Chapter 16 – Gabe
GABE
She’s avoiding me. Linzie got up from the table a little over an hour ago to help Andi serve tables in that all too fucking sexy to be leaning over tables dress.
I haven’t seen her eat anything since the food started being served.
The only time I saw her stop was to watch Avery and Jake dance their first dance.
“All right, everybody. It’s time for the bridal party to take to the floor and share a dance before we open it up to the rest of the party,” Colt announces over the mic.
I spot Linzie trying to make her way into the kitchen to avoid me once more, only this time, I’m not letting her get away.
I make my way to the kitchen, grabbing Trevor as I do.
“Go get your mom’s shit out of the playroom and move it all into my room.
But first, go tell Colt not to start this dance without everyone from the bridal party on the floor.
Linzie’s trying to hide out, and I’m about to put an end to that shit. ”
“On it, Pres.” He smiles. “Oh, and Pres,” he calls over his shoulder. I turn to face him.
“Don’t let her shut you out. She wants this as much as you do. She’s just stubborn. You've gotta prove to her you’re willing to fight for her. Fight dirty if you have to.” Trevor winks and then heads out to do my bidding.
I need to get that kid something special for Christmas.
“Thanks, man,” I call to him.
“Yo, Pres.” Mason steps in front of me, halting my progress to get to Linzie.
“What is it?” I bark, not happy about being stopped.
“What are we going to do about Santa Calus and the presents for the kids?” he asks.
“What? What are you talking about?”
“Christmas Eve is tomorrow. That means Christmas is only two days away, and the snow hasn’t let up. None of us have our gifts for the kids here at the clubhouse. The adults don’t mind waiting to have their Christmas, but no one wants to disappoint the kids,” he explains.
“I hadn’t thought much about it, honestly. I guess toys and shit aren’t something we keep on hand except for what’s in the playroom,” I concede. “Have you talked to anyone else? Any of the guys have suggestions?”
“We’re still waiting for the entire bridal party to make their way to the dance floor so we can get started,” Colt announces.
“I have an idea, but I’m not sure everyone will be on board with it,” Mason says, gripping the back of his neck.
“Pres,” Colt calls over the mic. “We need you and Linzie to come join us on the floor.”
I lift my hand and wave at Colt to give me a minute.
“All right. Since you’ve got the plan, I’ll let you handle it.
Get whoever you need and tell them I gave the okay.
Just get it done. For now, I need to get my woman on the dance floor.
” I clap Mason on the shoulder and send him to get the word around to the guys for me and head for the kitchen door.
Once inside, I find Linzie angrily wiping her hands on a dish towel.
When she sees me, she says, “We don’t have to dance together.
Tell Colt to go on and start without us.
You’re his President. He’ll listen to you.
” She tries to wave me off, but I catch her hand and pull her into my chest, tipping her chin with my index finger.
“We’re going out there together, and we’re going to dance with everyone else for at least one song.
I’m not Avery’s president. I’m her father, and this is her wedding day.
I’m going to give her the memories and photos she’s been planning for months.
I don’t think one dance is too much to ask of you to make that happen. Do you?”
Linzie sighs, her shoulders sagging, and I know I’ve won. “Fine,” she grumbles. “But just one. Then I’m coming back in here to help.”
I don’t bother telling her she’s not going back in the kitchen afterwards. She’ll just plant her feet and argue with me, prolonging the wedding festivities. Plus, I need this dance to end quickly so I can drag her ass to my room, and we can have ourselves a nice long talk.
It’s time to fight dirty.
We find our spot on the dance floor and Colt starts the music. Avery and Jake are in the middle of the dance floor, while the rest of us surround them. About halfway through the song, other couples take to the dance floor and join us.
“Are you going to stay silent and ignore me the whole song?” I ask, loving the feel of Linzie’s skin under my hand as we sway to the music, but hating the distance that’s still obviously between us.
Linzie shrugs. “I’ve got nothing to say.”
I pull back enough to see her face and the emotionless stare has me concerned.
Shit. Have I lost her? Did I fuck this all up?
Feeling unnerved, I snap. “I think we have a lot to talk about. I know I’ve got something that needs to be said, and you’re damn well going to listen.
” Linzie’s eyes narrow. Defiance is etched all over her face.
She tries to pull out of my arms, but I hold her closer, refusing to let her go. “No. No more running.”
“I’m not running,” Linzie hisses. “But I’m done with the hot and cold, sweet then grumpy, loving then snarling.
I swear you have more mood swings than a menopausal woman has hot flashes.
” Her voice carries, and I catch Ethan and Skyler tucking into each other.
Their shoulders shaking as Ethan steers his wife away from us.
The song comes to an end. Before she can think to run back to the kitchen, I snag Linzie’s hand and drag her through the clubhouse.
I’m not stopping until we get to my room.
Once there, I open the door and drag Linzie inside, slamming the door shut, pushing her up against it and locking it behind her.
I’ve got her caged in, just like she was the last time I had her in here, only this time she’s raring to fight. “What are you doing, Gabe? What do you want from me?” I don’t speak, just shake my head twice.
“You don’t want me, and I’m tired of hoping for something you clearly aren’t committed to having with me.” Her words are like a match, striking fire to my anger.
I grab her hand, forcing her to feel me in her hand. “You feel that? You think I don’t want you?” My voice is gruff. My control is being held onto only by a small thread.
