Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 78534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78534 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
It's exactly the kind of reaction I was hoping for, so luckily, I don't have to pretend that we're not going to fuck like rabbits after this.
There's a murmur through the crowd as I walk up, but all I've got eyes for are Tex, Ghost and Riot. Tex hops down to take my hand at the bottom of the altar and lead me up the stairs to stand with him and the others. "You look fucking beautiful," he says loud enough for everyone to hear. Ghost nods slowly, his slate gray eyes never letting up a moment. Riot's still shocked.
When I get close enough, I whisper to Riot, "You're going to catch flies like that."
He laughs and puts his big hand on my hip. I feel a little bit claimed already.
"Well, boys, you went and did it,” Hellfire grumbles. “Somehow you convinced her to put up with all three of you. For good. You must be fucking amazing lays, that's all I can imagine, and I don’t want to imagine that hard. You don't see a lot of ladies interested long term in the Sons. They love coming here for danger and fun for a while, but they never stick around. I know you know what you're getting into, Jessica. More than most, but it gets rough around here. Just as Bonnie.”
I glance her way, and find her looking grim. She nods briefly. But I can't back out now. I don't want to. "I know," I say, barely loud enough to be heard. The idea that I might someday lose them terrifies me, but not as much as trying to live without them. It just feels so right. So louder, I add, "But I'm not going anywhere."
Hellfire nods as Tex grabs my hand and squeezes it. He turns and grabs a leathery bundle off the altar that he holds. "Good. You guys are lucky to have found someone who's willing to put up with your shit. If I ever, and I mean fucking ever, hear that you boys mistreat something that fucking precious, I'll come right on over and tear those damn patches off you myself, before I kick your asses out of the club. At the very fucking least. Clear?"
"Clear," Ghost says for all of them. Tex and Riot nod.
Hellfire hands the leathery bundle over to Ghost. “By wearing this, Jessica, you are carrying the name of the Outlaw Sons and are expected to show loyalty to both the club and your men, just as by claiming you, they will be responsible for you so long as you bear their patches. Do you understand?”
I nod. “Yes.”
Ghost smiles, like an actual big, real smile, and it only makes it even more obvious how amazingly handsome he is. Him and Riot and Tex. Then he holds up the bundle and lets it unfold. It's a leather jacket, shiny and black. He turns it so I can see the back.
In the middle is the Outlaw Sons logo. Over the top, it says "Property of" and around the bottom, it says "Ghost, Tex and Riot." Then he turns it again and holds it so I can put it on.
I pull my shawl off so it doesn't get bunched up under it and hand it to Tex. Then I slip my arms into the smooth leather until I'm all the way in. When Ghost lets go, it settles on my shoulders. "It fits perfectly."
Riot grins. "Got a little help from Bonnie."
I turn around to the crowd just as Hellfire declares, "Make a little noise for Jessica, the first old lady to claim three Outlaw Sons at one time. Welcome to the club."
And everyone cheers. The members, Mom, Bonnie, Anne, whose high pitched voice cuts through all the men's rumbling, even the Screaming Eagles and Mila. And I feel so loved, in a way I never thought I could. That I never thought I would. I'm the most protected girl in the whole city, and I'll sic my bikers on anyone who tries to tell me otherwise.
43
JESSICA
I used to hate the holidays.
It's been a year since I stood in Victor's beach estate, not daring to hope for freedom, but just hoping to live to the next year. And the universe answered. Ghost, Tex and Riot charged into my life, guns blazing and shattered my entire world. Who'd have thought they’d be the ones to help me put it back together, better than I could ever have hoped for?
We’re gathered at Bonnie's, with a real Christmas tree, complete with presents, eggnog, decorations, so many blinky lights I almost want to switch my regular glasses out for sunglasses. And I'm part of it. I can barely believe it myself. This isn’t a life I ever would have imagined. It’s so much better. I’m surrounded by people who actually care about me. I know how much work the boys and Bonnie put into making this right, and I love them so much for it.