by Jennifer Ann
I nudge her lips open with mine and push my tongue into her mouth, sweeping it against hers until she’s moaning and holding my face like it’s keeping her from collapsing at my side. The kiss is just as fucking heavenly as the sight of her had been.
Reaching for her ass, I release a heady moan. “Climb on, baby girl. I’ve missed the hell out of that body.”
“Babe, we’re in a hospital room…with windows. Shit…I can’t believe I care after everything we’ve been through. At least in prison there were four solid walls.” Giggling, she leans in to kiss my forehead before sitting back on the mattress at my side. “How bad is the pain?”
“Manageable,” I answer. “What happened to Dryden?”
Her lips twitch with the flicker of a smile. “He took a shot right between the eyes. Died before the EMTs could do anything. Tatum told the cops she took him out after he fired at us. They’ve launched an investigation, but Tatum promises everything will work out in our favor.”
I close my eyes for a moment, relieved the nightmare has finally come to an end. It’s not the kind of justice I envisioned for my old man and Jack, especially when the club will never recover from the trafficking sting. At least the men who killed my mother have finally paid their dues. It’s a shame neither Alexa nor I had the privilege of ending Dryden’s life.
“Anyone else get hurt?” I ask, looking back at her.
“Nothing serious. Your friend Jace was pretty black and blue from trying to wrestle a gun from that guy Butcher, but the EMTs cleared him without making him come in. He and Phoebe rented a little place for the week down in Pass-a-Grille. I’ve been keeping them up to date by phone. As soon as you’re cleared for more than one visitor at a time, they want to stop by.”
Scratching my jaw, I’m surprised to find it covered in long stubble. “How long was I out?”
“Long enough to give me a good scare. They kept you heavily sedated for a few days to manage the pain. You were shot through a lung—it collapsed. The ambulance couldn’t have timed it any better, and they were able to focus all their efforts on you. The doctors said it was a clean shot considering that’s the only real damage to your body. They think you should fully recover within a month or two.” Her fingers twist around mine, squeezing tight as tears spring to her eyes. “I thought they were going to have to sedate me too. I basically lost my shit when I thought you were going to die.”
“No way I was going to leave you.” I brush my thumb over her knuckles, trying to talk myself down from a sudden burst of anger. I don’t even know why I’m angry, except that I hate having hurt her, even if it was beyond my control. “I’m guessing Tatum had everything under control after I checked out?”
“You have no idea. The cops arrested everyone on site. It was a media’s wet dream. There were politicians and business men hauled in, even a priest. They even made it in time to catch everyone at Spinner’s…including Kerissa.” She stops, tilting her head to one side as if waiting for me to become unglued with the news of my ex’s arrest.
Truth is, letting Kerissa go was one of the bigger oversights I made in all of this. I practically had to tackle her to the floor before she stopped stabbing him, even after he had stopped breathing. It didn’t take a shrink to see she had become completely unraveled. I guess I panicked, didn’t think she was strong enough to survive being locked up.
“How did Jace know where to find us?” I ask.
“I guess he knew something was up and followed you after you left Jack’s. Tatum saw him from a distance—she was in control of the situation from the minute Butcher hauled you two in. Turns out she had swiped your phone from Butcher long enough to send Jace a message. She knew if the cops arrived before the auction took place, the charges against Dryden wouldn’t stick. Your brilliant Marine buddies took over from there, made the arrangements for Jace to use Theo Roberts’s credentials so Dryden would take him seriously as a bidder. I’m not going to lie, it was hard to be around Jace after everything. When I thought he had legitimately bought me and Tatum at the auction, I was ready to rip his throat out the second we were alone.”
“Poor bastard never would’ve seen it coming.” I chuckle hard enough to feel the first serious flicker of pain strike my chest. It only serves as a reminder that I’m alive, and didn’t die in that warehouse alongside Dryden. “Lucky for him it didn’t get to that point.”
