Roman-1(Lane Brothers, Book 5)(13)

Miah grins and the situation dissolves so quickly, I’m left flapping my lips in the breeze.

“You assholes—”

“Now, now, Melissa darlin’, don’t go getting too upset. It ain’t good for babies and I won’t have my godson marinating in stress hormones or whatever that shit is Dr. Oz was talking about. Now you put old Bertha away and get your family another round on the house while me and the boys talk about this mess our town seems to be in,” Will says kindly, waving the Lane brothers to his table.

“Hoo, boy, that was more entertainment than I’ve had in weeks! I think I like it here. You hiring?” Tracy trills, leaning over to wrestle the gun out of my hands and back beneath the bar with a grin. “How about that beer and some girl talk while the Neanderthals talk death and cars, huh?”

I can honestly say that I’m running on empty as I finally collect myself and hand her a beer before popping a ginger ale from beneath the bar. Judith was right, damn her hide, I think as I swallow the chilled drink and it immediately settles my stomach.

Leaning in, I watch as the men start talking shop while Tracy just shakes her head and gives me a commiserating look.

“They mean well, but it’s impossible for them not to take over wherever they go.”

“Take over? They just walked in here as if they belong and shot down every plan I had!”

She laughs and toasts me with her drink before getting serious and giving me a long once-over.

“The only plans you should have right now are for you and your child’s safety, Mel. From what I heard from Jace, you have a bull’s-eye the size of China on your back.”

“I know that. You think I don’t know that, Miss Ex-FBI? I’ve been back at the bar for less than a day and Lon already had to shoot one of those idiots watching me.”

That was amusing, I will not lie. Even more amusing is the fact that not one person asked why I have people following me or why I’m not with Roman anymore. All they did was take care of the problem before ordering more beer.

Like I said, I’m safe and they’re all family.

“He shot…”

“Yup. The fool followed me so close, I felt his breath on my neck. He would have been just fine if he kept his distance, but Lon caught him trying to sneak up to the apartment Milton is letting me use and he took it personally.” I laugh, winking at her when all she does is gape before laughing so hard, beer shoots out of her nose.

“I think I like this place.”

“Yeah? You should see what they do when someone insults their women. Now that is a sight to behold.” I laugh, keeping an eye on the men even as I allow myself to enjoy this conversation.

This is may be the first time in almost a decade that I’ve spoken to a woman as more than just a courtesy, and I think I may actually like Tracy. She’s straightforward and about as primpy as a biker, just the kind of woman I like.

“Seriously, though, you realize they won’t let you stay here? You’re in danger. You’re pregnant with one of their blood and they just so happen to actually like you, Mel. You have to realize that they would never leave you to defend yourself while Roman is away.”

“Away? That’s how you describe the shitstorm we’re all facing? Roman isn’t away,” I hiss, losing my cool for the hundredth time today.

Seriously, this hormone stuff is killing me. I used to just shrug things off and at least control my temper, but now I feel like a boiling pot of ass-kicking fury.

I get mad about the smallest things lately, and let’s not forget that I am equal parts heartbroken and pissed that my dad was murdered and half the town thinks he offed himself!

“Mel, look, I know none of this is easy—”

“No it isn’t! I went and fell for a man who thinks he’s a one-man army and is likely to get his fool head blown off, and the Lane family is up my ass at every freaking turn! I want this all to be over so that I can at least just…”

“Assure yourself that the man you love isn’t part of a terrorist group bent on killing thousands of innocent people?” she asks shrewdly, looking at me with so much understanding, I find it hard not to just burst into stupid tears and unload my burden.

I’m not a sharer by nature, but all this stress and doubt is really starting to get to me.

“Tracy.”

“No, I understand completely. Believe me, I do, Mel. There was a rough patch there when I thought Miah would lose it, and poor Jace was almost convinced that…but we know better. Roman may not be making the wisest decisions, but he’s an honorable man.”

I feel a weight lift off me and I can breathe for the first time in a long while. She’s right, and just the fact that I harbored any doubt makes me feel so guilty that I want to cry and slap my guy for all he’s worth.