Page 84 of Under the Influence

“Well, if you’re looking for me to admit this alliance helps my club more than yours, I won’t deny the fact.”

“No doubt, in the long run, Rawkfist won’t want Charleston taking over Basin Rock, even if the club didn’t mess with us.”

Donovan crosses his arms. “And an alliance was always going to happen. Val and Lola would have gotten together. It’s what happens with homestead couples. Though they might fuss and feud in the beginning, they always end up together. So, where we are now is where we were always going to be. And if we weren’t here, you wouldn’t have put a baby in my daughter. I’m choosing to be okay with our present situation.”

“I would be lying if I claimed I wasn’t relieved to hear that. As much as I love the biker life, it was easier when I was young.”

Donovan nods immediately. “You’ve got Val now. That’ll take off some pressure. And a new baby will give you plenty of distractions.”

“I’m planning on marrying Edith.”

“I assumed as much. Once these homestead people get you under their spell, there’s no escaping your feelings. At least, that’s how it worked for me once I stopped fighting.”

“I’m glad you understand. This kind of thing isn’t normal for my family. I’m finally getting the hang of wanting Edith so much.”

Donovan nods again, seeming relieved to have me spell out my feelings. “I want my daughter to have everything, but I find myself wishing she had lured a guy back here to live full-time like Tuesday did,” he says and then shrugs. “At least, you’ll be close by, unlike Court’s kids who are all hours away. I’ll try to remember that when Edith is gone too much.”

“After Lola moved to her apartment, I got insomnia,” I admit. “I’d drive by her place in the middle of the night. I don’t even know what I was worried about. My club guys live around there. No one was hassling her, and she can protect herself. Yet, having Lola move out made me a little crazy for a while.”

“Then, you’ll understand if I act like a cold dick around you,” Donovan says instantly. “I always assumed Edith would live here full-time especially after Tuesday met Bullet. I never bought into the Arcadia idea. I’ve been in denial for a while, and I plan to remain that way for the time being. I’ll mellow out once the baby is born.”

Back at the deck, Edith appears with her suitcase. The thought of her at my place feels like a reward I’ve been craving all my life. I don’t care how quickly we’re moving. I just want us to reach the finish line.

EDITH, AKA FLOATING ON AIR

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After weeks of dreaming of this day, I’m finally at Duke’s house. His pictures didn’t do justice to the gorgeous rustic home nestled in the woods in an untouched part of Basin Rock.

Duke opens my vehicle door and offers a relieved smile. He’s often talked about bringing me here. I sensed for him that our relationship wouldn’t be truly real until I spent time in his home.

The only time I’ve ever been to Basin Rock was during the pre-wedding party. Duke stuck to his bar. I was next door at Erin’s diner. On the menu was Duke’s garlic chicken. I ordered it to go, wanting to feel close to him.

Thinking back to that night, I remember how much I struggled. Duke helped build the diner. This place was a part of him. I stood within feet of his mom and daughters. I was so close to belonging in his life, yet I had to keep my distance.

Ma-Journey hugged me a lot. My pa was also extra sweet to me. Now, I know he understood why I was so mopey.

With no more secrets to keep us apart, I slide out of my SUV and into Duke’s arms.

We breathe easier as he walks me around the property. Duke is like an excited kid, sharing memories about his life here. I think back to Duke as a young man, newly married, building this house, and starting his motorcycle club. I doubt he could imagine a day when he’d have Donovan Mooney’s daughter at his side.

Once we’re through the double front doors, he kisses me and guides me toward the kitchen. Overwhelmed as my fantasies merge with reality, I can’t find any words. I cling to Duke as he shows me around the house, ending up in his bedroom.

Finally, I can speak again. “Let’s see what kind of mattress firmness you’re used to,” I announce before climbing onto his king-sized bed. “Oh, this is nice.”

Duke grins at the sight of me spread out on his mattress. He carefully climbs over me and plants a kiss on my smiling lips.

“Yesterday was very stressful,” I say as my fingers dance around his front button. “The lack of sex hasn’t helped my mood.”

Duke’s expression shifts, only for a moment but long enough to reveal how much he’s missed me. Now, I’m in his bed. Our secrets are in the open. Our future is wide open and full of possibilities.

DUKE’S EPILOGUE, AKA WHERE THE STORY ENDS

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Edith feels right in my place as if she fills a space I didn’t know existed. We have dinner alone the first night. Edith is damn impressed by the pork chops. She keeps looking at me, almost shocked that I can cook. Her amazement turns to a sexy little grin like I’m getting well fucked tonight.

We watch her favorite movie while cuddled up on the couch. Edith laughs easily despite having seen “There's Something About Mary” so many times. Her earlier nerves are gone. Once she stepped into the house, she embraced my life.

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