Malicious: A Nomad Biker Novel (Raiders of Valhalla MC Book 1), Elizabeth Knox [best book series to read TXT] 📗

put and I’ll be right back,” I grumble, heading for the front door. It’ll be the first time I’ve spoken to Charm in two weeks, and I need to make sure I don’t piss her off in the first five seconds of her opening the door. That is if she even opens the damn thing. “When I get back, I’ll make you breakfast,” I call out over my shoulder.

“Yay,” Astrid squeals.

“Pancakes,” Emil yells.

“No, eggs and bacon,” Oskar puts in.

“How about all three?” I suggest and exit the house without waiting for their answer. I make it across the yard and up her front porch. Raising my hand, I make a fist and knock on her door before stepping back. I shove my hands in the front pockets of my jeans to wait. It makes me think about the last time I invited her over for breakfast and how completely discombobulated I made her.

She doesn’t leave me waiting for long, and I have to hold myself still at the sight of her looking damn gorgeous with her hair up in a messy bun cocked to the side somewhat. What really gets me, though, is the fact she’s dressed only in a light green tank top with turtle sleep shorts that barely cover her ass.

“Ugh, hey,” she mumbles almost as if I’d just woken her up.

“Hey,” I say, grinning in amusement.

“What’s up?” Charm asks, and it’s as if her mind finally wakes up and she goes into overdrive. “Are the kids okay? Did you need me to help with them?” Her voice is filled with panic.

I realize I’d fucked up again with her by not inviting her over to be around the kids. She’s as much a part of my kids’ lives as I am. Sure, I’ve somewhat had my hands full with learning this who being a full time dad thing and didn’t think to ask her over. Doesn’t mean I didn’t think of her. Or have the kids ask about if they were going to see her.

“Easy, Charm. They’re good. I’m here to see if you wanted to have breakfast with us and maybe go to the zoo. Plus, I needed to see if you know how to braid hair?” I mutter the last part.

Charm stares at me, baffled by my words and smiles. “I’m not dressed yet to go out,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest, attempting to cover her nipples I’ve already seen peeking out of her shirt.

“I’ve gotta cook breakfast still, so you have time to get ready,” I offer, hoping to get her to come with us. “Besides, it’s been two weeks since you really saw them besides at a distance,” I state, not at all feeling an ounce of guilt for using my kids to prod her into coming with us.

“Okay, fine, but you have to give me at least thirty minutes to get ready,” she mumbles while nodding.

“I’ll have it ready by the time you get over to the house,” I say, holding back the grin wanting to form on my face.

Turning on my heel, I head back to my house and start to cook breakfast for my kids and guest. I am feeling somewhat lighter. I don’t know what it is about Charm that makes me feel this way, but when it comes to her, the ache that I feel at losing Amanda is lessened.

I know Amanda and I weren’t together, but it doesn’t mean she doesn’t hold a part of my heart. She always will.

By the time we get to the zoo the kids are nearly bouncing in their seats.

Charm showed for breakfast and the kids were all excited to see her. When I told them she was joining us this morning, they all practically bounced off the walls. It shows me just how much they value her being part of their lives.

Glancing in the rearview mirror of the truck I’d bought, I spot her pulling into the spot right behind me as I pull through to the one in front.

I’d tried to get her to ride with us, but Charm said she had somewhere she was going later, so it was easier this way.

I open my door and Emil does the same on his side, hopping out. He makes his way to Charm’s car while I get Astrid out and place her on my shoulders as she asked me to. Oskar jumps out of the back on the passenger side and goes to stand on one side of Charm, while Emil stands on the other. Seeing her in her cut-off shorts and white tank top nearly did me in when she walked into the house, but now it’s ten times worse as she smiles just as brightly as my boys.

The five of us head into the zoo when Astrid asks if we can get ice cream before going to look at the monkeys. I agree and take them to the food court to get some. My phone rings from my pocket as I finish paying.

Pulling it out, I notice a text from Runes and frown. He knew I planned to do something with the kids today and he’d planned to come by later to hang out for a beer. Unlocking my phone, I pull up the text and have to clench my phone to keep myself in check.

I shoot him a quick text, tell him I’ll be there soon, and put the phone back in my pocket.

“Charm,” I call her name out even though I don’t have to. Not with her standing right here next to me.

“Something wrong?” she asks.

“Yeah, I hate to do this to you but I need to go. Can you do me a solid and watch the kids for me? I wouldn’t ask knowing you got shit to do later, but it’s important,” I mutter, needing to get out there to my brothers.

“Sure, I’ll finish taking them around the zoo then take them home,” she murmurs, nodding.

“Thanks, baby,” I say quickly and go