Page 26 of Room One Hundred and Four: Shock and Awe

“Hmm,” she stalled. “Is there something happening?”

I shrugged one shoulder and admitted, “There’s probably some kind of party going on. It happens pretty frequently.”

“Will the guys be there?”

I couldn’t help but smile at her question. The fact that she wanted to spend time with all of us didn’t bother me at all. No, I liked it.

“Yup,” I popped the p while my hand ran up and down her back. “And you’ll get the chance to meet more of our brothers. There are even some old ladies in the mix now.”

She jerked back from me slightly, “Old ladies?”

I chuckled softly and nodded. “That’s what bikers call the women we commit to. We have to claim them at church.”

There was an edge of panic in her voice that didn’t make sense, “Church?”

I nodded slowly as I studied her face. “It’s what we call our meeting. We go to Church. Trust me,” I assured her, “there’s no pastor or anything like that. No sermons.”

She deflated and I was curious as fuck about her reaction. It knew the life was all new to her, anyone looking at her would know that, but her reaction had nothing to do with the club and everything to do with her past.

Navy swallowed hard, her voice soft and unsure, “I’m not really a church person. Sorry.”

“No apologies, Siren,” my voice was insistent. “I hope one day you’ll tell me why.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

I tugged on my cut and told her, “This is our cut. The club is all about loyalty. We have businesses in the city, and everyone gets a cut from them, but the people who help run certain places get more. We’re a family.”

“Family,” her voice had a wistful quality to it that made me want to ensure she always has a family at her back. Something told me she needs it. Before I could assure her that the club will always be at her back, she squared her shoulders. “I’d like to go and meet your family.”

“Your family now too, Navy.”

Her eyes were wide for a moment before they softened as she looked at me. With a grip on my cut she pulled me into her house and closed the door. As she walked away from me, she called over her shoulder, “I’m going to go and change.” I took a steep closer to her, wanting to follow her, but she added, “Alone.”

I threw my head back and laughed before sitting down on the couch and waiting for her.

But now we’re walking up to the clubhouse doors. Having her on the back of my bike was so fucking good. I loved every single second of it, and I can’t wait until she’s wrapped around me again.

Now I know that Spark’s smile had more to do than just being buried in our woman. It was because of this feeling I have right now. It’s a lightness that I hope sticks around forever.

I can already hear the music pumping from the clubhouse, and I almost roll my eyes. I should have known that the party would be in full swing. I don’t blame the brothers—we’ve never been one to turn down a good party. Wy would today be any different?

“I know I’ve been here before, but I’m kind of nervous,” Navy admits right before I swing the door open.

My fingers dive into the short strands of her hair, and I hold her in place as I kiss her softly. I don’t stop until she relaxes against me.

“Everyone who matters is going to love you,” I vow against her lips.

And I know I’m right too. The angels won’t be happy, but they’ll get over their hissy fits. If they don’t then they’ll be gone. We’ve already been keeping our distance since the night Navy performed for Spark’s birthday. I can only hope no one starts shit with her.

As I lead her inside, I worry for a moment that I should have warned her about the angels, but it’s too late now. I watch Navy’s face as we enter the common room, and she takes in the space. I’m sure she didn’t get a great look at it when she was performing beyond the rows of seats that were in front of the stage.

It’s not until she spots the angels on some of the laps of the single brothers on the other side of the room that she looks unsure. But I don’t let her focus on that.

Instead, I lead her over toward the bar where Crucify and Spark are leaning. A few of the brothers and their old ladies are chatting at some tables not too far from the bar and I breathe a sigh of relief that the ladies are here tonight.

I know they’ll take our woman under their care and not let anyone give her shit. They’re all so different, but what brings them together is the loyalty they have for their men, and the club by extension. I know Navy won’t be any different.

I don’t pay attention to the curious looks we’re getting, and Navy doesn’t seem to notice with her focus on Crucify, whose eyes light up the moment he sees our woman, and Spark. When we’re close enough, Crucify grips the back of her neck and slams his mouth down on hers.

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