by M. T. Ossler
In the middle of our kiss, I hear the door open. One of them clears his throat breaking our moment, I turn to see Gator closing the door.
Ace walks to me and hands me the two boxes I sent him to retrieve. One, small black velvet box and the other a long rectangle box wrapped in a metallic silver paper with a pink bow in the center.
“What are these?” Bella asks as she wipes her tears away. Her smiles returned to her beautiful face making me chuckle a little at how she lights up.
Her beauty radiates beyond this room.
For a girl who grew up with everything money could buy, she sure loves when I give her a gift. Any kind, as long as it’s for her.
“These, Princess, are two very special gifts for you.”
I hand her the big box first. “I’ve been holding on to this one since your birthday. I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”
I never gave her the kutte for the 4th party because I knew the guys would see her with me and leave her alone. And it just never felt like the right time.
She takes it from me and tears into the box in seconds. The guys and I laugh at her enthusiasm and childlike nature. I can’t help but beam myself from the look on her face. She’s happy and excited at this moment.
Once the box is open, she stares at what’s inside with an animated sequel that pierces our ears. The look on her face of pride and the tears roll down her cheek make it all worth it.
She resembles the girl I left all those years ago. A young, happy, innocent and a vibrant girl. La mia bella Principessa that I’ve been missing.
She takes her kutte out of the box staring at the back. ‘Property of’ is on the top, our club Dragon on a Harley in red, gold and black in the center and my road name ‘Beast’ on the bottom. Her official ol’lady kutte, making her mine officially in the club, forever.
She hugs the kutte to her chests and looks at me with the most stupendous smile on her face. The pride, love, and adoration shining from her eyes are making me what to be giddy like a school girl.
“It’s just like yours. Does this mean I’m finally yours now in the eyes of your club?” The look on her face as she says these words fill my heart with hot lava about to explode with happiness.
It tells me she adores it and she’s honored to be part of my world. Her emotions are infectious to the room with her megawatt smile that shines across the world.
“You’ve always been mine, Princess, since the day you were born. But yes, in the eyes of the club you are officially mine. Also, this shows the other clubs that you’re our club property, my property. We still have to get you inked.” She nods accepting as she slides her kutte on. She looks amazing wearing my brand on her back. I can’t wait to fuck her with just that on.
Now, it’s time for the big question. The question that’s going change everything between us. The make it or break it kind of question. The most significant life changing question.
“Princess, as I told you before in the eyes of the club you’re mine. It’s a commitment much like a marriage; we’re forever,” I say pausing a second to compose my thoughts.
“Since Jules made that call and you came back in my life, I knew I’d never be able to let you go ever again. I also knew one day we would be married when you were ready. And I would never want to rush you into something you’re not ready for. But with that being said, you need to know why I’m asking you this today and not waiting.
You need to think about what you're ready for and want. Anton wants you legally married to him immediately to take over the organization. And he can do this without your consent or presence.
“Your mine and I want to make this official today, not just because it will give him no way in hell of getting his grubby hands on you again. I want you to be mine officially in the eyes of God. I want to make it legal.”
The small black velvet box with my grandmother’s engagement ring is still in my hand. The ring that was intended to be hers, I just never thought it would find its rightful home on her finger in this lifetime.
She’s crying again, and I’m not quite sure how to proceed with this conversation.
In my heart, I know this is the right thing to do, but my head is saying this is too much to ask of her so soon. I don’t want to scare her away or cause her to panic. I’m at a total fuckin’ loss for words.
Then she grabs my shoulders in a panic as everything hits her. “Gio, I can’t go back to him and let him hurt me again or worse, Gigi. I won’t lose you again because of him. I won’t be able to live through any of it,” she says panicked and scared, the last part so low so only I can hear. I can see the fear in her eyes and her breathing is off the charts. Her tears are breaking my heart. She can’t think that I would ever let him get his hands on her again. Or let him hurt her or Gigi. I take her in my arms to calm her down, and she rests her head over my fast beating heart.
“Princess, he’s never going touch you again, I promise. Don’t go there, please. I wanted this to be a happy moment for us. I want you by my side forever. I never wanted to do this now but under these circumstances….”
I release her from my grip and kiss her forehead.
Then I take a deep cleansing breath and wait a minute before bending down on one knee in front of her still sitting on the table. I grab the ring out of the box and placing it between my pointer and thumb presenting it to her.
If this is going to happen, she’s at least going to have a unique and memorable proposal. A moment I won’t let be tarnished by that jackass. This is a moment just for us, the start of our amazing future together. I hope.
“Isabella Marie Castellani, I love you with my whole heart. I want you with me, by my side forever. I’m never letting you go again, so let’s start that life together today. Make me the happiest man in the universe and do me the honor of being my wife? Marry me, Bella?”
I stay frozen on one knee on the floor while I wait for her answer. I’m dying inside a little by the second because I’m afraid I’ve pushed her too far.
