“You’re going to be okay.” Louie appears behind Snake and squeezes his shoulder.
“You don’t know that,” I say quietly.
“No,” Snake admits. “But I know you’re tougher than you think. And I know you’ll find a way to survive this.”
I want to believe him. Want to think I’ll come out the other side of this marriage still myself. But I know better.
The afternoon passes too fast. By the time we close up at six, my hands ache and my throat is tight with unshed tears.
Snake pulls me into a hug at the door. “You know where to find me if you need me. Anytime. For anything.”
“I know.”
“I mean it, Bonnie. You’re not alone in this.”
I nod and force a smile before heading out to where my Softail waits in the parking lot.
The ride back to the clubhouse is too short. I pull into the lot and kill the engine, staring at the building that’s been my home my entire life.
Four more days. Four more days of freedom before everything changes.
Inside, the clubhouse is busy with the dinner rush. Brothers at tables eating and drinking, and old ladies serving food. I try to slip past unnoticed, but my father’s voice stops me.
“Bonnie. My office. Now.”
Every head turns to watch as I follow him down the hallway. Whatever this is, it’s not good. The door closes behind us with a heavy thunk.
“Sit,” he says.
“I’d rather stand.”
His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t argue. “Tomorrow morning, you’re going to the Savage Legion compound.”
My stomach drops. “The wedding’s not for four more days?—”
“This isn’t about the wedding. It’s about their tradition.” He won’t meet my eyes. “They consummate before the marriage ceremony. Not after.”
The words don’t make sense for a moment. Then they do, and I want to throw up.
“You’re sending me there to fuck him before we’re even married?”
“Watch your mouth?—”
“No.” Fury burns through the nausea. “You’re literally pimping out your daughter, and you want me to watch my mouth?”
His face goes red. “This is their tradition and part of the agreement.”
“Part of the agreement.” I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “Did you negotiate how rough he’s allowed to be? Did you ask for a safe word?”
“Bonnie—”
“What kind of father does this?” My voice cracks despite my best efforts. “What kind of man sends his nineteen-year-old daughter to sleep with a monster?”
“The kind of man who’s trying to save his club!” He slams his hand on the desk. “You think I want this? You think this doesn’t destroy me?”
“Then don’t do it.”
“I don’t have a choice.”
