Understatement of the century.
“It does,” Haven said. “But sometimes it also makes what you should’ve done really crystal clear. And that at least gives you a direction to go in.”
The words resonated with Alexa down deep and took a little of the weight off her shoulders. Nodding, she said, “Just got a little overwhelmed in there.”
Haven laughed. “They’re an overwhelming bunch.”
The affection in the woman’s words made Alexa smile. “That’s for sure.” She turned to Haven. “Do you mind if I ask how you’re connected to the Ravens? I’m just curious.” When Alexa had been with Maverick, Bunny; Bear’s wife, Margie; and Slider’s wife, Kim, were the women she most frequently saw around the clubhouse, with a few other wives and girlfriends pitching in for bigger events and on race nights. But Margie and Kim were both several years’ gone now. Alexa had seen their obituaries in the paper.
“Well, it’s kind of a long story,” Haven said. “My father was a bad man, and I ran away from him with Cora’s help. When our truck broke down in Baltimore, the tow truck driver turned us over to a gang in the city. A couple days later, we got rescued, and then the Ravens agreed to take us in until we figured out what was next.”
Alexa’s mouth dropped open. And she thought she’d been in a tough situation. “Oh, God, Haven. I’m so sorry. That’s terrible.”
“Best thing that ever happened to me,” Haven said, a little humor in her tone, but mostly it was clear that she meant it. “It led me to this place and these people. To Bunny, who’s become like a mom to me. And it brought me to Dare.” Her face went pink at the admission, and Alexa was kinda blown away to learn that Dare had a girlfriend. Back in the day, she’d never known him to be remotely interested in settling down. “And to making new friends like you.”
The words reached inside Alexa and made her see the Ravens through Haven’s eyes. As protectors, as heroes, as family. And that made Alexa realize again that in her grief and fear she’d focused on the wrong things five years ago. Or, at least, it felt that way now. She shook the thoughts away. Maverick was right. She was all about the future. “I could use a new friend.”
“Good. Then, would you like to see my trick to getting a big group of scary bikers to eat out of the palm of your hand?” Haven asked, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
Laughing, Alexa nodded. “You’ve got me curious, so, yes.”
“Come on.” Haven led her into the kitchen. The guys were bringing in their dirty dishes and stacking them in the sink. On the far counter, Haven pulled out two big containers. “My secret weapons,” she whispered, taking off the lids.
The most glorious smells wafted into the air. “My God, what is that?”
“Are you getting dessert?” came a voice from behind them. Alexa turned to find Phoenix Creed grinning at them. With all the time she used to spend out in the chop shop, she’d once known him pretty well. He was a jokester and a hopeless flirt and always made people laugh. Wearing a charming smile and a playful expression, he didn’t appear to have aged one day.
“You best stay back, Phoenix,” Haven said, pointing at the guy as if to ward him off. “You try to get a peanut butter cookie before Dare and I’m not responsible for what happens.”
“Aw, come on, Haven. Help a brother out,” he said, pressing his hands together like he was praying.
“You know that’s not an idle threat about Dare,” Alexa said. “Better listen.”
“Aw, you, too?” He clutched his heart as Cora joined them, a smile on her face and her eyebrow arched like she was trying to figure out what was going on. He put his arm around Cora’s shoulders and held out a hand. “Why do all the women around here gang up on me?”
“Uh, because it’s super fun?” Cora said, sliding out from under his arm and giving him a look.
“It really is.” Haven nodded.
Expression roguish as he came up behind Phoenix, Dare asked, “You hassling my woman?” His voice was stern, clearly unhappy, and he schooled his expression as Phoenix turned to him.
“Dude. Me? No. Of course not. Was I, Haven? Just ask her. I totally was not hassling her.” Alexa laughed as his words spilled out in a rush.
“You know, the longer you all chatter at me,” Haven said, “the longer it takes me to get everything ready.”
Phoenix held up his hands. “I’ll be out here waiting patiently. Like a good biker.”
“Sorry,” Dare said with a wink as he kissed Haven on the cheek. And stealthily snatched a cookie from one of the tubs.
“Hey!” she said, grinning and shaking her head.