“We’re lucky he showed up when he did. Holy shit, Michael. What they did…I still can’t believe how it all went down. Once you’re cleared to leave, I plan to spoil the shit out of those two for putting their lives on the line the way they did. Phoebe hadn’t met a single one of us until that night. When I first met her I thought she was just drunk, but when I think about it I wonder if she’s actually certifiable.”
Chuckling again, I shake my head. “She’s in love with one of my brothers, and I’m in love with you. That’s just the kind of messed up shit we do for each other. Better get used to it, because those fuckers don’t back off for anything.”
Biting down on her lip, her eyes drift to our connected hands. “When I saw you and Jack in the back of the warehouse…I was in a bad place. Kerissa had me convinced that you only used me to get out of prison. I didn’t want to believe her, but she said you told her the same things when you were together…that you loved her and wanted to start a family. And then I wondered if maybe she came back the same time you were let out so you two could run away together. It scared the shit out of me to think I finally believed someone other than Tatum actually loved me, only to be burned by a con.”
“No fucking way. Baby girl, look at me.” I grip her hand tightly until her gaze meets mine. “I’m not proud of the way I used Kerissa to get back at her old man. It was only a fraction of how I planned to get back at him…by ruffling his feathers. I had no fucking clue that she’d actually kill him—that was never my intention. Death was too easy of an out for both him and Dryden. I wanted them both to suffer and decided the best way was to catch them doing something illegal that would put them in prison for life. Once they pinned Rambone’s murder on me, I knew that I had fucked things up too badly to turn back. Jack helped me get in touch with your office so I could find an attorney who would help me bury the club. So yes, I was planning on using you at one point, but that was before I had ever laid eyes on you. I had been corresponding with an old guy and wasn’t expecting someone like you. After we met I tried like hell to get you off the case, only you were too stubborn to back down.”
“I used you in a way, too,” she admits, her eyes shining with tears. “I convinced my boss to give me the case once I discovered you were a member of Dryden’s club. It took me years before I came to terms with what he did to me and decided I had to stop him. I didn’t know at the time he was still involved in trafficking. It made my job that much easier. But I was annoyed as shit that you turned out to be so handsome and charming. There was something about you I couldn’t shake. The minute I first laid eyes on you, I decided that I would save you.”
“And you did save me….in so many ways. You’re the true hero in this story.” Pulling her hand up to my mouth, I brush my lips across her soft skin. “Why didn’t you tell me you knew Dryden sooner?”
“Are you kidding?” With a hiccup of a laugh, she looks away. “I figured once you knew just how damaged I was, you’d run the other way and never look back.”
A dozen different responses come to mind, but they only come out as an annoyed grunt. Though it hurts like a motherfucker, I drag her down next to me and wrap my arm around her. Worry crosses over her expression until I press a kiss to her forehead.
“We’re both damaged in our own way, baby girl. Maybe that’s why we’re so perfect for each other. Maybe that’s why there was such a strong attraction between us from the very start. You’re the first woman I’ve ever loved, and the last. I know there’ll never be another one like you, and I don’t plan on making any more mistakes by letting you go.”
She props herself up at my side
and her lips quiver with a shy smile. “I love you too, Michael…maybe too damn much. The idea of caring about anyone this way scares the hell out of me. I have no fucking clue how to do the girlfriend thing. I don’t know how to go on living my life now that you’re in it.” Dropping her chin, she watches as her fingers drag over my paper gown. “And if we’re being completely honest, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to pretend anything interests me that doesn’t involve you naked.”
I chuckle and run my fingertips across her bottom lip. “Me either. But whatever shit life throws at us next, we’ll find a way to survive it…together.”
Lips bending with a smile, she wraps her fingers around my hand. “I hope you’re not keeping any more big secrets, because I’ve had enough shit thrown at me for one lifetime.”
“I’ll let you know if I think of anything, only if you promise to do the same.”
“Actually…”
Getting down on all fours, she wiggles her body as she lowers her mouth down to the side of my face, dragging her lip up the length of my jaw and stopping at my ear. Harder than I’ve been in days, I briefly consider taking her behind the door in the corner of the room, even if it’s just a closet and not a bathroom. Fuck whatever pain it would cause. I need this gorgeous creature ASAP, even if to prove I’m not a broken man.
