Chapter 17
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Iam so fucking happy that we are on the home stretch, rumbling down the long-ass drive of my childhood home.
Twelve hours on a bike ain't for the faint of heart, and even less so when you know there are people waiting in the shadows to snatch away your loved ones. And I mean that. I love Joy and I love Kit. As far as I’m concerned, they are my family and have been since the damn night I laid eyes on them.
“Not quite home, but close enough,” Sniper mumbles after he backs his bike into the space beside mine.
“Home is where your people are, brother. And I’m pretty sure that little girl and woman on the porch there are waiting for you.” I jerk my chin toward the pair on the porch, wild curls framing their heart shaped faces.
The corner of Sniper’s lips lift, just a little, but enough to confirm what I already knew.
“Reid!” My eyes close at the sweetest sound that ever hit them, and I turn in my seat, toward the voice of the woman who has my heart.
She flies toward me, her auburn hair whipping around her shoulders and at the last minute she throws herself into my arms.
“Reid,” she heaves out, “you’re home!” She pushes against my shoulders until I loosen my grip, and she leans back, beaming.
“I was so worried but I didn’t have to be.
Turns out I’m pretty handy with a knife.
Oh, and I carry my stun gun with me everywhere.
” She holds up a tiny purple thing, and you know what? Fuck yeah.
I can’t help myself, I lean in and press my lips to hers.
Not demanding anything, just wanting to feel her skin on mine, her breath on my face.
My lips open on a moan when she leans further into me, her small fists gripping my cut, her tongue sweeping across my bottom lip shocking me enough to allow her access.
Our tongues duel, taste, tangle until Joy pulls back slightly, but not before nipping at my bottom lip gently.
“Where the fuck did that come from?” She hunches into herself a little at my volume, but fuck me, she shocked the hell outta me.
“That,” she grins, “came from a badass that got to watch Chewy work today.”
What the fuck? What does she mean “work”? Needing the answers to my questions I grip Joy’s hips, gently lift her and place her beside me as I throw my leg over my bike. Her giggles make my gut fizz, but not enough to calm the unsettling feeling washing over me. Joy is pure, and kind and -
“Hey,” Joy’s voice filters through my spiralling thoughts, her small hand on my stubble as she turns me to look at her. “I’m tougher than I look. I handled it and I can handle a lot more. I know I can. Just, be proud of me?”
All the air rushes out of me like she’s taken her little fist and punched me square in the gut.
“Joy, babe, I will never be able to tell you how fucking proud I am of you, of Kit. Of the both of you. You have a spine of fucking steel, little Joy, and I’m fucking awed that you think enough of me to even want to be in my orbit. ”
“I think everything of you.”
I press a kiss to the crown of her head, before twining my fingers with hers. “Come on, let's go see our girl before I have Church.”
“OK,” she says, leaning into me, wrapping the hand not holding mine, around my bicep as we walk toward the porch.
“Joy?”
“Yeah?”
“After Church I’m coming for you, gonna take you out on my bike. There are some well ridden trails around here that’ll be safe for us. I just want to feel you at my back, so put on some jeans, boots and a sweater, yeah?”
She doesn't reply. Instead she squeals a little, clapping her hands before she rushes off inside without me, her excitement at riding with me - a big, noisy ginger has me chuckling to myself.
“Taking her for a ride?” Dex smirks as I walk into the house.
“Yep. How’d you know?”
“I think the whole ranch knows, brother,” Rider says, slapping his hand on my shoulder.
“Marx has called Church. In your Momma’s dining room.”
I do a double take when I see Marx looking like shit at the head of the table.
“I know, I know, and that’s why I have you here,” he smirks, “to keep me alive.”
Shaking my head I take a seat at the exact place I ate all my meals growing up, and then stare in wonder at my brothers, DRMC, The Keep and blood brothers as they all take seats along with Roman, Sasha and Dima, Gallows and Mercy.
“Let’s fucking do this.”
***
Walking out of Church I feel…settled. It’s the calm before the storm.
The part where we all hold our loved ones closer, take a beat, before we end this once and for all.
Am I nervous that shit is going to go sideways?
