Page 27 of Hellraiser

Another round of applause sounded off as I stepped back up to the podium to officially accept the role.

“Thank you, everyone. Together, we’ll continue to face whatever life throws our way and ensure the success and strength of theHell’s Savagesremains strong.”

The men presented me with my father’s jacket with an updated patch to reflect my new leadership position. After putting it on, I scanned the crowd—eyes landing right on Mercy as she swiped away a quick tear, symbolizing she knew how much the moment meant to me.

After the announcement, I made my way through the sea of bikers, embracing and dapping up my brothers as I continued to Mercy. Finally, I reached her. She was waiting with a proudsmile. She greeted me with open arms, wrapping them around me in a congratulatory hug. I pulled her into my arms, inhaling her light, floral fragrance before pressing my lips against hers in a long, deep kiss. The warmth of having her by my side filled the gaping hole inside my chest with a sense of completeness—something I thought would never happen in this lifetime or the next.

“Congratulations, Dre. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this than you.”

I looked into her sparkling brown eyes, feeling another rush of emotion run through me.

“Thanks, beautiful. I’m glad you’re here. It means a lot that you could make it.”

“There’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be, Mr. President.”

I paused to take a cleansing breath and gather my thoughts before I asked the question that’d been pressing on my mind.As I led the club’s next chapter, I wanted her by my side.

“Well, in that case, how would you feel about being the Prez’s old lady?”

Her eyes sparkled with delight. Her smile followed, along with her immediate answer.

“I’d say I like the sound of that very much.”

My heart pranced with joy. With Mercy as my old lady, I felt ready to take on the challenges of leading theSavages. Together, I was sure we could face anything.

One year later.

I couldn’t believe how much my life had changed in only a year. When we met, I was a struggling journalist chasing a dangerous story, and he was the overprotective vigilante who saved my life. Now, Dre and I were off to celebrate our anniversary, the first of many. Our relationship had been a whirlwind of danger and excitement since the night we met.

We’d faced numerous obstacles together, from my high-stakes investigation into his rival MC conflicts to the tragic death of his father and taking on the role of president of the Hell’s Savages. Still, the roots of our connection had only grown deeper.

Under Dre’s fearless leadership, their brotherhood became more united. I continued my career in journalism, balancing the demands of chasing my next lead while playing my role as Dre’s “old lady.” Despite the danger and jagged edges of the MC world, I found a sense of belonging and protection with him and his crew. Not all MCs were created equally.

The article and video footage I published about the Outlaws’ sex trafficking of women gained widespread public attention, drawing the focus of the national media, the Chicago Police Department, and the Feds. The damning video evidence showed the Outlaws transporting and selling women, compromising key members of the MC and sparking immediate action from authorities to dismantle their heinous operations and pushing me into the limelight as a fearless, credible journalist.

Soon after, the Feds created a task force and raided several of their known hideouts, including their main clubhouse. During the raids, many members of the Outlaws were arrested, including their leader, Dre’s half-brother.

Luckily, the task force was able to rescue several women who were being held captive in storage units, providing them with aid and rejoining the victims with their families. They also seized documents, video footage, cash, drugs, and more incriminating materials that further built the case against them.

With so much incriminating evidence stacked against them, federal prosecutors were able to charge the Outlaws with multiple counts of human sex trafficking, racketeering, and a laundry list of other offenses that led to lengthy prison sentences for all.

I snapped out of my daze when I realized we weren’t headed toward our destination—an upscale restaurant known for its good food. But it was clear Dre had other plans. The sun was beginning to set as we rode his motorcycle, the cool breeze whipping my hair across my face. I held onto him tightly, feelingthe familiar sense of freedom and excitement I’d gotten used to over time.

As we reached a secluded area overlooking Lake Michigan, I couldn’t help but stare in awe at the view. The sky was painted with orange, pink, and indigo hues, reflecting off the calm waters below. Dre parked his bike and helped me off.

“I thought we were going to a restaurant,” I said.

Dre turned to me, a playful grin on his face. “Thought this might be a better way to celebrate. Just the two of us, away from all the noise.”

A warm grin spread across my face. I never imagined my life could be so magical. I’d never felt more loved or confident about my place in his world. Dre had shown me what it meant to protect and honestly care for someone. I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

I leaned slightly forward to hug him with my brown orbs locked onto Dre’s with a tender gaze. “It’s perfect, baby. I love it.”

We sat down on a blanket he’d spread out, and I sat across from Dre, dressed in a fitted graphic tee and black high-waisted skinny jeans that hugged my curves perfectly. My hair was styled in long, loose waves that fell over my shoulders, and my lips were painted with a shiny pink gloss.

Dre looked more handsome than ever, his look complementing mine with a fitted white crew neck T-shirt, black slim-fit jeans, and sneakers that made him look like an entirely different person outside of the leather jacket, dark-wash jeans, and sturdy biker boots he was always in. His long locs were neatly styled, twisted, and pulled into a high bun. On his wrist was a classic gold watch—an heirloom of his father’s.

He sat with a relaxed posture, his shoulders broad and open, conveying the familiar sense of security and strength he always did. After conquering our first year together, he reached for a bottle of champagne, preparing to toast to a celebratory night.

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