“Thank you. I appreciate that.” We arrive at her car and I place the bag in the backseat for her.
“I miss you, baby.”
“Cupid. Please.” Her eyes close. “Don’t do this. Not right now. I’m just getting on my feet and trying to start over away from the club.”
“Away from me?”
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yeah you did, but I understand. But you can’t just push me out. We have a baby to think about and, sweetheart, I won’t walk away.”
“You already did.” She opens the driver’s side door and I have no words for her that won’t come out angry, so I keep quiet. I deserve everything she’s dishing out to me and more. “Listen, I have a doctor appointment next week. It’s just a check-up but if you want to meet me there I’ll try to be okay with that.”
“I’ll be there just call me.”
“I’ll text you.”
I watch her get in the car and drive off wishing I could chase after her. Wishing I could change her mind about me—about us.
Her car leaves my view and I head down to the basement to pay a visit to Zo Zo and end that piece of shit who isn’t worthy of being a brother of mine.
Chapter Twenty-two
—MaryAnn
It’s been one month since Zo Zo attacked me. Things haven’t been easy. Adjusting to life outside of the club and truly being on my own as lonely as it is, its refreshing. Some days are easier than others. I miss Ryan. It took me a while, but I finally listened to and read the messages he sent me when I was recovering. I understand to an extent why he did what he did but he should have told me the truth. I would have done whatever he needed me to and then maybe I wouldn’t have been in the situation I was in with Zo Zo.
I can’t fully blame Ryan either though. He had no idea I would go to Zo Zo’s house or what his intentions were. I never expected that from him. He seemed so normal, but I guess we truly never know anyone. Ryan didn’t think in a million years that Mandy would commit suicide, killing herself and her unborn son. How alone and scared she must have felt. I can’t even imagine and in the end I’m not angry with her. How can I be?
I agreed to have dinner with Ryan. He wants to talk, and I know I can’t keep putting him off, we need to reach an understanding where the baby is concerned. I’m driving over to his new house. He still hasn’t sold the old one. People aren’t too quick to buy a house where someone just recently died.
His new place is a few houses down the street from the house Harley and Reaper are renting until they figure out if they want to build or buy. At least if I decide I can’t do this whole dinner thing Harley will be close by for support. Her, Sara, Amber, and Shelly have really rallied around me during everything. I adore them for it. They are good friends and I am lucky to have them.
When I told them that I was having dinner with Ryan tonight they insisted on coming over to help me get ready. I wanted to decline but they were so excited I couldn’t say no. A knock sounds at my front door. They’re early. I peer through the peephole and am surprised to see Ryan with takeout.
I open the door. My brows knit in confusion. “Hey, what are you doing here? I thought we were doing this at your place.”
“We were but I just got off work and was passing through the neighborhood.”
“Mhmm.” I roll my lips and move out of the way, so he can come in. He’s so full of shit. He’s freshly showered. Just got off work my ass. I don’t say anything though. “The girls were on their way, I just need to text and tell them another time.”
“Already taken care of. I pulled in when they did and told them to hit the road.” He smiles sheepishly.
“Okay, I’ll get the plates.”
“Nope. You sit. I’ll take care of everything.”
“All right.” I take a seat at the table and watch as he fumbles around the kitchen trying to find everything.
“How are you feeling?” he questions as he starts plating our pasta and garlic bread.
“Fine. I get a little tired sometimes but I’m finally sleeping again.”
“That’s good. You still going to therapy?”
I forgot that I had mentioned it when he went to my last appointment with me. “I had my last session a few days ago, but if I feel the need I can always start back.”
He slides my plate in front of me. “I brought you a Coke.” He goes over to the bag and takes out a plastic bottle.
“Thank you.” I offer him a genuine smile. I have to confess it’s nice to see him and to not eat dinner by myself.
“You look good.”
“You do too,” I tell him, and he chuckles. He does look good though wearing a black button-down shirt and dark jeans. I am surprised he left his cut at home. Usually the only time he’s not wearing it is when he’s sleeping, working, or fucking. My face goes pink at that last thought.