After a minute or so the silence is broken.
“The bastard is trying to have a judge declare you legally married to him by the end of the week. We need to cut his balls off before the finish.
“Bella, I know this isn’t an ideal situation, but with that being said, you know Beast loves you and wants to protect you, your sister and friends. There’s only one way to do that and guarantee your safety. We all know it’s the inevitable anyway for you two,” Ace says throwing his two cents in.
She listens to him speaks not taking her eyes off mine. She’s studying me to figure out how I feel. I don’t want her to get the wrong idea here because I do want to marry her, I just never wanted it to be this way.
I had a plan, I was going to propose to her by the lake at the State Park over a romantic picnic lunch.
That’s what she deserves, not here in the clubs meeting room. And certainly not to keep Antonio, that evil, conniving bastard away from her.
The room stays silent giving her a few more seconds. The only sound in the room is her heavy breathing. Her eyes never leave mine as she contemplated.
I wish I could see a glimpse of what she is thinking, just one little clue would help, but I got nothin’. I can tell her wheels are turning, though I just don’t know what direction she’s leaning towards.
Finally, a smile graces her gorgeous face, and she lunges at me sitting on my knee. She kisses my face all over.
“Ti amo, Giovanni Sebastiano Valentino. I’d be honored to be your wife. Yes, yes, yes, a million times yes, I’ll marry you!” She squeals excitedly.
My girl is so strong and always sees the positive in every situation and runs with it.
She doesn’t know it now, but she will soon, my girl just made me a better man by filled my dark heart with light from all her love.
My life is finally complete with her in my arms and by my side. For now anyway, eventually having kids with her will be the ultimate accomplishment
.
I slide the ring on her tiny finger, and it fits like a glove. The place it was always meant to be, finally. My grandmother had little fingers just like Bella’s. Her jeweler called them kid-sized fingers.
“It’s beautiful. How did you get a ring so fast?” Bella asks curiously, and I have to laugh.
“Principessa, this was grandma Geneva’s ring. Before she died, she gave it to me and told me it was to be only yours, one day. I guess she knew we were soulmates and would find our way back to each other.”
The ring is from Italy, pure platinum a vintage style setting. The center stone is a 2.5-carat princess cut diamond, one carat total surrounding the center stone in a halo of pave round diamonds. On each side of the band is a single row of a five round diamonds totaling two carats, one carat on each side.
The guys congratulate us, and Ace fills Bella in on the plan for the day. Ace informs us that Jules has something special for Bella in the apartment.
She insisted on us holding off the ceremony until five this evening instead of three this afternoon. She wants to give herself and the girl’s time to prepare properly.
Tiny joins us in the bar to escort Bella to Jules apartment. I kiss Bella goodbye before she leaves me to meet up with the girls.
Chapter 15
Beast
As I sit here at the bar thinking about this tornado that has blown through our lives, I can’t stop myself from hating this a little for Bella. Not the way things should have gone down for her. For one: her parents should have been here for her on her special day. But since that’s impossible she should at least have her brothers here to give her away to me. It’s a shame I can’t make those things happen for her. I would give her the world to make her happy if I could. If only we could wait a few more days to do this shit right? That way her brothers or Cesare could be here for her? Unfortunately, time isn’t on our side because of that conniving bastard. This shit is all on him, and he will pay soon by my bare fuckin’ hands.
I’ll be taking that bastard out as soon as I can for all he has taken from my girl and her family. He won’t be taking me out or ever touching her again.
I’m sure Val and Romeo are already formulating a plan to finish him once and for all. He’ll be swimming with the fishes soon enough, and the guys will have their organization back where it belongs. I may not have a place with the Families anymore, but I will help them take back their birthright. I will also be the one to take that fucker out for good.
I’m making this vow to my girl right now. When this is all said and done, and she’s safe from him, we will plan the wedding of her dreams.
I’ll make sure Val and Romeo are here to give her away, she has the dress of her dreams, and all the other girlie shit she wants. I intend to keep this promise for her.
“Hey, man, I’m sorry how this shit played out for her,” Ace says with regret in his eyes as he slaps me on the back. I know he feels bad for Bella. I can see it written all over his face.
He knows I would never want to push her into anything. Especially if it may hurt her or set her back with all the progress, she’s been making.
She said she was okay with all this shit. I know this isn’t how she wanted any of this to play out for us either.
Unfortunately, this is the only way to keep that bastard away from her and safe. I just hope this all works out for the best in the end.
I love my girl more than she could ever fathom. She’s the love of my life, my heart, and my soul. I have always done what I thought was best for her. Granted, I was wrong before, and I’ll be damn sure it never happens again. I will spend the rest of my days until the reaper comes for my ass, proving to her how much she means to me.
“I know, man, I’m happy that she’s going along with all this shit. I can’t believe that by this evening she’s gonna be my wife,” I say shaking my head.
