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Making a pained expression, as if she would rather chew glass than ask the question, Natalia gestured toward the trays. “Would you like to give it to The Last Riders? Free of charge, of course.”
Happiness filled Arden’s face. “Are you sure?”
“As much as I dislike The Last Riders, I hate letting food go to waste even more.”
Arden grinned. “You do remember my husband is a Last Rider?”
“I’m sure he isn’t as obnoxious as the rest of them.”
“Depends on which day of the week it is,” Arden joked.
“Thankfully, that’s your problem, not mine.”
“I’ll help you get everything ready before you change your mind,” Arden offered with a laugh.
“I don’t want you to be late for your shift at the clubhouse. Go ahead. I have three more pans of lasagna and some garlic knots in the oven. I’m scheduled off for the rest of the night, so I can drop the food off on my way home.”
“I don’t want to make you go out of your way,” Arden protested.
“The clubhouse is only fifteen minutes out of my way. I’ll enjoy the drive.”
“All right, then. Just text me when you’re outside, and I’ll come get the food. Friday nights are busy at the club. They might trample you trying to get to it.”
“I will,” Natalia promised. “Go. I don’t want you to be late.”
Her guilt intensified when Arden pulled her into a tight hug. “Thanks, Mama. I appreciate you giving them the food. The construction at the clubhouse has put everyone in a bad mood. The food might be the pick-me-up they need.”
“You’re welcome.” The words tasted like sawdust in her mouth.
Watching Arden leave with a broad smile made Natalia feel terrible, right up until Marco came through the kitchen door carrying dirty dishes, reminding her that Wizard had wagered her body for a discount on a septic tank.
The biker’s attitude toward women needed correcting, and she was just the woman to teach him.
Confessing her plan to Arden would only force her to choose between their friendship and keeping a secret from her husband. Doom was one of Wizard’s friends.
There was no kindness involved in what she had planned for Wizard, or for any of his minions stupid enough to think she would have group sex with them. Her only reason for taking the food was to let them enjoy their last supper before she made laughingstocks out of them.
“Marco …” Natalia beckoned him over after he placed the dishes at the washing station.
“Yes, Mama?”
“I’m going to need a favor.”
The Last Riders’ parking lot was fuller than Natalia had expected. Glancing around the crowded lot, she started second-guessing her decision.
She had ridden the wave of her hot temper while planning her revenge, but carrying the massive food order out to her catering van only to discover it wouldn’t start had allowed her to take her fury out on the uncooperative machine. She’d been forced to use the new black van she had bought the previous day. She was still waiting to have it painted red and stenciled with the Mama Spaghetti’s logo.
By the time she had transferred the food and driven to The Last Riders’ clubhouse, her anger toward Wizard had fizzled out.
Finding a parking space in a corner of the lot, she texted Arden to let her know she had arrived. She decided to be the better person and go home, take a shower, and spend the remainder of the night scrolling through dating apps instead of making Wizard wish he were dead.
Getting out of the van, Natalia opened the side door. She was about to reach for her phone to see whether Arden had responded when she heard loud male voices outside the clubhouse.
“Damn, it’s hot in there,” one man stated.
“Someone’s working on the air conditioner,” another responded. “I hope they get it fixed soon. None of the women prospects will sound the horn. That’s my favorite part of Friday nights.”
“If that’s your favorite part of the night, that’s sad.” The first man laughed derisively. “All you can do is watch someone else eat pussy. It’s not like any of the women would call out your name.”
