The last time I’d seen Ryder was the night he’d broken into our house. I’d fallen asleep in his arms, at peace for the first time in years. And when I woke up in the morning, he was gone. He’d left the way he came. Silently. Unexpectedly.

I’d waited for Ryder to return every night since then, but he never came back. My heart ached, as if cold fingers gripped it and squeezed. The nightmares about The Incident were replaced by a fear that Ryder would completely avoid me now that he knew the whole story. He probably understood just how dangerous the situation was with Harrison, and had decided to move on.

That’s what I wanted, right?

We’d arrived an hour before the party started because Mia wanted to set up a few things. She had organized for a few other wives and girlfriends—or ‘old ladies’, as I'd just learned bikers called their women—to help her, and of course, I'd help too.

The square in the middle of the buildings was barren except for a few benches. It was so different from the lush gardens I was used to. No wonder Ryder and particularly Mia wanted to rent the house in Beverly Hills because of the child-friendly garden for the kids.

A few other couples were setting up folding tables, chairs, and umbrellas. The men were carrying large buckets filled with ice and drinks. Everyone was chipping in to set up the party. Except for Ryder. I kept looking out for him, hoping to see him, but nothing.

Mia introduced me to the people already there. They were welcoming and friendly, completely normal. Why was I so worried I wouldn’t fit in?

More and more people started arriving. I got really busy helping with the salads, and keeping an eye on the kids as Mia ran around ensuring there was enough meat and drinks to feed her extended family. Yet I kept listening for Ryder's voice. Disappointment washed over me. What if he didn't come to the barbeque? What if he was out with another woman? Damn.

Cobra introduced me to his brother, Razor. He looked just as mean and unyielding as Cobra initially had, especially wearing his cut and heavy biker-boots in spite of the weather. What was with that? Surely he didn't need to wear boots today? Around his forehead was a red bandana with skulls that made him look like a pirate. Yet, in spite of his appearance, Razor was really friendly, just like his brother. He was charming in an unaffected way.

“So, Jade, tell me about yourself. How did you become friends with Mia?” he asked as he helped me carry the bread rolls to the table.

I explained about the rental agency and how I’d sometimes babysit the kids, too. Razor laughed when I told him about the inspections I’d arranged because I’d believed there would be orgies and unsavory things happening at the house.

Razor had grabbed us each a cold beer, and we clinked the bottlenecks against one another. “Cheers, beautiful. You sure brighten up this place.” He grinned appreciatively while his gaze raked up my body.

Smiling, I was just about to thank him for the compliment when I felt strong arms fold around my body and draw me back against a hard chest. Ryder. I'd recognize his smell anywhere. And the tingle that went down my spine before I even saw his face meant my body remembered the feel of him, too.

“Back the fuck off my woman, Razor. This one’s taken,” he growled.

Razor’s eyes widened a fraction. “Hey, brother. How the fuck was I supposed to know that?” He held up both hands and laughed. “You never claimed a bit . . . woman before. Trust you to take the beautiful one.”

“Ryder,” I murmured, my breath hitching. His woman?

“She’s all mine. And don’t you forget that—at any time. I don’t want to have to kill you, brother.” He chuckled, but there was a seriousness to his tone that Razor couldn’t ignore.

“Well, then, why weren’t you here when she arrived?” Razor challenged.

Ryder pushed my hair aside and kissed my neck. It was such a possessive gesture, and I was taken by surprise.

“Maybe because Princess didn't tell me she was coming? Maybe because I was surprised as fuck to see her here. Wearing killer shorts that’s sure to have every dick around here hard.” His hand disappeared under my shirt and he stroked the soft flesh of my belly.

God. His warm breath on my neck . . . his possessive kiss . . . his hand stroking me . . . his husky voice. I could jump him right here, and not give a damn who watched. Instead, I giggled nervously. Like a damn teenager. A horny teenager, waiting to get laid. My pussy clenched as he turned me around to stare into my eyes.

“Hello Ryder,” I breathed, feeling his erection press into my stomach. God, my need for him was growing by the second. My panties were soaked.

His eyes burned into mine. “Want to tell me how come you’re here and I didn't know about it?” His voice was demanding, harsh even.

“Here you are. I was wondering where you were?” Mia walked over and slapped Ryder on the ass, like a big sister would. “I invited Jade. She’s here as my guest. So everybody play nice, OK?” She eyed Razor who had a look of astonished amusement on his face.

Razor laughed. “Sure, Sister. Well, I for one am glad Ryder has his own woman. That means he won't be going after the one I want. Meaning that I won't have to kill him.”

I'd nearly forgotten that Mia was married to Razor’s brother. It was sweet how he called her ‘sister’—I’d never have expected that from him. And now I was curious to know who the woman was that Razor fancied.

Mia squinted at Razor. “Wow, I'm gone for a few months and now you have your eye on somebody, too? Has Cupid been around lately, shooting a few stray arrows?”

Ryder rubbed my back, small circles caressing up and down my spine. I could hardly focus on the conversation. He was sending a clear message to every guy here that I was his. I couldn’t have been more delighted that he wasn’t afraid to claim me in front of everyone.

He dipped his head and whispered in my ear, his voice ominous. “I'm going to deal with you in a minute, Princess.” His warm breath left a trail of goosebumps on my skin. I wasn’t sure if I should be scared or happy. What I did feel, though, was a surge of energy rushing from my gut to my core, depositing more dampness onto my panties. Even my nipples tingled.

“Wet for me already, baby?” he whispered into my ear while squeezing my ass.

Sweet baby Jesus. I may just orgasm right here in front of everyone. I closed my eyes and pressed my thighs together. I was becoming a wanton slut. Ryder’s slut.

My eyes flew open when I heard a woman’s voice screeching.

“She’s Princess? Fuck me!”

I looked straight into cousin Lexi’s shocked eyes.

“Lexi? What the hell?” I gasped.

“Jade. What the fuck are you doing here? With Ryder practically dry humping you in front of everyone. Jesus, fuck. I didn't even know you knew him.” Lexi was pissed off. Big time.

My cousin was a spitfire. She wasn’t shy to say what she thought. I'd always had the opinion that she was a bit too outspoken, but she never cared what anyone thought of her. She’d always been a rebel, and Uncle Eric had his hands full raising her without a mother.

“I could ask the same question, cousin. The black hair? The tattoos and piercings? You look like a grunged-up biker girl. So different to when I last saw you at Christmas.”

Ryder drew in a breath. He let go of me and took a step backward, staring—first at me, then at Lexi, then back again—as if we had just landed from an alien planet.

His shoulders shook with laughter. “Well, fuck me running. I’ll be damned. So that’s why you looked so familiar, Sheila. You're Jade’s cousin!”

We both turned to him, glaring, hands on hips. Why in hell was Ryder calling my cousin Sheila? Had I missed something?

My eyes narrowed as I looked at first Lexi, then at Ryder. Was Ryder fucking Lexi?