15. Ivy – Jett’s First Genuine Smile
FIFTEEN
IVY – JETT’S FIRST GENUINE SMILE
Ivy
It’s just me and the ol’ ladies sitting at the dining table eating breakfast. This morning the men went on a bike ride to do God knows what, so Jett and I will probably have a late lunch somewhere. My mind drifts as I stare into the distance, thinking about Jett’s body pressed against mine. Those tattoos, those abs, that dominance... I’m still surprised he was the one to initiate sex, and oh, was it glorious.
“Do you have today off?” Elena asks beside me, pulling me out of my daydream.
My eyelids flutter a few times before I nod. “I was filling in for work colleagues who were off. My full-time shift starts again in three days.”
“How’s work at the hospital?” Zara asks, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
“They’re long shifts, but I love it.” I glance at Elena and Ava. “I really appreciate your help with Sammy. I desperately need the money, and I love my job. It’s been nice to get out of the clubhouse and do something more... normal.” Sincerity pours from my voice.
Ava flashes me a wide smile. “No need to thank us. She’s easy to care for. Very independent. She just likes being around everyone.”
“She is, but she’s also strong-willed and stubborn,” I reply, smiling. Then it dawns on me where she gets that from.
“Have you heard anything about your ex?” Sophie asks, her hand wrapped around her coffee cup. “Viper’s been telling me not to leave the clubhouse, saying it’s just a precaution.”
My gut drops. A nervous energy courses through me. “Jett hasn’t said anything. I’ll ask him about it today.” It could explain why he’s been so cautious about me leaving for work.
“On that note”—Sophie leans in closer—“are you and Demon a couple or...?”
I chuckle, all eyes on me. “I don’t even know if that’s a possibility with him. The whole concept of a relationship is alien to him.”
Sophie snorts. “I bet.”
I shake my head, trying not to grin. “We’re going on a date today.” The word still sounds strange when referring to Jett. I cringe inwardly, remembering his expression when I called it that.
“What are you planning to do?” Sophie asks, clearly invested.
“I’m hoping to go into town and have a late lunch. That’s if we can leave the clubhouse. I just want us to spend some time together. I’m trying to get to know him, but it’s hard, you know...” I glance at the floor. “He’s not much of a talker. But I’d like for him to trust me enough to let me in... let me understand him and his past because he’s troubled. He’s done so much for Sammy and me and has been our safe haven through all of this. I know it might sound odd to you all, knowing what he does for the club, but he’s a genuinely good guy and I’ve never liked anyone as much as I like him.”
Elena hums thoughtfully. “It’s fascinating, really. I could never picture him with a woman. I thought the same about Bomber before he got together with Zara.” She glances at Zara with a smile. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Zara replies, grinning.
“They’re just built differently,” Elena continues. “But it’s so great they’ve found someone to care about.”
Ava chimes in, nodding. “I’ve gotten to know Demon a little better now I’ve had Hope,” says Ava. “Honestly, worlds away from what I expected, but he’s amazing... been a godsend with helping me with her. He may have a hard exterior, but I agree, he’s a great guy and I’ve been watching him. He may appear intimidating to everyone else, but as soon as his eyes land on you they light up and soften at the same time. I think he adores you, and if anyone has a chance with him, it’s you.”
“Aww, thank you,” I reply, my chest tightening from the unexpected kindness.
“Well,” Sophie interjects, “he’s never hooked up with anyone around here. From what Viper says, he goes to Vegas to get his needs met.” She adds air quotes for emphasis.
I frown at that, wondering if I’ll be able to meet his needs in that case. “We have had sex,” I point out, flustered.
Sophie’s mouth opens into a perfect O. “Tell me all about it. I want details.”
“Sophie!” Zara scolds, shaking her head in disapproval. “That’s private.”
Sophie just sighs. “Fine, at least tell me if it was good or bad.”
I laugh at her boldness. “Good. Really good.”
