Chapter 9
COPPER
Bella shudders against my back. She’s crying, and it guts me that I can’t do anything about it.
I regret telling her to put her past behind her as I listen to her inhale another shaky breath.
Her family surrounds the couple on the dance floor.
I imagine seeing them like this—happy, free, and without a care in the world—must hurt as much as watching Sam with his new wife.
Bella grew up with them, and from what I understand, they were close. What will it be like for her when she finishes this job and returns to her old life? Then again, if things go as I hope, she won’t have to.
Reaching back, I squeeze her calf to let her know I’m here. Shortly after that, she taps my shoulder, and we leave for her safe house.
The ride here was smooth, and we made good time, but I’m ready to spend time off my sled. I’m tired, and I’m sure Bella is, too. Thankfully, we don’t have far to go to reach our destination.
I turn off the main road onto a countryside lane with high hedges interspersed with stone walls, which makes me glad we’re on my sled. These narrow roads freak me the fuck out when I’m in a car.
A short while later, I guide the sled up the driveway of a large house. It’s an isolated spot, with only three other houses some distance away, and I wonder why Bella bought it.
I recognise Mom’s vehicle as we approach a covered garage. Coal, Nickel, Bolt, and my dad’s bikes are parked next to it.
Immediate family only then. I’m happy about that. Having everyone here would’ve been overwhelming for Bella. I want to introduce her to my nearest and dearest first.
Switching off my sled, I wait for Bella to climb off. I want a bit of time alone with her, and I know it won’t be long before my mom is out the door to greet us.
I swing a leg over and stand next to Bella.
Removing my helmet, I assess her. Her eyes are red and puffy, and the tip of her nose is red, but she looks at peace.
Although it’s not always easy to tell with Bella because she’s good at hiding her emotions.
Taking her helmet, I place it alongside mine on the seat and cup her face, tilting her face to mine.
She grips my wrists, holding onto me as I search her face. Her lips curl into a smile. “I’m okay,” she reassures me.
“Are you sure? We have about two seconds until my mother is out here. I’m sure Coal and my dad are holding her back.”
Bella smiles, and this time, it’s a proper one that lights up her face and forms crinkles at the corners of her eyes. “She misses you. And I promise I’m fine. Thank you for taking me and for always being there.”
“Ah, baby, I’ll always be there for you. No questions asked.” I drop my hands from her face and enfold her in my embrace.
Bella wraps her arms around me and rests her head on my chest. “I know,” she murmurs, turning her cheek to press a kiss over my heart.
Since her decision to come here this weekend, she’s been more affectionate, and I’m loving it.
I kiss the top of her head, inhaling the familiar scent of her vanilla and cinnamon shampoo. The nickname she chose suits her. She’s more Spice than Sugar.
The door creaks open, and I know our moment is over. I press one last kiss to the top of her head and take hold of her hand, turning towards the door.
“Hi, Ma.”
My mother watches us with shrewd eyes. “Copper!”
She rushes down the steps and wraps me in her embrace. I hug her with my free arm, man enough to admit that I’ve missed the shit out of her.
Does that make me a mama’s boy?
Probably.
Do I give a shit?
Fuck, no.
My mother is one of the best women I know.
Mom releases me only to cup my cheeks. “I’ve missed you, son.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Ma, but I’m okay.”
“Yes.” She runs an assessing eye over me, cataloguing all the changes since I left. “You look good.”
Then she turns towards Bella, who’s been waiting patiently, watching us with a soft expression. “You must be Bella. Thank you for watching over my boy for me.”
“Oh.” Bella’s cheeks flush with colour, and she drops her eyes for a beat before raising them again. “You’re welcome, but he does the same for me. It’s wonderful to meet you. Copper has told me a lot about his family.”
Mom laughs and reaches for Bella, who doesn’t hesitate to step into the offered embrace.
“We’re not as bad as he made out.” Mom squeezes Bella once and receives an answering squeeze. I’m not sure why Bella thinks she’s not affectionate because when it’s offered, she always reciprocates.
Bella chuckles as Mom steps back. “He’s only said good things, I promise.” She reaches for my hand without realising it, but my mom notices.
“Woman, are you going to let them in so I can greet my son?” Dad teases from the doorway.
Mom rolls her eyes as she turns towards the door. “Patience, David. He was my baby before he was a brother.”
My shoulders shake with laughter as I meet my dad’s gaze over my mother's head. His eyes slant to Bella, who’s also laughing. Still clasping her hand, I follow my mom to the door to greet the rest of my family.
The next ten minutes are chaos. It’s loud, as it usually is when all the Tins get together. It makes me realise how lucky I am and how much I’ve missed them all.
When I finally come up for air, I look around for Bella and find her at the kitchen table with Thea, a cup of steaming tea in her hand. They’re both smiling. When I quirk a brow at Bella, she answers with a thumbs up.
“You going to introduce us to your woman, brother?” Coal asks. “She and Thea seem to be getting on.”
It doesn’t surprise me. They’re two strong women who have the same core values and know the meaning of loyalty and family.
“Yeah.” I clap his shoulder. “Come on. I think you’ll like her.”
The rest of my family hangs back as Coal and I walk towards the kitchen.
“Bella, this is Coal, my president and my brother, both in blood and brotherhood.”
Bella stands and holds out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for letting Copper join me. I know it can’t have been an easy decision.”
Fuck me, she’s perfect.
That she knows how to conduct herself is a huge plus in her favour. I should’ve known she could handle herself. She’s an MC princess, and while the one she grew up in isn’t run the same way most are, with their women being heavily involved, they still share the same values.
Coal is silent while he studies her, and I wonder what he sees. Bella patiently waits him out, her attention never wavering from him.
Finally, he nods and takes her hand, giving it a small squeeze. “Welcome, Bella. And thank you for giving us the chance to see him.”
A blush tinges Bella’s cheeks. “You’re welcome. I know how hard it is not seeing your family.”
“I’m sure you do,” Coal agrees, releasing her hand.
He walks towards Thea and sits next to her.
I grab Bella’s hand and introduce her to the rest of my family. “Spice, this is my dad, Tinman. And my brothers, Nickel and Bolt. My baby sister, Opal.” I point to each of them in turn. “You’ll meet my niece, Shea, tomorrow. She’s asleep right now.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Bella says with a smile and a small wave.
“Spice?” Bolt asks.
Bella grins. “I didn’t like Sugar.”
They laugh, and one by one, welcome her with a hug.
Apart from Nickel, who pauses in front of her. “When this is all over, can you and I have a conversation about investments? I have questions.”
“Of course,” Bella replies, taking his abrupt question in her stride.
Nickel nods. His gaze flicks to me before it returns to Bella and softens. “Welcome to the family, Bella.” Having said his piece, he walks away.
Bella tilts her head to look up at me. “I like your family, Copper.”
I grin. “I do, too.”
“Are you two hungry?” Thea calls out.
Turning towards Thea, I see everyone is sitting at the kitchen table, now laden with food.
“Starving,” Bella admits.
She drags me over to the table and sits in the chair she occupied earlier, patting the one next to her for me to sit. Reaching for the food with the other hand, she piles my plate high. My family notices her attentiveness, which makes me smile.
Bella is already mine. She just hasn’t put two and two together yet.