by K E Osborn
“I get it. She means everything to you, and you want this one to stick. It will. She will. You guys are perfect for each other. You know it. We can all see it, and Cherry knows it most of all because she’s marrying your ugly mug.”
He lets out a small chuckle. “Fucker.”
“He’s right, though, she sure must love you to want to look at that face for the next what? Seventy odd years?” Fox teases.
“Fuck the both of you.” Zero takes his place under the tree.
“If I’m not mistaken, I hear a big block coming down the road,” Fox suggests.
Zero’s face lights so fucking bright I swear he could blind me with how happy the fucker is right now. His chest puffs out as everyone takes their places, and the clubhouse gates open wide. Phantom and Nickel ride in first, then Oakley’s Camaro arrives, a white ribbon running up the hood to the windshield. It’s all in the damn details, or so I have been told. Following the car is River and Blake driving another Camaro.
They position the cars so the girls and Cherry can step out onto the long red carpet we have laid out for Cherry to walk down.
Oakley steps out of the drivers’ door. Her long, tanned legs greet me first, her shoes a high black heel which tie up at the front from her toes to her ankles—very sexy and very rock glam. My eyes slide up her long legs to her short leather dress, one strap thin, the other a little thicker, making her breasts stand out like the perfect puppies they are. Her makeup is flawless, a little darker on the eyes than I am used to seeing, but she looks fucking phenomenal. My cock jerks in my slacks, and I have to fight like hell to control myself.
Wraith slaps my side with a chuckle. “You got it bad, brother.”
My eyes shift from Oakley for a second to look at him, the smirk on his face says everything. He knows I’m in deep. He knows because he’s been where I am now. Falling head over heels for a woman who technically should be bad for you but fuck if you wouldn’t move heaven and earth for her anyway.
Oakley walks around the side of the car, opening the passenger rear door for Chills and Prinie to slide out. They walk around the side of the car as the music starts, which I instantly recognize as “The One” by Kodaline and warm at the choice. It’s so fitting for our president and his Old Lady.
Chills walks the aisle first. She’s stunning in a short, form-fitting baby pink dress with a strapless bust, then a see-through single shoulder going over the top of the bust, tying in a loose bow on top. Very elegant. Chills is holding a simple white bouquet of flowers as she slowly walks toward Zero, who can’t seem to stand fucking still.
Prinie comes next, wearing the same as Chills. Then out of the second car hops Sadie and Lucas. Sadie is wearing a little white lacey dress. Lucas has on the same as the men with a tiny leather cut included. They’re freaking adorable. Prinie takes their hands trying to hold them back from running down the aisle.
Wraith’s eyes focus on Prinie. The adoration he shows as she strides down the aisle with Kevlar’s two kids only proves one thing—there’s definitely more children in Wraith and Prinie’s future. I never thought I’d see the day when Wraith would be the type of man to settle down, but he is one hundred percent, prime time in love with her, and off the market. The way he’s holding his little girl in his arms, I think it’s what he’s needed for so long. A family to ground him. They all have each other now. Though I do feel for any poor young guy in the future who tries to date Sephy—God help him.
I smirk to myself as Oakley steps up to the passenger door. Everyone holds their breath waiting for Cherry to make her appearance.
Cherry’s father steps up to the side of the car, wearing a suit, then holds his hand out for her to take. My eyes immediately shift to Zero. His gaze is intent on the car, his breathing has stopped. I swear every vein on his neck is throbbing.
“Here she comes, brother,” I whisper.
He wipes his sweaty palms on his slacks as she slides out of the car with the grace of a swan. The gown clings to her slim, yet curvy body as she stands, showing the dress fits in all the right places. It clings to her hips, form-fitting around her top, and flares out around the bottom. The entire thing is covered in lace. The top is like a bustier with lacework, delicate straps going over her shoulders. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a messy bun with loose bits falling down around her gorgeously made-up face.
What a vision she creates as she stands with her father at the end of the red carpet.
