I cleared my throat and looked out at the room. At my brothers. At Simon’s parents, who were standing near the back with proud smiles. At Sadie, who was in the corner with Keys, her expression guarded but curious.
And at Simon, who was watching me with wide, uncertain eyes.
“This is harder than I thought,” I started, my voice rough. “I’m used to giving a speech fighting for other people’s lives. Not my own.”
A few people chuckled.
“This club,” I continued, “has been my family for years. We’ve had each other’s backs through shit I never thought I’dsurvive. You gave me a place to belong when I didn’t think there was one.”
The room was silent now, everyone listening. I paused, my eyes finding Simon’s.
“My entire life I’ve hid who I was out of fear,” I said, the words coming easier this time. “And for six years, I’ve been in love with a man I was too afraid to claim publicly. I kept him in the shadows because I didn’t think you all would accept who I really was.”
I looked at King, then at the rest of my brothers.
“But you didn’t turn your backs on me,” I said, my voice cracking slightly. “You stood by me. You accepted me. And that means more than I can ever fucking say.”
King clapped me on the shoulder, his grip firm.
“Loyalty,” I said, looking back at Simon. “Brotherhood and acceptance. That’s what this club is built on. And I’m damn proud to be a part of it.” I looked back at King and stepped aside.
King stepped forward, his expression serious. “Simon Nelson, get up here.”
Simon’s eyes widened, his face going pale. “What?”
“You heard me,” King said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Move your ass.”
Simon hesitated, then slowly made his way through the crowd. When he reached us, he looked between me and King, his confusion evident.
King removed the lid from the box Jack held. Jack’s grin was wide as he looked from me to Simon.
Inside was a leather cut.
Simon’s breath hitched.
King lifted it out, turning it so Simon could see the back.
Property of Matlock.
The room erupted in cheers, whistles, and applause.
Simon stared at the cut, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly open. “I... what?”
“You’re a member of the Silver Shadows’ family, Simon,”King declared, his voice carrying over the noise. “Officially.”
I stepped forward, taking the cut from King and holding it out to Simon. “Put it on.”
Simon’s hands trembled as he reached for it. “Tony, I—”
“Put it on, baby,” I repeated, my voice softer this time.
He slipped his arms through the sleeves, and I adjusted it on his shoulders, smoothing the leather down. When I stepped back, the sight of him wearing my name, my claim, made my dick swell.
Mine.
Finally, completely, undeniably mine.
The room erupted again, and Simon turned to face me, tears streaming down his face.
