by Lila Rose
I licked my lips, cleared my throat, and said, “I had a feeling you did, but hearing it makes it even better.” I thumped my forehead against his chest. “I love you too.”
He chuckled. “Babe, I’d like to see you when you say it so I can kiss you.”
Sucking in a deep breath, I lifted my head and told him, “I love you too, Wade.”
“Thank you for givin’ it to me.”
“Same. Except your love to me.”
He grinned, then dipped down to take my mouth in a smooth, soft, passionate kiss.
I was on a high for the rest of the day from Wade telling me he loved me. I was sure I aced the test as well, but that didn’t even compare to Wade’s words. I had just walked into the house when my phone rang, and Wade’s name showed on the screen.
“Hi,” I answered.
“Hey, babe. All good for tonight, but if anyone fucks with you, I’ll deal with it.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.”
He grunted. “We’ll see. I’m just headin’ out to look at this house. Want to come with me?”
“Do you have time to pick me up?” I asked. I’d been to a few houses with Wade to check them out. It didn’t bother me what it was like or where it was because if Wade was there, I would be happy to spend a few nights in the week there with him.
“Always got time, babe. Trix will wait until we get there anyway.”
Trix. I wasn’t a fan of the realtor Wade was with. She looked at my man like he was a roller coaster, and she wanted a ride… or ten. Still, I supposed looking wasn’t too bad, as long as touching never happened.
“Okay, I’d love to come.”
“See you soon,” he replied, and I waited for him to hang up, but he didn’t.
“Wade?”
“Love you, babe.”
I gripped the table in front of me as I melted. “Love you, Wade Williams.”
He grunted, but it was one of his happy ones. There was something in his tone that helped me differentiate between them.
Before Wade showed, I’d managed to get in a quick bite to eat and was out in front waiting for him while I read from one of my textbooks. Since it was finals time, I had to use all the spare time I had to study.
When I heard a car pull into the drive, I looked up and smiled. Wade had his window down, and he called out, “I’m surprised you heard me. You didn’t get a chance to get in your bubble, babe?”
I rolled my eyes. “No, I haven’t been long out here, smartass.” I put my book down and left it on the seat on the front porch. I doubted anyone would be interested in stealing it. I jumped down the stairs, nearly tripped, but straightened and went to the passenger door while my boyfriend laughed at me.
As soon as I was in the car, he cupped the back of my head and tugged me into him. “Hey.” He grinned.
“Hi,” I whispered, lost in his eyes. But then I closed them because his lips were on mine.
We broke apart, and Wade ordered, “Seat belt.”
I snorted but did as he asked. Without a doubt, he would have sat at the front of the house until I gave in. I knew when to pick my battles.
When we drove toward the general area of the compound, I asked, “How did it really go this morning?”
His jaw clenched, which wasn’t a good sign. “A couple made dickish comments, but it settled down, and as far as I know, they’ll be on their best behavior. Helps I have Saint, Death, Country, and State at my back.”
Reaching out, I smiled and placed my hand on his thigh, squeezing. “Even if they do something, will you try and stay calm? I don’t care what they say. I’ve learned to ignore mean people like that.”
His hand covered mine and then gripped. “That’s the thing, babe. You don’t have to learn to live with it. You don’t put up with it, and I won’t allow anyone to treat you fuckin’ different.”
He seemed worked up, so I said, “Okay, honey.”
He relaxed a little, and we drove in silence for a while longer. My stomach churned in tension with worry about tonight, but all I could do was see how things went and then deal with it when the time came.
“There’s somethin’ I gotta tell you,” he said.
Facing him, my stomach tightened, and I replied, “Yes?”
“Death looked into that asshole’s problem with his father.” Mitch. “On the news tonight, there’ll be an announcement of fuckface’s dad being sent to jail for drug trafficking.”
I gasped. “What? Did he actually deal in drugs?”
“No, but Death set it up to make sure it looked like it. No one will find fault in Death’s proof over him, which was sent in anonymously.”