Sophie’s smug expression says it all. “I knew it! He gives off I’ll-choke-you-until-you-black-out vibes.”
Elena bursts into laughter, accidentally spraying orange juice across the table as she half chokes.
“Anyway,” Sophie continues, unfazed, “are you going on his motorcycle?”
“Oh, that would be fun!” I reply, grinning. “I’ll have to ask.”
“Don’t forget the barbecue and drinks tonight,” Ava reminds me.
Sophie beams. “I love a good party.” Sophie turns to me again. “What do you drink? Wine, whiskey, cocktails?” Her expression turn devious. “Shots?”
“I rarely drink, so I don’t mind. Wine or cocktails maybe. It’s been ages since I had shots, though.” I think back to before I had Sammy and wince. I hope they taste better than they did back then.
“Well,” Sophie declares, “that’s about to change. Shots it is.”
I laugh. My anticipation for tonight grows as the conversation shifts to party planning. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to let my hair down. I’m looking forward to it.
Sophie peers at Zara. “I know what you want to drink... your Crown Village whiskey.”
“Oh, no thank you. I’m not feeling so great, so no alcohol for me tonight.”
She gazes at Elena and Ava. “What would you two like?”
“Wine will do... but I won’t say no to those delicious cocktails you make,” Elena replies.
“I own a nightclub, so I know my drinks,” Sophie says to me and winks.
“They are potent,” Ava adds.
“Never strong enough,” Sophie retorts matter-of-factly.
I glance between all of them. “Since it’s my day off, can you let me know where the vacuum cleaner and cleaning products are? I’d like to help out.”
“I can,” says Elena. “Ava will be looking after Hope, Zara and Sophie will be working, so if me and you and the sweet butts get stuck into it, it should be done within a couple of hours.”
We proceed to do just that, then I spend time with Sammy, have a shower, and get ready. The rumble of motorcycles, which gets louder until I hear them pulling up outside the clubhouse, makes my heart accelerate. I hope Jett hasn’t forgotten.
I put the final touches on my makeup, finishing my cat-eye look with a bold swipe of eyeliner. My hair has just the right amount of bounce from the blow-dryer. Looking in the mirror, I adjust my purple fitted shirt over my favorite blue jeans and step into my wedges. Comfortable yet cute.
While I’m walking down the hallway, Sophie’s voice from a nearby room stops me. I peek into the room to see her perched on the bed, a laptop in her lap. Her eyes scan me from head to toe, and she flashes a cheeky grin. “You look gorgeous,” she purrs. “Now go get your Demon dick.”
Unable to hold it in, I burst out laughing, and I’m still cackling when I go to my bedroom and poke my head inside to say goodbye to Sammy—she isn’t there. From the top of the stairs, I hear deep male voices. I shake off my nerves and walk down, and when I reach the bottom, I hear a whistle. Axle is heading toward me with an mischievous look in his eyes.
I spot Jett, and his eyes widen as he drinks me in. The way his eyes travel over my skin it feels as though he touched me. The hunger in them makes my stomach do a flip. He strides over to me.
Axle’s eyes bounce between Jett and I until they fall on me. “I’d give you a hug and wish you luck”—he leans in and drops his voice to a whisper—“because you’ll need it.” Then his voice goes back to normal. “But I don’t feel like getting stabbed today.” He smirks and looks at Jett. “You’re punching above your weight, buddy.”
Jett’s fake wicked smile slides over his face. “I know.”
“Axle,” Elena calls out, “leave them alone.”
“I’m coming,” he replies, sounding disappointed. He turns and leaves.
“You didn’t forget about today, did you?” I ask Jett.
He shakes his head.
“Good. I heard we shouldn’t leave the clubhouse... but I really wanted to go out for lunch and go for a ride on your motorcycle.” I cringe a little at my forwardness, but I follow it up with a pleading look and a smile.
He nods slowly. “Okay. We can go for a ride.”
