“Thank you,” she whispered, putting the leather riding jacket on.
“Baby, you sure you want to ride with me. I mean, you’d be warmer in the van with Healer.”
“No,” she said, climbing off my bike, then repositioning herself behind me. The moment her arms were wrapped around me, she added, “I want to go home, now.”
I wasn’t going to argue with her.
With that, we made the eight-hour trip home.
It was a long drive, and as Shadow said, it was chilly, but Ari never said one word. She held tight to me, never letting go.
Not once.
My brothers surrounded us, keeping in a tight formation, so she was protected. I still couldn’t believe that she was alive and on the back of my bike. Whatever I did to deserve this second chance, there was no way I was going to fuck it up. People say that losing something lets you know what it actually meant to you. When I thought I lost her, my life had no more meaning. It was then I realized that she was my world. I loved her. I wanted her with me forever. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I was blessed. I had my daughter and the love of my life. Nothing, no one was ever going to take them from me again. Ever.
We pulled into the compound early the following day to find Roxy and Moonshine waiting on the porch, along with Remi and the brothers who stayed behind. When I pulled to a stop and cut my engine, Ari didn’t waste time getting off my bike and running to Roxy. The older woman wrapped her arms around my woman, crying as Moonshine walked over to me.
“Thank you,” he said, holding out his hand.
Taking it, I shook it and nodded.
“Where’s Max?” Remi asked, walking closer.
“He went after Bullseye,” I said, looking at the Prez’s woman, then turned to Moonshine. “He found Layla. The Vultures have her.”
“Oh God,” Roxy gasped, releasing Ari as she slowly shook her head. “Lee Roy, you have to go. He’s gonna need help.”
“Shit,” Moonshine cursed, slapping his hat against his leg. “Okay, Ghost, can one of the boys give me a ride to the airport. That would be the fastest way.”
“Sure,” I said, spotting a prospect. “Jake can take you.”
“I’ll go get a cage, Ghost,” the kid grinned, running for one of the garages.
“I’ll call the boys and let them know what’s going on and when to expect you,” Roxy said, coming over to kiss her husband. “I’m gonna stay here. You come back to me, old man. You get me?”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, woman.” He grinned.
Watching the older couple, I turned to see Ari looking at me. I smiled, got off my bike, walked over to her. Without warning, I picked her up, wrapping her legs around me. “I love you, woman. Your mine, now. Forever.”
My woman smiled then kissed me.
Her soft lips brushed mine, sending an electrical shock straight to my dick. Holding her tighter, I leaned into the kiss, thrusting my tongue into her mouth. God, she tasted like fucking strawberries, and I couldn’t wait to taste her cream.
“Check-up first,” Healer deadpanned, walking by us. “Fuck later.”
Releasing her lips, I looked at the man walking away and shouted, “Has anyone ever told you that your bedside manner sucks!”
“Yes!”
Grinning, I looked at my woman, who was smiling.
God, she was stunning and all mine.
“If that asshole thinks he’s laying one hand on my baby girl, he’s got another thing comin’,” Roxy said, marching after Healer.
“Your new mother is…”
“Wonderful,” Ari whispered in awe as she watched Roxy stomp after Healer as if she owned the place.