Zero clears his throat, I turn to him, his eyes glassy, his nostrils flaring like he’s having a hard time keeping his shit together. This man is hard as nuts but seeing the woman he adores so fucking gorgeous in front of him like this now, he’s coming undone.
All I’ve ever wanted for Zero is to be happy, and right now, in this moment, I think this is the happiest he’s ever been.
Cherry grabs her father’s hand as Oakley moves in, adjusting Cherry’s small train. Cherry turns a little to help, and everyone stalls seeing the back of her dress. It’s your typical wedding dress, but the back has been tailored, and in colored pink lace are the words—Property of Zero.
I slap his arm. “She’s all yours, brother.”
“You bet your ass she is.” The grin on his face is wider than the Nile.
Cherry finally begins her walk toward Zero, her eyes beaming in excitement as she bites down on her bottom lip. Their eyes lock, the love in the air is palpable as my eyes shift to Oakley standing back by her car. I wink at her as she casually slides into a seat at the back of the guest area.
Kodaline sings about hearts feeling like it’s summer. I smile wide as Zero practically bursts in pride seeing his Old Lady, soon-to-be wife, making her way down to meet him. Cherry’s father walks her slowly, Cherry’s luminous green eyes glistening with unshed tears as she approaches. She finally arrives at Zero’s side, her father gives her a kiss on the cheek, shakes Zero’s hand, then Zero pulls her to him making us all laugh as he plants a giant kiss on her.
“Jesus, can’t even wait for the official part to be over. You damn impatient asshole,” Fox berates as we all chuckle.
Zero pulls back, his eyes running up and down Cherry. “Damn, you look…” He shakes his head in awe.
“Can we get on with this now? Are you finished doing your own thing, son?” Fox jests.
I hip and shoulder Zero.
“Yep. Go ahead.”
“Thank fuck for that. I thought we’d be stuck here watching you make googly eyes at her all-fucking-evening.”
“Well, have you seen how fucking hot she is right now? Can you blame me?”
Cherry blushes, quickly rolling her eyes. “If you guys are done, can we get married now?”
Everyone snickers as Fox bobs his head.
Zero grabs Cherry, pulling her closer to him. I guess the simple holding hands is off the cards for this ceremony, but then again, nothing about this ceremony is normal.
“We’re gathered here this evening, to witness the joining of two incredibly special people. Two people who were destined to meet. It was by chance. A lot of shit had to fall into place at the exact right time for them to find each other, but they did. And fuck, are we glad they did.”
Cherry’s eyes are welling again as Zero leans in, running his nose along hers. The show of affection not often seen by him, but he’s in a world of his own right now. I’ve never seen him like this.
My eyes shift to Oakley as Fox continues to talk, celebrating the love between Cherry and Zero. I can’t help as my mind starts to wonder if I could have this one day, have it all—the happiness, the family, the woman of my dreams.
Is Oakley that woman for me?
A shiver runs through me sending a wave of chills over my body, the same feeling I get when she touches me. A slow smile crosses my face as her eyes meet mine. It’s here I know—I know she means more to me than I could have ever imagined. I see it—a future with her. The proverbial picket fence as it were. It’s funny how a wedding can make you see things you didn’t know were there. I had no
clue I wanted this—what Zero and Cherry have. That I wanted to have that kind of commitment to someone. I’m not saying I am going to ask Oakley to marry me, but I am definitely heading toward Old Lady territory. I can’t imagine my life without her in it now.
“Zero, you may now say your vows to Cherry.”
He lets her go, finally taking her hands in his, staring into her eyes. “Cherry, today, I take my place as your husband. May our days be long and may they be seasoned with faith, love, understanding, and respect. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I choose to spend today, and all of my tomorrows with you. Whether they be filled with chaos or calm, I will be here fighting for a better tomorrow with you and for you. From the second I saw you, I think I knew… Rayne, you’re the storm that has swept me away, and fuck if I’m glad to be washed up in your wake… I love you, and I will love you until my dying breath. And forever after then, too.”