Fuck yes. But I also know that every single person in Church tonight has my back and that feels fucking amazing.
Making my way into the living area I stand in the doorway and take everything in.
Kit is with the Big Littles including Judge’s two and the Keep kids, just hanging out on the couches watching something on the big TV.
The women are dotted around the room. Mama Debs, Sage and my momma seem to be deep in conversation, the Girl Gang are cackling about something along with my sister and Mercy which is fucking scary to think about, and then there’s Joy.
The calm at the center of the storm. She must feel my eyes on her as she turns her head, the smile on her face is fucking breath taking and only gets wider when her eyes land on me.
Without saying a word to her friends she rises to her feet and makes her way across the room until she’s standing, her bare feet touching my boots.
“I’ll just put my shoes on and I’ll be ready to go. I’m so excited!” she exclaims before taking off like her ass is on fire.
I stare at her tiny ass as she flies up the stairs, and I can’t wait to feel her small body on the bike behind me.
“Brother,” Chef says, handing me a backpack. “TumTum made a little something for you and Joy.” Unzipping it I take a peek, although I don't need my eyes to know what’s in here. Not when the scent of pizza wafts out, along with something rich. “Is that-”
“Pizza and berry brownies, still warm. Or so TumTum says,” Chef grins.
“Fuck, tell the brother thank you. Where is he anyway?”
“He’s in there trying to shoo Damian and Rider away from the rest of the brownies,” Chef grins.
“I didn’t even know he could cook.” My brow furrows because as long as I can remember all TumTum did was sit out at the gate working security.
“It turns out there’s a lot of shit we didn’t know about TumTum,” Chef says mysteriously.
Looking over my shoulder my gaze lands on the same place Chef’s has. On Sage. “So, how is that going?”
Chef lets out a long sigh, shaking his head. “Won’t even look at me, now. I fucked up, bad, and I don’t know how to fix it.”
“You will brother. Anyone with eyes can see how much you both love each other. You just have to grovel to fix your fuck up.” My eyes flick to the bag in my hand.
“Start off with your brownies. No woman can be mad with that chocolatey goodness.” I slap him once more then move to wait at the bottom of the staircase.
I sling the backpack over my shoulder when my eyes land on my woman, bounding down the stairs.
Does she still have the weight of the world on her shoulders?
Yes. But does she look happier despite this?
Hell yes. She’s a fighter, my Joy, and tonight is about wind therapy and spending time together before the shit hits the fan.
“Ready?”
“Ready.” She nods once, placing her small hand around my bicep, as I lead her out to my bike.
“OK babe, throw that luscious leg over.”
She giggles, but does what I say, plopping her perfect little ass exactly where it was always meant to be.
“Good girl, babe.” She beams at my praise and sits there, like a Queen on her throne, waiting for me. “Wrap your hands around my waist and hold on tight.”
She does exactly what I say and I have to bite back the groan that rumbles through me when her hands rest low on my belly.
A little further down and they’d be on my cock that feels like it’s going to punch a hole in my jeans.
I start my sled, the rumble rolling through my body, or that could be the giggle in my ear.
I slowly pull out, letting Joy get used to the feel of the bike underneath her and head toward my favorite spot on the property. My favorite spot with my favorite person? Bliss.
Joy
I try not to squeal too much, but I have no control over my body.
Not when I’m plastered to Reid’s wide, solid body, the scent of him, clean and leather invading my senses as the bike rumbles beneath me causing delicious zings through my body.
The wind whips my hair around and I’m glad I braided it, even if wisps around my face are blowing here and there.
Taking a deep breath I let it out slowly, trying to slow my racing heart, but it’s tricky because I feel so alive.
So free. Like all the crap that happened in my life is blown away by the breeze that flows over me and Reid.
Closing my eyes I slowly loosen my hold on Reid.
I let go a little, sliding my hands back so they rest on his hips, then his back, then, when I’m confident that I won't fall off, I throw my hands over my head and hoot and holler into the fading light. Reid’s body vibrates in front of me and I just know he’s laughing at me.
Not like Travis would. Reid laughs like my happiness in this moment infected him.
