by Rebel Hart
“What in the world are you guys doing here?” I asked breathlessly.
Instead of answering my question, though, the guys corralled us into the kitchen. Everyone perched where they could as Rupert and John stood at the kitchen counter, holding a wooden box in their hands. The box was massive, and my eyebrows rose in curiosity. Was this what Max had been talking about? The surprise he had for me?
“I have something for you,” Max said.
I nodded. “Is that it?”
His hand fell to the small of my back. “Part of me wanted to wait until tomorrow, before we left. But this can’t wait.”
I looked up at him. “I don’t understand. What’s in that box?”
He took my hands, gazing into my eyes. “You saved my ass, Dani. I need you to know that.”
“I know. I know I did.”
The guys chuckled as Max snickered.
“You took charge when no one else knew what to do. You concocted plans none of us in our wildest dreams could have ever concocted. And to do that with no one dying and barely any bullets flying around? It’s not something this crew has ever seen before.”
“I’m glad I could help, Max. Really.”
He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’ve taken to heart the words that the captain said to us. About this being a fresh start for the Red Thorns. I’ve clawed through some serious issues in this crew to try and get us on the gray side of good. And I plan on doing that again. I plan on making this crew as legitimate as it can be. A crew that benefits this community instead of striking fear into the hearts of the shadows of this place. But that doesn’t happen without you.”
I paused. “You’re kidding.”
Max grinned as he led me over to the wooden box. He flipped the tinted glass lid open and reached into the dark cavern. I froze in my spot the second he pulled it out. My hands flew to my mouth as tears rushed my eyes. As he held up the pristine leather jacket tailored specifically to my size, he flipped it around to show me the emblem on the back.
The Red Thorns crest, emblazoned in ruby reds and stitched together in gold.
“My God,” I whispered.
Max handed it to me. “Take it. Put it on.”
I took it slowly from his hand and ran the leather through my fingers. How could something so durable feel so soft to the touch? I blinked back my tears and ran my fingertips along the shining silver zipper. The porch lights caught the patchwork on the front of the jacket, making the entire thing shine as bright as the sun.
“Come on. Let’s get this thing on you,” he said.
Max helped me slip into the jacket and I zipped it up. I held my arms out, giving the guys a little twirl as they nodded their heads and murmured among themselves. Then, after I stopped, I looked each and every one of them in the eyes.
“Thank you. Every single one of you. For making me feel like I finally have a home.”
The men raised their hands over their heads and clapped. A few of them put their fingers in their mouths and whistled. I blushed as Max wrapped his arms around me, bringing me in for a solid kiss. And the second our lips connected, the thundering sound of boots stomping against the floor filled the space around us.
“Welcome to the crew,” Max murmured against my lips.
And as I clung tightly to his own leather jacket, I felt the rest of my future slowly slip into place.
37
Max
Rupert and John went all out for this thing. There were beers for everyone and a bottle of wine specifically for Dani. There was pizza and wings and all sorts of dipping sauces. Bones were being tossed into any cup or holding container around just to keep them off the floor. Music thumped and the guys took Dani out to their bikes to show off their own components. Their own designs. The individual ways they distinguished their bikes from everyone else’s.
And through it all, my chest swelled with pride.
The guys accepted her into the fold like family. They gathered around her while she told stories. They roared with laughter whenever she poked fun at me. She made small talk with everyone and genuinely listened to them. Something I knew the crew would come to love sooner rather than later. I stood back and watched as every man fought for a chance to speak with her. To pick her mind and ask her questions and tell her stories of their own families.
It filled me with pride that she was my woman.
My future looks very bright right now.
It was the first time those words had ever crossed my mind. And it was all thanks to Dani. Had it not been for our chance encounters, I’d still be doing my father’s bidding. Still running around behind him, begging for jobs. And while I knew getting our crew up and running in a different direction would take time, I also knew Dani was imperative in that switch.
She was imperative in the direction I wanted to take the Red Thorns.
Rupert nudged my ribs. “The hell are you thinking about over here, with that cheesy grin of yours?”
I snickered. “Look at how comfortable she is.”
He gazed out over the crowd. “You good with that many guys around her? Because I’m not sure I would be.”
“She saved them. She saved all of us. I figure one night for them to talk with their newest member before I start barging in is warranted.”
“But you’ll be keeping a strong eye on her, right?”
I chuckled. “That woman isn’t leaving my sight.”
He patted my shoulder. “There’s the Max I know.”
I paused. “She really fits in, doesn’t she?”
“Fits in? She could damn near run this crew, if you weren’t the president.”
“Trust me, she’s going to have her hands in this crew more than she realizes.”
“I take it you’ve got particular plans for us?”
I sipped. “Yep. And they all require her influence.”
“Why do I get the feeling that’s not all on your mind, though?”
I sighed as I looked over at him. “What the fuck is a woman like her doing with a man like me, Rupert?”
He laughed. “If you’re looking to me for an answer, I ain’t got one for ya. Because I’ve been trying to figure that shit out myself since I first met her.”
I shoved him. “Fuck off.”
