He took a left and drove down the lane that led to the hotel. “You’re about to find the fuck out.”
As he said the words, the hotel came into view, and my mouth fell open at the sight before me.
Going by the sheer number of bikes and trucks parked outside the hotel, the entire club had turned up to meet and greet. The steps leading up to the hotel were packed full of people sitting and enjoying the afternoon sun. They’d probably been there for hours,judging by the volume of empty beer bottles taking up the surfaces.
“They’re here,” a voice screeched, and my head reared back when I saw Sunny and Kady Stone run out of the hotel doors holding a huge white banner with the words ‘Welcome Saint’s Rapture’ emblazoned across it in red paint with the smaller words underneath declaring, ‘We love you.’
“What the fuck?” I muttered under my breath.
“Word got around,” Blade explained, his jaw ticking as he rolled his eyes. “Told Prez it’s a security risk, but he couldn’t exactly turn the mother chapter away, could he? Breaker, Atlas, and Abe are here, wives and kids in tow. Cash’s ol’ lady has come too with that hellion son. Oh, and Tristan turned up, though in fairness, he was planning on visiting Anna anyway.”
The roar of Saint’s laughter inside the car cut through the moment, and I breathed an inward sigh of relief that she was taking all this bullshit in the manner it was meant, even though it was clearly the work of lunatics.
Blade glanced back at her approvingly. “You’ve got some fans.”
Saint busted out another laugh before replying, “Clearly. Just as well I brought my guitar.”
Even Blade—who hardly smiled—grinned widely as he drove the SUV into one of the spots close to the hotel that had clearly been reserved for the guests of honor.
I jumped out of the car and pulled the back door open, helping Talia out. Saint followed closely, and I took her hand as she stepped out of the SUV, glancing behind her as the car containing Jonny and Sam pulled up behind.
“You okay?” I asked.
She shot me a frosty look. “Depends. Are any of your fuck buddies there?”
I shot a look at Tia, Heather, and Arizona stood in a huddle. “Well...”
Saint let out a huff.
“Baby,” I murmured, pulling her closer. “Don’t be like that. Two years ago, I thought you’d fuckin’ ghosted me. Do you think for one minute I would’ve gone elsewhere if I knew what had happened? Jesus, you’re all I’ve thought about for two years. Looked for you in every woman I’ve come into contact with and found them all lacking in every way. Sex is sex, but with you, it’s more, so please don’t get it twisted.”
Her lips pursed, but at least she didn’t pull away that time. Instead, she put her hand in mine, nodded toward the crowd, and said, “In that case, I guess you’d better introduce us.”
One side of my mouth quirked, and I pulled her into my side, sliding an arm around her waist until my hand rested on her hip. “Come on. It’s time to meet the family.” I guided her toward the hotel, taking in all the excited chatter and expectant faces.
Hendrix walked down the steps to meet us, baby in arms, Anna by his side, and a sardonic smile across his face. “About fuckin’ time,” he drawled as soon as we were within earshot. “These assholes have driven me bonkers all morning.”
Saint’s eyes went to the crowd, and she blushed.
“This is Hendrix, Anna, and little JT,” I announced, turning to my woman. “Guys, meet Saint.”
Anna stuck her hand out. “Hi!”
Saint dropped my hand and waved Anna’s away before pulling her in for a hug, murmuring, “Jacob’s told me so much about you, and yes, it’s all good.”
I puffed my chest out proudly because that was my woman all over. No airs or graces, and no diva behavior. Just down-to-earth, good old-fashioned joy to be here, meet new people, and put them at ease.
“As you can see, Saint doesn’t stand on ceremony,” I told them.
Hendrix took in the scene. “Just as well ‘cause I give it five minutes before some fucknut says somethin' stupid to her.”
Saint pulled back from Anna and moved toward Hendrix, smiling down at little JT in his arms. “Same,” she concurred. “My drummer’s an asshole, too, but he’s a sweetheart when you get to know him.” She shot Jonny a wry look and then added, “Eventually.” She pulled a hovering Talia into the circle. “This is Talia, my manager and best friend.”
“Welcome,” Anna said, nodding toward me. “Can’t wait to get to know the woman who’s settled this one’s ass down.”
Saint laughed melodically. “He’s not so bad.” She dropped her voice as if she were sharing state secrets. “You just have to learn how to use sex as a weapon.”
Anna burst into a laugh. “I hear ya, sister.” She threaded her arm through Saint’s and pulled her up the steps toward the other women. “Come meet the girls and Tristan.”
