Page 197 of Healed

Vienna grabbed my arms and spun me around, locking his lips with mine.

And then, the lights dimmed, the disco lights turned on, and balloons fell from the ceiling.

“Alright, you fuckers!” Dante yelled. “Let’s have ourselves a party!”

Chapter 64

Gabriella

“I thought we were having a party?” I asked, not even ten minutes later.

Everyone had grabbed a quick pint, downing it at record speed, and then they’d all raced for the front door as though the place was on fire.

Probably the wrong thing to say considering where I was and everything this club had been through, but that’s what it felt like.

“What? You didn’t think we were going to get all dressed up in our riding gear for nothing, did you?” Vienna smirked at me.

“I—”

“Gabriella,” Dante interrupted, his voice firm.

I stiffened at the tone.

“I have something to say to you, now, in front of the entire club. And I want to do it before we all get riding.”

I swallowed heavily. “Okay?”

“I know things haven’t always been the easiest for you two. And I know things happened in the past that we all regret. But as president of this club, I want to make it abundantly clear, for all who are listening, that you are welcome here. From this moment on, the past will stay where it belongs. Whatever happened, whatever you did, it’s forgotten. If Vienna can find it in himself to forgive and forget, it’s the least we can do. Isn’t that right, brothers?”

The crowd called out its response.

All of it a yes.

Dante must have read the hesitation on my face.

“We’ve all made mistakes, darling. Each and every one of us has blood on our hands. Being a part of this club isn’t about being judged for the mistakes. It’s embracing the changes you make going forward.”

He placed his hand on my shoulder then—which was about the closest to a hug I’d ever get from him.

“From this moment on, you are under my protection. For the love of God, please don’t abuse it and turn out like Rachel.”

And with that, he turned on his heel and went to his bike.

My mouth remained open with shock.

In fact, I was that stunned, I didn’t even feel Vienna moving until his arms wrapped around me from behind, and his lips kissed the top of my head.

“How do you feel?” he asked me.

“Honestly?” I said, clearing my throat as the tears burned it. “I’m just… I don’t even know. I feel chosen. Is that silly?”

“Not silly at all. You belong here, princess. You always did.”

“I belong with you.”

“I’m not about to argue with that,” he said, spinning me around in his arms. His hands cupped my cheeks, and he placed a tender kiss to my lips.

“Should we take that ride now, old lady?”