Linzie shakes her head, giving her shoulders a light shrug and me a soft smile, then she says, “Big deal, Gabe. You’ve got a boner. I could get that from any man out there in this clubhouse. It’s just a dick. Physical attraction. It’s not the only thing I’m looking for in a man.”
I slam both my hands on the door beside her head, making her jump. “You let any of those men out there or their cocks touch you, and I swear to all that is holy, I’ll start another fucking war.”
Again, she shrugs. “Over what? A piece of ass?”
That’s it! I fucking snap.
Gripping her chin tightly, I slam my mouth down on hers.
The stubborn little witch tries to keep her mouth closed, not giving me entrance, not giving me what’s mine.
With my right hand, I run my fingertip along the edge of the fabric of her dress, from her shoulder down the front side of her breast until I get to her nipple and pinch.
Linzie gasps, and I plunder her mouth with my own.
Our tongues duel for control, my grip on her breast tightens, and I swallow her moan. “I hate this fucking dress almost as much as I love it.” I growl against her mouth, moving the fabric aside to give me better access to her.
I’m about to strip her out of this dress, when her hands pushing hard against my chest give me pause. “Gabe, stop. We can’t.”
I lean back far enough to see her face. Her eyes are glassy, and her bottom lip is wobbling.
“Hey,” I coax. “What is this? What’s wrong?”
“This isn’t what I want.” She sighs. “I don’t want to just be another body to warm your bed.”
Reaching up, I cradle her face with both hands, tilting her chin up to meet my eyes. “I fucked up, Vixen.” It’s a simple statement, but it’s the truth.
“Yeah, you did. But I don’t know that we agree on how you fucked up.”
I smile down at her, placing my forehead against hers. “Why don’t you tell me your version, and I’ll tell you mine.” I offer. She smiles, but it doesn’t meet her eyes.
“How long have we got?” she teases, but her voice still sounds defeated.
“I should’ve told you a long time ago, but I guess I always assumed you knew.”
“Knew what, Gabe? Please, for once, just give it to me straight.” Her small hands wrap around my wrists, her eyes pleading with mine for answers and honesty. I need to give her what she’s asking for—complete honesty—or run the risk of losing her for good.
I breathe out a long sigh, then push back off the wall, taking her by the hand and leading her to sit on my bed. We sit silently for a moment, our thighs touching, and our hands intertwined as my thumb caresses the back of hers. I turn my body so she can see my face. I need her to hear the truth.
“I knew you were mine the moment I laid eyes on you in that coffee shop. I didn’t say it then, because the thought of being with another woman, really being with her after Maggie, wasn’t a decision I could make lightly,” I tell her honestly.
“My life—the life of a biker—isn’t for everyone.
The responsibilities that are thrust upon my shoulders as President aren’t easy burdens to bear.
The safety of my men, the care of their families, their livelihoods—it all falls to me.
As my ol’ lady, those responsibilities would be shared between us. ”
Linzie doesn’t say anything. She just listens, scrutinizing every inch of my face as she does.
“Not too long ago you were up my ass about your son wanting to be a prospect and how you didn’t want him getting caught up in anything illegal.
I told you then, but I’ll remind you now, the Kings are above board for damn near everything.
We have our own brand of justice when the situation calls for it, but that will never touch you.
We keep our shit in the club between brothers. ”
“Club business,” Linzie whispers, her expression one of disappointment.
“That bothers you.” It’s not a question, so I don’t pose it as one.
Linzie sighs. “I don’t like secrets.”
“Club business isn’t about keeping secrets. It’s about keeping our women and children safe,” I explain.
“It’s also a way to make people worry about you and believe bullshit lies being said about you around town or by asshole feds!” she argues. “I need honesty, Gabe. I’m not asking for every detail, but I need enough to know when someone else is lying to me.”
“That’s fair enough,” I concede. “But there are still things I won’t be able to share with you, and you’re just going to have to trust me to do what’s best for the club and for you. I will always put my family first.”
“So, what does this mean for us?” she asks hesitantly.
My hand finds her face, turning so our lips are hovering over one another.
“It means no more running. No more misunderstandings. We tell each other what we’re feeling, and we talk shit out like adults.
” I kiss her lips softly. “It means you’re mine in every way, and I’m yours.
Can you handle that, Vixen? Can you be my ol’ lady and help me take care of this family? ”
“I have two conditions.”
I pull back, puzzled and somewhat intrigued by her answer. With a raised brow and a bit of trepidation, I ask, “What conditions?” I sit up and cross my arms over my chest, not sure what I’m expecting her to say.
“I won’t stand behind you or be left out of big decisions. I’m not the type of person to just take orders and obey. If we do this, I’ll stand beside you in everything, you have my word, but you must do the same and give me the respect I deserve as your partner.”
“All right. That’s easy enough,” I agree. “And the second?”
Linzie’s cheeks flush and her pupils dilate. She reaches down, tossing the fabric of her dress to the side, opening her legs and exposing her completely bare pussy to me. “I think I deserve a proper apology. On your knees, Pres.”
I lick my lips, rubbing my beard with my hand.
“You’ve been out there with nothing on under this dress at all, in front of all my men and Eli’s? Oh, Vixen,” I reprimand. “You’re definitely going to be punished for that. But first, I guess I owe you an apology.”