Lips parting with a small, warm breath, she whispers, “Tatum may have taken the credit to keep me out of prison, but it was me, baby. I’m the one who shot Dryden. I did it for both of us.”
Thank fuck.
Revenge delivered by the hand of my girl? I’ll take it.
For the first time since my mom’s death, I may actually have a real shot at happiness. Nothing can ever break me again as long as I have Alexa.
Epilogue
Alexa
That saying about time healing all wounds? Total bullshit. But at least it finally healed Michael’s physical injuries faster than what the doctors had predicted—at least enough to clear him to get the hell out of the cesspool they call Tampa. It didn’t seem like all that long after the shooting before my apartment was cleared out in Miami and I had most of my things tucked away in storage.
In the blink of an eye, I was sitting next to Michael on a flight bound for San Diego. The original plan was to visit Phoebe and Jace long enough to let the nightmares of our past finally go to rest, but that’s as far as our plans ever progressed.
Michael insists we let fate decide when and where we go from California, although I’m not exactly sure what he means by that. We can’t continue to live like nomads on the beach unless one of us finds a job.
It was as hard as I expected to leave Tatum behind, but just because we’ve decided to leave Florida for a time doesn’t mean we won’t eventually return. And I don’t think it would take much to convince her to take a few days off to visit the west coast for a change. She seemed a little shook up until the major players in the trafficking ring were safely locked away, and I know for a fact that she hasn’t taken a real vacation in years.
Last we heard, Kerissa pled to insanity in regards to her father’s murder. It’s likely she’ll be sentenced to time in a mental health institution. Michael seems oddly at peace with her fate, although I still think she was mentally capable enough to serve her time in prison. Honestly, I don’t care as long as she isn’t walking the streets and doesn’t make any more appearances in our lives.
After spending a couple of weeks in a plain motel a few miles down the road from Phoebe and Jace’s apartment, the guys suggested a road trip. In hindsight, we should’ve been on to the strange way our men would almost giggle together like a couple of high school girls, but we chalked it up to the fact that they hadn’t spent quality time together in countless years. And since Phoebe and Jace had also recently avoided a deadly situation, we all deserved a little R&R.
The moment we rolled up in front of the upscale casino in Vegas and checked into separate suites, however, it was clear we had seriously underestimated their intentions. Michael whisked me out to our balcony overlooking The Strip where he proceeded to ask if I would be opposed to marrying him in a tacky little chapel that may or may not be surrounded by Elvis impersonators.
The proposal was the furthest thing from being elegant, especially since he was covered in sweat and noticeably shaking. And most women my age would likely scoff at his efforts considering he didn’t bother with a ring. But none of that mattered to me.
Most people would think it was ridiculous for us to exchange vows so soon into a relationship, but we aren’t most people either.
Having both survived Dryden’s reign of terror made us closer in ways time couldn’t. I know without any hesitation that our paths had crossed for a reason, and we were meant to find each other amidst the chaos of our complicated lives.
Discovering we’d be getting hitched alongside Phoebe and Jace didn’t surprise me since they’ve been engaged considerably longer than our fifteen minutes. I actually like the idea of preparing for our big day alongside the quirky girl with blue hair whom I’ve already included in my small circle of friends. Not only did she survive a childhood comparable to mine and Michael’s, but she’s not into the kind of girly shit that warrants an eye roll.
So once we’re standing outside the chapel doors, hair styled by the in-house salon, dresses courtesy of a thrift store a few miles off The Strip, bouquets of browning roses via some guy with a little dog peddling them around the corner, Phoebe and I eye each other before we both break out in hysterical laughter.
I was never one to dream about my wedding day. The notion of dreams died the day I was sold by the people paid by the government to care for me. Even if I had put any thought into it, I’m certain it wouldn’t have involved the sleek skirt and plunging neckline with rhinestone detailing on the shoulders. There’s no denying it looks pretty damn good on me, just as Phoebe’s short little number of layered lace does on her petite frame. Still, we’re not the traditional type.
