“Looks like we have a new Old Lady joining the ranks, brothers,” I say.
A cheer rings out and boots stamp as the brothers chant, “Red, Red, Red.”
Fucking love the brotherhood.
Red’s face breaks into a grin. “Thank you, brothers. Maestro is organising a cut party for this weekend.”
“Fucking awesome,” a brother shouts out. “Looking forward to it, Red. Congratulations.”
This sets off another round of hooting and hollering. We Wraiths love a good party.
Putting my fingers to my lips, I whistle to get them to settle down. When they do, I continue, “I’ll get the Old Ladies to sort out the food. Buck, if you can have the prospects stock up on booze.” When he nods his agreement, I turn back to the brothers again. “Family only for this one. If you have a significant other that’s not an Old Lady but would like her to come that’s fine but make sure they understand that their behaviour is a reflection on you. I’m not putting up with drama of any kind. Any issues and they’ll be kicked off the premises and the brother that brought them will be fined.” I stare around the table, meeting the eyes of each brother in turn. I need them to understand how serious I am. We haven’t had a proper party for a long time; this would be the first where we were allowing outsiders back in, and ground rules needed to be set because I wasn’t going to have drama in the club.
When they all nod their agreement, only then do I continue, “Tonight we’ll be over at the club bar welcoming Emily to the family, Queens Wraiths style. You’re welcome to join us. Any questions?”
When I get a resounding, “No, Pres,” only then do I pick up the gavel and slam it down. “Church dismissed. Ride safe, brothers.”
Church slowly emptied, I stood and followed the brothers out, locking the door behind me. Joining them at the clubhouse bar for a drink before leaving to pick Stacey up.
Lots of changes for the Wraiths in the last week. But the vote today was one that I welcomed.
CHAPTER 6
RED
Church over, I join the brothers at the club bar for a celebratory drink. I’m not sure why I’d been so nervous about the vote. I’m glad it is over now, though. That Maestro gave his blessing in church went a long way to the brothers knowing my family were good with Emily and me moving forward.
I don’t stay long; the urge to see Emily rides me. Leaving the clubhouse, I walk towards our house, slowing when I see the lights on. I’d got so used to arriving home to a dark house the last few years that seeing the lights on hits me harder than I expect it to. But not in a bad way. Until this moment, I hadn’t realisedhow lonely I’d become. It warms my soul knowing that Emily is in my home waiting for me.
Walking up the steps, I open the door and come to a complete stop at the sight that greets me. “Holy fuck, darlin’,” I whisper, biting my fist and wondering if we have to join the rest of the club at the bar or if I can keep her to myself. “You’re a vision,” I tell her, circling my fingers so that she can give me a twirl.
She laughs but does as I ask. She’s wearing black leggings that have a slight sheen to them, black knee-high boots with a three-inch heel, a tight-fitting tank top and over it a gauzy blue top with a wide neckline that hangs off one shoulder. The gauzy top shimmers in the light as she does a turn for me. Her hair is loose for the moment, hanging long down her back. Makeup is light, but she has some sort of shiny stuff on her lips, making them look more than kissable.
“You like?” she asks when she’s done a full circle.
“I more than like Em. I’m wondering if we can get away with not going to the bar.”
“Oh no, Old Man,” she says, sauntering towards me and placing her hands on my shoulders. With her heels on, she’s just a little shorter than me. “We’re going to the bar, Deck “Red” Ivor. We’re going to have a few drinks, I’m going to dance with the girls and shake my ass for you then we’re going to come home and I’m going to let you do whatever you want to me.”
Laughing, I press my forehead to hers. “Love everything about you, Emily but what I love the most is that you tell it like it is. I never have to guess with you.”
Emily shrugs a little, her blue eyes sparkling with both excitement and delight. “I learned a long time ago that it was better to speak my mind. That way there’s no way that you can be mistaken.” She’s silent for a minute and then asks, “Did you just tell me that you love me?”
“I did, darlin’. Never expected it to happen twice in my lifetime but then you came out of nowhere. Protective and ready to take on an MC to make sure your grandkids were okay and I fell hard and fast. I know you may not be there yet but us Ivors, when we know we know.”
Her eyes glisten, and she blinks, smiling softly. “I love that you have no problem letting me know how you feel about me, Deck. And yes, it’s early days but what I feel for you I’ve never felt for anyone else. I’m not sure why I was put in your path but I’m forever grateful that you saw something in me that no-one else ever has. I love you right back.” Emily presses a soft kiss to my lips. Our lips cling for a minute, and I can’t lie; I’m a little choked up.
We break apart, and I tell her, “Never thought I’d be lucky enough to have two soul mates. It’s an honour and a privilege to love you and I promise that I’ll always put you first; you’ll never have to second guess your place with me or how I feel about you.”
She smiles tremulously at me, and enfolding her in my arms, I hold on tight as she gives a little sniff.
“Ugh, you’re being way too sweet; you’ve made me cry,” she mumbles against my neck.
“Only for you darlin’, only for you. Now, how about we get this show on the road so that we can come back for the good stuff.”
She giggles, gives me one last squeeze and steps back. She’s a little teary, but she’s smiling, so I know she’s okay.
“Let me just braid my hair and we can get going.”