He barked with laughter. “Hey, you asked. I simply answered with the honesty you say you always respect from your crew.”
“Yeah, yeah. Go take a hike.”
“Love you, too, bud.”
He raised his beer to me and I shook my head. But I couldn't help the grin that crossed my face. I watched Rupert go over and save Dani from the crowd of men still poking her for stories and details of the plot that unraveled. But I also watched her try to swat Rupert away. He refilled her wine glass and got her another slice of pizza. He couldn't pull her away from the guys, though.
And while I knew I’d have to do something about that later, for tonight, it was perfect.
Watching her interact as if she had always been with us was nothing short of perfect.
Rupert came back to my side. “In all seriousness, though, you two are a perfect match.”
I nodded slowly. “You think?”
“I don’t think, dude. I know. That girl is head over heels in love with you. I mean, a flat-out goner, know what I’m saying? She wouldn’t have risked everything she did if that wasn’t true.”
“You have a good point.”
“I have an even better one, too. Because I know you love her just as much.”
I nodded. “Yeah. I really do.”
“So you want my advice? Don’t overthink it. Because sometimes you just have to let life take the reins for a little bit so you can hold on and enjoy the ride.”
“She’s the only woman we’ve ever inducted, you know.”
“And she’s the perfect model of how dedicated any woman should be to her man if she’s going to be part of this family. She breaks and resets the mold, man.”
“That she does.”
Dani’s laughter rose above even the guys before she flopped down onto the couch. They all stood around her, and I saw a few of them keeping one eye out the window. Still watching. Still waiting. Still anticipating evil and mayhem to come rolling up to the porch. I liked the fact that they’d always watch her back. That my men would always have her safety at the forefront of their minds.
But my goal for our future was to create a new life for us all.
One that didn’t include constantly looking out windows.
“So you going to come join us, or what?”
John’s voice piped up at my other side and I turned to look at him.
“I will in a minute,” I said.
He nodded. “Good. Rupert? One of the guys is asking for you. I think our first keg has gone to shit.”
Rupert held his finger in the air. “That’s my cue! I got it, John. Just have the second one ready to go so I can quickly hook it up.”
I furrowed my brow. “You guys need any help?”
John held up his hand. “No, no. We’ve got this. You just enjoy the evening.”
“This is Dani’s evening. Not mine.”
Rupert shrugged. “She’s your girl, right?”
I snickered. “Damn right.”
John smiled. “Then it’s your night, too. So stop being an asshole of a party pooper and get over there.”
Rupert and John walked away, leaving my eyes to travel back to Dani. The guys parted, giving me a clear shot of her smiling face. Her eyes met mine and they twinkled with delight. I hadn’t seen her this happy since the first time I told her I loved her. I wanted her to be this happy for the rest of her life. I made myself a solemn vow to make sure that smile never dropped from her face for too long.
Then she patted the couch cushion next to her. “You joining me, or what?” she exclaimed.
“Yeah, Max!”
“Your girl’s getting lonely!”
“You gonna leave her hangin’?”
I chuckled. “I’d never leave her hanging. Ever!”
And as the guys let out a raucous cheer, I took my rightful seat next to my queen.
Ready to enjoy the party before we had to get out of here in the morning.
38
Dani
I slid out of my new jacket. “Holy shit. What a night.”
Max closed the bedroom door. “I expected them to stay late, but not ‘three in the morning’ late.”
“You let John and Rupert know that’s what happens when they get three fucking kegs of beer.”
He snickered. “I’m sure they already know.”
“Are you sure those guys are going to be good to drive?”
“Trust me, it would take double the kegs to take them out for the night. They’re good, I promise.”
I nodded. “Okay. But I think you should keep your phone on for the night, just in case someone calls.”
His hands landed on my hips. “Already thinking like one of the team, huh?”
I giggled as his lips found my neck. I sighed as he walked us over to the bed, making me fall onto my stomach on the mattress. His hands slid down my arms, softly pinning my wrists to the bed. And as he kissed down the back of my neck, I shivered beneath his body.
“Max, I don’t think I have the energy tonight.”
He gave my butt a small smack. “I know, I know.”
I yawned. “I’m sorry. It’s just--”
He stood up. “We’ve had a long day. Come here.”
He helped me off the bed before promptly helping me out of my clothes. We stripped one another down as he kissed me in random places. Like my ear. And my elbow. And my hip bone. I moaned softly at the feeling of his warm lips. I tangled my hands into his hair as his fingers danced against my legs. He helped me step out of my boots and slid my dress over my head. Within seconds, I was naked. And he quickly pulled one of his shirts over my torso.
“You like me in your clothes, huh?”
He pecked me quickly. “Always.”
I smiled as I watched him shed the rest of his clothes. My eyes danced over his muscles, taking stock of the thick lines that flexed for my viewing pleasure. Watching him get ready for bed seemed so mundane. So domestic. So normal. But in the best possible way alive.
I didn’t want to know life ever again without Max in it.
“Staring at me, huh?” he asked.
I blushed. “Can’t help it that you’re good-looking.”
