Epilogue
One year later.
I couldn’t believe how much my life had changed in only a year. When we met, I was a struggling journalist chasing a dangerous story, and he was the overprotective vigilante who saved my life. Now, Dre and I were off to celebrate our anniversary, the first of many. Our relationship had been a whirlwind of danger and excitement since the night we met.
We’d faced numerous obstacles together, from my high-stakes investigation into his rival MC conflicts to the tragic death of his father and taking on the role of president of the Hell’s Savages. Still, the roots of our connection had only grown deeper.
Under Dre’s fearless leadership, their brotherhood became more united. I continued my career in journalism, balancing the demands of chasing my next lead while playing my role as Dre’s “old lady.” Despite the danger and jagged edges of the MC world, I found a sense of belonging and protection with him and his crew. Not all MCs were created equally.
The article and video footage I published about the Outlaws’ sex trafficking of women gained widespread public attention, drawing the focus of the national media, the Chicago Police Department, and the Feds. The damning video evidence showed the Outlaws transporting and selling women, compromising key members of the MC and sparking immediate action from authorities to dismantle their heinous operations and pushing me into the limelight as a fearless, credible journalist.
Soon after, the Feds created a task force and raided several of their known hideouts, including their main clubhouse. During the raids, many members of the Outlaws were arrested, including their leader, Dre’s half-brother.
Luckily, the task force was able to rescue several women who were being held captive in storage units, providing them with aid and rejoining the victims with their families. They also seized documents, video footage, cash, drugs, and more incriminating materials that further built the case against them.
With so much incriminating evidence stacked against them, federal prosecutors were able to charge the Outlaws with multiple counts of human sex trafficking, racketeering, and a laundry list of other offenses that led to lengthy prison sentences for all.
I snapped out of my daze when I realized we weren’t headed toward our destination—an upscale restaurant known for its good food. But it was clear Dre had other plans. The sun was beginning to set as we rode his motorcycle, the cool breeze whipping my hair across my face. I held onto him tightly, feeling the familiar sense of freedom and excitement I’d gotten used to over time.
As we reached a secluded area overlooking Lake Michigan, I couldn’t help but stare in awe at the view. The sky was painted with orange, pink, and indigo hues, reflecting off the calm waters below. Dre parked his bike and helped me off.
“I thought we were going to a restaurant,” I said.
Dre turned to me, a playful grin on his face. “Thought this might be a better way to celebrate. Just the two of us, away from all the noise.”
A warm grin spread across my face. I never imagined my life could be so magical. I’d never felt more loved or confident about my place in his world. Dre had shown me what it meant to protect and honestly care for someone. I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
I leaned slightly forward to hug him with my brown orbs locked onto Dre’s with a tender gaze. “It’s perfect, baby. I love it.”
We sat down on a blanket he’d spread out, and I sat across from Dre, dressed in a fitted graphic tee and black high-waisted skinny jeans that hugged my curves perfectly. My hair was styled in long, loose waves that fell over my shoulders, and my lips were painted with a shiny pink gloss.
Dre looked more handsome than ever, his look complementing mine with a fitted white crew neck T-shirt, black slim-fit jeans, and sneakers that made him look like an entirely different person outside of the leather jacket, dark-wash jeans, and sturdy biker boots he was always in. His long locs were neatly styled, twisted, and pulled into a high bun. On his wrist was a classic gold watch—an heirloom of his father’s.
He sat with a relaxed posture, his shoulders broad and open, conveying the familiar sense of security and strength he always did. After conquering our first year together, he reached for a bottle of champagne, preparing to toast to a celebratory night.
We toasted just as the sun dipped below the view. Dre turned to me, his expression serious yet tender as his eyes softened.
“Mercy, this past year has been amazing. You’ve stood ten toes down by my side and showed me what true loyalty looked like in a woman. I tried to fight my feelings initially, but you’ve been mine since the first night I saw you. I love you more than words can say. I brought you here because I want to ask you something.”
My posture straightened with a ball of nerves as my hands clasped together momentarily before placing one over my belly, trying to settle the butterflies. A smile played on Dre’s lips as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box. He opened it to unveil a shimmering diamond engagement ring. My breath caught in my throat as tears welled up in my eyes.
“Instead of asking you to marry me, I wanna ask you, will you take the keys to my heart? It’s yours forever if you want it.”
I nodded, unable to articulate words through my emotions. Dre slipped the princess-cut diamond ring on my finger, and I tossed my arms around his neck, pulling him into the warmest, tightest embrace before kissing him deeply.
“Yes, baby. A thousand times, yes.”
The deep gray of his irises danced with joy, and small crinkles formed at the corners. He looked at me with such an intense gaze as if he couldn’t believe his luck. His hands rested on the small of my back, holding me close.
“I love you more than words can express, Mercy.”
“I love you too.”
As we held each other, our future together never seemed brighter. Our love story, though quick, had proven to be true and lasting over the past 365 days. With the news of our engagement, I couldn’t wait to usher in a new chapter filled with even more joy and adventure with my man by my side and the Savages at our six.
THE END