Page 85 of Lick

“There was a time before Sienna was born, when violence became the norm for the club and my mother couldn’t take it anymore. I was still young, Sin was a tiny baby, when my mother decided, love or not, she couldn’t continue the lifestyle. So she took us. We left the state and went up north to live with an aunt and uncle of hers. But we weren’t gone long before my father came after us. He told her that if he had to choose, it would always be her. The money, drugs, guns, or territory meant nothing to him. She was his everything.”

He smiled. “I’m sure my father would have left the club life if that’s what my mother had chosen. But she loved him too, and how can you ask someone to cut off a part of who they are? She knew who he was when she met him. She might have been young, but she wasn’t blind to who my father was, and she loved him anyway. My mother is still madly in love with him, even if it’s with his ghost.”

“Not to tarnish your stroll down memory lane, but why the fuck are you telling me this?”

He chuckles. “I’m telling you this because I see Jenni accepting you for you, and I’m sure she’ll never ask you to cut off a part of who you are. But it doesn’t make you weak to choose to leave this life behind in order to make sure your family has a good future. Club life is easy when you’re single, only needing to look out for yourself, but bringing another into this life, the kids… Man, it’s something that you need to think long and hard about. I’m telling you now, if you need to walk away from Devil’s Fury to secure the future of your family, I’m okay with it. You were lost when you found yourself on the steps of the club, but you’re not lost anymore, Lick. You’ve come full circle. You’ve found you.”

“You’re right, I have. I’ve found me, and who I am is this club and this life. I’m evolving.” I laugh at the realization. “And, Jenni, those kids and this club will all evolve with me. I’m not going anywhere. I’ve had enough of my family turn their backs on me. I’m not about to do the same. Blood or not, you, the guys, even the bitches are my family, and I’m not going anywhere.”

He slaps his hand on my shoulder. “That’s good to hear because there isn’t anyone like you, and it would be my loss if you chose to leave. You’ve been my best friend for years, and I’m not looking to find another.” Standing up, he strides to the doors. He turns around, he eyes me.

“Let’s get you married. It’s fucking time.”

“Are you ready?” Savannah pops her head into the room. “Honey, you look beautiful.” She enters the room, closing the door behind me. “The beading is beautiful.”

She’s right, it is beautiful. Bianca wanted me to wear the dress she wore when she married Devin. It’s an off white, lace and beaded gown. The lace and beads stretch across my chest and upper arms, leaving my shoulders bare, and the fabric hugs my hips before falling down my legs, barely dusting the floor. Because we’re both short and curvy, she knew it would fit me. Lily has gathered my curls on the top of my head, leaving a few to cascade down my neck.

“Thank you,” I tell her as I admire myself in the full-length mirror.

“Everyone’s set. Let’s get you hitched.”

Nodding my head, I take a deep breath, calming my nerves. My heart races, my hands shake. Butterflies swirl in the pit of my stomach. When I close my eyes, I see Lick’s face. He’s my anchor in the storm we call our life. He’s steadfast. His loyalty to the kids and me is unwavering. His dedication to the club is unfaltering. He will make a fine husband, and I know I’ll never doubt his love for me. I’m the one he’s chosen for then, for now, and for forever. Me.

“I’m ready,” I tell her.

She nods before spinning on her heel, leaving me to my nerves.

The words I now pronounce you man and wife continue to run through my head as I play with the gold band on my left finger. The entire experience was surreal. How handsome Lick looked standing at the end of the aisle with the guys at his side.

The normally drab biker bar had been converted into an intimate room fixed with fresh flowers and candlelight. The Fallen insisted on decorating so I didn’t have to worry about it. Now, with round tables covered with white linen cloths, the dining room has been transformed into a small reception area. Music plays in the background, Lily and Bianca manning the food while the guys stand around drinking beers and laughing. Savannah has Grace on her lap with Roxy at her side, both playing with the baby.

“What are you thinking?” Lick places a kiss on my shoulder. He hasn’t left my side the entire night.

“Nothing. Just looking at everyone.”

He takes my hand into his, bringing it to his lips. I love the feel of his lips on my body, even if it’s on my hand. “Are you happy?”

“Yes,” I tell him. “The happiest I’ve ever been.”

“Me too, baby.” He places another kiss on my temple.

Cut enters the room, his brows pinched together. The happy go lucky man that he’s been today is replaced with his Prez persona. When he approaches the guys, they all fall silent and listen. His hands fly as he continues to talk. When they begin to nod, he turns and comes towards us.

“Hey,” he says when he approaches. “Don’t mean to interrupt, but it looks like we’re headed to Vegas tonight. We got a lead, and we need to take it. This is the shit we’ve been waiting for. The location’s been locked down. We go in, grab and come home. New York has already been contacted, and they’re in route to pick up their belongings.”

“Okay,” Lick confirms. “Not sure why you’re telling me this, though. You’ve kept me in the dark pretty much the entire time.”

Cut’s eyes bounce from me to Lick. “Look, I need you to come with us. I know this is shitty timing, but I told you if I felt that I needed you, I would tell you. And well, I’m telling you. I don’t feel comfortable going in there without you by my side. You were right when you said this is a big haul, and I’d be stupid if I didn’t have the best with me.”

“Who’s staying behind?”

“A few guys, a couple prospects and Bubba because he’s still on probation.”

“Can you give us a minute?” Lick asks.

“Yeah, of course. The guys are gonna gather the shit we need and start packing up the trucks.”

When Cut leaves, Lick’s hand come under my chin, bringing my face to meet his. I swallow back my words that I want to tell him. I want him to stay, but I’d never make him pick between the club and me.