“Baby, you gotta know not being with you, not being able to touch you or kiss you when I want is driving me crazy. I need you, MaryAnn.”
“Ryan. I miss you I do, but I don’t think we’re a good idea right now.”
“Will you ever?” The sadness and frustration in his eyes pulls on my heartstrings but I gotta stay strong. He hurt me. What he did to me cut me deeper than anything Zo Zo did to me.
“I don’t know,” I answer him honestly. I don’t want to lead him on.
“So what? You want to be friends who co-parent. Because I don’t want to be friends. I want you by my side where you belong. I’m so in love with you. You and our baby, you’re all that I think about.”
“I think about you too. I want it all, but I’m scared. You hurt me. I can’t go through that again. Losing you and Zo Zo’s betrayal devastated me. I’m not in a place to be putting my faith in men again. Not even you.” He goes to grab my hand and I flinch at the contact.
“I can’t even touch you. Jesus, MaryAnn. I’m sorry, baby. You have no idea how damn sorry I am for what I did. For what Zo Zo did. For Mandy, but thoughts of you in my arms again and our baby are the only things that keep me going. Without you the club…my life, they mean nothing.”
“Ryan…”
“No. I don’t want to fight or hear how my touch brings you pain. I should just go. I’m sorry. This was a bad idea.” He pushes his plate forward and scoots his chair back.
“Where are you going?” I follow after him as he moves toward the door.
He spins around, and he towers over me. “I don’t know. To get a drink. To find someone to lose myself in.”
My hand goes back and then swipes, smacking him across the cheek. “I’m sorry,” I cry out automatically and take a step back.
His hand cradles the back of my head as his forehead comes to rest against mine. The smell of his cologne makes my knees go weak. “What was that for?”
“I don’t know,” I whisper.
“Yes you do. I want to hear you say it.” His tone is husky, deep, and sexy.
“No.”
“Fine. I’ll say it for you. Jealousy. You were jealous of the thought that I’d be with someone else.”
“Have you been?” I ask him although deep down I don’t think I want to hear his answer.
“How could I ever go back to being with any other woman who isn’t you? How could I stick my cock in a pussy that isn’t yours? I can’t, baby, because you are all I want. All I need. Then. Now. And forever.” Ryan doesn’t give me a chance to respond before his mouth comes down hard on mine and our teeth clash.
All thoughts of reason…any thoughts that this is wrong fade away like dust in the wind. I can’t deny myself of him any longer. We sink down on the couch, our tongues battling for dominance. In the end Ryan wins as he pushes me down and covers my body with his. The panic I was expecting to feel never comes and I let go. I give myself permission to be in the moment with him, because I do love him, and I can’t imagine going through life without him a part of mine.
“Tell me you’re mine,” he demands.
“I’m yours, Ry
an. I’m all yours.”
“Fuck, I’m so hard. You gonna give into me? I need you. I need to be inside you.”
“I want you, Ryan. Make love to me. Give me all of you. The good, the bad, the ugly, and true.”
“I’m going to give you everything but first I’m gonna start with my dick.” He laughs against my lips and I smile wide and big for the first time in what seems like forever.
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring but whatever it holds I’ll face it with the man I love.
Epilogue
—MaryAnn
“I look like Stay Puft from Ghostbusters.” My stomach looks like I swallowed a dinosaur egg. I’m huge. “I can’t go out there.”
“Stop it,” Amber fusses, looking over my makeup to see if I need any touchups as Melissa finishes curling my hair.
“I’d hate to hear what you think about me then,” Sara groans.
“You look like you are having twins because you are. I’m carrying one child,” I whine.
“There. Perfect,” Melissa announces and her and Amber take a step back.
I blink not recognizing myself in the mirror. “You guys.” I fan my eyes trying not to cry. They did amazing. I look pretty and like Ms. Stay Puft instead of Mr.
“We told you,” Harley sasses and hands me my flowers after helping Sara out of her chair. Her and Hades are expecting the birth of their babies any day now. I’m surprised she’s made it this far along. It’s been nice having a pregnancy buddy to go through everything with.