“Wow. Um, okay. That’s good then, yes?”
“Yeah, babe. It’s good because the father deserves every year he gets in jail.”
“Then I’m glad it got sorted.” It also showed me just how much the club could do and would do for someone in a difficult situation. Even after Mitch was a dickhead to me, he didn’t deserve what his father put him and his mother through. “You guys are amazing, you know that, right?”
His eyes were warm went they slid to me before moving back to the road. “Makes me damn happy to have your support.”
“You always will. So will the club. I now understand you all deal with things in your own way. In the right way, even when sometimes it’s not pleasant.”
His hand shot out. He hooked it behind my neck and dragged me in for a quick, hard kiss. “Wade, watch the road.”
He chuckled but sat back and continued driving with his hand in mine.
When we pulled up to a two-story light gray house, I thinned my lips to keep myself from gasping. It was stunning. There was a balcony on the second level, and across the road was government land that held a mini man-made lake.
I glanced at Wade to see him taking it in. His face wasn’t pinched in disgust, a good sign.
“What do you think?” he asked.
I shrugged. “It’s completely up to you and what you think,” I told him, and then quickly got out of the car so he didn’t see how I was falling for it just from the first view.
Hand in hand, Wade walked with me to the front door. As we got close, it opened, and there stood the black-haired beauty, Trix.
Her eyes ran over Wade, and she didn’t even glance in my direction. Like the other times, I didn’t exist, even though I was holding Wade’s hand.
“Wreck, so lovely to see you again.” She smiled, her hand coming out for him to shake.
It was the first time I did it, but I got to her hand and shook it first. “Hi there, Trix. Remember me? I’m Lucas.” Using her hand, I steered her around and back into the house. “The place is big. Don’t you think, honey?”
I glanced over my shoulder to see Wade trying to fight from laughing. He smirked and said, “Yeah, babe. It’s big.”
I dropped Trix’s hand and went back over to Wade. I hooked my hand around his arm and asked, “Do you mind if we take a look on our own?”
She lifted her gaze from my hand to me. “No, of course not. Please take your time.”
“Thank you.” I smiled and then led Wade away from her.
Wade leaned in and said, with humor in his voice, “Good to see you jealous, babe, but no one does it for me except you.”
“Good, well, let’s keep it that way.”
He chuckled, saying, “Will do.”
When we’d finished going through the four bedrooms, two living rooms, three bathrooms, and the massive kitchen, I could tell Wade liked the place.
“What are you going to do?” I asked.
“Put in an offer,” he said as we made our way back to Trix.
“It’s not too big just for you?” I queried, because if it was only me, I would second-guess my choice.
Wade stopped. He pushed me up against the wall and placed his hands on each side of my head. “It won’t be just for me. You’ll be here. Want you movin’ in once everythin’ is done, Lucas.” My body hummed, my heart hammered, and I co
uldn’t seem to get enough oxygen in. Then he went on, “I don’t want to come home to a house without you in it.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “Might be too soon to talk about it, but you need to know you’re in my future, and one day, way down the track, this house won’t be too big. It’ll be just right because there’ll be more than just the two of us. You want that, yeah?” He pulled back to search my face.
I opened my mouth and managed a squeak. Wade grinned. I cleared my throat. “I, um, yeah, I would like to work toward that.”
“Then we’ll do it.” He growled the words before he kissed me.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Wreck
I could tell Lucas was shitting bricks as we drove toward the compound. He wouldn’t be worried about himself. He was selfless like that. He’d be concerned for me and if I got into it with my brothers over us. I’d try my damn best that nothing happened tonight. I wanted it to be a good night, but if anyone was stupid enough to say stuff, then I’d stand up for the both of us.
“Do you think the owners will take my offer?” I asked as we drew closer, wanting him to relax before we arrived. Which would probably be useless.
Lucas snorted. “They would be silly not to. You’re offering exactly what they’re after. Unless they want to be greedy. If they try it, maybe you should find somewhere else.”