“I know she wishes her brothers here with us, I just wish I could make that happen for you. I will do this to keep her safe and far away from him,but I’ll be makin’ this up to her when this hurricane has passed.” I raise my beer to him and take a long pull.
When I place the beer back on the bar, I feel his eyes on me. He’s looking at me like he wants to say something, but he’s not sure how I’ll react.
“Say what you gotta say. It’s written all over face, brother.”
He nods and takes a long pull of his beer places on the bar, then looks down at it hesitating a second.
“No disrespect, bro. I know what she’s been through and survived. I also know you’re not fuckin’ her or anyone. Before she got here, you fuck any bitch that strolled through that door. She’s been here two months, and you haven’t fucked any of them. How much longer can you gonna hold out for her, bro?”
He needs to step back; this is none of his goddamn fuckin’ business. How dare he ask me about Bella and my sex life, or lack of for that matter? What the hell is his problem?
My temper is rising to my boiling point. I ball my hand in a white knuckle fist and control breathing to get my temper under wraps.
As much as I want to kick his ass, I won’t because he’s my brother and a good friend. I know he means well, but he’s gone too fuckin’ far this time.
“Back off! Brother!” I growl louder than I intended then take a deep breath.
“I would wait for my girl forever if that’s what she needed.” I give him a look to end it. He raises his hands to me in defense and backs off.
I’m done with this shit, I have something important to take care of for this evening.
“Take a ride with me, bro?” I throw my beer in the trash can behind the bar.
“Where to, brother?” I let out my breath relaxing the tension in my neck as I rub it out with a laugh.
“It’s my wedding day, brother. Let’s go see Uncle Bob?” Uncle Bob is an old timer of the club and owns a jewelry store. He’s the perfect man for the job. He should have the most appropriate rings that will fit both of us.
After a short ride to Uncle Bob’s place and a long explanation on why we’re there, he helps me.
He hits the nail on the head with our rings. My ring is flat black stainless steel in three diamond diagonal. I had him engrave her name, ‘Isabella Marie’ on the inside of the band.
Bella’s ring totals 2 carats of round diamonds in a half eternity band to match her engaging ring. I had him engrave my name, ‘Giovanni ‘Beast’ inside hers too.
I also choose a beautiful white gold channel set diamond bangle bracelet. The bracelet has eight .25 carat princess cut diamonds in the center. There’s room on the sides to add additional diamonds on special occasions.
It will always be the best for La mia bella Principessa.
We enter through the back when we return.
Ace decides to head up to the apartment to check on the girls. I give him the blue velvet square box with the bracelet inside to give to Bella for me. I want her to wear it for the ceremony.
Then I head to my room to change. Jules left specific instructions with Ace for me. One: I’m to wear a white, short sleeve, button down, dress shirt with black jeans and my kutte.
She knows Bella wouldn’t want a traditional biker wedding where she and I wear all black. But she knows Bella would want me to wear my kutte because she knows it is part of me. Bella will want to wear a white dress.
Once I’m dressed I head down to the bar, it’s 4:45 when I enter. I walk in, and I'm surprised to see the bar completely transformed. There are rows of chairs with an aisle in the center and an arch up front covered in pink and white flowers. A black runner is laid down the middle of the aisle of seats, placed for Bella to walk down to me on.
The guys really pulled through for my girl, and she’s going to love it.
I asked Ace earlier to be my best man and Blaze to a groomsman. I know Bella will have Jules and Gigi on her side.
The room is full of all my brothers, my family.
Surprisingly,
I’m not the least bit nervous standing here. I’m actually anxious and at peace with my decision for the first time in a long time.
I’ve wanted Bella for more than half my life.
Fate intervened drawing us together. Albeit not a good to bring us back to one another, but I finally have her back in my life, and she’s mine forever.
Not only have I pledge my love for her in the eyes of my club, but in a few minutes, I’ll be doing it in front of God. I never thought I could feel this complete and whole inside.
My heart is filled with her sun shining light, and soon my belly will be filled with some whiskey.
The day I left Bella all those years ago, left me feeling hollow, empty and dark inside. The second I laid eyes on her in that hospital room my heart filled with love, and I felt whole and not so dark inside. Like the pieces of my heart that had been missing for years was back. We are two pieces of the puzzle that have finally come home.
I will never let her go again. The thought of not having her in my life is suffocating. I crave her in ways I’ve never desired anyone or anything in my life, and not just for sex.
I’m going to tether her to me as we take this journey through life together.
We have this crazy wild connection even without sex, and I’m sure when I finally make love to her for the first time it will enhance our connection ten fold. It will be beyond anything I could ever dream of.
I stand here at the altar trying to imagine what Bella will look like walking down the aisle. Mom comes rushing in the room searching for me.
Oh shit, with all the craziness going on today I never thought to call her. Thankfully, my brothers have my back.
Mom gives me a kiss on the cheek and tells me Gator contacted her this morning filling her in on the whole tornado that’s been brewing.
Fortunately, she’s genuinely happy for us.