I can hardly contain my excitement as I squeal, “I’ll just go check in with Sammy!”
With a spring in my step, I head out back to find Sammy throwing a tennis ball for Conan. I pause for a moment, watching as her laughter fills the air and the dog races after the ball. He picks it up and trots back, placing the ball at her feet.
I walk over to Ava, who’s bouncing Hope on her knee. “I’m heading out for a lunch date with Jett. Could you keep an eye on Sammy? I’ll be back in about two hours.”
She smiles warmly. “Of course. Have fun.”
“Sammy!” I call out, raising my voice slightly. “I’m going out with Jett. I’ll be back soon.”
She glances at me briefly. “Okay, Mom,” she says, then goes right back to what she’s doing, barely acknowledging me.
Watching her toss the ball for Ava’s dog, I can’t help but smile. “She really likes your dog,” I say to Ava.
“He likes her too. She keeps him entertained, and he could definitely use the exercise.”
The dog has a round belly, so I chuckle. “I can see that. Thanks again. Bye!” Giving them both a wave, I turn toward the house. Jett is waiting for me by the back door.
When I reach him, I place my hand in his and we walk through the house together. I notice the curious stares of the others. Once outside, we head to the shed, where there’s a row of expensive-looking motorcycles.
Jett steps up to a black-and-silver Harley Davidson with chrome handlebars, pulls off the helmet, and hands it to me.
“How many women have ridden on the back of your bike?” I ask. The question slips out before I can stop myself. Curiosity has gotten the best of me.
His voice is low and sincere as he replies. “No one... until now.” His eyes lock on mine, the intensity making my stomach flutter.
A shiver of excitement rushes through me as I take the helmet from him. While he swings his leg over the bike with effortless confidence, I awkwardly climb on behind him, fumbling into place. My chest presses against his back, and I already enjoy the closeness.
He glances over his shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” I reply, my voice steady but eager.
The engine roars to life, loud and powerful. I wrap my arms around his torso, feeling the taut muscles beneath his shirt as he accelerates. My cheek rests against his leather vest when the bike surges forward, kicking up a cloud of dust as we race down the dirt road. The thrill makes me squeal with delight. I could get used to this.
We slow down as we reach town and cruise along the main street. Jett expertly reverses into a parking spot outside a charming country-style bar. I pull off the helmet and smooth down my hair, hoping it’s not a complete disaster.
“That was so much fun!” I say as he turns to me.
He scans the area before replying. “I thought you’d like it.”
I huff. “No,” I say with a grin, “I loved it.”
Inside, the hum of voices quiets as we head to the restaurant section. After I sit, I notice people stealing glances at us. “How do you deal with all the staring?” I ask in a hushed tone.
He takes a slow look around, and I watch as several people quickly avert their eyes. Shrugging casually, he says, “It doesn’t bother me.”
“Nothing bothers you, does it?” I tease.
He leans back in his chair, his gaze steady. “You do.”
I smile at that. He’s brutally beautiful but screams of danger with the tattoos that snake up his neck and down his arms. I grab the menu and browse through the options as he asks, “Do you want a drink?”
“Just a cola, thanks.”
He strides toward the bar with an easy confidence that’s impossible to ignore. His black jeans hang low on his hips, and I can see women nearby openly admiring him. I don’t blame them.
Jett returns with my cola and his beer just as our server arrives. She stares at him for a moment, wide-eyed, before clearing her throat. “Are you ready to order?”
I glance at Jett. “What do you usually get?”
“Chicken schnitzel, fries, and veggies,” he replies.
“Sold!” I say with a grin. Looking at the server, I add, “I’ll have what he just said.”
Jett nods. “Make it two.”
The server scribbles on her pad and offers a polite smile. “Your food will be out shortly.”
After she leaves, I turn to Jett. “Thank you for taking me to lunch.”
“Why do you want to spend time with me?” He looks thoroughly confused, and it physically hurts my chest. I begin to answer, but he says, “You can’t save me.”
