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speculations. She knew the rules. She could never go back.
    Voices eased into the kitchen from the other room. She pressed her hand to her stomach and smoothed her shirt.
    "Looks like club business is over." Jolene raised her brow and when Crystal remained silent, she added. "Good luck."
    Theresa wiped her hands on the towel and stepped over beside Crystal. "We mean that. It's good to have you back, and we hope you gain approval."
    She squeezed Theresa's arm. "Thank you," she whispered.
    The door swished open. Crystal turned and zeroed in on Raul. The sight of him filling the door, his gaze sweeping over her, checking out her mood, and then visibly relaxing comforted her more than even the other women's approval.
    What she wouldn't do was ask the question pressing down on her heart. She wouldn't lower herself to show concern while there were others present. Raul's sergeant in arms and VP stood behind him, studying her. Though she kept her gaze on Raul, she felt the heat of curiosity coming off the others in the room. They were waiting for her reaction. She'd freeze in hell before she showed any weakness and embarrassed Raul.
    Her whole life had been under the scrutiny of others. She knew how to hide her true feelings and thoughts. Only Raul made her fumble with her self-control.
    "Come here," he said softly, in that rich, smooth, accent.
    She walked the few feet separating them and stood in front of him. Not touching, but she hoped close enough when he gave her the news, Jolene and Theresa couldn't hear. She'd need a moment to prepare herself for the outcome.
    Raul tilted his head to the side, forcing her to look at him. "You're in like I promised you, mi vida ."
    Oh, sweet baby Jesus. She swayed toward him in relief.
    When he curled his hand around her neck and pulled her against him, she let herself mold against his hard body. She raised her chin and whispered in his ear. "Thank you."
    "Promised you." He kissed her lips, planting his claim, making her believe in anything he said. "You need to learn how to trust me."
    He'd take care of her, and she'd do whatever she had to do to remain in the club's good gracious. This time she wouldn't be foolish. She wouldn't worry about others. She would mind her own business and stay safe.
    "Keg's rolled out. Everyone needs downtime after the ride." Raul slid his hand down her arm and latched onto her fingers. "Help the other girls finish up in here, and then come out and join me when you're done."
    "Okay," she said.
    The men left the room. She blew out her breath while her back was to the women, taking two seconds to pull herself together. Then she turned and walked with her shoulders back to join Jolene and Theresa in preparing the rest of the food. They worked in comfortable silence as if the earlier tension between them had magically disappeared with the approval of their president.
    Between warming the tortilla shells for the tacos and finding a bowl for the grated cheese, Crystal hugged Jolene when her friend offered her open arms without a word. She squeezed her friend extra-long, thankful for the show of friendship. The acceptance that came with belonging to the Lagsturns came with an affection she'd never received from anyone. No matter her past discretions, having someone cover her back and accept her for today meant everything to her.
    She filled her arms with food-filled dishes and followed the other women out to the main room. She tagged Raul standing in the corner of the area talking to Big Joe, who got his name from his six foot seven size, and Duck—whose real name was Buck, but when you're part of a motorcycle club nicknames form and he was stuck with Duck.
    "Go ahead and put the shells at the end, Crystal," Theresa moved out from behind the counter, letting Crystal take her place.
    The bar, a homemade rough carved high table, long, thick edges, served the club during down time when the occasion called for drinking or like tonight after a meeting when families came to