Page 42 of Piston

Her eyes widen, then soften with understanding. "You really mean that? You'd want to start a family with me?"

"Damn straight I do, baby. You're my forever girl. I'm done waitin' for what I want, and that's you, a home, a family, all of it. Whatdya say?"

She launches herself into my arms, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Yes, yes, a million times yes! I want all of that with you too. Let's do it, let's build our life together."

As I hold her close, my whole world shifts and settles. This is what I've been searching for all along. My ride or die, myfuture, my family. In this moment, I've never been more certain of anything.

Come what may, we'll face it together, in the home we make. She's my home now, and I'll move heaven and earth to protect our happiness. That's a vow.

With the decision made, we waste no time putting things in motion. Most of Jenny's stuff ends up in storage while we hunt for our perfect place. It's a new beginning, a fresh start, and the excitement is palpable.

"I've been thinking," Jenny says one evening, curled up beside me on the couch. "I want to make a change too. Focus on my passion."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh yeah? What's that?"

She takes a deep breath, her eyes shining with determination. "I'm going to quit bartending and do hairstyling full-time. It's what I love, what I'm really good at. I think it's time to go all-in."

Pride swells in my chest. "Hell yeah, baby. You'll be the best damn stylist in town. I've seen how happy it makes you. If that's your dream, I'm behind you one hundred percent."

The smile she gives me could light up the whole damn city. "Thank you, Piston. Your support means everything to me. I feel like I can take on the world with you by my side."

I pull her closer, dropping a kiss on top of her head. "Damn straight. We're a team, ride or die. You've got this, and I've got you."

As the days turn into weeks, I watch Jenny come alive with purpose. She hands in her notice at the bar and throws herself into building her clientele at the salon. The joy radiating from her is contagious, and I find myself falling even harder.

"You're a natural, babe," I tell her one night as she practices a new technique on my own shaggy mop. "Those lucky bastards won't know what hit 'em when you get your hands on their hair."

She laughs, the sound like music to my ears. "You're biased, but I'll take the compliment. I just want to make people feel good about themselves, you know?"

I nod, catching her eye in the mirror. "I do know. It's one of the million things I love about you. Your big, beautiful heart."

The blush that stains her cheeks is adorable as she swats at my shoulder. "Sweet talker. But I love you too, so I guess we're even."

As I sit there, watching her work her magic, I'm struck by the overwhelming sense of rightness. This is our life now, our future unfolding day by day. And whatever challenges come our way, I know we'll face them head-on, together.

She's my forever, and I'm hers. Two halves of a whole, riding towards our destiny side by side. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

The clubhouse is thick with tension as I stride into church, my boots echoing against the worn wooden floorboards. Mason and Dagger are already waiting, their faces grim and eyes hard as flint. I take my seat at the table, the weight of their stares heavy on my shoulders.

"What's this about?" I ask, cutting straight to the chase. "I got your message, and it sounded urgent."

Mason leans forward, his hands clasped tight. "We got word from our contacts in the Viper's Crew. They're out for blood, brother. Your blood."

My gut clenches, a cold dread seeping into my bones. "What the hell did I do to piss them off?"

"It's not just you," Dagger chimes in, his voice low and serious. "They're targeting anyone close to you too. Trying to hit you where it hurts."

An icy fist clamps around my heart as realization dawns. "Jenny," I breathe, fear and rage battling for dominance inside me. "They're going after Jenny."

Mason nods, his expression grim. "And anyone else they think matters to you. Family, friends, the whole damn club if they can manage it."

I'm on my feet before I even realize I've moved, pacing like a caged animal. My mind races with the implications, the danger that now looms over everything I hold dear. Over the woman who means more to me than my own life.

"We gotta put a stop to this," I growl, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. "I won't let those bastards hurt Jenny or anyone else."

Dagger stands, placing a firm hand on my shoulder. "We're with you, brother. The club takes care of its own. We'll do whatever it takes to keep your girl safe."

I nod, grateful for their support even as the weight of responsibility settles heavily on my shoulders. I'm the reason Jenny's in danger, the reason my brothers might have to put their lives on the line. The thought sickens me, but I know I can't let it show. Not now, when I need to be strong for her, for all of us.

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