Page 44 of Brick

Every time we made love, he would tell me that I was his forever. He would claim me as his old lady, but honestly, I thought that's where it ended. That is, until I woke up today and my left hand was heavier than it was when I went to sleep.

He slipped an engagement ring on my finger while I was sleeping. Typical Brick behavior. He didn't even ask. Not that he really needed to. I meant it when I told him that I was his forever. There's no one else in the world that I'd rather go through this crazy life with than him.

I let my head fall back, and the cool air kisses my skin. It feels good to be able to talk to my sister when I want. I know it's not the same. She'll never be able to run home and tell me what amazing stories she has, and I won't be able to feel her hand on mine as I walk down the aisle in a few weeks, but I know she's still with me.

"I wonder if you think he'll take me on a real honeymoon. I'm thinking Puerto Rico is nice this time of year." I wait as if she'sgoing to respond. Really, it's just my mind giving the answers I know she'd say.

"But you don't even speak Spanish."

"Yeah, I know I don't speak Spanish, but I don't plan on spending much time out of the room in order to need any linguistic skills." I chuckle.

"Now, I like the sound of that plan." Brick's deep voice sounds from behind me.

I jump in shock and place my hand on my chest. "Jesus Christ. You scared the hell out of me."

"Sorry, Sweetness. I couldn't find you. I figured you'd be out here. You want to be alone?" he asks, always ready to give me the space I need.

"Nah, I was just catching Wendy up on your shenanigans."

Brick's eyes widen, and he walks toward me with a slick smile. "My shenanigans? I've no idea what you're talking about. You were an active participant in this plan. All I did was get the ring." He drapes a hand around my waist and pulls me closer to him. I wind my arms around his neck and chuckle.

"Active participant? How the hell is that possible? You do realize in order for me to be an active participant, I have to actually know what's going on."

Brick looks around, like he's not understanding what I'm saying. He's playing stupid. "I'm sorry, but wasn't it you who said you were mine forever while I was drilling into you?"

His dirty words make me smile. If there's one thing I can say about the man, he's definitely not shy. "So you think the wordsI'm saying while you screw my brains out make up for the fact that you didn't properly ask me to be your wife?"

"You're going to make me do it, aren't you?" Brick grumbles playfully and steps away from me.

"You’re damn right I am. Now, get to it, big man; let us all see." I gesture to Wendy before I cross my arms over my chest and do my best to put a serious face on. It's not working. I can't hide how happy I am.

"Always gotta make things so damn difficult." He groans before he falls down to one knee, and the smile I've been fighting to hide breaks free. "Luna, I love you. You make me want to be a better man. A better leader. A better protector. You've given me something I never thought I'd deserve, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me." He pauses, and I swallow down a lump in my throat. That has to be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me, but just like Brick, he can't let his vulnerability show for too long. "Now, woman, are you going to agree to marry me, or am I going to have to take you back in the bedroom before you give in?"

I raise an eyebrow at his brusque tone. Leaning down to where he's kneeling, I place a sweet kiss on his lips before I move my lips to the side of his face, just below his ear. "You think you can break me, Brick? Do your worst." I stand tall and walk by him, letting my hips sway slowly. A few steps away, I turn to look over my shoulder. "Let's go, Husband. Let's see if you can make me scream yes today."

A deep growl sounds from behind me, and before I know what's coming, Brick is up and storming behind me. He lifts me off the ground, tossing me over his shoulder and rushing toward the back room.

I'm looking forward to all the ways he makes me submit to him. Every day for the rest of my life.

Twenty

Brick

When people talkabout perfect days, they are talking about days like this.

I never thought I'd see a perfect day. There was always some big danger just around the corner or the fear that the police would barge through the door and throw me back in that cage, but not today.

Today, all I can think about is how truly lucky I am.

I sit back in my chair at the clubhouse, the familiar scent of worn leather and aged wood wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. Laughter spills in from the kitchen, where Luna and Bea are chatting away, their voices a melody that dances through the air. I can’t help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

It's a rare moment of peace, and for the first time in a long while, I don’t feel the weight of impending doom pressing down on me. No thoughts of Daly, no lingering shadows from the past—just the sound of my brothers enjoying their lives, the clang of glasses, and the unmistakable scent of something delicious simmering on the stove.

I glance around at my patch brothers, their faces lit with smiles, the camaraderie palpable. This is what family feels like. It doesn’t matter that we aren’t blood; we share a bond forged in fire, loyalty, and the kind of respect that runs deeper than anything else. I can see it in their eyes—the way they look out for one another, the teasing jabs, the easy laughter. Each man here has fought his own battles, and we’ve all come out stronger together.

I lean back, letting the moment soak in. I’m proud to be their leader, to stand alongside these men who’ve become brothers in every sense of the word. But even more than that, I’m proud to be Luna’s husband. The thought sends a rush of warmth through me, and I can’t help but think of the way she lights up a room.

Her laughter intertwines with Bea’s, a sweet sound that wraps around me like a warm embrace. I close my eyes for a moment, imagining her smile—how it brightens even the darkest days. Luna is my anchor, my safe harbor in this chaotic world. She’s shown me that happiness is possible, that I can still find joy amidst the chaos of our lives.

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