He didn’t know exactly where they stood, but he wasn’t afraid of that anymore. He wasn’t afraid that he wanted more than Wilder because even if he did, he knew he’d take whatever Wilder was willing to give him. Even if it was only friendship. Everything was better with Wilder in his life. Everything.
He looked up at Wilder, unsurprised to find the man watching him already, something vulnerable flashing through his eyes before he cleared his throat.
“Would you mind giving us a moment?” Wilder asked the others.
Ezra disappeared back into the garage without a word, the door closing almost silently behind him. Kaz motioned for the few other bikers to head inside while Miles remained rooted to the ground, staring at Emmett as if he needed to make sure he was alright. He gave Miles a nod, but he didn’t move until Kaz grabbed him by the arm and gently tugged him toward the front door.
Emmett waited until they were alone before turning to face Wilder. Before he could thank Wilder for what he’d done, Wilder reached for him, fingers brushing tufts of hair away from Emmett’s forehead.
“I’m sorry I left. There were… some things I needed to understand,” Wilder said.
“And?”
Wilder’s lips pulled up at one corner, his touch soft as his fingertips brushed down Emmett’s jawline.
“I’ve been scared.”
When Wilder didn’t elaborate, his gaze locked on the fingers he was trailing down Emmett’s neck, Emmett cleared his throat and asked, “Of what?”
Wilder’s eyes rose to meet his gaze.
“Giving myself fully to someone. I’ve always been terrified of that, and this whole situation with Solo and Jane hasn’t made it any easier, but there is never going to be anyone I trust with my heart the way I trust you.”
“Wilder…”
His eyes fell closed as Wilder’s forehead touched his, fingers trailing down his jawline in a soft caress.
“I’m giving it to you,” Wilder whispered, making Emmett’s breath catch.
Wilder stepped back, a determined look on his face, though there was a quick flash of fear in his eyes. He pointed to himself, then closed his hands into fists and crossed them over his chest, and then he pointed at Emmett, mouthing the words as he signed.
“I love you.”
Breathing became harder, his heartbeat accelerating. He felt the first tear roll down his cheek, the second caught by Wilder’s thumb.
“I think I’ve been in love with you since the first time you danced with me,” he said in a near-whisper, his throat tight with all the emotions clogging it.
Relief flashed through Wilder’s eyes. “We’re doing this?”
Emmett nodded.
“We’re doing this.”
“Good.” Wilder pressed a soft kiss to his lips, pulling back just enough to whisper, “I love you.”
His chest felt lighter than ever, the joy in his heart making him laugh even as more tears rolled down his cheeks. “I love you, too.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Emmett
HE LEANED back in his chair, stifling a yawn. The screen in front of him was starting to get blurry. As much as he liked the graphics side of his job, he’d always hated the screen time it required. He preferred painting and drawing.
He looked across the room at Ezra. He was typing away at his keyboard, his attention on the code or whatever he was creating. He might be hacking into some bad guy’s bank accounts and donating the money to the local animal rescue, or he could be messing with his foster brothers in their endless war ofwho’s the better hacker. You never knew with Ezra.
The light coming through the windows was starting to dim. A surge of excitement rushed through him because he knew that meant Wilder would be home soon.
“I’m done for the day,” he said and pushed his chair back to stand, stretching his back until he heard a few relieving pops.
