Page 48 of Marx

I can’t help the smile that blooms on my face. “He’s treating me like Wes does Buttercup.”

Everyone swoons, well, most everyone. Chewy nods and Dima sits stiffly next to his swooning brother.

“Has he asked you on a date yet? Oh my gosh, what will you wear?” Mira asks, then gets all excited at the prospect even though no date asking has happened. “Ugh, it’s going to be soooo sweet, I can already feel my teeth getting cavities. It’s kinda like a second chance romance. Big alpha dude puts his foot in his mouth-”

“Over and over,” Pops butts in.

“-and then he sees the light! Realizes he’s been a dick and needs to win back the woman’s heart.” She sighs. “He’s got it pretty easy really. We all know the way to your heart is Bee. All the man needs to do is treat her right, and woo you Wesley-style and BAM! Lovely is the first lady and all is right in the world.”

I smile gently at her. Mira sees things the same way she sees her romance stories. Probably in more ways than one seeing as her romance stories do seem to have an awful lot of murder in them.

“Do you think it’s worth giving him a second chance? Is anyone worth a second chance if they’ve proven they were idiots the first time?” Kaia asks, brows furrowed.

I’m not sure it works for everyone, but I’m willing to try. I open my mouth to say as much but Nat beats me to it.

“When Savage and I were a new couple, he made a series of really dumb decisions. Late to dates because he was drinking with the boys, he missed a romantic home cooked meal because he was out with the boys. He thought he could have all the fun in the world, and I would wait for him whenever he was ready. So I dumped the romantic dinner over his head and dumped his ass. Took him two months of wooing for me to give him a second chance. I’m glad I did because he’s the love of my life.”

“I freaked out and ran away up a mountain. Gus, who hates the great outdoors, hiked 8 hours to find me,” Ana adds.

“Jules fucked me and then hit me with a stone cold line about it meaning nothing. I gave him shit about it until he panic attacked himself into being the best damn boyfriend that ever lived.”

“I ran away to infiltrate a human trafficking ring without telling Rhodie. I’ve gotten myself kidnapped a couple of times and he still lets me peg him because he loves me,” Chewy beams.

“Ah,” Mad Dog clears his throat, clearly not expecting that revelation from Chewy. “I think what they’re trying to tell you, sweetheart, is that people do dumb shit. But it’s up to you if you think they deserve a second chance.”

I walk over and drop a kiss on Mad Dog’s cheek. He beams up at me and I turn to drop one on Pops’ too, seeing as both these men hold a piece of my heart. They’re always there for pep talks and counseling.

“Ah, where’s Pops?”

“He mentioned something about going to the big house to get ice or something,” Mama Debs says, gazing out the window with a smile on her face. She loves that man to distraction.

We settle into relative ease with each other, Ana growing more and more tipsy as the night goes on. Remy shows us some sweet self defense moves and Kaia tells us a little more about her life with the twins. By the time everyone’s Ol Men arrive to take them home, I am officially filled to the brim with joy at spending an evening with my friends. Even more so when Dima leaves us with a mysterious “The time is near ladies. I’ll be in touch,” as he walks out the door with Sasha.

“I’m guessing your night went well?” Marx’s deep voice rolls over me as I stand in the kitchen putting leftovers into little containers. “We could hear the laughter from the farmhouse.”

I whirl around to face him, cheeks immediately heating. “What did you hear?”

He looks thoughtful, brows pinched, “A whole lot of squealing, giggling and someone, I think it was Vi, yelling ‘We all need replicas of our men’s dicks!’”

I snort, but don’t confirm or deny anything. “I had a wonderful evening. They really are the best group of women I could ever wish to meet.” I meet his gaze with my own. “I’m really glad I’m here.”

“I’m really glad you are too.” He smiles softly, moving close enough to run a thick finger down my cheek. “Um, Lovely,” he clears his throat, suddenly looking nervous, “Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a date tomorrow? We can make it early, before Bee’s bedtime because I know you like putting her down yourself.”

My stomach flutters and my mind immediately flicks to my wardrobe and what the heck I’m going to wear. I don’t even realize I haven’t answered him until he clears his throat again, looking a little constipated.

“Oh, I’d love to, Marx, I would love that very much.” I smile, “But, we’re on lockdown?”

“Leave it all to me,” he winks.

Marx

“And you’re sure this will work?”

“Sure. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?” Pops says with a little shrug.

I look toward Mad Dog, Rhodie, and damn near every man in my club, including the new bastards who all stand there grinning. They know as well as I do that this could go fucking amazing, or turn to shit.

“We’resurethat Elio has this shit covered?” I check again. I want to be sure. And I also want to settle my nerves. This shit needs to be perfect.

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