I didn’t want a big wedding and Ryan agreed that the money would be better spent on our honeymoon. After everything we have gone through we deserve a few days away just the two of us before our baby girl comes. We are renting a cabin in the Smokies. Keeping us closer to home in case something happens just to be precautionary.
Terror pokes his head through the door. “You ready to marry that lovesick fool?”
“Absolutely.” We opted to get married at the clubhouse. It is where our relationship began.
The girls go out to take their places and Hades himself offered to escort me down the aisle and give me away.
Boogeyman got a license online to officiate our ceremony. I thought he was joking when he came to us with the idea, but he was serious. My only request was that he dress the part. It was really Shelly’s. She has some fantasy about him fucking her while dressed like a priest. Those two are freaks in the sheets but who am I to judge them. The man is in for it tonight.
“You look beautiful.” Hades takes my arm in his and I walk down the aisle to the traditional wedding march.
When I look into Ryan’s eyes I know I am where I am supposed to be. I know I am with the man of my dreams. Our road hasn’t been easy. It’s had it’s share of curves, but I love him.
God love his heart Boogeyman isn’t big on words. Our ceremony and vows literally consist of him saying, “Do you Ryan promise to cherish MaryAnne and take her as your old lady?”
“I do.”
Ryan stares deeply into my eyes and when I say, “ditto,” it’s good enough for Boogeyman and he declares us husband and wife. My husband’s lips meet mine and I hear Uno whistle. He’s been like a completely different person since Stephanie moved out. I have to give the man credit, he tried so hard to make their marriage work before he called it quits. It’s been months and the man can’t keep his eyes off Melissa, but he hasn’t made a move.
It’s time for Ryan and me to share our first dance. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You starts to play and my husband mouths the lyrics to me as he holds me close. I feel so incredibly lucky. Maybe girls like me can have it all. The man, the family, good friends… I look around and see Hades and Sara, Boogeyman and Shelly, Reaper and Harley, Terror and Amber on the floor dancing and so damn happy. Cocky is chatting up a friend of Melissa’s and Uno makes his way over to her.
“Stop staring, baby, and let them have their moment,” Ryan tells me and steals my attention with a kiss.
The End
Keep reading for a peek at what’s to come.
Sneak Peek
Are you ready to ride?
We thought it was over for my Black Rebel Riders’ MC but they are coming back in a new series about Rebel Black’s sons, Axel and Abel. Release information to be announced but look for them in late 2108 and early 2019.
You thought our story was over but that was only the beginning. When my older brother went to jail I stepped up to fill his shoes. I held his club down. I did what I had to do to keep his growing family safe. I held Ainsley’s hand when he was sentenced. I held her hand when she brought my nephew into this world. I am still holding her hand when Axel returns to claim what should be his. There is only one problem, I don’t want to give him his life back. I’ve taken it and made it my own. – Abel
About Glenna
Glenna Maynard is a Kentucky native with a passion for romance best known for her bestselling romantic suspense novel I'm with You and The Black Rebel Riders' MC series. When she isn't arguing with the voices in her head or drinking reader tears, she enjoys watching classic TV shows with her two children and longtime leading man.
You can find her online on most social media sites. For more information visit https://www.glennamaynard.com/
Also By Glenna
Standalone titles
Beauty & The Biker
Lil’ Red & The Biker
Born Sinner
Don’t Let Me Go
The Boom
Black Rebel Riders’ MC
Grim The Beginning
Rumor
Baby
Striker
Romeo
Heart of A Rebel
A Rebel Love
A Rebel in the Roses
Blood of A Rebel
The Devil’s Rebel
Devils Rejects MC
Hades’ Flame
Boogeyman’s Dream
Reaper’s Till Death
Cupid’s Arrow
Uno’s Truth
Cocky’s Fight
Fighting Dirty Series
Dirty Love
Dirty Truth
Co-written with Dawn Martens
You Wreck Me
Written under the pen name Allie Faye
You Rock Me
Must Love Curves
My Best Friend’s Girl
Then there was You
Cupid's Arrow (Devils Rejects MC Book 4) Page 9