“I’m serious as a fuckin’ heart attack.”
“And a heart attack is exactly what you’ll be getting if you hurt Amy.” Drummer steps up. “You may have taken my place, but I’ll still order a beatdown, and I’ll have brothers at my back who’ll jump to comply.”
“If I hurt her, I’ll deserve it,” Drew replies earnestly and sounding unconcerned. Then he nuzzles my neck and places a kiss there.
“We’re giving it a month,” I say quickly to Dad, trying to reassure him. “I’ve got to go back to Phoenix and close that chapter of my life.”
“You’re not claiming her?”
“I’d claim her now, but she’s not ready.”
As Drew’s deep voice booms close to my ear, I can feel the vibrations. What woman wouldn’t want to be claimed by a man she’s loved all her life? Perhaps I should admit that I am ready.
No. I need time.
“Well, fuck.” Drummer’s shaking his head. “I didn’t see this coming. Thought you were with that Xander.”
“I stole her away,” Drew admits, putting the blame on himself. “Perhaps it took seeing her about to put me out of her life forever to bring me to my senses. I’ve always known it was her, and I did what I could to make sure I didn’t lose her.”
Dad’s face is unreadable. Then he says, “Step away from my daughter.”
I gasp as Drew does so, watching Dad, trying to analyse his body language. I know violence is part of these men’s lives and fully expect him to hit his prez. Out of the corner of my eye I see the VP, Hawk, stand up. When he nods at someone, I see it’s at Hound.
Drummer steps up to Dad’s side, and behind him, is Peg.
Oh shit.Iknewwe should have been more subtle. There’s going to be a fight in the clubhouse, no one will let Dad get away with harming their prez.Will Drum stop it, or take on his son?What a clusterfuck this is turning out to be.
But as soon as Drew is clear of my body, Dad shows he’s got different intentions to those I had feared. He holds out his hand. When Drew takes it, he pulls him to him and slaps his back. “I couldn’t wish for a better man for my daughter,” he admits. Shocked, I see his eyes glisten. I suspect he’s realising I’ll be back and living on the compound. Then I see him take a step back and glare viciously. “You hurt her? Then you better prepare to meet Satan.” Almost immediately his expression softens again, this time when he takes Drew’s hand it’s to shake it. “Welcome to the family.”
It’s a signal for everyone to make their reactions known. Hawk and Hound step down, and join in with the hollers and shouts, stomping of feet, and banging of fists on tables. The noise is deafening as everyone shows their approval. Dad holds out his arms, and I step into them, hearing his voice in my ear, “Welcome home.”
When he lets me go, I see Mouse. His hand is firmly resting on Drew’s shoulder. “This sit right with you?”
“Oh, so fuckin’ right,” is Drew’s simple answer.
“Amy!” I swing around to find Mariana approaching. She’s got tears in her eyes. “I couldn’t be happier. You were meant to be together.” And then I’m engrossed in another hug, the first of many tonight. Well, from the women at least.
Whether it’s Drew being over-protective or whether he’s jealous, he stands by my side warning the men off with low growls emanating from his throat.
“You’re being a bit obvious,” I tell him, while deep down I’m relieved not to make my own excuses.
He pulls me into his body and speaks softly into my ear. “I don’t mind my brothers hugging you, Amy, but you stiffen when they get close. It’ll come, babe. You’ll get there. But for now, I’m keeping them away, okay? And if they think I’m just being ultra-possessive, I couldn’t give a flying fuck.”
I stare up at him in wonder. “I didn’t think it was possible to love you more, Drew.”
Suddenly Peg whistles loudly and calls out, “Sam’s just told me, dinner is ready.”
I hold Drew back. “Thank you,” I tell him softly. “I hate being like this.”
He holds my gaze for a moment, then places the gentlest of kisses against my forehead. “You’ll get there, babe. You’ll be okay. Now shall we get some plates while there’s still some food left?”
With Drew’s arm firmly around me, I step forward and join in what can only be described as a stampede as people rush to fill their plates with the delicious food the old ladies have cooked up. Well, I think it was delicious. I cleared my plate, but I couldn’t tell you what I’d eaten.
All the time I’m seated, Drew’s got his hand on my thigh. I can feel the warmth of his palm, and I keep sneaking looks at the handsome man sitting beside me, finding it hard to imagine if he has his way, we’ll be like this for the rest of our lives. It’s a heady thought, and one that’s hard to get my mind around.
“Hey. Ever wonder why Santa doesn’t have his own kids?” Joker’s loud voice cuts through the air.
“’S’pect you’re going to fuckin’ enlighten us,” calls out Rock.
