Property of Fox (Mayhem Makers: Bastard Boilers MC)

30. Fox

FOX

“Firefly, you ready to go?” I call out through our bedroom to where she’s been holed up in the bathroom getting ready.

“Just a few more minutes.” I stifle a laugh. The famous last words of every woman who has a man waiting on her.

I plop down on the edge of our bed, running my hand over the soft comforter. It's still strange to think of this as ‘our’ room, ‘our’ bed when just a few weeks ago, I was living the bachelor life.

The events of the past month flash through my mind like a highlight reel. Meeting Brea in Texas at that book signing, the war between us and the Hoosier Hellions to keep her safe, her mother’s private funeral service thanks to a few favors owed to the club, and the emotional fallout that came after. Brea had survived it all. Far better than anyone else could have managed. I run my hands through my hair, still marveling at how quickly everything changed.

With the immediate threat of the Hoosier Hellions mostly behind us, our club could finally know a bit of peace. The remaining members we’d captured no longer a threat to us or Brea with their permanent accommodations courtesy of Huxton Construction. The consequences for everything they’d done, not only to us, but to those innocents they killed like Kennedy. Her death now avenged. Though, the satisfaction of victory mingles with a twinge of unease. It's not regret exactly. Those bastards got what was coming to them. But the violence, the intensity of it all, sometimes I wonder if this life will ever truly feel normal. Then again, normal was never really my thing.

I hear Brea humming softly in the bathroom, some pop song I vaguely recognize, and I can't help but smile. She's the unexpected variable in all of this, the wild card that turned my world upside down in the best possible way. Who would have thought a chance encounter at a book signing would lead to all this?

My eyes drift to the new bookshelf in the corner, now filled with Brea's extensive collection that we’d retrieved from her mom’s house prior to getting it listed for sale. Her prized signed copies are displayed prominently, a reminder of the day that changed everything. I chuckle, remembering how out of place I felt at that signing surrounded by excited readers. Now, I find myself picking up one of her books when she's not looking, curious about the stories that captivate her so completely.

The bathroom door finally opens, and Brea emerges in a cloud of floral-scented steam. My breath catches in my throat as I take her in. She's wearing a deep green dress that hugs her curves in all the right places, her curls tamed into loose waves that cascade down her back. Her emerald eyes sparkle as she catches me staring.

"See something you like?" she smiles.

I stand, crossing the room in two long strides. My hands find her waist, pulling her close. "You know I do, firefly," I murmur, nuzzling her neck. "You look absolutely stunning."

She laughs, pushing me away playfully. "Careful now, we don't want to be late for Az and Hallie's belated engagement party."

I groan, reluctantly releasing her. "You sure we can't just stay in tonight?" I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively. “Your dress would look even better crumpled up on our bedroom floor.”

Brea rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a blush on her cheeks. "Nice try, but no. The whole club is required to be there. Azrael’s orders.”

She's right, of course. Az has been giving me hell ever since Brea moved in, teasing me about finally being domesticated like him. But the truth is, I've never been happier.

As we head out to my bike, I can't help but marvel at how natural it feels to have Brea by my side. She swings her leg over the seat behind me with practiced ease, her arms wrapping securely around my waist. The rumble of the engine beneath us is a familiar comfort as we pull out onto the road.

The cool night air whips past us as we ride, carrying the scent of leather and gasoline. I feel Brea press her cheek against my back, seeking warmth. Her presence grounds me, a reminder of everything I have to be grateful for.

As we approach the clubhouse, I can already hear the music and laughter spilling out into the parking lot. Colorful streamers and balloons decorate the entrance, a stark contrast to the usual gritty exterior. Leave it to Hallie to bring a touch of whimsy to our world.

I help Brea off the bike, unable to resist stealing a quick kiss before we head inside. She tastes like cherry lip gloss and promise. A promise that I will be cashing in as soon as our Azrael-mandated appearance is noted, and I can sneak her out of here.

The party is in full swing when we enter. The main room is packed with familiar faces. Club members and a few trusted friends. Az and Hallie are at the center of it all, beaming as they accept congratulations from well-wishers.

Asher catches my eye from across the room, raising his beer in greeting. There's a hint of sadness behind his smile, and I know he's thinking of Kennedy. The engagement party is a bittersweet reminder of what he's lost. I make a mental note to check in with him later. Things had been icy between us. For now, though, I focus on guiding Brea through the crowd.

"There you two are!" Hallie's voice rings out over the noise. She weaves her way towards us, her face flushed with excitement and maybe a little too much champagne. "I was starting to think you'd ditched us."