I stand, move behind his chair, and wrap my arms around him in a firm hug. “I don’t want to save you. I just want to love you.”
He inhales sharply at my words. I press a soft kiss to his cheek before sitting back down. Looking into his eyes, I see a flicker of warmth as he presents me with a rare, genuine smile. It sinks into my heart and makes my soul sing. I know I’ll never forget this moment.
“I like how you love me,” he says quietly, “but I don’t know how to love you back.”
“You show me every day that you care, and that’s enough for now,” I reassure him. “How do you feel about me?” My heart skips a beat. I’m unsure of his what his response will be.
He pauses, the seconds stretching endlessly. “When I’m with you, the darkness disappears. Being with you heals something inside of me.”
His honesty leaves me speechless. I press a hand to my chest, overwhelmed with gratitude. I desperately want to know what’s hurt him, but I know I have to wait for him to open up in his own time.
The server appears with our food, breaking the moment. “Enjoy,” she says before leaving.
We eat in comfortable silence until I decide to broach the subject that’s been nagging at me. “Sophie said we aren’t supposed to leave the clubhouse. Can you tell me what’s going on?”
He lifts a brow. “Are you sure you want to know?”
“I need to,” I admit, gnawing on my lip. I shouldn’t let that put a damper on our lunch, but I’m dying to know what’s happening.
“The men trashed your house again,” he says bluntly.
“What?” My stomach drops. “What did they do?”
“They went through your things, flipped furniture, just made a mess. I cleaned up what I could. They know you’re staying at the clubhouse. Reaper’s trying to smooth things over with their boss.” He rolls his eyes as if he’s not ecstatic about the plan.
My breathing is erratic, but I try to stay composed. Then guilt assaults me. “So I’ve been putting myself and you in danger because I wanted to go to work and because I wanted you to have lunch with me?”
Jett shakes his head firmly. “I’ll protect you with my life. Nothing will happen to you.”
His words, though heavy, comfort me. After finishing our meal, we stand to leave, but as we head for the door, his demeanor shifts. He steps ahead of me, scanning the street with laser focus. “Go back inside,” he orders, his tone deadly serious.
Dread hijacks my body and I can’t move. He turns and physically moves me inside and over to the wall near the window. With his hands on my arms, he says, “Stay here. Don’t leave until I come and get you.”
I give a quick nod, my throat tight. Watching him disappear out the back, I glance out the window anxiously. Minutes later, I see him near a car, and then I hear a wail.
Heart thundering, I rush outside despite his earlier warning. Other people on the sidewalk rush away from the car. Jett’s bent over in the window. Inside the car, the driver’s hand is impaled into the dashboard, with blood dripping out of it and his nose. A sudden coldness hits my core. Jett has a gun in his other hand, which he’s aiming at the passenger, whose arms are up in surrender. He’s deathly calm.
My eyes are bulging and my hand flies to my mouth. When Jett pulls the knife out of the man’s hand, the man cries out. I flinch and avert my gaze, but hear Jett say, “If you follow Ivy again, my knife will be in your throats instead of your hand.” It’s Demon’s psychotic voice, and he sounds both sinister and delighted.
One man’s still crying, but I hear both reply, “Okay.” Then one says, “We’ll go back to Vegas now.”
Jett turns back quickly. His eyes flick to me, then widen slightly. He shakes his head. He still has his gun aimed at the men in the car. “Go to the motorcycle.” His voice is firm, so I follow his instructions and dash away from the carnage, but I can’t stop myself from glancing over my shoulder as I do.
Jett moves to the car’s hood, gun in one hand still aimed at the men and his knife in the other. He slams his knife into the grille at the front of the car, releasing a hiss and spray of liquid. Then he walks toward me while still keeping an eye on them. I fumble trying to grab the helmet, my hands shaking. We get on the bike, and I hold on tightly.
