20. Duel POV – They Choose Me. No One Chooses Me
Ivy
Weeks have passed, and with each passing week, I’ve had flashbacks of that day. Nightmares haunt me, but Jett is always there to hold me, quietening the demons in my head. Milly and I have gotten closer too by sharing how we are coping. Her reassurance that the incident wasn’t my fault has eased the guilt I carried for involving her. She’s been having flashbacks as well, which I think is why she’s been staying at the clubhouse, in the other spare room. Being here makes her feel safe.
Not long after that day, Sammy and I moved all our belongings into the clubhouse. There’s plenty of space, and Sammy was thrilled to keep her own room, which is conveniently right across from Jett’s and mine. We even got her a giant rainbow and unicorn stencil for her wall. She and Conan have been inseparable. He follows her everywhere. Jett told me that if anything were to happen to her here at the clubhouse, Conan would be an extra layer of protection. I love seeing the special bond she’s developed with the dog.
We haven’t heard from Richard, and for that I’m grateful. But with Christmas tomorrow, I can’t stop worrying about whether Sammy will ask about him. I know I’ll never forgive him or allow him back into our lives. Sammy loves her home here at the clubhouse, though I still dream of getting a place for just us three, a real family home.
Both Milly and I returned to work, but Jett still checks on me during the day. Even though I’m confident that this chapter is behind us, his need to keep me safe matters to him, so I let him.
It’s late on Christmas Eve, and I got Sammy to bed early. Sophie is grabbing beers from the fridge for the men while I stand looking at the Christmas tree. It’s ridiculously huge, covered in flashing gold lights, baubles, and bows. Sammy and I added the final touch together, with Jett lifting her up to place the star on top of the tree. That moment was so special.
Sophie and I head outside with beers in hand. “Beers are ready if anyone’s thirsty,” I call out. I smile at the kids’ playground that they have built under the guidance of Jett. So far they’ve built a cubby house, and off to the side are two swings, monkey bars, and a slide. The MC has become our family too, and I’ll be forever grateful for their protection and the love that they all share.
Axle rushes over, grabs a beer, and gulps it down. “It’s hard work out here. Thankfully, Demon’s a pro at following instructions. He’s built one of these before.”
“Oh? When was that?” I ask curiously.
He grins. “For the kids at Misty’s Safe Haven.”
I sigh and smile, watching Jett from behind. God, he really does have a good ass, and the best part is, he’s mine. He glances up, catching me staring, and gives me that genuine smile that lights up his eyes, leaving no doubt about his love for me. The eyes never lie.
Later, as they finish the playground, I follow Milly to her car and can’t help but laugh. Her convertible’s top is down, and in the back is the enormous unicorn I’d asked her to store, partially disguised with bin bags. “Thanks for keeping the unicorn for me,” I say.
She pulls it out, and I’m reminded just how massive it is. “Happy to help. Sammy’s going to love it.”
“She sure will,” I respond with a smile. “She’s a little spoiled this year.”
Milly offers to help me place more presents under the tree, and I gladly accept. Then Sophie comes out toward us with a tray of cocktails.
* * *
“Mom! Mom!” Sammy’s enthusiastic voice pulls me from my sleep. My head pounds slightly; maybe I shouldn’t have had those cocktails last night.
The sight of her bright, eager face jolts me awake. “Merry Christmas, Sammy,” I say, pulling her into a tight hug. She immediately tugs on my hand, practically bouncing with excitement.
When Jett joins us, we head downstairs together. Sammy spots the unicorn first. “Is this mine?” she squeals, her wide eyes sparkling with joy.
“It’s all yours,” I reply, smiling as Jett wraps his arms around my waist. I lean into him, putting my hands over his. I love that he can’t keep his hands off me now. Glancing up at him, I say, “Thank you. For everything—for making this day so special for Sammy.”
He kisses the side of my neck, sending shivers through me. “I’d do anything to make her happy.”
Tears threaten to fall as I take in everything he’s done for her. Seeing him treat Sammy as his own fills my heart in ways I didn’t think possible.
Downstairs, the cozy chaos of Christmas begins. Couples exchange gifts. Elena and Axle stand hand in hand watching Hope, who’s giggling and sitting next to a ginormous present that’s awkwardly wrapped in pink wrapping paper. Ava helps Hope open it to uncover a wooden rocking horse.
It’s clear that some people couldn’t help themselves and gave Sammy and Hope presents as well. Sammy is ravenously opening them up. There’s wrapping paper everywhere. “Look, Mom, a Barbie doll. She’s so pretty.”
“She’s beautiful, sweetheart,” I reply, though the sight of all the presents has me wondering where we’ll store them.
“I’ve got something for you,” Jett says.
Butterflies explode in my stomach. “Aww... You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“Close your eyes,” he says, and I obey. “Open them.”
When I do, he holds a club vest in his hands, its text reading “Property of Demon.” My breath catches in my throat as I recall Sophie saying that this is the equivalent of a wedding ring. With tears streaming down my face, I reach up, tangle my fingers in his hair, and kiss him deeply. The room erupts in cheers and catcalls as I slip the vest on. I’m the luckiest woman alive.
