“I like it. Lyric is all about the words,” says Highway.
“How does that make sense?” The men all ignore me as they nod in agreement with Reaper. “Gwen is shorter. I like beingcalled Gwen.”
Creed stands. “Lyric, welcome to the clubhouse. Be careful, and from here on out, you belong to Highway.”
“Wait!” Justice stands. “Why him?”
Creed smirks. “If you have to ask, you haven’t been paying attention.” He points at Highway. “Keep her safe. I need rest. Painkillers are wearing off, and this hurts like a bitch.”
“Hold on a minute. Do I get a say in all of this?”
The men exchange a glance before Creed says, “You could have gotten yourself killed by following the Khans.Wesaved your life, and because you are so eager to help, we’re going to let you.”
“No, it’s not that. I don’t mind helping, but why do I belong to Highway?”
Reaper laughs. “Maybe it’s not just Justice who hasn’t been paying attention.” He quirks an eyebrow at Highway. “You got this?”
He nods. “Yeah, I’ve got this.”
ChapterNine
HIGHWAY
As the others leave, either retreating to their rooms or vanishing into the night, Gwen remains lingering with me in the club’s dim light. Extending my hand toward her, I silently invite her, and after a hesitant pause, she intertwines her fingers with mine. We ascend the stairs, our footsteps echoing softly against the wooden treads until we reach my room.
“What are we doing?” she queries, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
I kick off my boots with a thud, then loosen my belt, letting my jeans slide down my legs before discarding my T-shirt. Gwen turns away, her gaze fixed firmly on the door.
“Feeling bashful all of a sudden?” I tease gently.
“Just because your friends have some archaic notion of ownership over women doesn’t mean I’m obligated to adhere to it,” she retorts, her words edged with defiance.
“Gwen—” I start, only to be interrupted by her cutting remark.
“Don’t you mean Lyric?” Her new nickname drips with disdain.
“I haven’t slept much, and I’m guessing you haven’t either. All I want is to hold you and drift off to sleep,” I confess earnestly.
She pivots back to face me. “Is that all?”
I can’t help but chuckle at her unexpected response. “Now you sound disappointed.”
A blush creeps up her neck, and she shakes her head. “N-no.”
Cupping her face, I kiss her lips and rest my forehead on hers. “Sleep, for now.”
“Okay,” she whispers.
Pulling back the covers, I get into bed. Gwen follows suit,shedding her boots and jeans before settling beside me. She rests her head gently on my chest, and when I wrap my arm securely around her waist, a sense of completeness washes over me.
With her warm body against mine and the rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing, it feels like coming home. At this moment, with her nestled close to me, there’s an undeniable sense of belonging. It’s as if the universe has aligned, and everything falls into place perfectly. And as I close my eyes, I savor the moment, grateful for the woman in my bed.
***
Pounding on my door wakes me, and Gwen sits bolt upright.
“What?” I yell through the door.
