Page 84 of Jasper
“What? No. Of course it doesn’t.” I take my hands off him and try to parse this through in my mind for a couple of seconds. “You know I come from a poor working-class family. Whitmore would be using me to carry his child, willing or not, right now if it weren’t for you. I know the cops don’t always do the right thing, especially when rich guys take advantage of women like me. The way I see it, your world’s more respectable and trustworthy than they are because you gave me a choice.”
A slow smile spreads over his face. “So, you’re stayin’. Is that what I hear you sayin’?”
I nod, realizing all over again how handsome he is when he smiles. This bruised and battered man fought for me today, risked his life over and over again. He managed to take out not only Whitmore but the man who initiated the attack. And in doing so, he ensured I don’t have to go through life looking over my shoulder. Leaning forward, I give him a gentle kiss on the lips. When I pull back, his expression is more relaxed.
“Hell yeah, I’m staying for as long as you’ll have me. Why would I go running from the only man who’s ever fought for me and treated me with genuine respect?”
“And what about running the clubhouse? You still willing to do that?”
“Of course. Since I’ve been training with Queenie, I’ve come to see what she sees in the club girls. They’re all freewheeling, fun-loving, young women who have been dealt a bad hand in life. They just need structure, tough love, and a safe place to grow into the person they were always meant to be.”
“You really mean that?” he asks, looking a little emotional.
“Absolutely. For most of them, anyway. What I do know is that I want to be there for you and our family through the good times and the bad.”
His eyes lift to look over my shoulder and I turn to see his old man standing nearby. He gives us a single nod. “You’re up, Jasper. Change out your cut for one that says club president and find someone for the VP slot.”
Jasper grins, his smile a little bloody. “Thank you, sir.”
The expression on his father’s face is a mixture of fierce pride, happiness, and relief. He jerks his chin towards me. “Running a club is a big responsibility. A lot of lives depend upon the decisions you make on a day-to-day basis, and I believe you truly understand that leading is more of a burden than a joy.”
“Yeah, I’m feeling that all the way down to my fuckin’ bones, especially after a day like today. Don’t worry, I won’t let you down, sir.”
“I know that you won’t let me down because now you’ve got a good woman at your side. If you do right by her and keep your brothers close, everything else will work itself out.”
When Rock walks off, I throw my arms around Jasper. “Congratulations, Jas. I knew you could do it.”
“Thanks, darlin’. Runnin’ this club is all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was a little kid.”
“Like your dad said, you understand what’s at stake and that makes you the best choice for the job.”
I know that our emotions are high, so I’m not too surprised when he tugs me closer and asks, “If I proposed to you right now, would you say yes?”
I can’t help but nod like a crazy bobblehead doll. “You know that I would. You’re everything to me. I don’t need some extravagant proposal or a big diamond. All I need is you.”
And in this moment, I truly mean every single word.
Chapter 30
Jasper
It’s been close to a month since the attack on the clubhouse. We’re almost finished putting the place back together, and I’m already looking towards the future.
Today is church, so I settle into my chair at the head of the table, the weight of my new President’s cut feeling substantial on my shoulders. My cut isn’t just leather and patches. It’s the history, tradition, and respect of our club and every brother in this room.
Glancing to my right, I see Slate sitting quietly, eyes sharp and attentive. Onyx and Mica flank him, their expressions serious but relaxed. At the far end is our old man. As the original founder, his seat at the table is assured.
The low hum of conversation fills the room as the brothers take their seats. Jinx, settled among the patched members, jokes loudly about last night’s poker game. The camaraderie and tension intertwine. Everyone knows the importance of today’s vote.
“All right,” I begin, keeping my voice calm and clear. “Let’s get this settled. This is the first meeting I’m officiating since being voted in as club president. In terms of old business, we’ve had zero sightings of the Hyenas since we kicked their collective asses almost a month ago.”
My old man speaks up, “I wouldn’t count them out quite yet. All this club’s nastiest enemies tended to pop their ugly heads back up eventually.”
Jinx adds, with a jerk of his head, “Ain’t that the damn truth.”
“Well, we know they lost their financial backing from B12, and Whitmore isn’t about to give them money since he’s worm food. I even took out their club president. It’ll take them a while to rebuild if any of them even have the guts to try.”
Jinx asks, “Did anyone come sniffing around the club lookin’ for Whitmore?”
