Chapter 1
Devil
Dime: More than the fireworks are about to go boom.
Devil: Perfect. See you soon.
I glance down at my wife, press a kiss to her lips, then turn my attention to the sky. No one we've been around all day would suspect what we've just done—not after we’ve made a point of being seen. We started with a stroll down the midway before heading to this empty field.
"Happy birthday, America!"
I grin as kids race up and down Main Street in Laurel Springs. They’re decked out in flashing lights—neon or red, white, and blue. Some carry flowers, others wave flags, and a few just have simple glow sticks. The light dances across their faces and shimmers on the pavement. The Fourth of July has always been a big deal in the South—especially in small-town Alabama. I grew up on the Gulf Coast, where it was an even bigger celebration.
"I love those glow sticks."
I glance over at Dani and smile, slinging my arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. I drop a kiss on the top of her head before smirking and whispering low in her ear. “Babe, you want a glow stick? I’ll get you a glow stick.”
She kisses my cheek and gazes up at me, those warm brown eyes shining with a love I’m not sure I deserve. “You always give me everything I want, Dev.”
She’s not wrong. Except for my job, she’s the most important thing in my life. “And if you want a motherfucking glow stick, that’s exactly what you’ll have.”
My eyes scan the area, looking for the best way to get one. Sure, I could just buy it, but where’s the fun in that? Alongside the food trucks and craft vendors are booths with games—mostly designed to empty wallets. But I’m a grown man. I make my own money, and I can do what I want.
“Step right up! Win a prize at the water gun game!”
If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s shoot. Most people don’t realize it’s part of my training. I hand over my money, take a seat on the stool, and aim the stream of water straight into the clown’s mouth. My focus narrows. Steady hands. Bullseye.
“Go, Dev! Win me that glow stick!” Dani cheers, clapping enthusiastically.
The bell rings indicating that I’ve won.
“Pick one,” I say, nodding toward the wall of glowing prizes.
“Give me the flower,” she tells the booth attendant.
He hands it over, and she beams like I handed her the moon. Every time she looks at me like that, I question everything I’m doing.
“Thanks for winning it for me.”
I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her close. Dipping my chin, I kiss her—deep and slow, until my tongue slides against hers. When she pulls back, she slides her hand down my arm and laces her fingers with mine.
“I’ll win everything for you,” I murmur.
“I know. And I love you for it.”
Fingers entwined, we head toward the open field where Laurel Springs puts on its annual fireworks display. The sun is setting, casting everything in a warm orange glow. “Where do you want to sit?” I ask, scanning the crowd. “Storm and Lee are over there with… whoever they’ve picked up tonight.” I point toward a couple of blankets spread across the grass.
“Yeah, let’s go join them,” she says, tugging my arm until I’m following her. “Come on, slowpoke.”
“Hey y’all,” I say, nudging the edge of their blanket with my boot. “Mind if we crash here?”
“Of course not,” one of the women says with a smile.
Most women react that way to me. I’m used to it. So is Dani. She never takes it the wrong way. We settle in, and my eyes instinctively find the group of Laurel Springs PD officers standing near the entrance to the field. They’re watching us, as always. I smirk and wave.
The patch on my back paints a target there. One of the many reasons the cops like to keep tabs on me.
As president of the Saint’s Outlaws MC—Laurel Springs chapter—they’ve got plenty of reasons.
