Page 62 of The Image of You

Sarah’s voice became more displeased. “You drive a motorcycle?”

“When weather permits.”

She eyed me in silence, and I watched as I was effectively dismissed. Without the cover of the suit and the safe veneer of respectability surrounding me, she saw me for what I was—at least in her eyes.

I was everything they wouldn’t tolerate: free, reckless, blunt, open, strong, covered in ink—with a motorcycle waiting to whisk Ally away—making me dangerous as well, and rich or not, I was not acceptable.

Nor was I afraid of them.

Bradley made a displeased noise, then turned and stomped over to the nearest bar. Ally tensed as her mother spoke again. “How long have you been acquaintances?”

“Oh, that’s not the word I’d use, Mrs. Givens,” I assured her. “But I still plan on getting to know her much better.”

Her voice was like ice. “I see.”

I held out my hand. “Will you walk with me, Ally?”

She gazed at me as my eyes beseeched her to accept. She could refuse and convince her parents I was some crazy artist she had no interest in. She could be polite and turn me away in a gentle manner.

Or she could be brave and let me claim her. Leave this table and the judgment they had laid on her so many years ago, and come with me, knowing she’d never be subjected to that again in her life.

She stood, clutching her small bag. “Good evening, Mother.”

Sarah didn’t move, but her lips thinned out in warning.

Ally slipped her hand into mine, allowing me to pull her closer. I dipped my head in victory. “Have a pleasant night.”

Elena smirked as we went by.

I stopped and dropped a kiss on her downy cheek as I grabbed my jacket. “If I hadn’t met Ally first, I’d so go for you.”

Her laughter followed us out of the room.

I pulled Ally into the closest alcove and wrapped my arms around her.

“I can’t believe you did that,” she whispered into my neck.

“If you’re furious, I’ll drive you home,” I murmured.

She lifted her face to me, her eyes filled with wonder. “How can I be furious? You stood up to my mother and Ronald. In a way I’ve never seen anyone stand up to them before. You did it on their level.” She shook her head. “In a room full of their peers, you…claimed me.”

“I can work a room.”

“You’re shameless.”

“No. I’m in love with you. I want everyone to know you’re mine. They can either accept it or get the fuck out of the way.”

“They’ll never accept it.”

Slipping my fingers under her chin, I dropped a kiss on her sweet mouth. “I know this is going to explode around us. I only wanted to come tonight and let them see I exist. I didn’t plan the whole pissing contest with your mother.”

“What changed?”

“Seeing you. You weren’t beside me. I couldn’t touch you. He could, and I hated it. He can talk to you, act like you belong to him, but you don’t.” I slid my hands down her arms, pulling her closer. “You’re mine, Ally. You belong with me.”

“Yes, I do.”

“You’re not angry?”