“You’re on,” Jeanie replies. “I’ll start with my mum and dad, then we’ll move on to myuncles and aunts. Trust me, I’ve got stories for hours.”
My head is reeling by the time she’s finished filling me in on the O’Sheas and their history with the Crow MC. I didn’t realise I met her dad the night I tortured Lloyd, which is hardly surprising as I had other things on my mind.
Thea and I alternate between laughing and shaking our heads at Jeanie’s stories. By the time we get back to the clubhouse, my stomach is hurting because I’ve laughed so much.
So, yeah, today has been a good day, and ending it on the beach in the arms of a good man, watching the waves, is no hardship.
“What are you thinking about, darlin’?”
Nickel's beard tickles my cheek as I rest it on his shoulder. Turning my head, I tuck my face into the crook of his neck and breathe. A smile tugs at my lips when his lips touch my forehead. I love how free he is with his affection for me.
Needing to see his face, I turn and straddle his lap, draping my arms over his shoulders.
His bright green eyes meet mine, and the emotion in them once again sweeps me away. Nickel looks at me as if I’m his sole reason for breathing. It’s simultaneously heady and terrifying. I’ve never been someone’s beginning and end before—never been the centre of another person’s world like this. The weight of it presses against my chest, equal parts intoxicating and unnerving.
But after spending the morning with the Queens Wraith Old Ladies, I know I’m going to lean into the feeling. I’m done running.
“I had an interesting morning with Jeanie and Thea.”
His eyebrows rise in question. “You did?”
“Yep.” I lean forward and whisper in his ear, “They told me all about you Tin men and how you claim a woman as soon as you know she’s yours.”
His chest shakes as he chuckles. “Love my sisters. They’re fucking awesome,” he murmurs.
“That’s what they said.” I grin and sit back on his thighs. “So, if I go by what they said about the Tins and their timelines, I believe you want to ask me something, Mr Tin?”
“Fuck, babe, I’ve been worried you’ll think it’s too soon, and here you are making it easy. I do have something to ask you. I know we touched on it the first night we made love, but I couldn’t officially ask you until I had my brothers’ votes.”
My heart flutters in my chest. He told me that first night that he wanted his name on my back and his ring on my finger. I wasn’t sure then. But after spending the morning with the other Old Ladies and getting to know his mum and sister better, I knew I’d finally found my home—the one place I never expected to belong.
I honestly thought I’d die alone, with no family to mourn me, and I’d made my peace with it. Nickel has taken me totally by surprise, and I can’t say I regret crossing paths with him.
“Ask me.”
Nickel slides his hands up my cheeks, cupping them. My attention focuses on him, on the way he looks at me, how he smells, the love in his eyes. The wash of the waves lapping against the rocks, the walkers chatting on the beach, all fade into the background.
“Nora Harvey, you took me by surprise. You saved my life… literally.” He grins at me.
I chuckle, leaning forward to rest my forehead against his.
He nudges my nose with his. “I never thought I’d meet someone who instinctively got me and my idiosyncrasies, someone who would fit seamlessly into my life and my family. And then there you were in front of me with agun pointed at my head. You killed for me. I’ll never forget that.”
Nickel pulls back, still holding my gaze. “Will you be my Old Lady? Accept my name on your back and my ring on your finger? Will you, when you’re finished kicking ass and taking names, have babies with me that we can raise to be as awesome as their mother?”
Tears fill my eyes and roll down my cheeks. I press my lips to his in a quick kiss before replying. “I’d like nothing better, Nickel Tin, than to be your Old Lady, to take your name, and when the time is right, have babies with you. Thank you for giving me back a life I thought I’d lost, and for sharing your family with me. I thought it was too soon to say the words, but I understand the Tins fall in love quickly, and it seems the Harvey's do too. Love you, Nickel Tin. You’re the best of the best, and I’d be proud to have your name on my back.”
“Love you right back, Nora Harvey. I’ll get your cut ordered as soon as we’re back at theclub. Thank you.” He wipes his thumbs across my cheeks, removing the tears I’d forgotten I'd shed, before he kisses me. We only break apart when we hear the whistling and heckling coming from a group sitting down the beach from us.
“Come on, darlin’. Let’s go home where I can kiss you without a peanut gallery.” Nickel grins at me.
Standing, I wipe my cheeks, which are aching from my wide smile. “Sounds amazing.” I hold my hand out to him, pulling him up next to me.
The ride home flies by. We waste no time stripping and falling into bed.
I only have one thought as pleasure takes me and I see stars…
Sweet Jesus, the man is lethal, and I’m glad he’s all mine.
