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Bria grins and pops up on her toes, placing a quick kiss to my lips. “Let’s go. Might as well get this over with.”
With a heavy sigh, I pull the door open and we step inside the clubhouse. Several of the guys are at the bar, and the women are gathered around the pool table. As soon as Judge sees me, the room falls silent. I watch as he walks toward me, his face unreadable as he approaches.
“Oh, God,” Bria whispers, her fingers biting into my arm.
He comes to a stop directly in front of us. “Glad to see you’ve decided to come home. You planning on sticking around?”
I nod, but don’t dare speak.
“You’re on prospect duty for the rest of the year,” he declares. “Lower than a prospect. Even the prospects can pass their shit jobs onto you, and you’ll fucking do them.”
It could be worse, I guess…
“Oh. My. God.” Cora squeals, approaching with Grace. Cora’s eyes have zeroed in on where Bria’s hand squeezes my arm. It’s her ring she’s looking at. “You got married?” she squeals even louder.
My eyes flash to Judge’s, knowing damn well he’s not happy about this interruption, but my heart swells with pride as I watch Bria. Her light has never been brighter. And besides Liam, we haven’t yet told a soul about our union. Cora is the first person to be equally as excited as we are about it.
Unable to hide her smile, Blair nods, holding her hand out for Cora to get a better look.
The men forgotten, Cora and Grace crowd in, commenting on the unique jewelry. Blair, Lindsey, and the others rush over, each of them congratulating me and Bria, all of them making a fuss over Bria’s ring.
Originally, I hadn’t been too sure about how I felt with Bria wearing a ring her brother had handed her to symbolize our marriage. But for so many years, Bria had been alone. Now she has a brother, and a past to discover. And apparently, a vintage family heirloom, the likes of which I’d never have been able to afford.
“For fuck’s sake,” Judge mutters behind me. He’s probably pissed off because he got interrupted in the middle of ripping me a new asshole, but watching Bria, I can’t seem to bring myself to care.
“Oh, stop being such an old grouch,” Grace huffs, nudging him and pointing to us. “Can you think of two people who deserve this more?
Judge stares at his wife, but doesn’t answer.
Grace rolls her eyes and pulls Bria in for a hug. “Well, if he won’t say it, I will. Welcome to the family, honey.”
Bria’s smile is radiant. “Thank you.”
My heart grows fuller than it’s ever been. Just a few weeks ago, she’d been alone and afraid, begging for death to carry her away from her own reality. Now she’s a married woman, attached to a family filled with women who treat each other with kindness instead of jealousy.
Several members of the club move forward, shaking my hand and clapping me on the back. “You shouldn’t have taken off like that,” TK scolds, taking my hand and giving it a firm shake. “But I’m glad you found your happiness.”
I hear Bria telling the others about our little city hall wedding, and the motorcycle adventure along the coast.
When Judge approaches Bria, I brace, worried he may say something to upset her, but I should know better. Judge may be a hard-ass, but he’s a good man, and he knows how much Bria means to me.
“Darlin’,” he starts. “Want you to know that I think you’re a very strong woman, and I couldn’t have picked a better wife for Priest. You’re part of this club now. You need anything, you just ask.”
“Thank you,” Bria breathes out. Had she been as worried as I was?
For the next couple of hours, I Bria rides the wave of well wishes. Her smile is infectious, and it’s hard to believe that she’d been raped before my very eyes just over a month ago.
“Angel?” I call out once the crowd has scattered.
“Mmm?” The look on her face is one of contentment and peace. I don’t ever want that look to disappear.
“Come with me.” Taking her hand in mine, I lead her toward the door, anxious to get a moment to ourselves, even if it’s just for a few seconds. As soon as we’re outside, I back her up against the side of the building and step between her parted legs.
“You happy, Angel?”
She playfully smacks my chest and declares, “I have never been happier in my life.”
I don’t laugh at her light tone. Instead, I drop to my knees and take her hand, assuming the proposal position all over again. “Bria Russo, you are the most incredible person I’ve ever met. You’ve been through more in just a few short years than most people have been through in their entire lives.”
