Page 42 of Embracing Easy

The bass from the sound system blaring G's playlist thumps through the clubhouse as I watch her expertly toss pizza dough into the air. It's been a month since the night Shawn and the Saints rescued me at the Budget Inn. I know that Shawn killed John, but sometimes I still catch myself looking over my shoulder, expecting to see his face in the shadows. The only thing that keeps the anxiety at bay is Shawn’s constant presence and the support of the family I've found here.

“Earth to Lexi,” G calls out, waving a flour-covered hand in front of my face. “You with us, honey?”

I blink, forcing a smile. “Sorry, just lost in thought.”

From her spot at the kitchen island, Sierra gives me a knowing look. We've all lost people in our lives before, but losing Trigg... that one's on me. The guilt I feel is constant, sitting heavy in my chest, especially on nights like this when the club gathers together.

“Don't,” G says firmly, reading my expression. “Whatever you're thinking, stop it right now. Timmy died doing his duty to the club. That's what these men do—they protect their own.”

My eyes burn with unshed tears. “It was my fault.”

“No ,it wasn’t,” Oakland says, setting down the knife she was using to chop up bell peppers. “This isn’t on you. This is on the psychopath who came after you.”

I know they're right, but it doesn't make it easier. Shawn tells me the same thing every time he catches me lost in my dark thoughts. Speaking of my man, I spot him through the kitchen doorway, lounging on the couch with Knox and Legend, all of them arguing about which couple they think will have the best dance moves tonight.

The sight makes me smile despite myself. These big, bad bikers, completely invested in a dance competition—it's exactly the kind of contradiction that makes me fall more in love with this life every day.

“Girl, your man is looking fine tonight,” G whispers conspiratorially, making me laugh at her not-so-subtle attempt at changing the subject.

Although… I look back at Shawn in his worn jeans and white T-shirt, his cut hanging perfectly across his broad shoulders. She’s not wrong. My man is enough to make any woman's heart race.

As if feeling my eyes on him, Shawn turns, his eyes finding mine across the room. His lips curve into that knowing smirk that still makes my knees weak, and he throws me a wink that has heat blooming in my cheeks.

“Get a room,” Harley teases, hip-checking me as she passes with a bowl of salad.

“We’ve got one upstairs,” I quip back, making the rest of the old ladies laugh.

“And on that note,” G announces, sliding the first pizza into the oven, “let's get this party started properly. Harley, break out your moonshine.”

As the old ladies move around the kitchen, fixing drinks and settling in for the show, I can't help but marvel at how different my life is now compared to a few months ago. Back then, I was running scared from Kentucky with nothing but a hundred dollars to my name. Now I have a family, a home, and a man who would move heaven and earth to keep me safe.

Shawn catches my eye again and crooks his finger, beckoning me over. I don't hesitate, crossing the room and sliding onto his lap as his arms wrap around my waist.

“You good, baby?” he murmurs against my ear, and I know he's picked up on my mood.

“Better now,” I say honestly, settling against his chest as the show starts.

The night unfolds with lots of laughter, good food, and a few arguments about the dancer’s scores.

As I watch the couples around me—Viper with Kierra curled into his side, Knox stealing kisses from G between bites of pizza, Legend bouncing baby Ryder while Braelynn dozes against his shoulder, Sparrow and Sierra curled up in a recliner with one eye on the TV and the other on all the little boys playing on the floor, and Harley and Wrath oblivious to anything but each other.

This is my family.

“Hey,” Shawn voice pulls me from my observations. “Come with me for a minute.”

He doesn’t have to ask me twice. I’d go anywhere with him. Curious, I follow him out onto the clubhouse's back deck. He leads me to the railing, positioning me in front of him so my back is against his chest.

“I've been thinking,” he says, his hands settling on my hips.

“Dangerous pastime,” I tease, earning a gentle nip on my neck.

“Smartass.” His chest rumbles with a laugh before his voice turns serious. “I know the last couple months haven't been easy.”

I tense in his arms, but he just holds me tighter.

“But baby, everything that happened? It led us here. To this moment. To us.” He turns me in his arms, and my breath catches at the intensity in his eyes. “I love you, Lexi Vale. More than I ever thought possible.”

“I love you too,” I whisper back.

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