Brea laughs, pulling Hallie into a tight hug. "And miss the chance to see Az in a tie? Never."

I glance over at my club president, who does indeed look slightly uncomfortable in his formal attire. He catches my eye and shrugs, a silent 'the things we do for love' passing between us.

"You look gorgeous, Hallie," Brea gushes.

Hallie beams at the compliment, twirling to show off her sparkly dress. "Thanks! I wasn't sure about the sequins.”

A squeal pierces through the noise of the party. "Brea! Oh my god, you look amazing!"

I turn to see Keira bounding towards us, her arms outstretched. She collides with Brea in a whirlwind excited chatter.

I watch as Brea and Keira embrace, their excited chatter blending into the background noise of the party. It's still a bit surreal, seeing Brea so at ease in this world that was once solely mine. But then again, everything about our life together still feels like a beautiful, chaotic dream.

As I observe their animated conversation, my mind drifts to the changes that have swept through our lives. Brea moving in with me was just the beginning. It didn't take long for Keira to follow suit, finding an apartment just a few blocks away and transferring to Purdue to finish her degree. All to stay close to Brea, of course.

I can't help but chuckle to myself. When I signed up for Brea, I didn't realize I was getting a two-for-one deal. Keira is a constant presence in our lives, popping in and out of our place like she has a key, which, come to think of it, she probably does. It's taken some getting used to having this bubbly, talkative presence, but she makes Brea happy, and that’s enough for me. Plus, she isn’t Eden.

There are moments when I find myself missing the simplicity of my old life, but then Brea will look at me with those sparkling green eyes, or I'll wake up to the smell of her attempting to cook breakfast, and I know I wouldn't trade this for anything.

I feel a hand clap my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. It's Az, looking both dapper and uncomfortable in his suit.

"You steal that suit from the morgue?" I laugh, eyeing Az's uncharacteristically formal attire.

He shoots me a glare. "Laugh it up, asshole. You're next."

I raise an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Az nods towards Brea. "Don't think I haven't noticed that look in your eye. You're a goner, brother. It's only a matter of time before you're standing up here in your own monkey suit."

I scoff, but I can feel a warmth creeping up my neck. "We've only been together a few weeks, man. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

Az just shakes his head, a knowing glint in his eye. "Keep telling yourself that. But I've seen the way you look at her. It's the same way I look at Hallie."

Before I can respond, Brea appears at my side, slipping her hand into mine. "What are you two whispering about over here?" she asks, her eyes dancing with curiosity.

"Nothing important," I say quickly, shooting Az a warning look. He just grins, raising his glass in a mock toast before wandering off to mingle with the other guests.

Brea looks at me suspiciously but doesn't push. Instead, she tugs on my hand, leading me towards the makeshift dance floor. "Come on, tough guy. Show me those moves you've been bragging about."

I groan dramatically but allow her to pull me along. "I don't remember doing any bragging about dance moves, firefly. That must've been some other devilishly handsome biker you're thinking of."

She laughs, the sound like music above the thumping bass. "Oh please, Mr. 'I've-got-moves you've-never-seen-before.' Time to put your money where your mouth is."

As we reach the dance floor, a slow song starts to play. Brea wraps her arms around my neck, and I pull her close, my hands settling on her waist. We sway together, and I'm struck by how perfectly she fits against me.

"See? Not so bad," she murmurs, her breath warm against my ear.

I hum in agreement, enjoying the feel of her in my arms. "I suppose there are worse ways to spend an evening."

We dance in comfortable silence for a few moments, lost in our own little world. Then Brea pulls back slightly. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything," I reply, curious about the sudden seriousness in her tone.

She bites her lip, a gesture I've come to recognize as a sign of nervousness. "Are you happy? With me, I mean. With all of this?" She gestures vaguely around us.

The question takes me aback. "Of course, I am firefly. Why would you even ask that?"

She shrugs, her eyes dropping to focus on my chest. "It's just...this is all so different from your life before. I know it's been a big adjustment. And sometimes I wonder if you miss your old life. The freedom, the...simplicity of it all."

I tilt her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Brea, listen to me. Yes, my life has changed. But it's changed for the better. You bring light and laughter into my world in a way I never knew I was missing." I pause. "I don't miss my old life because it was empty compared to this. You make me happier than I've ever been."

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, and she buries her face in my chest. I hold her tighter, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"I love you," she whispers, so quietly I almost miss it.

My heart swells, and I realize Az was right. I am a goner. "I love you too, firefly. More than you know."

We stay like that, swaying gently to the music, wrapped in the quiet magic of our own little world—just the ex-playboy and his bookworm.