Cherry’s eyes finally well over with her tears, and she swipes under her eyes. “Zero… if you grow weak, I’ll be there to fight your battles for you. I will help you with your responsibilities, making your problems my own in order to spread the weight more evenly. If you have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, I’ll be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you. You’re the head of this club, and I’m going to be by your side every step of the way in any way you need me because… I. Love. You…” she sniffles, wiping under her eyes again, “… more than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything. You’re the light in my day and the moon in my night. You simply make it easier to breathe. My life before you rescued me,” she pauses taking a breath as he holds onto her tighter. “I honestly don’t think I’d still be here if it weren’t for you. You saved me, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and in every possible way. You, Krew, are everything I didn’t know I needed and are the embodiment of everything I want. I love you for you, I respect the man you are, and I adore the way you love. I can’t wait to be your wife… so can we hurry this along?”
Everyone laughs as Zero leans in kissing her passionately.
Man, these two need a room already.
Fox leans forward. “All right, all right. Rings?”
Prinie ushers Lucas forward, he toddles up, handing Fox a little pillow with the two rings on them.
Zero grabs Cherry’s, then slides it on her finger. “I give this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you. I will be your ride or die until the end of time.”
Cherry beams in pride as she takes Zero’s ring, sliding it on, repeating the same words back to him.
“Almost there…” Fox chuckles. “Krew Walker, do you take Rayne Rosenberg to be your Old Lady, your wife, and ruler of this club in chaos, carnage, and calmness?”
“Fuck yeah, I do.”
“And do you Rayne—”
“Hell yeah, I do.”
We all laugh at her impatience.
“Then I now pronounce you—”
“Hold on just a motherfucking second!” Screeching rings out from the parking lot.
We all turn, the gate is wide open with Anna standing in what looks like a makeshift wedding dress, holding a bunch of dead flowers in her hand.
My stomach falls as I turn to Zero, his face turning an incredibly bright shade of red.
“How the hell did you get in? Blake should be on the gate,” I ask.
Anna narrows her eyes on me. “Nice to see you, too! Blake is a little…. indisposed right now. As for how I got in, I stole the transceiver from Fox’s car before I left, seeing as he never uses it. Aren’t you happy I’m here, so we can do this for real this time, Krew?”
“No! I won’t let you ruin this day, Anna!”
She storms down the red carpet looking deranged as I break off from the group to stop her mid-step. “Anna, you can’t come in here like this. I thought you were doing better, that’s what the doctors have been reporting.”
Anna’s eyes meet mine, and she scoffs hurtling the decaying bouquet at me. The flowers burst apart as they hit me fair in the chest. I let them fall to the ground as she storms up to me. “Doing better? How the hell would you know, oh brother of mine? You practically abandoned me. We were supposed to be a team, then when people got in your ear, you put me in that place! I let them believe I was the perfect patient, and I guess I was until I heard about this bullshit right here…” Her eyes focus on Cherry. “Why her, Zero? Why would you marry her and not me?”
Zero grunts, rampaging down the aisle toward Anna in his fury. “Because I love her, and because she doesn’t have the indecency to cheat on me like you did, Anna. She shows me, the club, and my patch the respect it’s due. Unlike you, showing up here with this disgusting display, ruining my woman’s day. Get the hell out of here before I do something I fucking regret.”
“Like leave here with me instead of her?” Anna chimes chirpily.
Cherry steps forward. “Look, Anna, I’ve put up with you being a thorn in my relationship for as long as I’ve been with Zero. But this? This is unacceptable! Showing up here in a wedding dress is unforgivable…” She turns to me. “I’m sorry, Neon, but as my first duty as wife of the president, I’m banning Anna from stepping foot inside these grounds again… even in lockdown.”
I snap my head around to Zero, he dips his head in approval.
“What? You can’t do that!” Anna yells. “If the club goes into lockdown, I’m part of this club, and I have every right to be here. Asher, tell them!” Her watering eyes meet mine.
I shake my head. “I can’t help you this time, Anna. I don’t think anyone can help you.”
She bursts out laughing like she’s seriously lost the plot. “I know someone who can help me then.”
I shift my eyes to Zero, he tenses. “Who?”