Jett races away and speeds back to the clubhouse. He parks outside, and when we get off, my legs feel like jelly. I put the helmet over his handlebars and then he steps over to me and cups my chin, tilting it upward so we make eye contact. His eyes penetrate mine. “I’ll never apologize for doing whatever’s necessary to protect you.”
I stare at him. This is him... the enforcer ... the protector... my savior... but I’m still shaken by the violence. “I know,” I whisper.
He searches my eyes. “Death doesn’t scare me, but you know what does?”
I swallow and shake my head.
“Losing you.”
I drown in his gaze before I wrap my arms around his waist. We hold each other. How much he cares about me is lethal. He’s dangerous and wild. He’s everything I should run from... but I can’t, I’m staying. He’s obsessed with me... but I’m equally obsessed with him.
When we walk inside and into the living room, conversations pause and heads turn our way. I spot Axle, who’s rushing over with a lopsided grin. Once he reaches us, Jett says, “Must I go and get some duct tape for your mouth?”
Axle’s jaw falls open, but then he smirks and winks. “Kinky... but no thanks. I’ll take that as a hint, hint, nudge, nudge to leave you two alone.” Axle’s watching us, but his eyes linger on Jett. His stance changes. Axle must sense something because his eyes darken and he stands up straight. “What happened?”
“We need a church meeting,” Jett replies in a sharp tone.
Axle clips his head in a nod. “I’ll round up the troops.”
With my mind still reeling, I try to make myself useful and go help the women in the kitchen while the men have a meeting. I make a potato salad to go with dinner.
After getting Sammy into the bath, I leave the room and quietly cry in the hallway. I just want this nightmare to be over. Jett’s violent attack earlier shook me, but if those men were there to hurt me again, how could I hold it against him for protecting me? He said he would do anything to keep me safe, and today he proved he meant anything. But in broad daylight... What if Jett ends up in jail because of me?
Sammy gets changed into her pajamas, then she’s in Jett’s bed with the teddy and the doll on one side and the old unicorn on the other. I flick through the channels until I find a kids’ show that has brightly colored talking horses and pass her the remote. “You can change it if you want. I’ll only be downstairs, but I’ll be up to check on you. If you get really tired, you can just go to our bedroom and sleep.”
She yawns. “Okay... But Mom?”
“Yes.”
“When can I have my own bed again?”
I frown. “What do you mean? When are we going back to our home so you can be in your own bed?”
She throws me a sour look. “No, I like it here. I want my own bed so I can spread out, and your alarm is so loud it hurts my ears.”
I like that she’s enjoying it here, but I don’t miss her subtly trying to kick me out of the room with her. Though she is getting older now. “Okay, I’ll see if there’s another spare bed for me to sleep in.” I lean down and kiss her on the cheek. “Love you.”
“Love you, Mom.”
I go downstairs and into the kitchen to find the other women taking food outside. “Do you need any help?” I ask no one in particular.
“We’re all good,” Trixie replies warmly. “But thanks.”
Heavy metal blares from the backyard. When I step out, the fading sun bathes the yard in hues of orange and pink. It looks beautiful. The scent of barbecued meat hits me, making my mouth water. Men hover around the grill, flipping cuts of meat, while Bomber stacks wood at the fire pit, where flames already flicker high. Jett adds more wood to keep the fire roaring.
“Here you go,” Sophie says, appearing at my side with a pink cocktail in a glass adorned with a strawberry garnish.
“Wow, thanks.” I take a cautious sip—but the sweet tang of strawberry tempts me to down the whole drink in one go. “This is amazing!”
She beams. “It’s a daiquiri.”
Sophie heads toward the large table where Twitch and Axle sit, their laughter mixing with the music. Viper is standing by Reaper at the barbecue. I follow Sophie and notice she has a leather vest on like the men.
“Twitch, can I change the music?” Sophie asks ever so sweetly.
Twitch flinches and leans back, avoiding eye contact. It makes me giggle.
