisha poured shots for us and brought them to the table, handing me one then passing the rest out. As I studied the clear liquid that I was pretty sure was vodka, I slumped into the seat, worrying about Smoke while they introduced themselves. I was so nervous my answers were only one or two words.

The other women must have been talking to me for a bit before Cathy tried to get my attention. "Swan?"

I jerked, almost spilling my drink, and looked up to find them all watching me with confusion. "Sorry, my mind is elsewhere. Please forgive me for being rude. Thank you so much for going to all this effort on my behalf."

"What's bothering you?" Alisha asked in a soft voice. I couldn't tell if her concern was genuine or faked.

"I'd bet it's that six foot four package of trouble downstairs," Cathy said with a soft laugh. "Smoke said you were very new to the MC lifestyle, Swan."

"You could say that," I said with a sigh, trying to get my mind back on track. I should have been the one asking the questions here, but I was simply overwhelmed and tense. Something was tickling my senses, but I couldn't say exactly what it was. Maybe it was just my unease with being in a new place with new people.

"Now," Sheena said in a low, smooth voice while toying with one of her shoulder length dreadlocks, "why is your man being a fucktard? We've all been in the MC lifestyle for a long time now, and we might be able to give you some advice on living with a biker. They're pissy bastards, but they're also some of the best men you'll ever come across."

My mind wanted to lay out my problems for them and hope they had an answer, but I didn't trust them. I felt like I'd somehow be betraying Smoke if I talked about out private life, so I settled for the obvious. "Sweet butts."

A collective sigh came from the table and more than one woman lifted her glass and drank.

Cathy leaned over and squeezed my leg, "Don't let those bitches and their useless drama get to you."

"Fuck 'em," Bettie said with a great deal of heat in her voice. "When Frame and I first got together they tried to rip us apart, jealous that I'd managed to get a man they considered theirs."

"Frame? Is that his umm....road name?"

Alisha grinned, "Yep. Don't ask how he got it. You really don't want to know."

I almost asked anyway, then remembered the fucked up ways these bikers earned their names. "Understood."

With a sigh Sheena sat forward and refilled her shot glass from the bottle of clear liquor on the table. "I don't know how much experience you've had with MCs, but sweet butts will always, always be a part of your world. Like cockroaches, as soon as you get rid of one, another will take her place. We ignore them because they really aren't worth our time, and we know our men are faithful. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of couples in our clubhouse where the man fucks anything that moves, but it's their business how they want to live their lives. Personally, Oak is my old man, my husband, and I let him know that if he screwed around on me I'd super glue his balls to his asshole. Some guys would have told me to fuck off and gone right on taking advantage of the free pussy, but Oak isn't like them, and I trust him."