Anna tears at her wedding dress. It falls off easily to reveal a black jumpsuit underneath. The dress drops into a heap on the ground dramatically.
I screw my eyebrows together at her little display. “Why are you really here, Anna?”
She leans in, gesturing for me to come closer. “I’m just the distraction,” she whispers.
I turn to Zero so fast I almost lose my footing as a bunch of men approach from the front door of the clubhouse like they are coming out from the inside. “Zero, we have company.”
He turns, rushing back to Cherry, grabbing her as Anna cackles maniacally.
Everyone pulls out their guns as the men approach, all aiming guns of their own.
It only takes a moment for us to realize who they are.
“Motherfucker,” Wraith calls out stepping forward with baby Sephy in his arms. His eyes flick to Prinie at the other side of the altar, and he tenses so fucking tight. I wish there was something I could do to ease his anguish right now, but we have to let this play out.
We seem to be at a stalemate.
“Damir!” Wraith calls out to his brother. His damn blood brother we had held hostage in the closet until we knew what to do with him.
Damir steps forward. “Brother, brother, brother… you should know by now us Triglavs will take any opportunity provided to us.”
Wraith grits his teeth, taking a step forward, but then he glimpses down at Sephy in his arms and retreats. “What opportunity is that?”
“You left me alone with sweet, innocent Anna, for hours to tell her everything you did to me and my family. How this club abused their hold over me. Anna despises this club as much as I do. So, it was only natural for us to join forces… don’t you think?”
My head spins around to my sister, the horror on my face must show because she actually cringes.
Her, working with Damir?
A Serbian mobster.
I didn’t think she’d have it in her.
But then again, I don’t know Anna anymore.
She walks over to Damir, linking her arm with his, and I widen my eyes at them in an intimate embrace.
“Anna! You can’t trust him, he’s our enemy.”
She scoffs. “Way
I see it… you had him handcuffed in a locked room after killing his entire family… who sounds like the bad guys now?”
“He tried to kill me. Threatened to kill Prinie. As it is, she had to endure months of torture waiting on medical testing because of him and his asshole associates kidnapping her to get to me,” Wraith yells waking Sephy which only makes her cry. He cuddles trying to shush her as Prinie takes a step toward her Old Man and child, but Damir aims his gun right at her. She stops, raising her hands in the air.
“And they wouldn’t have had to come after her if you didn’t kill their mother, Wraith. It’s all a vicious cycle, and all of it perpetrated by you!” Anna snaps back. She has all the answers. They certainly have been busy discussing plans in that room.
“Enough!” Zero’s booming voice thunders across the yard. “You guys want Damir, take him. But there will be no fallout today. It’s a day of celebration. You want your freedom, Damir? You have it. But you go in peace. Do you fucking hear me!”
Damir steps up to Zero narrowing his eyes on him. “You treat Anna like shit again, I won’t just be gunning for Wraith. It will be your head on a pike, too.” Damir turns back, his fist grabbing Anna’s hair, pulling her lips to his in an overzealous kiss.
I cringe, averting my eyes.
Zero curls up his lip in disgust. “Get the fuck out of my clubhouse.”
Damir draws his lips back from Anna and smirks. “As you wish.” He turns to Wraith, winking at him. “I’ll be seeing you and your precious family again, Wraith. Maybe tomorrow, maybe in a week, maybe next year, but… I will be seeing you.”
Wraith jerks forward again, still with a crying Sephy, his face contorted in rage as Prinie doesn’t hesitate this time running over to Wraith and her daughter. Wraith wraps his arm around Prinie holding his two girls close.
Zero draws his gun up higher. “If you don’t leave now, it’s gonna start getting bloody, and I don’t want to ruin my wife’s big day, Damir. So, I suggest you… Get. The fuck. Out.”
Damir laughs. “You look lovely, Cherry, by the way. Congratulations. You do make a gorgeous couple.” He bends down wrapping his arms around Anna’s legs, hoisting her up over his shoulder. She lets out a giggle as he slaps her on the ass and starts walking off with her.