Page 108 of Pulse

“You better. You’re stuck with us now.”

“As long as I’m stuck with you.”

“Forever.” He kissed her until they were both panting, and her eyes had glazed. “Now let’s get the hell out of here, counselor. I’ve had a lot of trouble with the law lately, and I’m gonna need you to get me off.”

Talia burst out laughing. “Oh my God, that is the worst attorney pun I’ve ever heard. You’re lucky I love you, or that might be enough to have me running from you.”

He slid his arm around her shoulders and guided her across the lot to his truck. “Trust me, I know how goddamn lucky I am.”

Talia’s soft grin warmed his insides. “Love you.”

“Love you, too, baby.”

He helped her into the giant truck, and then they sped off, finally leaving this part of Pulse’s life where it belonged—in the past. Only this time, he had his brothers at his back, his woman at his side, and no secrets to jeopardize that perfection.

EPILOGUE

THE ROARING BONFIRE protected Talia from the chilly—not cold, it never got cold—Christmas Eve air. Well, the fire warmed her front since her back couldn’t be more comfortable and toastier nestled against Pulse’s muscular chest on the blanket set out for them.

Brenna, designer extraordinaire, had outdone herself. She’d banned everyone from the clubhouse for the entire day to set up what she’d been planning for weeks, and, man, had it been worth her efforts. Somehow, she’d transformed the space behind the clubhouse into a magical winter wonderland.

Thick blankets sat around the massive fire, one for each couple, with pillows and a tray of spiked hot cocoa and treats. Every detail was holiday-themed from the pillows to the mugs with reds, greens, and gold woven throughout. Brenna had found an enormous Christmas tree and must have paid a pretty penny to have it delivered and decorated in twinkling lights. The effect was warm and comforting, and when she got to enjoy it with the man she loved more than anyone, it was magical.

In the few months since Talia had tumbled into the Handlers’ world, the club had become the family she’d never had. There wasn’t anywhere she’d want to be than right where she was. Well, maybe one place, but the night was young with plenty of time for her and Pulse to tear up the sheets later. For now, she was beyond content right where she was.

“You good?” Pulse’s warm voice rumbled against her ear.

“Good?” she asked, tilting her head to view her man. “No, Pulse, I’m perfect.”

“You are,” he whispered, tightening his hold.

That wasn’t what she meant, nor was it close to the truth, but she had to admit there was something incredible about having a man who thought so. And Pulse really seemed to. Talia didn’t consider herself an easy person to be in a relationship with. As an attorney, she could argue for days and never lose steam. Her independent streak bordered on pathological, and she tended to do the exact opposite when ordered around.

None of her flaws phased Pulse. Months into their relationship, he found them amusing, which boggled her mind but made for a sublime connection.

“You ready for your Christmas present?”

She straightened and whipped around as excitement zinged through her. “Now?”

Pulse nodded, then signaled to Brooke, who stood near the clubhouse’s back door. Talia had been so caught up in enjoying the moment she hadn’t noticed her friend leave the blanket where she’d sat cocooned with Curly.

It was then she noticed Brooke was holding something.

Wait. Is it moving?

Her breath caught, and she squeezed Pulse’s thigh. “Oh my God. Is that what I think it is?”

Pulse grinned.

“Oh my God,” she said again. Her throat thickened, and tears caused her to blink rapidly. Brooke started her way and with each step she took, Talia became more certain her hunch was correct.

Pulse got her a dog.

About fifteen feet out, Brooke crouched and set the wriggling puppy on the ground. It immediately began to attack her shoes.

“It’s a girl,” Pulse said. “She was left on Curly and Brooke’s doorstep last week in the middle of the night. The vet thinks she’s about ten weeks old.”

“Oh, the poor baby.” She pressed a hand to her chest and patted the blanket with the other. “C’mere, sweet girl,” she said. The puppy’s ears twitched at the high-pitched tone. She looked right at Talia and then scampered over, all gangly legs and oversized puppy feet. “Does she have a name?”

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