“They better fuckin’ not be. I want that for us. It’s close to here, close to your ’rents, your college, and not far from Saint’s. Added bonus, we have three hospitals in a good distance for you to try and get into.”
He took my hand. “Are you sure it’s what you want? You’re not just looking for me, are you?”
“Fuck no. I want it, and I’m glad you like it.”
“I do… um, can I say something though?”
I gave his hand a squeeze. “You don’t need to ask if you can say it, just say it, babe.”
“Okay,” he whispered, and my dick gave a jerk behind my jeans. “Ah, you know how you asked me to move in?” I nodded. “Well, I want to help contribute to the mortgage and utilities.”
“No,” I stated.
“Wade….”
“No,” I said again as we pulled into the compound parking lot. I shot a wave to Torch, who was manning the gate with a few other brothers.
“Wade, you’re being ridiculous. Is this relationship equal, or do you think you’re in charge?”
I parked the car, switched it off, and turned to him. “Babe. We’re equal. I’m not sayin’ you won’t help, but I’d like to suggest you wait until you’re workin’ in a hospital. You’ve got a lotta shit goin’ on right now, and I don’t want you stressed you have to work in that café job while tryin’ to study.” I shrugged.
His nose was scrunched up. He hated it when I made sense but didn’t want to admit it. He sighed. “Fine, but when I’m raking in the money, I want to pay however many years you have on your own.”
I cupped the back of his neck. If this was what he needed to make sure he felt like it’d be our house and not just mine, then I’d give it to him. “Deal,” I said, and then kissed him.
His arms wrapped around me for a second, and then he was pushing me back. “I can’t go in there looking like we’ve just been making out in the car.”
“Why the fuck not?”
“Um… some… I mean, I guess not all the brothers will like you being with a guy. It’s not good to rub it in their faces.”
“Babe. We’re in a car, it’s dark out, and I really don’t give a fuck who cares about us kissin’. If you have an urge to kiss me, I want you to do it wherever and whenever you want. I’m not ashamed of us, and you shouldn’t be either. Fuck ’em.”
His eyes softened, no doubt thinking I was being sweet, but I was just stating facts. I wouldn’t hide how damn happy Lucas made me, and I’d take his mouth anytime I wanted.
“Okay,” he said softly.
“Christ. We should get outta the car before I decide to fuck you in it.”
He laughed. “Might be best. Not enough room in here really.”
I snorted. “I’d make room.” We got out and met at the front of the car. I took his hand and led us to the double doors. Already the music was loud, and the voices louder to make up for it.
Lucas tried to pry his hand out of mine at the doors, but he stopped when I looked down at him, and his eyes landed on the tick in my jaw from annoyance. We had to be us in front of the brothers. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It wasn’t like I’d screw Lucas in front of anyone. No one got to see him naked. Shit, we were just holding hands. The sooner they dealt with their own issues, the better.
I opened the door and stepped through, bringing Lucas with me. People eyed us, a lot of the brothers greeted us, and a few looked away. So far it was good. I steered us around tables, people, and stopped at the bar.
Lucas stepped up beside me and rested his elbows on the bar. He glanced around nervously, until someone called his name. His gaze swung to Kylo on the other side of the bar, and he grinned. “Kylo. It feels like it’s been ages.”
“It has, but shit happens and time flies.” He winked. I growled under my breath. He shot me a look and laughed. “Relax, brother. We all know he’s yours after claimin’ him in front of everyone in church.”
Lucas’s gaze spun to me, and I rolled my eyes. “He’s exaggerating.”
“Sure he is,” Lucas mumbled. He looked back to Kylo. “Since I have you here and you can’t brush me off, are you going to explain why my brother said you were thinking of applying to the Polished P and P?”
Kylo laughed. “It was just a runnin’ thought he overheard me sayin’ to someone. I doubt I’d ever do it.” He glanced around. “Now, what can I get you two?”
“Rum and Coke, and Lucas’ll have a vodka and soda.”
“Got it.” He grinned.
