Page 114 of Steel

“About that—”

“Oh shit.” Soul’s eyes widen. “Are you about to say something stupid like I think you are?”

I scratch my jaw, knowing I’m about to break every rule I thought was absolute before I met this girl. “Yeah, I am.”

“Are you claiming her, Prez?” Legacy plants his elbows on the table, and the entire focus of the room is on me.

I look around at my brothers, knowing that for the past thirty years, nothing has ever been more important to me than them. But Tempe and Austin changed that. I’d giveeverything up, from my soul to my cut, if it meant keeping them whole.

When I moved them into my house, it was supposed to be temporary. A safe place to store them since I never slept there anyway. But from the moment Tempe and Austin walked inside, I knew I never wanted them to leave. A sentiment that’s growing with every passing day.

I need them in my life like I need air in my lungs.

If they leave, I’ll never recover. And it’s about time I do something about it.

“Tempe’s mine,” I say, looking around the room. “I want to ask her to be my old lady.”

My patch gives me a lot of power in the club, but the reason we’re a brotherhood is that the most important decisions made between these walls aren’t made by one man. They’re put to a vote. And nothing is more important than inviting someone to become one of us in any capacity.

Claiming an old lady included.

When that happens, she becomes part of the club. The club vows to support and protect her from there on out. Even in the event of a brother’s death, she’ll always be taken care of.

She’ll always be family.

“I know her loyalty has been in question—”

“Mostly by you,” Ghost points out.

“Right.” I nod. “Helix being her father didn’t help win over trust.”

“Or her trying to kick your ass when she met you,” Ghost pipes up again, smirking.

“All true.” I glare at him. “She’s got fire.”

Havoc leans forward, grinning. “Gonna need it if she’s going to put up with you, Prez.”

“That’s for sure.” Legacy chuckles.

“Damn.” Soul shakes his head. “I’m gonna owe Chaos two grand. I swore it wasn’t going to get this far.”

“Does that mean you’re offering your support?”

Soul straightens up, planting a hand on my shoulder. “I can’t pretend to understand it, but she makes you better, Jameson. Of course I fucking support it. I want what’s best for you, brother. And apparently, that’s her and the kid.”

“Thanks.” I nod.

“Besides…” Soul pulls back, grinning. “Less competition means more pussy for the rest of us.”

“Beautifully said.” Havoc laughs, and I just shake my head. “Congratulations, Prez.”

He smacks me on the shoulder, and Ghost nods, offering as much of a smile as he ever does, which isn’t much.

“When you gonna ask her?” Legacy tips his chin up.

“This afternoon.”

“Hence the sudden change of plans, moving the barbeque to Lake Mead? Getting all romantic on us, huh?” Legacy grins, and I nod. “Let’s hope she says yes then.”

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