“Maybe.”
“Listen, about Joanie.”
“Was she like your submissive?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then what is she to you? You liked her enough to invite her here today.”
“Was before I got a lead on you and yeah, she’s a decent fuck. Didn’t realize she thought what we were doing would lead somewhere. Wasn’t my intention to rub you in her face either, but she needed to know that a good time is all she’ll ever be to me. No one could compare to what I feel for you. You’ll see that right here at my side is where you belong. You’re it for me, Hazel. Always have been.”
“How can you sit here so sure after all this time?”
I hate that Joanie showing up has made her doubt me and her own emotions. I get why she’s questioning me on this, but it fucking sucks. All I want is to wrap her in my arms and hold on tight forever. “Because.” I lean in close. “There’s never been anyone in my life I’ve loved except you. No one I wanted to let get that close. No one I’ve ever needed. Craved like you.”
“How do you know that this is going to work? My life is in Nashville. Your life is here.” She throws a hand out, waving it toward the party.
“I could always ask to patch over to Kingpin’s club. Would do that for you.”
“You’d give up your life here for me? Just like that?”
“Just like that.” I kiss her sweet lips with thoughts of how to make us both happy running through my head. Hallow patched over without issue. It’d have to go to a vote before both clubs, but I could ask Jameson since he’s here and the national Prez. Wouldn’t want to go over Murder though. That’d piss him off. Hazel is his family. Doubt he’d be happy if I tried to take her away. Man has lost enough as it is. He deserves some wins. We all do.
Hazel’s tongue sweeps against mine in return.
“Stop overthinking this, yeah?”
“I’ll try.”
It’s gotta be good enough for now. I’ll take this as my own win too.
Chapter Fifteen
I stare at the woman who gave birth to me. She’s out on the dance floor pressed up against that Slick guy. We spoke briefly before the ceremony. The way he holds her and stares into her eyes, it doesn’t take a fool to know that he cares about her. He’s a handsome man with a gruff voice that I found soothing in a way. There’s a maturity to him. Like he has an old wise soul.
I’m not sure how I expected Lily to be in appearance. It kind of freaks me out how much we favor in the looks department. There’s no denying that we’re related. It’s like looking into a mirror of the future. Dark wavy hair. Curvy body with some meat on her bones. She has a gorgeous smile and kind eyes despite the scar that marks her face. I wonder if she was in an accident. She’s younger than I imagined.
I respect that she’s honoring my wish for distance right now. I’m sure she’s curious and part of me is too. However, the rejected little girl who hides inside me is still hurt. What if she rejects me all over again?
“C’mon. Let’s dance.” Holy drags me onto the dance floor.
I confess the scene around us though in a biker bar is romantic. Candles lit, twinkling lights, love songs playing loud. We blend into the crowd. I didn’t know bikers danced. I don’t know why I have so many preconceived notions about them, being here among them I realize they’re people like anyone else.
They still intimidate me slightly.
My own sexy biker pulls me in close smelling of the road, liquor, and tobacco. I breathe him in wanting to let the rest of the world burn around us as long as I have this. Right now, he only has eyes for me. Even though I’m completely out of place with how dressed down I am right now, I push away thoughts of not belonging. Because in this moment I belong here with Holy. With my Benicio.
I put my head on his shoulder as we sway to the music. Closing my eyes, I get lost in him and the soulful sound of Elvis Presley crooning over the speakers, “Can’t help falling in love.” I probably smell terrible, and there’s nothing more I’d love than a hot shower but in his arms everything fades away. The past. Everyone around us. He holds me tight whispering sweet nothings that I pray turn into something. From his lips to heaven’s ears.
He murmurs the lyrics completely out of tune, but to me it’s perfect. Pure magic.
We spin around the room dizzy and intoxicated by one another. I melt into him.
Nothing or no one can touch us. Except the song ends much too soon, the enchantment breaks, and we’re returned to reality. The one where I’m here against my will and there’s another woman who thinks she has a claim on him and his heart.
A harder, more rock song starts and Holy pulls me toward the buffet. “Need to eat something.”
He’s not wrong, we’ve not had anything since early this morning before we left Tennessee. He hands me a plate and starts piling some pasta salad and fried chicken on it.