When he was out of earshot, Lucas turned to me and asked, “Do you believe that?”
I didn’t. He wouldn’t meet Lucas’s gaze, but for a fact, I knew he hadn’t actually applied as yet.
“Not really.”
He hummed under his breath. “Yeah, me neither.”
Leaning in, I placed my hand on his shoulder and applied a little pressure. “Might just have to wait and see. He’ll probably come to you when he’s made up his mind.” If he didn’t, I’d squish him like a bug for upsetting Lucas.
Lucas smiled up at me. “Thanks, Wade.” His eyes widened. “Should I call you that here, or should I use Wreck? Oh, heck, I didn’t even think to ask beforehand.”
Chuckling, I shifted my hand to his waist and told him, “Relax. You can call me Wade whenever and wherever.”
He nodded. “Okay. All right, that’s good.”
Fuck me, he was damn cute.
All I could think was how lucky I was that Lucas had moved in with Saint. It was likely I wouldn’t have met him and fallen for the guy. Dipping down, I kissed his neck.
“Jesus, are we gonna have to put up with this shit all the time? My gut won’t take it,” Duck, who stood down the bar a bit, commented.
Lucas’s hand fell over mine and gripped as anger filled me.
“Fuck off, Duck,” I snarled. Who the fuck did he think he was? He was still fucking fresh at being a full member. He had no damn right speaking to me like that, and he’d soon find out.
“How about you keep that crap to your room, Wreck?”
“Why are you looking anyway if it makes you sick?” Lucas asked, surprising me. Then his cheeks heated, and I knew he probably hadn’t meant to voice his question.
“What the fuck you sayin’, fag boy?” Duck clipped as he straightened. Some other brothers told him to shut up, one even tried to grab his shoulder, but Duck shook him off. “I didn’t join this club to see gay shit. No brother should be like that and then show it in front of others.”
My hands fisted. “Mind your words, Duck,” I told him in a clipped tone.
“Or what, Wreck?”
I moved. My feet ate up the floor in
seconds and I got in his face and growled, “Or I’ll make you shut the fuck up.”
“Bullshit, you’re all talk,” he bit out and then shoved me back enough to punch me in the face. I allowed it so I could retaliate and fucking end him. However, before I could do anything, Lucas, my Lucas, moved, and he planted his fist into Duck’s gut. Then in the next second, with a swift move, he was on Duck’s back with his fingers dug into Duck’s neck, behind his ears.
Duck yelled in pain and dropped to his knees. What in the fuck was Lucas doing?
“You don’t touch him,” Lucas shouted.
Duck gurgled and swung his arms around, but Lucas didn’t let go.
“You never touch him or say stuff to anyone who’s gay, you effing prick.”
Duck’s face was screwed up, and he nodded but yelled when whatever Lucas was doing hurt him.
“Just remember, I’m a dang doctor, and I know ways to hurt someone.” With that threat, he pushed off Duck and stood, straightening his clothes.
Holy fucking shit. I’d stood dumbfounded with a chub while Lucas took on a brother.
Clapping started around us as Saint, Country, and Tech stepped forward.
Saint laughed. “Bro, it would have been more badass if you actually swore.”
Lucas blushed as he looked around at the people staring at him. His chest rose and fell rapidly. Country moved close to Lucas and slapped a hand to his shoulder. “Welcome to the family, Lucas.”
“That shit was awesome. You were all ninja-like,” Tech commented.
Lucas blinked, his hands shaking as he shrugged. “I… um, didn’t mean to. It just happened.”
Holy shit. Shock rode him hard, no doubt at how he’d reacted. On instinct, he’d felt the need to protect me, and was now trying to understand it.
Tech was right; it’d been fucking awesome.
Beaming a smile down at him, I curled an arm around his waist as I leaned in and whispered, “You’re all right.”
His wide eyes looked up at me. “I didn’t think…. It just happened. I didn’t like him hitting you and then bam, something took over me and I reacted.” His cheeks heated even more.