Page 85 of Pit

“Umm, upgraded,” I tease.

“Shall I show you?”

I slip my hand into his. “Yes, please.”

Pit

“Do you ever regret it?” I ask Axel as he places a tray of shots on the table. Grizz and Fletch dive in, each grabbing a glass and knocking the liquid back.

“No,” he says firmly. “Never.”

“You’re not getting cold feet already, are you?” asks Grizz, slapping me on the back before picking up a shot and handing it to me.

I knock it back, wincing as it burns my throat. “No. I find myself waiting for her to realise this isn’t what she wants. I can’t relax.”

“That’s because you’ve not made it official,” offers Grizz. “I felt the same. That’s why we married.”

“I’m not sure she’ll go for that,” I say, laughing.

I watch Tessa with the women, laughing and joking like she’s always been a part of this club. She looks relaxed and at ease, something I never thought would be possible after what she’s been through.

The last few days have been amazing. She’s really come out of her shell, and I have Lexi and Anita to thank for that. They’ve made sure she felt welcome and a part of their circle.

Chance nuzzles into her side, and she runs her fingers through his silky hair. I’ve woken every single day with that fucker snoring between us, but he doesn’t leave her side, like heknows just what she needs. Maybe he’s a blessing in disguise because he’s certainly helped her to relax around the club. She even moves around the place with ease. Every time a brother approaches her, he’s standing to attention, ensuring no one gets too close.

“She ain’t gonna vanish,” Fletch says, waving a hand in front of my face to get my attention.

“He doesn’t stop watching her,” Grizz points out. He’s right—I’m always watching her, checking she’s okay. The need to be near her is intense, but she doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, she tells me she finds it reassuring, which only feeds my obsession more.

“Yah know, Lucas can marry you here,” Axel suggests. “Just say the word.”

My heart twists. I’d marry her right now if she agreed, but I don’t want to rush her. I shake my head. “She’s not ready.”

“Have you asked her?”

“No, of course not. The second I mention marriage, she’ll run for the hills.”

“I think she’d surprise you,” says Fletch. “You said she’s had some bad trauma, she needs security more than anyone.”

“You think?” I ask.

“I know,” he says with a nod, “she’ll want to feel safe. Talk to her about it.”

“Anyway, she’s still married,” I remind them.

“I can easily sort that,” says Fletch. “I’ll log into the records and delete it.”

I smirk. “Just like that?

“Yep.”

I take Tessa’s hand, and she slowly spins, showing off the short dress she allowed me to choose for her to wear to dinner. I’ve never had a dinner date before, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking her to a posh restaurant, and neither would she, so I arranged for the women to transform the club’s kitchen.

I lead Tessa into the room, and she gasps, taking in the twinkling lights strung up around the place. The table is set for two with a flickering candle in the centre. “I didn’t think you’d want to go out for dinner,” I say, pulling out her chair.

She slides into it. “This is perfect.”

I take a seat to her left and lift the lids from the Chinese takeaway. It’s Tessa’s favourite. I spoon some rice onto each of our plates, followed by a little something from each container. She loves variety, and we often order several things from the menu to try.

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