Page 134 of Devil's Dilemma

“Bit of a risky position to be on your knees around bikers,” Steph warns.

Just like that, they’ve made me giggle again. Beth, at over six feet tall, towers above me and them. As Vi steps closer and seems to measure herself and pretend to estimate the difference, I know her gentle teasing is breaking the ice. Beth must have been unnerved to walk into this group of strangers.

“You know we might be able to find you a man your size,” Jay offers, thoughtfully. “Most of the club are tall.”

“I’ve noticed,” Beth responds, a gleam coming into her eyes.

I shake my head and hope trouble’s not on its way. The men Jay’s talking about are confirmed bachelors.

While the others joke on, I feel glad I have my family around me, both my mom and my adopted sisters from the club, as well as my work friend. I’d be feeling even more nervous without them. The butterflies having a ball in my stomach don’t seem quite so bad with them around.

Why I’m so full of nerves, I’ve no idea. Do I think Pyro won’t be waiting for me? We may have joked about him running a mile before it gets to the time for him to say, ‘I do’, but surely, I don’t believe that would really happen. If there was ever a man more dependable, I’ve yet to meet him. I try to shake off the sudden bout of anxiety, knowing my fears are all part of Skull’s legacy.

One thing I know is I’m not making a mistake marrying a man the world views with suspicion. It’s the way the authorities view me too. Whether I marry Pyro or not, what happened with Skull has tainted me forever.

“You ready?” a deep voice sounds from the doorway. It’s Dad.

“She is.” Mom gives me a peck on the cheek, then hurries away to take her place in the hall downstairs. One by one, Vi, with Theo holding tight to her hand, Jay, Steph, led by the faithful Max and lastly, Beth, step up, kiss me too, then follow her out.

Dad stands for a moment. “I’m so proud.” His voice croaks.

“I’m only getting married, Dad.”

His head shakes. “No, it’s more than that. I'm so proud of how strong you are, the way you survived, and the way you’ve put your finger up at the world and held your head high. Pyro’s just been introducing me to his friends, brothers as he calls them. And you know what, Mel? The way they speak about you? So respectful. No, they’re proud of you too.”

I hadn’t cried before, I feel like doing so now.

He holds out his arm. “Come on. Let’s go make sure Pyro can’t run away.”

I laugh, like I’m meant to.

My nerves rise again. I’m not one that likes being the centre of attention, always prefer to remain at the back. Now all eyes are on me as I make my entrance. Everyone’s here from the club—except for the prospects Karl and Beaver. I even invited the club girls, having at the back of my mind the thought that it’s to show them Pyro’s definitely off the market, though he’s never shown any intention to stray. Breezy gives me a little finger wave as I pass by, indicating the gesture has been appreciated. Moira, Jeannie and Sindy are sitting alongside their men, all giving me huge smiles.

My other work colleagues are here too. I spy Holly and Macey, next to them sits Shayla, and Carter and Brice are just behind them.

I start in surprise as I see Red, Crash and Twister from Vegas. Red and Crash are next to Demon, and Twister is sitting with Mace. As I pass the enforcers, Twister growls, “Just here to make sure you don’t back out.”

As my eyes widen at his words, Mace adds in a loud stage whisper, “Don’t worry, Mel, I’m keeping an eye on Pyro. If he makes a move to the door, I’ve got plans.” He taps his nose.

It’s while I’m trying hard to suppress my laughter that I at last turn my attention to the man waiting for me to make my way to him. Both he and his best man, Beef, are wearing tuxedos. I’ve already promised they can exchange their jackets for cuts after the photos. Pyro hadn’t been able to decide who of his brothers should stand up beside him, so in the end they drew straws. Beef won, or lost, as the others joked with him.

But the VP was a good choice. He glances back over his shoulder, then nudges my man. Pyro’s eyes gleam in appreciation and can’t remove his gaze as I finish my journey to him. When I reach him, Pyro takes my hand, squeezing it so tightly, his expression so full of love, my heart feels like bursting with overflowing joy.

The ceremony itself passes in a blur. I stammer out the vows I committed to memory, and Pyro speaks from the heart. We exchange rings, then sign our names on the marriage certificate. Then it’s done.

Dad’s hired a professional photographer, and it takes an age as we pose for a hundred different shots, but I don’t care, this is a day that I’ll always want to remember. Most of the photos have me cracking up with laughter, as Beef, Demon and Pal lift their women into the air trying to make them the same height as Beth. Then Beth folds to her knees for the bridesmaid’s group shots, and, as Jay had predicted, gets several inappropriate offers which she dismisses good-naturedly.

Tables are laid out with cloths matching my colour scheme in the dining room. Speeches are said. Pyro pretending to slide under the table when Demon lists what he’s done for the club with obvious embellishments, which have everyone rolling with laughter.

It’s a great afternoon, and everyone around me seems to be having fun, just as I wanted. It’s our special day, and everyone we care about is here to share it.

When the formal activities are completed, Pyro and I have our first dance together. Once that’s finished, I lead him off the floor, picking up my purse on the way.

“Where we going?”

“Just come with me, Ro.”

“Fuck, Mel. This is the Ladies’ bathroom.” He looks around as if there’s a firing squad waiting to kill him for simply having stepped into the female domain. There’s no one else in here, so I reckon he’s safe.

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