I get up slowly, our bodies pressed together until I’m looming above her. She smiles up at me like I’m the best thing she’s seen all day. The thought that it might be true for her hits me in the middle of my chest.
After grabbing her hand and lacing our fingers together, I lead us out of the house and toward the clubhouse. It’s not a long walk and the air has cooled just enough now that night has fallen. Being on the outskirts of Dogwood Ridge has its advantages.
We both look up at the stars twinkling above us and a soft smile lifts my woman’s lips. When I give her hand a squeeze, she gives it right back. It shouldn’t make a jolt of happiness go through me, but it does.
“Woah,” Ezra chuckles when we step inside the main room of the clubhouse.
It’s filled with people in a way she’s never seen before. Her wide blue eyes sweep over the space. When a slow smile grows on her lips, I know this is exactly where she’s supposed to be.
“And the night is still young,” I tell her. “Just wait.”
I can feel the eyes of everyone on us as we head to the bar. Bolt is behind the bar tonight with Omen at the gate. With the alcohol flowing and more people coming in and out of our gate, I’d rather have Omen out there as a line of defense rather than having him behind the bar.
Without needing to be told, Bolt puts a beer down in front of me and looks toward Ezra with a small smile. “What can I get you, Ms. Lyons?”
Her face scrunches up and she shakes her head slowly. “How about you call me Ezra? I don’t think I can handle you calling me Ms. Lyons while surrounded by debauchery.”
Bolt grins at her and shakes his head slightly. When he looks down at her shirt, he does snort out a small laugh. I’m not an insecure man, but I don’t like anyone else getting her smiles. I’m aware of how unhinged that makes me sound.
I don’t really give a fuck.
When I lean down, my nose sliding along her neck, my words whisper against her skin, “I don’t think you have any idea what debauchery is.” Bolt puts her beer down with a nod beforemoving away to serve someone else. “Careful, don’t smile too wide at anyone else. Especially him.”
“Why him?” She asks me, her wide blue eyes looking up at me while she blinks. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“He’s young,” I grumble.
She scrunches up her face. “Exactly,” she points out. “He was my student far too recently; it would be wrong,” her voice drops slightly, “and gross.”
I chuckle under my breath and lean down to kiss her lips softly. When I stand up to my full height, I’m very aware that the move has earned a lot of attention from those around us. I’m not surprised.
There’s a quiet hum in the air, one that tells me everyone is just waiting to see what happens next. If they’re looking for a show or drama, they’re going to be disappointed.
“Ryker,” Dad calls out to me from a nearby table.
When I turn toward the sound, Ezra does as well. Jackal is sitting at a table with my mom, Vera, and Snake’s parents—Warden and Patsy. I give my dad and Warden a chin lift before leaning down to whisper in my woman’s ear, “Time to meet the parents.”
Ezra’s eyes widen slightly as she looks up at me. “Okay, great,” her voice is bright, but wobbles slightly.
The way she’s putting on a brave face and squaring her shoulders is sexy as fuck.
She allows me to lead her over to their table, but I can see the worry in every step she takes. My thumb brushes back and forthalong her back and I feel her relax slightly. It’s not enough, but it makes me feel like a fucking god.
Just as we reach the table, Freak and Dorothy, Scratch and Bolt’s parents, walk up. All of their eyes are on Ezra. They completely ignore the warning look I shoot them.
“Fucking hell, people,” I admonish them.
Ezra’s eyes go even wider and rounder. She looks up at me and then smacks my arm, her voice laced with admonishment, “Language.”
Everyone around the table freezes for a moment. When all I do is cut my eyes at her while one side of my mouth tips up, they all burst out laughing.
Mom stands up and practically rips my woman out of my arms. “I’m going to be honest, I never thought I’d see this day.” She grips her and holds her at arm’s length. “I also would not have predicted it would be you, but it also makes a strange sense.”
Ezra makes an oomph sound when Mom clutches her against her chest in a fierce hug. The awkward look on Ezra’s face is priceless.
“This is my mom, Vera,” I introduce them, my words filled with amusement.
“I’ve gotta say,” Patsy pipes up as she steps up next to where mom is still hugging Ezra, “the sheriff’s daughter and the motorcycle club president is definitely a book I’ve read. Talk about a dramatic combo. I can’t wait to enjoy the fireworks.”