We go over a bump and my hands shoot back around Reid’s waist as my heart jumps into my throat.
He doesn't say a word, just reaches back and rests his large, warm hand on my calf, giving me a squeeze.
The bike slows and I swivel this way and that, my breath hitching when I notice the little pond, a tree with a huge branch overhanging, a rope hanging from it. There are wildflowers dotted here and there and a lush grass area that Reid pulls alongside.
“We’re here,” he murmurs once he cuts the engine.
“Where is here?” I ask, holding onto Reid’s outstretched hand as I try to dismount the beast.
“My favorite place as a kid. I would come out here when I needed quiet. Which was a lot.” He chuckles.
He shuts off his sled, as I’ve heard the men call it, and holds out a hand for me to climb off.
One of his hands grasps my waist to steady me as my feet hit the ground.
I wasn’t riding for very long, but that doesn't seem to stop my thighs shaking a little.
Perhaps I was gripping him a little tighter than I thought.
“You good babe?” he murmurs, gently running a finger down my cheek.
“Perfect,” I whisper in return.
His smile is breathtaking, and he moves me back a step or two before he dismounts, mischief in his gaze as he pulls a backpack out of one of his saddle bags.
He busies himself and I take a couple of steps closer to the lake, the water glistening in the moonlight.
Tipping my head back I close my eyes, taking a deep breath before blowing it out, my eyes fluttering open, a smile on my face as I stare at the stars.
Reid clears this throat behind me and I turn, my eyes widening when I notice the picnic rug, candles and plates of delicious food.
“Oh my gosh,” I gasp out.
I don’t move. My feet are planted to the ground where they stand and I blink frantically to stop the tears from falling.
Never in my life has anyone ever done anything so sweet for me.
My chest feels tight and I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
My stomach swoops and flutters and my hands shake as Reid’s smile softens as he steps cautiously toward me.
“Babe?” His smile falters and I do the only thing I can think to do. I throw myself at him, my body hitting his hard chest.
“I’m sorry, no one has ever done something so nice…” I drift off as I sniffle into his hard chest, his scent calming me.
“That’s because everyone in your life was an asshole,” Reid growls, his hand coming up to cup the back of my head as he holds me to him.
“No one in your old life ever deserved you, baby. Fuck, even I don’t deserve you but I’m going to work my ass off to try.
Every day Joy, every day I will show you how you should be loved. ”
Tipping my head back I stare into his eyes.
The light too dim for me to appreciate the sky blue color, but I can see honesty and dare I say it, love.
My hands rise of their own accord, cupping his face as I gently bring him down toward me so I can sip at his lips.
Once, twice, I gently suck before he wraps his arms around me, angling his head to deepen the kiss and I let him.
I give him entrance to my mouth, my heart, and my soul.
“Baby-”
I dive deeper, not needing his words, only needing his mouth on mine, his hands on my body.
“Joy?”
“I need you. Please.” I whimper, stepping back and pulling my jumper off over my head.
Reid swallows, then steps closer, stopping my hands on the hem of my shirt, “Let me, baby.”
My lips curl up and I lock my gaze on Reid’s face in the candlelight, staring at him in wonder as he peels off my clothing, one layer at a time.
“Fuck me, Joy, you are beautiful.” He says reverently as his lips brush every inch of skin he’s uncovering until I’m standing in nothing but my underwear. My jeans, boots, shirt and sweater all in a neat pile beside dessert.
I inhale, pull back my shoulders and put on as strong a voice as I can muster given I’m talking to the man I love in my panties while he’s fully dressed. “Your turn. Please.”
“Of course, my love.”
My gasp is loud in the air, my chest even tighter. Not because I’m anxious or afraid, but because I think my heart is so full it's fit to explode. Well, it is until Reid’s body is revealed, one firm muscle at a time.
“Oh holy shit.”
Reid’s laughter splits the night, his abs contracting deliciously. “Joy, you have a dirty little mouth hidden inside this luscious little body,” he rumbles, pulling me close, the warmth of his skin lighting a fire in mine.
“Make love to me, Reid.”