“I feel ridiculous!” Phoebe confesses, tugging the straps of her mini dress.
“You think they’ll notice we didn’t bother buying shoes to go with our dresses?” I ask among giggle-snorts, pulling my skirt up enough to reveal my worn Converse high-tops.
“If MJ’s anything like Jace? They’ll only notice what we’re wearing for underwear.”
In that case, Michael will be pleasantly surprised.
Phoebe hooks her arm through mine and squares up in front of the double doors. “Let’s get this over with so we can skip to the part where we get stupid drunk.”
We’re met with a beautifully decorated hall in soothing shades of gold and tan, accentuated by intricate crown molding, wrought iron chandeliers, and large bouquets of bright flowers. I wasn’t expecting the ceremony to be so elegant, and suddenly feel foolish for not getting different shoes.
But with the discovery of the only other two people I’ve ever given a damn about waiting on the padded benches, I burst into tears and my face burns hot with embarrassment. Before meeting Michael, I wasn’t one for crying. Abusive foster families and being sold like an animal had taught me they weren’t worth the effort. Lucky for me, Phoebe also makes a little sobbing noise with the sight of a large man rising to his feet at Jack’s side.
Several yards ahead of us in the front of the chapel, Jace and Michael bump fists, chuckling. I narrow my eyes at my soon-to-be-husband, making it clear his little stunt won’t go unpunished. His cheeky smile’s wiped clean when his ravenous eyes slowly trail down my body. I take a minute to appreciate the tan vest he wears with jeans and a white dress shirt rolled to his elbows. Until now I’d never seen him in anything remotely dressy. The swell of desire swooping through me with the sight nearly knocks me on my ass.
As the man lifts Phoebe off the ground in greeting, Tatum rushes up to embrace me. Hair straightened, bright red, sleeveless tunic that dips down in the center to her belly button and shows the sides of her perfect breasts, my best friend is as sexy and glamorous as I’ve
ever seen her.
“Jesus, ‘Lex,” she whispers. “Pull your shit together before Michael changes his mind and takes me as his bride instead.”
With a cackling laugh, I squeeze her tight before releasing her. “Guess this means you’ve known about this day longer than I have.”
Her eyes twinkle when she says, “The smooth bastard even asked for my permission when he called. I’m not even joking when I say if you don’t sober up immediately, I’m taking your place. This guy is a rare gem…like some old-school southern gentlemen and my wettest dreams rolled into one smokin’ hot package.”
“Keep your eyes off my husband’s package,” I tease, punching her shoulder. “But seriously, you have no idea what it means to see you and Jack here. I don’t know that I could’ve done this without you.”
Her eyes roll to the ceiling. “Stop being so damn sappy. Of course you could. You just wouldn’t have had as much fun celebrating after.”
The big guy next to Phoebe dangles one arm off her shoulder like she’s a wall to lean on as she’s turning to us. “Tatum, Alexa, this is my dearest friend Kory. Jace invited him to join us all the way from Minnesota.”
Kory’s eyes widen on Tatum as we stumble through introductions. Soon Jack joins us, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “You look beautiful, my dear. Would you humor an old man and let me give ya away to my boy?”
“Jump on in, old timer!” Phoebe offers, holding her elbow out between us. “We’re in a hurry—there’s an entire city filled with lights and liquor calling our names.”
“None of us have been to Vegas before today,” I tell Jack as he slips into place with a chuckle.
“Something tells me this city isn’t ready for this crew,” he replies.
Cringe-worthy violin music plays over our heads as the other two return to their seats and we advance toward our men. Beneath Michael’s heated stare, my chest becomes tighter with each step. When Jack hands me off and Michael’s warm fingers slip over my bare arm, I audibly moan and Phoebe giggles. Though we’ve fooled around plenty since he was shot, we haven’t let loose to have the kind of wild, no-holds-barred fuck-fest we had in the safe house. Something tells me the second we’re married, Michael’s ready to remedy that.
