Bodie beams.“Yeah, woman.They’re yours.You can have as much shit as you want.”
They go on chatting about his tagging adventures.He tells her story after story.Every so often, he pulls me in on the ones I’ve taken part in to back up his ass because, at times, he still goes off the rails and needs to be reeled in.
Observing these two, seeing their bond, tells me that not only did I bring Lily into my world to make me whole, but I gave Bodie someone who gets him at a level not many people do.There’s a genuine friendship there.The chaos they could create together sorta scares the hell out of me, but it also brings me a measure of relief.Bodie is the brother I trust most.He’s more than that, though; he’s a brother to me in every way that matters.
Having him here, my own fucking savior to watch over her, if God forbid, I’m taken from this world, relieves me of the fear that she’d be alone, and if there is any rest to be found in death, it would be in this.Should the time come, they’ll watch out for each other.God willing, that will be a long time from now.But who’s to say?
CHAPTER 58
Navigate the perils of a danger zone if a glimpse of heaven is waiting on the other side.
Darkness settles, and most of the old ladies say their goodbyes, ushering kids home to bed.A few linger, embracing the rowdier side of MC nightlife.The party’s moved into the clubhouse now, and the shift is unmistakable—especially when a few dancers from the club show up.What surprises me most is that Raven is among them for the first time.A few more girls trail in behind her, all tight dresses and ready smiles, making it clear what kind of night they’re chasing.
It’s like the two worlds I’ve been straddling—the wild chaos of club life and this newer, calmer, more familial one—are crashing together right in front of me.
My stomach flips.Something feels off.
Maybe Finn just wanted to celebrate bringing me into the fold.When I think about it like that, it’s actually kind of sweet.
He’s telling me I belong by his side, whether we’re with his HOC family or the crazier side of the MC life.
Some of the members send their wives away while they play.Finn isn’t going to be one of them.That’s what this means, and it puts my soul at ease.
I lean on the bar, elbows against the cool wood.The faint scent of weed lingers in the air.A heavy bass beat thumps through the room.I tap my fingers against the side of my drink and take a slow sip.The whiskey burns going down, but does little to settle the buzz crawling beneath my skin.
Kendra slides onto the stool beside me.The wood creaks under her weight.She’s one of the few old ladies who’s gone out of her way to make me feel welcome, and right now, I’m grateful for the distraction.Her soft, powdery perfume cuts through the haze of sweat, smoke, and liquor.
She nudges me with her shoulder, lifting a fresh drink, condensation trailing down the glass.
“You doing okay?”she asks, as if she can sense the tension creeping into my muscles.She tilts her head, her dark eyes scanning the crowd.
“Nothing I haven’t seen before,” I say, forcing a laugh.I nod toward the growing crowd of clubpieces and HOC members on the far side of the room, where things are getting loud and a little wild.“It’s just… a lot.One minute it’s a family barbecue, and the next…” My voice trails off, and I gesture to the scene in front of me, where the mood has shifted into something else entirely.
Kendra chuckles, taking a sip of her drink.The ice clinks in her glass as she swirls it lazily.“Yeah, that’s the club for you.There’s never just one speed.You get used to it.”
Her words settle over me, and I smile, but my mind is still racing.My eyes drift toward the door, searching for Finn.He said he’d be right back, that he needed to take care of something, but time feels stretched without him by my side.
That’s addiction for you.Whether it’s a pill, a drug, or a person.Once you’re hooked, the absence of it forever gnaws at you.
And yes, I hate how needy that makes me feel.
“Here,” Kendra says, reaching over the counter and grabbing a bottle.She pours two shots and hands one to me.“Loosen up a bit.Might as well enjoy yourself.You’re the star tonight, after all.”
I don’t know what she means by that, but I take the shot to help settle me down.After clinking it against hers, we shoot them back.The cold liquid burns as it trickles down my throat, spreading heat through my veins.
Bodie appears out of nowhere, his usual flirty grin plastered on his face.He slides into the stool next to me, leaning in with that lazy, confident charm he’s got down to an art.
“Lookin’ a little tense there, Lil’.That’s not like you.What’s up?”he asks, his voice smooth, if not a little teasing.
“I’m fine,” I say, shooting him a look that’s both amused and exasperated.“It’s just… you know, something’s different about tonight, and I can’t put my finger on it.That and I’m still reeling about earlier today.I’ve never done that before.”
“Done what?”Bodie frowns, leaning closer, his voice lowering like he’s ready to uncover some hidden truth.
“Been on the family side of things.”I glance down, feeling the weight of the admission.“Even with the…” I hesitate, not wanting to name the Greenbacks here.“Well, you know.It was always the wild parties.Not barbeques and babies.”And yes, Bodie is well-informed about everything.So far, he’s the only one.Finn thought it best to test out our discussion on him first and see how Dozer might take the same news.
He frowns, “But it’s time, Lil.You’re not going anywhere, and you love him.This is his family, and by bringing you tonight, he’s telling us all that you’re his.For a HOC to do something like that… It’s significant.A game changer.He wants you here in every way you can be, and he just declared that to the whole fuckin’ club.
Kendra snorts into her drink, rolling her eyes.“Subtle as ever, Bodie.”
