“Let’s go. They will keep watching. We can talk later,” I say as I grab his hand and head inside the clubhouse.
Pyro follows me and the smile never leaves his face. I would give anything to keep him smiling like that.
I can’t help the sigh that escapes. I believe that he heard it, if the small chuckle that escapes him is anything to go by…
When we walk into the clubhouse, it’s already full of Old Ladies getting food ready for Pyro’s welcoming party. I narrow my eyes a bit because they had to have known that he was coming to have so much food already on hand.
My dad raises an eyebrow at me, and I can see by the look on his face that he already knew that Pyro was coming.
I’m guessing that I wasn’t told because they didn’t know he was here for me. They didn’t have any reason to believe that Pyro was coming for me.
We walk to the bar and grab a beer.
“Krista, can I talk to you for a minute?” my dad asks in a tone that I can’t ignore even if I wanted to. I should know, I heard that tone every time that I tried to sneak out growing up.
I nod my head and reluctantly leave Pyro’s side.
He walks toward his office and I follow. I guess this is a private chat. This could go one of two ways…
Once the door closes, he doesn’t waste any time.
“What’s the deal with you and Pyro?” he asks in a serious voice.
I shrug my shoulders. “I like him. I took care of him when he got shot protecting Ella, and there was just something about him. I didn’t think that he was very interested because once he left the hospital, I barely saw him.”
He stares at me for a few moments and I start to squirm under his gaze.
“He’d better know what he’s doing. No one fucks with my daughter. You want him gone, you say the word,” he says, looking me directly in the eyes.
“I know, dad. I-I just want something for myself, you know?”
He nods his head. “I know, baby girl. I’m sorry that it took you running away from me to see that. This man came all the way here for you knowing that he was walking into your family. I’m not going to get in the way of that but, the second that he hurts you, I’ll kick his ass and send him on his way.”
“Thanks dad,” I say pulling him into a hug.
“You’re my daughter. It fucking killed me to see that note saying that you needed to live your life without constantly being watched. It fucking sucks, but I was stuck in my own head. I didn’t want to think about the day that you weren’t just my baby girl but, instead, someone’s woman. I wasn’t ready to share you. I’m not sure that I am now, but I’m willing to try because I can’t wake up another morning and have you gone, and not knowing where you are,” he says pulling back from the hug and looking me in the eyes.
My eyes well with tears. I had no idea how much I hurt my dad by running, but I can see it now.
“Thank you dad. I really like him, and I want to see where this goes. I can’t believe that he came after me,” I say with a smile.
My dad chuckles. “Of course he did. He would have been a fool not to.”
When I only smile at him, he laughs.
“Now, go have a good time with your man,” he says pulling away and walking toward the door.
My man. That has a nice ring to it.
I can’t help the excitement that flows through me by having Pyro here.
I sure hope that he knows what he’s getting into because I’m not going to let him go.
Chapter Two
Pyro (Declan)
I watch Krista walk away behind her father. I have no doubt that he’s asking if she really wants me here, but that’s fine. I could tell by her reaction when she saw me that she wants me as much as I want her.
I look around the clubhouse and some huge motherfucker comes up to me. His eyes narrow dangerously at me. I narrow my eyes back at him. He has this fierce protectiveness about him. I can instantly tell that he cares about Krista. He stares me down, but I don’t back away.
He doesn’t say anything for a couple minutes.
“Krista is a special woman. ‘You think that you deserve her?” he says in a low voice. I don’t think that anyone else heard him but me. I wonder if he’s had a thing for her but never made a move. It would explain why he looks like he wants to hit me.
I slowly nod my head. “I’m going to be all that she needs. Do I deserve her? Fuck no, but I’m going to try my fucking hardest to. She’s the best kind of woman. I would be a fool to let her walk away.”
He studies me for a few moments, probably trying to see how serious I am, and then nods his head. He turns and walks away without saying another word.
Krista comes to my side seconds later. I didn’t see her coming, so I’m not sure how much of the conversation she heard.
“What did Bullet want?” she asks curiously and looks across the room in his direction.
I shake my head. “Nothing baby, you know how brothers are protective of their own.”
She nods her head but looks sceptical.
Thankfully, she doesn’t ask anything else.
I spend the evening getting to know her family. Lots of brothers and Old Ladies are welcoming me, but I do get a ton
