Undaunted (The Kings of Retribution MC)

Finally caving, she agrees. “Okay, I’ll go. Promise me you won’t leave me hanging by myself with a bunch of bikers.”

“Promise,” I smile.

I’m in the kitchen with Lisa and my sister cleaning the kitchen and preparing for the spring BBQ the club throws for the families every year. The guys are outside doing all the grilling today. From what I’ve heard, it turns into a big competition every year between Quinn and Reid. I can’t wait to see that.

“Lisa, if there isn’t anything more you need me to do, I want to head upstairs and change.” I tell her, looking down at myself.

“I’ll finish up in here, sweetie. Go on and get prettied up for your man,” She encourages, with a wink.

Once upstairs, I quickly change into some black leggings and a comfy lightweight flannel that I can roll the sleeves down on later if the temperature changes. Springs around here changes by the hour but typically stay around the upper fifties. I bought the top while out shopping with Alba and Mila Friday afternoon. I pair it with some tan combat boots and pull my hair up into a high ponytail. Logan likes my hair up away from my neck. He enjoys coming up behind me and placing kisses just under my earlobe, so he can see goosebumps prickle my skin.

I’ve been looking forward to this BBQ ever since Logan and the guys started talking about it a few days ago. Mila and her daughter coming too adds to my excitement. I also get to meet some of the other members and their families today, along with Logan’s dad and brother.

I walk over to the bedroom window and peer outside. Our window has a view of the back of the compound. Scanning the yard, I find Logan building a huge bonfire for later tonight. I hope his dad and brother show up today. It was a huge step on his part to invite them, and I’m happy he did.

As I’m coming down the stairs, Alba is walking towards me. “Oh, there you are. I was coming to tell you, Blake just let Mila through the gate.”

“Great! Thanks, Alba.”

I walk outside just as she’s pulling her little girl out of her car seat. She even wore the new sweater dress I talked her into buying for herself, along with the kickass boots she is wearing.

“Hey! We were just about to get things started. You showed up just in time.”

Taking

Ava from her, I sit her on my hip. At the same time Logan, Reid, and Quinn come walking around, carrying some lawn chairs and coolers. Mila stands a little closer, as they walk up.

“Jesus, Bella. What the hell do they put in the water around here? Those men are hot.”

Ava clings tight to my shirt as Logan steps up and kisses my forehead.

“Ava, Mila, this is Logan.”

Logan smiles, “Bella talks about you and Ava often. Glad you could make it.”

“She’s told me a lot about you too,” Mila quietly remarks, cutting her eyes at me with a smile. I give her a poke in her side, silently telling her to be quiet. Besides my sister, whom I tell everything, I also talk to Mila sometimes too.

“Oh, and this is Quinn and Reid,” I point out who is who in the process.

Ava decides she has been ignored long enough and cheerfully proclaims, “Mommy, he’s pretty!” Pointing her little finger right at Reid. Causing all of us to laugh, including Reid who shakes his head and chuckles.

Mila smiles as a blush creeps up her face while she tries to avoid eye contact with Reid.

“Ava, it’s not nice to point,” she tries to explain to her three-year-old daughter.

“But, Mommy, he is,” She says looking serious. I’ve got to give it to the kid, he is nice to look at. Especially with his bright green eyes, tanned skin, and hair the color of honey. It always looks like he’s just rolled out of bed. But Reid makes it work.

Logan bends down, kissing my lips. “Gotta go, babe. Why don’t you take your friend out back, introduce her to the other members and their families, and come find me soon.”

“I will.”

Gathering up all the things Mila brought, we head around back to where the men are firing up the grills and setting up the tables. Other kids are already playing in the grass blowing bubbles and playing with various other toys.

“I’m really glad you came, Mila.”

I visibly see her shoulders relax, and a smile spreads across her face as she watches Ava run off to play.

“Yeah, me too,” she replies.