Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 41825 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41825 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
I felt my cheeks warm but didn’t look away. “I want to protect what’s mine the same way you all protected me.”
Savannah grinned proudly beside her husband. Kane nodded, clearly pleased.
“I like the way you think,” he complimented. “And for the record, we would never use this information against you. This stays between your parents and us. You have my word that we won’t weaponize it without your explicit okay. You’re family now, Hadley. We don’t fuck with our own.”
The reassurance made me feel better about my decision. I glanced around the room and saw nothing but respect and acceptance on every face.
“Thank you.” My voice was thick with emotion. “You’ve all shown me what real family looks like. I trust you completely.”
Thayer brushed a kiss against the top of my head, his pride practically radiating off him.
“Then it’s settled.” Kane dipped his chin in agreement. “We’ll handle your father carefully. He’ll learn real quick that crossing us isn’t an option.”
I felt lighter than I had in weeks. I’d made a real contribution, choosing to look out for my new family the same way they’d watched over me.
Thayer pulled me aside, backing me gently against the nearest wall. Cupping my face, he murmured, “You amaze me, baby. Standing in there like you were born for this life. Suggesting leverage on a fucking state senator without flinching. That’s my woman.”
I smiled up at him, my heart full. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”
His expression turned fierce and tender all at once. “Damn right you are. And I’m about to make sure the whole damn world knows it.”
He took my hand and led me through the clubhouse, straight past curious glances and knowing smirks from the brothers and old ladies. My heart was racing, buzzing with anticipation.
He pulled me into the room we’d been staying in at the clubhouse and closed the door behind us. When he turned to face me, the intense look in his eyes made my heart clench.
“You’ve been mine since the moment I saw that scar and decided no one was ever touching you again. But we need to make it official. Clear to every single person, inside the club and out, exactly where you belong.”
He reached inside the bottom drawer of the dresser and pulled out two things—a small black leather vest and a jewelry box.
My hands started to tremble.
Thayer held up the vest first. On the back, in bold white lettering, it read: Property of Cage.
On the front left side was a smaller patch with my name.
Tears stung my eyes as he held it open for me. I turned and let him slide the sleeves up my arms. The leather was soft but sturdy, its weight settling over me like a promise.
“Looks fucking perfect on you, baby,” he murmured, his hands smoothing down my sides. “You wear this, and everyone knows you’re untouchable. You’re mine to protect and love.”
I sighed dreamily. “I’ll never get tired of hearing you say that.”
He brushed his lips over mine. “I love you so fucking much, Hadley.”
I grinned up at him, happy tears filling my eyes. “I love you too.”
Thayer’s expression softened even more as he opened the small black box and took out a beautiful diamond solitaire flanked by smaller stones. He slid it onto my left ring finger without hesitation.
“This ring means the same thing. You’re my woman. My old lady. My wife. The mother of my future children. I’m not asking, Hadley. I’m telling you. You’re marrying me. You’re staying right here where you belong.”
A tear slipped down my cheek as I looked up at him with a blinding smile. “I know you’re not asking, but I’m going to answer anyway. Yes. Of course yes. I love you, Thayer. I’m already yours, completely.”
His arms banded around me, crushing me against his chest as he kissed me hard and deep. When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine.
“You’re the best fucking thing that’s ever walked into my life. And I’m never letting you go.”
I laughed softly, happy tears still falling as I cupped his face. “Good. Because I’m not going anywhere. You’re my home now.”
He kissed me again, slower this time, full of promise. When we finally broke apart, his hand stroked over the back of my new vest.
“Welcome to the family, baby. Officially.”
I smiled against his lips, my heart so full it felt like it might burst.
I had found my place and was finally exactly where I belonged.
EPILOGUE
HADLEY
The October sun beat down on the new Redline Kings compound pool as it could only do in Florida. Thanks to the heat wave and the fancy heater the guys installed, the water sparkled invitingly while laughter and splashes filled the air. I leaned back against Thayer’s solid chest on our wide lounge chair, his big hands resting protectively over my rounded belly.