Jett turns to Sammy. “I have something for you too,” he says, waving her over. Cash hands him a tiny leather jacket, a miniature version of mine. I gasp. It’s adorable. “This one is yours.” Sammy slips her arms into it, and I notice the front patch says “Property of Ivy and Jett.”
Beaming, she points to her jacket and exclaims, “I’m part of the motorcycle club now!”
Jett crouches to her level. “You’re part of the family.” Sammy throws her arms around his neck and clings to him tightly.
“Can I call you Dad too?” she asks shyly.
His voice cracks as he replies, “I’d be honored.”
Tears stream down my face, my heart overwhelmed. Watching the two of them together fills me with a joy I can barely contain. Sammy pulls Jett along to admire her gifts, and I can’t help but chuckle, remembering how he’d willingly let her paint his fingernails gold yesterday.
I smile wistfully. God help the boys who someday try to date her. Jett’s going to make it so hard for them. And honestly? I love him even more for it.
* * *
Demon
It’s the afternoon. I sit on the seat outside, with Ivy on my lap. We watch Sammy on the swing, Ava behind her. “Higher,” Sammy yells. Conan is barking and running around her with his tail up. He’s not sure of the playground equipment yet. It might take him a while to get used to it.
Some people seem to have gone to see their own families at around lunchtime. I’ve heard a few bikes and cars pull up recently, so it sounds like many have returned. Ivy and I are going to see Maddy later.
Elena is on top of the slide with Hope on her lap. “Ready?” Elena says to Hope. Hope kicks her legs. They slowly go down the slide. The sound of giggles coming from Hope is heavenly. I knew the kids would love the playground.
I’ve never felt as at peace as I do now. Ivy made me realize how empty my life was. I hold Ivy that bit tighter when I think of what I could have lost. I revel in the pressure of her body against mine. I’ll never let that happen again. When she was taken, it was as if the sunshine was stolen from my life, but luckily, I got her back, and she’s bought the sun back with her. She’s my air, and I’d die without her. She flows through my veins, and she’s branded my soul. I’ll devote my life to her and Sammy.
She sees the real me and loves me for who I am. I wasn’t sure if I, a monster, was capable of love. But... I guess I am. Ivy and Sammy have shown me only unconditional love. Ivy’s made me question whether I’m as much of a monster as I think I am. She’s dimmed my violent nature. I no longer have a need to endlessly play with my knife. It’s as if she’s taken my monster by its reins and now has my beating heart.
Feeling like I truly belong somewhere is like stumbling upon a part of my soul I didn’t know was missing. It’s as though I’ve discovered I was meant to have wings all along, and for the first time, I’m not just surviving but soaring, free and weightless, after years of barely managing to keep my head above water.
Her vest rustles against my own. I’m proud to have her wear my property vest. I smile, grateful to have her and Sammy in my life. Ivy turns to me. I’ll never get sick of the way her face lights up when she’s around me.
“I love you, Jett Miller.”
A warmth spreads through me, but there’s a tightness in my throat. I’m still getting used to her saying it. “I love you too.” I mean the words, but saying them isn’t enough. There’s no poetry in the world that could describe my feelings for her. I never thought I’d be in this position—loving someone and being loved in return.
She looks me dead in my pupils and says, “No, like really... I’m utterly obsessed with you.”
I laugh, and there’s a vibrant explosion of happiness on her face, as if she can’t get enough of me being happy. “Little Bird... I’d burn the world down for you.”
Everyone’s walking out the back door, a mix of confusion and angst in the air. They crowd around us. Zara and Bomber’s family walk out last, which surprises me. Once everyone is settled, Zara takes Bomber’s hand and they move to the front of all of us. We all stay silent.
“Would you like to do the honors?” Bomber asks Zara.
She nods, smiling. “I’m pregnant.”
“Holy shit,” I say under my breath, while everyone claps. The women all rush to Zara while Zara’s mom sobs. I’ve never seen Zara so happy. I step over to Bomber. “I hope it’s a girl so you can go through what we’ll be going through.”
Reaper chuckles. “I second that.”
“Congrats man... Everyone’s getting knocked up,” says Axle. “I hope Elena doesn’t get any ideas.”
With the way she’s been doting on Hope, I’m not too sure about that.
“Sophie doesn’t want kids, so we’re sweet,” Viper adds.
I peer at Ivy and look down at her stomach. I’d love nothing more than to put a baby in her... to grow our family.
“Calm down,” Axle says, directing his attention toward me. “You look like a predator ready to attack her.”
Maybe I am. Ivy looks over at me, as if she senses my stare. Her eyes pop open. Her rosy cheeks suggest she understands my state of mind. With that, I stride to her, grab her hand, and usher her through the house, up the stairs and to my room. We pause when we see Twitch’s door open. Milly stumbles out, brushing down her hair. She flinches when she lays eyes on us. Ivy pulls Milly aside and they whisper to each other.
I step into Twitch’s room. The smell of sex is heavy in the air. He’s sitting on the bed with his back against the headboard, with no shirt on. He gives me a sly smirk, which makes me laugh.
“You’re fucked! Wait till Reaper hears you screwed his sister.”
And with that comment, the smile is cleanly wiped from his face.
The end