Page 23 of Valley

“He’s talking to Doc about shadowing him,” Hillbilly replied. “He’s going to be our Doc, only not with the credentials, if you get my drift.”

As we continued to shoot the breeze, my eyes kept darting toward the doorway, anxious for Madeline’s return. This irrational fear gnawed at me, the thought that some other man might snatch her away. I knew she could do a hell of a lot better than me, and that insecurity was a bitter pill to swallow.

The minutes ticked by slowly, each second amplifying my impatience. Finally, I saw Madeline emerge from the hallway, her hair freshly styled, looking even more stunning than before. Casimir and the other girls trailed behind her, but it was her eyes searching the room for me that set my heart racing.

As soon as our eyes met, a sense of relief washed over me. She made her way through the crowd; her smile lighting up the room. I pushed off the wall and met her halfway, slipping my arm around her waist.

“You look beautiful,” I whispered in her ear, pulling her close.

“Thanks,” she replied, her voice soft and sweet. “Sorry I took so long.”

“Not a problem,” I said, kissing her cheek again. “Let me show you around.”

We rejoined the throng, the energy in the clubhouse infectious. The air was thick with the mingling scents of leather, perfume, and cologne, underscored by the constant hum of conversation and laughter. I introduced Madeline to the othermembers and their ol’ ladies until it was time to go outside and have a seat.

TODAY WAS PERFECT. Jarrod was treating me like I had alwaysdreamed a man would, like I was the only woman that existed in his universe. His hand in mine felt like a promise of something deeper, something real. While Jarrod talked with Midnight, who was seated beside him, I took a moment to look around. My eyes caught on a blonde woman leaning against the building, her eyes filled with a sadness that seemed to reach out to me. When she noticed me gazing back, she quickly averted her eyes, leaving me with an uneasy feeling.

“I thought there would be tents to sit under,” Casimir griped, taking the seat next to me. Daphne was on his other side, with Toby on her lap.

“Trust me, Cas, you’ll survive. Stop being a drama king,” Daphne scolded him. “And remember, don’t go near Patch. On this, I’m totally serious. For once, value your life.”

Casimir sighed dramatically and poked me in the side, chuckling. “Call a man a pirate one time, and he goes off the deep end, threatening murder. So uncivilized.” His eyes fell to whereJarrod was holding my hand, and he whispered, “This is quite a turn of events for you, Madeline.”

“I’m almost afraid,” I whispered back, feeling the weight of the moment. I waved at Margie as she moved to the front with her husband, Tom, where they took a seat. The music stopped, and everyone fell silent as Jonesy, Hillbilly, and Harker took their places. I loved the informality of it all, the men wearing their usual clothes and club vests. No dress code, just come as you are. It made everyone so much more comfortable, so much more themselves.

The band started to play the wedding march, and Lucky and Sarah walked to the front, Sarah’s arm linked with Lucky’s. They handed Sarah over to Jonesy, and I felt myself leaning into Jarrod, caught up in the romance of it all. Knowing firsthand how Sarah and Jonesy met, how their relationship blossomed against all odds, made this moment even more special. Sarah was so lucky to find Jonesy after all she went through, and it gave me hope that not all men judged based on appearances.

I glanced at Jarrod, who was watching me intently. I blushed, wondering what he was thinking. His gaze was intense, full of something I couldn’t quite name, but felt deep in my core. The ceremony went on, but my mind was consumed by the warmth of Jarrod’s hand in mine and the potential of a future together. Though uncertain, I felt genuine hope for once.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Chapter Fifteen

I LED MADELINEout onto the dance area that was set uparound where Shay and her band played. My arms pulled her into a slow dance, not caring what music was playing. I just loved the feel and scent of her in my arms. “This is so nice,” she breathed into my ear. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m having a good time.”

“It could get even better,” I whispered, biting her ear. The scent of her perfume, of having her body so close, was intoxicating. I could tell she was enjoying herself, but I had other plans.

“I want to take you somewhere private,” I murmured, my voice thick with lust. “I want to strip you bare and worship your body and hear you scream my name as I make you come over and over again.” I know I was moving fast, but fuck, I wanted her.

Madeline’s breath hitched at my words, her body trembling with anticipation. She looked up at me, her eyes dark with arousal, and nodded her agreement.

“You have no idea what I’m about to do to you,” I growled in her ear, nipping at her lobe. My hand slid up her thigh, teasing the edge of her panties. She gasped and pressed herself closer, her breath hot against my neck.

I led her through the crowd, my hand gripping her wrist tightly. We stumbled into my room; the door slamming shut behind us. I pushed her against the wall, my lips crashing into hers as I used all my self-control not to rip her dress off. She moaned, her nails digging into my back as I kissed down her neck, my teeth grazing her collarbone.

“I’ve been waiting for this,” she breathed, her voice raspy with desire. “I’ve been thinking about you...about this...”

With a growl, my hand slipped between her thighs. She was already wet, her arousal soaking through her panties. I tore them off, my fingers finding her clit. She bucked her hips, her moans growing louder as I worked her into a frenzy.

“I want you,” she begged, her voice trembling. “Please...” She pleaded, her breath coming in short gasps.

“God, what you do to me,” I growled, my voice full of need that was years in the making. “Do you want me to fuck you right here?”

Madeline nodded, her eyes pleading as she pulled her dress over her head. I didn’t need any more encouragement. I pushed her against the wall, my hands caressing her body as I kissed her neck, her breasts, her stomach. I groaned, my hands grippingher hips as she ground against me. My hand sliding up her thigh and once again feeling her wetness through her panties, and it drove me wild as my fingers slipped under the lace.

She moaned as I touched her, her body shuddering with pleasure. “Damn,” she breathed. “You make me feel so good.”

My hand found the condom I always kept in my jeans, and I stood up, lifting her with me, her legs wrapping around my waist. I slid a finger inside her, her wetness coating my hand. She rode my finger, her hips bucking as she chased her release. My own need was building, my cock straining against my pants.

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