Page 78 of Reaper

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I pull her close, vowing to myself that from now on, my family comes first, before any club business or personal vendettas. But before I can get to that, I need to make sure she understands what it will mean if she chooses to stay.

“Now that Blackstone’s dead, you won’thave to look over your shoulder anymore. You’re free.” I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I’m about to say. “You have a choice. You can leave with Ace, which would kill me, but if that’s what you really wanted, I promise not to look for you. I want you to be happy, and if that means letting you go, then I’m ready to make that sacrifice.” I pause, swallowing hard. “Or … you can stay … with me.”

I mean every word I say. I want her to choose her own happiness. She shouldn’t settle for me out of some sense of obligation. There’s that saying that if you love someone, you should set them free. If they come back to you, then it’s real love. I’m taking a huge risk by even doing this, but I have to know if she’s only choosing me because I’m Ace’s father.

“Reaper,” she says slowly, her voice trembling. “Are you going to stay in the motorcycle club?”

My heart clenches at her question, but I owe her the truth.

“The club will always be my family. I can’t walk away from them.” I hold her gaze, willing her to understand. “If you choose to be my old lady, you’ll have to deal with the fact that I’m not leaving the club.”

She nods, taking it all in. “I understand what life would be like. I know the club will put you into dangerous situations, but after what happened with Blackstone kidnapping Ace, I getwhy you want to continue your work here. You guys save lives. What you do is so important, I’d never dream of getting in the way of what you do. I promise to support you in any way I can.”

Hearing her words, a sense of pride and gratitude surge within me. Lexi’s strength and understanding are more than I ever hoped for, and that’s why I love her so damn much.

Relief washes over me as Lexi’s words sink in. She understands why I can’t leave the club, and she’s willing to support me every step of the way. I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have her in my life.

“You have no idea how much it means to me that you get it. I’ve loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you,” I whisper. “And I’m going to love you until the day I die.”

“Don’t let that be any time soon,” she says playfully, but I can see the hint of worry in her eyes. Staying with me will be hard on her because of what the club does, but at least now she knows what to expect.

“Babe, you’re not just the mother of my child. You’re strong, brave, and incredibly smart. You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever met, and I can’t keep my hands off you.” As if to prove my point, my fingers trace her jawline, making her shiver in anticipation. She blushes and bites her lip, waiting for me to continue.

“I know you’re working up to something. Just say it,” she whispers with hope in her eyes.

“Lexi, will you marry me?” I ask.

My heart hammers against my ribs while I pray she say yes. Every millisecond that passes feels like an eternity. I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do if she refuses to make shit official. All the other guys got their women to commit. Can I?

Her expression lights up, and tears glisten in her eyes. “Yes. Yes, Reaper, I’ll marry you!”

I pull her into my arms, crushing her against my chest, feeling her warmth seep into me. Our lips meet, and I pour every ounce of love and passion I have for her into the kiss. She responds eagerly, her hands winding around my neck, dragging me closer.

“God, I love you so fucking much,” I murmur against her lips, tasting the sweet promise of our future together.

“Love you too,” she breathes between kisses.

As I hold my woman close, her warmth and love envelop me like a protective shield. With a soft sigh, I know it’s time to address one last issue.

“Club life isn’t always easy. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you and Ace safe, but there will be times when club business will demand my attention. I won’t be able to tell you everything that’s happening.”

She looks up at me, her eyes filled with trust and love. She nods, her hand resting on my chest, feeling the steady beat of my heart. “I knew whatI was getting into when I fell in love with you. I trust you to protect us, just like you’ve always done. And I know you’ll do everything in your power to come back to us when club business is finished.”

“You know I will, babe.”

A beautiful smile spreads across her face, lighting up her eyes. “I love you more than anything, and I want to stay with you. You’re the bravest man I’ve ever met, and I know there are people out there who need men like you and the others in Underground Vengeance.”

“There are so many people who need us,” I say softly.

“And I’ll never stop you from helping them.”

My heart swells with happiness. As I wrap my arms around her and pull her close, I can feel the weight of my past lifting from my shoulders. The darkness that once consumed me is replaced by the light of Lexi’s love. Together, we can face anything. With each beat of my heart, I’m reminded of the incredible woman who has chosen to stand by my side, and I’m determined to honor her faith in me.

The warmth of her body pressed against mine sends a shiver of desire down my spine. My lips find hers, and we share a deep, passionate kiss. Our love surges between us like a powerful current, and I can’t help but let my hands roam over the curves of her body, feeling the fire that burns beneath her skin.

“Reaper,” she breathes out between our heated kisses, “I have one more question before we move forward.”

“Anything,” I reply, looking into her beautiful eyes.

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