Page 71 of The Riders’ Reign

The doctors and nurses weren't happy about it, but there was no way I was being driven around like some invalid. I'm still pretty banged up and feeling a little weak, but compared to where I was a week ago, I've come leaps and bounds. I'm excited about sleeping in my own bed again—and, of course, about having Camille in that bed with me.

Out of the hospital and back on the road, my motorcycle rumbles beneath me. I'm a little more cautious about riding now, and not only because of my injuries, but I wouldn't admit that to anyone else. The memory of the wheels sliding out from under me, and everything that came afterward, is still fresh in my mind. The vibrations from the engine pull at my stitches, and I'm sure the doctors and nurses would scold me for it, but they're not the boss of me. It feels good to be back in the saddle. Like I’m getting back to my old self.

I approach the compound with the guys riding alongside me.

I never expected my welcome home to be small, but they've outdone themselves. A huge banner reading WELCOME HOME, PREZ is strung across the entrance to the main gate, and beyond it, what appears to be the entire MC has turned out. Not just this chapter, but most of my old chapter, too.

As soon as they spot us approaching, everyone starts clapping, hollering, and whistling. I'm not one for being made a fuss of, but I can't stop myself from smiling.

That smile only widens when one person in particular steps forward, and I spot Camile with a huge grin on her face.

To my surprise, Vani joins her, slipping an arm around Camile's shoulders and pulling her into a one-armed hug. They both look happy, comfortable, and completely at ease with each other.

The sight has my heart soaring. Thank fuck. They made up, and it does my soul good to see it.

My two favorite girls.

I ride through the gates, reaching up to yank down the Welcome Home banner as I pass beneath it, before bringing the bike to a stop. I wince at the pain the movement caused me. I keep forgetting that I still can’t do certain things, and reaching up is a new one to add to the list for a while. The banner flutters away like a kite in the breeze.

Mindful of my injuries, after that moment of stupidity, I carefully climb off my bike. A squeal fills my ears, and a second later, Camile crashes into me, her arms wrapping around my neck.

Using every bit of my strength, I lift her. She wraps her legs around my hips, cups my face in both hands, and kisses me hard. Even as light as she is, this probably isn't doing my stitches any favors, so I carefully lower her back to the ground.

"Sorry, sorry! I forgot," she cries. "I got carried away.”

I smile and kiss her again. "It's okay. I appreciate the welcome."

Vani walks over and gives me a big hug.

"Good to see you back on your feet, Dad." Her eyes are shining as she pulls back.

"Yeah, it feels good too," I tell her.

People crowd around, patting me on the shoulder and shaking my hand. Someone shoves a drink into my hand, but I don't really want it. I’m not feeling one hundred percent and still need pain meds. Not wanting to be a downer, though, I take a sip. The whole place has a celebratory atmosphere.

For a while, I make small talk with everyone to show my gratitude for everything the club has done to welcome me home, but it’s not long before I begin to flag. As much as I’m loathe to admit it to myself, the shooting and crash have taken it out of me. From now on, I need to be a little more careful with myself.

Slowly, I work my way through the crowd, keeping my eyes peeled for Camile. As much as I appreciate everything they've done, all I really want is to be in my own house and my own bed—preferably with Camile by my side.

I find her chatting animatedly with Phoenix and take her hand, dragging her attention back to me.

"Come on. Let's head back."

"Now?" she asks. "You don't want to stay with the rest of the club and celebrate?"

"No," I reply. "I only want to be with you."

She beams, and I don’t even bother to make my excuses to everyone else. Instead, I nod to Ace, who gives me one in return. He knows to let people know I’ve gone to rest. But hopefully I won’t only be resting. I glance at Camile by my side as we head to my place.

I open the front door, step inside, and stare around in sheer horror.

"What the actual hell? This isn't my house." There are goddamn cushions, and throws, and vases and all kinds of girly shit cluttering the place.

"Yes, it is," Camile says happily, despite my grumpy response. "Don’t you like it? Vani and I spent ages decorating. We wanted it to feel a bit more like home for you."

I chuckle. "A bit more like home for me, or a bit more like home for you?"

She has the decency to look a little guilty. "Well... maybe I wanted to feel a bit more comfortable here, too."