“We gonna do this, Doll? You gonna live with me? You gonna be my ol’ lady? You know the club is part of me.”

“Yes to everything.” She says in a whisper. Tilting her head to me, I bring my forehead down to hers. Eye to eye, nose to nose, I say what I’ve known for months now.

“Love you, Doll.”

“Love you, Talon.”

38

One Ride for Life

After the confessions of love on the beach, Tripp took me home and showed my body just how much he loves me. He was true to his word, I felt him the next day. I wasn’t sashaying my ass around anywhere. It was a sore so good.

Tripp left the next morning to go back. I had to stay behind to tie up loose ends here in Haywood’s Landing. I spent two weeks training Jenna. Rex moved out while Tripp was on a transport. My stuff was packed and moved for me by some prospects.

I’ve settled into Tripp’s space pretty well. It’s been six months of living together and I can’t get enough of him. He’s been open to changes around the house, as long as I didn’t put flowery girly shit everywhere; his words not mine. The French country blue kitchen is now a light gray and upgraded to stainless steel appliances. Dina offered me a job, but Tripp offered me one at his office as well. I took the second offer because he’s gone quite a bit and I love the extra time together when he’s home.

Rex is still man-whoring around. I’ve become close with Tessie. She is done holding out hope for Rex to change. It’s going to be a challenge but she is trying to break free of the hold he has on her. She is trying to move on in life for her and for her son.

Tank is still in a coma. He’s stable, his body healed, but he won’t wake up. The doctors say it’s up to him now. He’s got to find the reason to wake up. Sass visits him every day still. She’s living with Nick, and although the light is gone from my feisty friend’s eyes, she seems as happy as she’s gonna get without being with a biker.

Tripp and I spent last weekend riding the Dragon’s tail. It was everything my dad said it would be and then some. Being an ol’ lady is different. Those women who always looked out for me and nurtured me were an important part to my life that I overlooked until becoming one. Now, I’m looking out for the newbies that come in with one of the guys or helping with the little Hellions they have. They’ve all taken me in here quite well and I love my extended family.

I’ve got a special dinner planned tonight since Tripp has been gone for the last week. He walks in looking edible himself. I smile at him, as I walk over to the kitchen entryway. Snaking my arms around his waist, I rest my head on his chest. His arms come around me as he moves to tilt my head to him. Then he devours me in his kiss. I don’t care if it is fifty years from now, a kiss from Talon Crews will consume every part of me because he is everything that makes my heart beat. After a few minutes, we break apart.