I rolled up on my toes to whisper back, “Always with you.”
Colt laughed, the sound resonating through his chest and against mine. In that moment, the noise and all the people around us faded away until it was just me and Colt, lost in the rhythm. His head dipped until it rested on mine, our lips hovering temptingly close. Everything around us blurred until all that remained was us, lost in each other.
“Love you,” he murmured, eyes ablaze with need.
I ignored the temptation to lean in and gently kiss him, instead whispering, “I love you too, Colt.” Elation snaked through my chest as a loud roar went up from the crowd.
Beams flashed around the room, tiny pinpricks of light turning everything from light, to dark, and back again.
The beat pulsed harder until a chorus of synths came in, carving out a pretty melody, coupled with the echo of bongo drums that added an extra layer of bass.
I stopped dancing and looked up just as every light in the place shone on Raven.
The crowd yelled as she raised one arm high in the air, made a fist, and pumped it in time to the beat, building higher and higher. Harder and harder. Suddenly, she stilled, almost suspended, as the resonating thump hit a crescendo before she crashed her fist down hard and dropped the bassline.
The crowd went crazy. Every person on the dance floor moved just as a man’s soulful voice sang over the music.
Colt’s fingers squeezed my hips and we moved together, once again in perfect sync. Our eyes locked and my heart swelled so euphorically in my chest that I almost laughed out loud with its effervescence.
It was the perfect night. Me, Colt, and the way he made me feel; like I was his and he was mine and nothing could break us apart. Emotion filled my already overflowing heart as I thought about how far we’d come. How he made me feel like it was okay to be me and that I was good enough.
Colt was the only man who ever put me first and whatever happened when everything came out, I knew we’d be indestructible, because he’d shown me that I was more important than the club.
Suddenly a shout filled the air.
Colt grabbed my arm and pulled me to his back. “Stay behind me.” His tone was stern.
Leaning over his shoulder to see what the fuss was about I saw Hendrix barreling toward the spot where Kennedy had been dancing. He pointed his beer bottle and slurred. “I juss wanna birthday dance with Kitten.”
“Fuck!” Colt cursed under his breath.
My eyes went to Kit and widened when I saw pure fury flash behind his eyes. His hands clenched into fists, and he snarled. “Fuck off, Drix. You’re wasted. Go to bed.”
Drix’s expression darkened. “You should fuckin’ know all about bein’ wasted, ya little pissant.” He turned in our direction and began waving his arms to get attention and bellowed, “Hey! See this little motherfucker. He was wasted off his ass for ten goddamned years, and now he thinks he can tellmewhat to do.” Spittle flew from his mouth, his face reddening angrily. “I’m a goddamnedpresident.You motherfuckers need to learn somerespect.”
The music lowered, as whispers and mutters went up from the crowd. Every neck craned to see what was going on.
“What’s he doing?” I whispered to Colt. “This isn’t like Hendrix.”
He turned to look at me over his shoulder. “He’s losin’ the fuckin’ plot. Believe me, Kit’s the last fucker he should piss off. He won’t take Drix’s shit.”
I stared at the scene in disbelief.
Hendrix was cool, calm, and collected, even in a crisis. It was like he’d left Wyoming and turned into somebody I didn’t recognize.
Kit pointed toward the main doors and ordered, “Get the fuck out.”
“Fuck you!” Drix hissed through clenched teeth.
Cash who stood a few feet behind Kit called, “You heard him. Get your drunken ass outta that door before you embarrass yourself even more than you already have.”
Hendrix threw his head back and laughed manically. “Here comes the fucknut VP who thinks he’s all that.” He smirked. “You’re a bigger cunt than him.” He nodded toward Kit.
“Oh shit,” Colt muttered as Kit’s body locked in anger. “Drix is fucked. He’s just pissed off two officers from the mother chapter. He’s gone too far this time. Fucker’s gonna get knocked out.”
My chest panged.
Colt was right. Biker culture was dependent on respect. When another biker came into our home and disrespected the officers there would be a price to pay.