“I love you,” I murmured against his skin.
“I love you too,” he rasped against my hair, his voice overflowing with emotion.
I fell asleep cocooned in the safety of his arms, his drugging scent surrounding me.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Are we really going to a biker party?” Malena asked, eyes wide, taking in the compound. “I can’t believe you talked me into this. I’m not sure it’s good for business to be seen with a bunch of bikers.”
Grim messaged me this morning, asking if I wanted to come to a party. I’d missed the guys and would take any excuse to see them, even if it was for a party at the compound. I wasn’t exactly the partying type, despite them thinking otherwise.
Sebastian had spent all week at my house and, true to his word, made sure I knew how much I meant to him. From flowers—the non-creepy kind—to dinners in the backyard, he’d pulled out all the stops.
He was gone during the day but still drove me to Pepper’s when I had a shift. He stayed with me when I stood outside the door, holding me tight and letting me do my thing without judgment. Last time, I only had to count to thirty-four before my legs agreed to carry me inside.
I knew he didn’t like what he saw by his taut expression and the intense way he watched me. But just having him there made everything so much better.
He picked me up again after my shift, driving me back home.
Luca and Lena were having a sleepover at Malena’s house tonight. Her parents were watching them, something they did occasionally. The kids loved it, and I felt safe leaving them there.
I couldn’t remember the last time Malena and I went out together. So when Grim messaged me, I immediately asked her to come along. It took a little convincing, but she eventually gave in.
“You told them I’m coming too, right? They’re not going to throw me out?” she asked, still staring at the brightly lit building. People were milling around outside, and the music was loud even from where we were standing in the street.
The taxi driver had refused to get too close and had dropped us halfway down the street. We walked up to the gates, and while I didn’t recognize the guy manning them, when I told him my name, he opened it right away.
“Nobody is going to throw you out,” I reassured my nervous friend. “They’re all nice. You’ll love it. Relax and enjoy tonight.”
She huffed but kept walking next to me instead of running back into town, which seemed to be an option at this stage. “Easy for you to say. You’re with one of them. I’m a nobody. And a lawyer.”
I chuckled and linked arms with her. “They’re not doing anything illegal in there. Maybe a little pot. But I’m sure you can ignore that.”
“Have you heard from Sebastian?” she asked, frowning at a couple making out next to the entrance.
I patted the pocket of my tight jean skirt, making sure I had my phone on me in case he called. It wasn’t like I expected him to tell me his every move. We’d only exchanged a few texts today, and I hadn’t heard from him in a while.
“He said he was at the clubhouse. Do you think he’ll be mad if I just show up? He didn’t invite me.”
Malena squeezed my arm, and we stepped into the huge building currently crammed with people. “Of course he wants you here. That man worships the ground you walk on.”
We pushed our way through swaying bodies in search of a familiar face. Talon was one of four people pouring drinks behind the bar, pushing mostly beer into people’s hands.
He winked at me when he saw us and came over. “If it isn’t the little card shark coming back to the lion's den. You want a rematch?” he shouted close to my ear to be heard over the deafening music.
“No rematch. Grim invited me. Know where he is?” I yelled back, leaning up on the bar.
Talon nodded to the right, and I craned my neck until I made out Grim’s huge form. He was talking to someone at the end of the bar, and I groaned at the thought of pushing my way through more people.
Turned out I didn’t have to when I felt hands grip me around my waist, lifting me high in the air. I yelped in surprise and found myself standing behind the bar. I turned back around and looked at Gears, who winked at me before disappearing in the crowd.
“Much quicker this way,” Talon said, tilting his chin at Malena. “She with you?”
“This is Malena,” I said. “Can you keep an eye on her while I talk to Grim?”
Talon grinned and nodded. “Of course I can.”
He leaned closer to Malena and said something to her. I couldn’t make out what it was, but my ball-buster friend blushed and nodded.
I caught her eyes and pointed to the end of the bar. When she nodded, I gave her a thumbs-up and walked over to Grim.
My face lit up when I saw who he was talking to. Sebastian was standing next to him, and Blade rounded out the group. I ducked under the bar at the end to get out and popped back up on the other side.
Grim saw me first, barreling past Blade, who stumbled to the side. The big teddy bear engulfed me in a tight hug. “Sweetheart, I’m so glad you decided to come.”
“Me too. You still haven’t told me what the party is for though.”
He put his arm around my shoulder and led me back to Sebastian and Blade. “It’s Ace’s party. He’s now officially a member.”
The smile died on my face when I laid eyes on Sebastian. He had a black eye and a busted lip. I slid out from under Grim’s arm and