He peered over his shoulder. “Trust me, I get the feeling.”
“You stare at yourself then, too, huh?”
He tossed his sock at me and I squealed. I jumped onto the bed to dodge it, but he threw his other one and it hit me right in the face. I yelped and grabbed it with my fingertips. I tossed it to the floor as that sweaty foot smell filled my nostrils. I faked a nice gag. One that made Max roar with laughter.
John started banging on our door.
“Can you two keep it down? The whole fucking block can hear you.”
I giggled. “Sorry, John!”
Max chuckled. “I’ll make sure my little noise machine stays quiet tonight.”
I scoffed. “Hey! That’s mean.”
He winked. “And it’s also the truth.”
I put my hands playfully on my hips as he walked toward me in nothing but boxers and that sly grin of his and wrapped his arms around my waist. He slammed me onto my back on the mattress, making my legs flail wildly. And as we wiggled our way beneath the covers, I rolled over so I could look at him.
“Ready for tomorrow?” I asked.
He scooted closer to me. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Are you ready?”
I nodded. “I packed up the rest of my things from my dorm and just kept them in the truck.”
“So you’re just going to take everything you own on this trip?”
I shrugged. “It’s only four bags.”
He paused. “You can fit everything you need and own into four bags?”
“I mean, yeah. Can’t you?”
“No. And we’re going to change that.”
“Max, I don’t need a lot of--oh!”
He pulled me on top of him. “I’m going to spoil you senseless on this trip.”
“I don't want your money, Max. I just want--”
He cupped my cheek. “I’m going to do it because I want to. And if I do it right, you’ll need two more bags to get your shit home. Got it?”
I paused. “Home?”
He smoothed my hair back. “Yes. Here. Home.”
I smiled. “You have no idea how happy that word makes me right now.”
He smiled back. “Trust me, I think I do.”
My lips fell to his and I felt his hands fist the shirt I was in. I straddled his pelvis, feeling his cock rise to the occasion. But he quickly flipped me back over. I went to squeal, but he clapped his hand over my mouth. My eyes widened as his eyes darkened, and I listened as a drawer opened to my left.
My voice sounded muffled. “Max?”
His face fell. “Tonight, you listen to me. Got it?”
I nodded. “Uh huh.”
He slid his hand from my mouth. “Tonight, I get to test your limits.”
“My… limits?”
He dangled leather restraints in front of my face. “Yep. All of your limits.”
I shook with anticipation. “What kind of limits?”
“You’ll see.”
He quickly wrapped the restraints around my wrists before sliding off the bed. I watched him dip down, attaching the leather thing to the bed somehow. He did it to my wrists and my ankles, spreading my legs wide. Revealing my bare pussy to the room as he stood there, reveling in his work.
“Mm-mm-mm. Dani. This position suits you.”
I giggled. “What in the world are you going t--fuck!”
His hand cracked against the inside of my thigh and I jumped. Then I watched him nod. He walked back over to that same bedside drawer and pulled out a ball attached to, well, something. And I didn’t even h
ave to ask what it was for.
Because once he pushed the ball into my mouth and wrapped it around my head, I felt him attach it to me.
“A ball gag, in case you didn’t know what this is. It’ll keep you quiet.”
I tried moving my lips. “I’m gonna slobber on myself.”
His eyes grew wild. “I sure as hell hope so.”
When he blindfolded me, I felt the smallest jump of panic race through my body. And Max must’ve seen it. His hand cupped my cheek and his thumb stroked my skin, slowly calming me down. I felt my body settle and my heart fall back into place.
Then I felt Max’s fingers traveling further down my torso.
“Max?”
My muffled sounds made him chuckle as my shirt slid up.
“Max?”
I heard something click before a buzzing sound started.
“Max!”
The vibrating toy pressed against my clit and my back shot up from the mattress. I bucked like a wild bronco against the sensations, devoid of Max’s touch altogether. My cheeks flushed with need. My legs quivered with a want for release. I gasped for air as spittle dripped down the sides of my cheeks as my entire body careened out of control.
Then I felt the bed dip down by my feet.
“Max,” I moaned.
I felt his cock teasing my entrance. My juices dripped onto him as he teased me with that toy. I yanked at the restraints, wanting nothing more than to touch him. Feel him. Rake my nails along his skin. But the restraints held me back. I heard him chuckling as his cock inched its way inside me. My legs locked out and my nipples puckered to painful peaks. Feeling him fill me as this toy tickled my clit was more than I could stand. And the second he bottomed out, my back arched with my first orgasm.
“Oh, we’re going to have fun tonight,” he growled.
I wailed through the ball gag. “Max!”
My eyes rolled back as he turned the toy up a notch. I lost all control of my body and my senses as he pounded ravenously into my body. I was at his mercy. Completely submitted to him as he played with my body however he wished. He bounced the toy against my sensitive clit. I bucked against his cock, meeting him thrust for thrust as I fell over into my second orgasm. Spit dripped down my neck. I felt my hair mangling and tangling around the blindfold as my body darted every which way, trying to figure out which way was up.