Viper gives Sophie a look of forced sympathy. “Sorry, wifey. No can do. It’s our music tonight.”
“Thank fuck,” Axle mumbles under his breath.
Sophie put her hands on her hips and squares her shoulders. “And why not?”
Viper winces. “Because it’s shit,” Axle says, but he says it with a smile.
Sophie narrows her eyes into slits at them, then turns to me and falls in beside me.
“What’s this?” I pull at the leather vest, which says “Property of Viper” on a patch at the top.
She smiles as she looks at it. “It’s a vest they give to their ol’ ladies. It’s like a wedding ring for bikers is the best way I can explain it.”
Milly walks over and pulls us both into a hug before turning to me. “By the way, I’ve got a huge unicorn waiting in my spare room whenever you need it.”
I brighten. “Is it all right if it stays there until just before Christmas? I don’t want Sammy to catch sight of it early.”
“Of course,” she says with a warm smile. “Sammy will love it.”
Sophie grins. “How did your date go?” Her mischievous tone tells me she expects that something steamy happened.
“It was just lunch, but it went well. I told him how I feel, and he opened up more than I expected.” I flinch, the memory of the encounter outside the bar flaring in my mind.
“What happened?” Milly asks, noticing my unease.
I lower my voice. “The people following me were waiting outside the bar. Jett”—I run a hand through my hair—“uh... hurt them and messed up their car.”
“Good!” Sophie responds harshly. “Message received. Hopefully, they know who they’re messing with now.”
Milly puts a hand on my arm. “How do you feel about that?”
“Confused. I don’t encourage violence... but...” I spot Jett as he walks over and takes a seat at the table. “I’ve never been in danger before, and I trust Jett... I trust the MC to know what they’re doing, and if it comes down to violence or the safety of me and my daughter, I won’t give it a second thought.”
“One hundred percent agree,” says Milly.
“Dinner’s ready!” Reaper’s voice booms, drawing everyone’s attention. “Grab a seat.”
The night unfolds with laughter and small talk as we enjoy the delicious barbecue. The sweet tang of cocktails keeps me lightheaded as I laugh at the banter between Axle and Elena. Milly’s cackling, undeniably contagious, erupts over the group, making us all laugh harder.
When I accidentally drop my phone, I duck under the table to grab it, only to catch sight of Milly’s hand resting on Twitch’s lap, scandalously close to his crotch. I bump my head on the table when getting back up, laughing. They’re up to something, but it all seems harmless and a bit of fun.
Sophie soon returns with a tray of shots.
“Wet pussaaayyssss, yeahhh!” Axle whoops, earning a dramatic eye roll from Elena.
We toast and toss back the shots. The sweetness masks the burn that hits my throat on the way down.
I glance at Jett, noticing his empty hands. “You’re not drinking tonight?”
“I’ve already had a beer. I don’t drink much... just one beer every now and again,” he says casually.
“Why not?” I peer around the group. “Your friends seem to be getting pretty wasted.”
His gaze sweeps over everyone, unbothered. “Bomber and I don’t drink much. We have to stay vigilant. It’s our job to protect the club... and it’s my job to protect you.”
My stomach twists. And now they probably have a threat because of me. This man is too good to me.
I yawn and stretch. “I might head to bed. I’m bloated and too full for another drink.”
Jett immediately stands. “I’ll walk you.”
“Night, everyone,” I call to the table, earning a mix of boos and goodnights.
He steadies me as I sway on my feet, his cologne and warmth dizzying in the best way. Once upstairs, I notice Sammy sprawled across our bed, sleeping peacefully. “Sammy doesn’t want me to sleep with her anymore. Unbelievable.”
His lip quirks. “I’d like to take you somewhere tomorrow.” His voice soft... quiet.
“Okay, sure,” I murmur, smiling.
He helps me into bed and pulls the blanket up while I smile stupidly up at him. When he leans down to press a kiss to my forehead, my heart melts. “Good night,” he says, and I’m asleep seconds later.