Twisted Steel: An MC Anthology: Second Edition by Elizabeth Knox (top 5 ebook reader txt) 📕

ranching, drinking, you name it, we did it. His dad is the Prez of a small MC there. Of course, we prospected together, he goes by Bull, not only because his dad is Angus, but also, he’s known for being stubborn and going after everything and anything he wants.

“We rode the circuit together. I thought I met the girl of my dreams, Sadie. She was a barrel racer on the circuit too. We would hook up on the weekends until eventually, she moved in. Along the way, I turned blind and didn’t see she fell in love with Bull and he wanted her just the same. Who knows, she could have settled for me until Bull noticed her. I haven’t talked to either of them since I found out she was pregnant with his kid.

“I needed a new start and ended up here where the trucking was good and there was a spot to patch over to Battle Born. I took it and never looked back. Recently, Angus got ahold of me and wanted me to come back. He’s dying and wanted me to see him. While I was there, he brought up the past and I left. Angus wanted me and Bull to bury the hatchet. I left pissed off, had a few drinks alone, and decided to come home. I fell asleep behind the wheel.”

“So, you had a bad past and went home, got spooked, and wrecked your gorgeous truck. Do you still love this woman, Cowboy?” I don’t know why I want to know this. Maybe because I need to tell him the truth about me.

“No. I don’t think I ever loved her. At the time, I thought I did, but after I left, I saw it for what it was and I was happy I split. My friend, that stung even worse. He was my brother in every sense of the word to me. I was more pissed about what he did, than her.” He moves uncomfortably, trying to settle his weight to his other side.

Cowboy needs sleep and his pain medication. From the bottle, I shake out a couple of pills and hand him his water. The oven dings, and I jump up and get us each a plate of lasagna. I come back with our food and set his plate on a tray in front of him.

After a few bites, I add, “So, your mom wants to see you happy, and I mend two problems for you. She can stop worrying that you won’t settle down, and she won’t drag you home to nurse you back to health?”

“Exactly,” he says around a mouthful.

“There’s just one problem with this whole story I need to tell you.” He drops his fork on his plate and looks up at me. “Cowboy, when you and I met, I was in a wild phase. You were one of many guys I had been with—”

Cowboy lets a roaring laugh escape. “I’m not telling my mom that. I hate to break it to you, but I won’t be taking this thing between us too seriously.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but it is.

“I get that, but I have a reason why I’m explaining this. I’m pregnant and I have no idea who the father is. Sure, I could hunt a couple of them down and let them know, but you are the only one I planned on telling. It’s up to you what you want to do. I won’t make you take a paternity test. Or even find out if you’re the father. I won’t mention it could be you to anyone else. Only Jazz knows. I don’t want any drama. I’m happy to raise this kid on my own. But you needed to know, because I’m three months pregnant and I’m going to start showing soon.”

He stares at me, not even moving. If his eyes didn’t blink, I wouldn’t even know he was breathing. Different emotions run across his face so quickly, I couldn’t pick up on just one to focus on. Was he mad, sad, does he hate me now? “Cowboy, I know that was a huge bomb to drop. I’m not the type to sit on any bullshit, I lay it out there. You have all the right to process what I just said. When you’re ready or want to, talk to me about it. As for right now, I’ll pretend to be your girlfriend while your mom is here, okay?”

Cowboy

I’ve been the party guy, the man with a woman on his arm when I wanted. I stayed away from any real attachments because life was easier when it wasn’t real. A baby is very real. Angie grabs the remote and changes the game to some series. I’m not even watching—my head is just turning her words around and around.

Eating my dinner is better than exchanging any conversation, which seems impossible for me. By the time she’s cleaned the kitchen, exhaustion has swept me up and I’m thankful for it. “Come on, big guy, it’s time for bed.” Angie helps to pull me up with my good arm, but my ribs protest. Instead, she grips my belt, tugs me to her, and wraps an arm around my waist. Her petite body molds to mine perfectly.

When she has me in my room, I think she’s going to leave me to it. That’s not what happens at all. In the bathroom, she finds a new toothbrush and places toothpaste on both hers and mine. She hands me mine and starts to brush hers. I’ve lived with a woman and it was never like this, easy and comfortable.

“You’ll sleep a little better if you relax your muscles, I’m going to get you in the bath, and we’ll get you washed before bed.” Angie bends over the tub and my cock wants her all over again. She traces her way back to me and helps me out of the button-up t-shirt my mom bought for me and dives