Page 117 of Steel

“Jameson.” I reach up and grab the sides of his face, smiling up at him. “I don’t have to think about it. The answer is already a yes.”

He swallows hard. “Are you sure? I know I’m not an easy man to get along with.”

“I can handle you just fine, President.”

“That so?” He grins, and I nod.

Jameson sinks back into his chair, pulling me with him so I’m straddling his lap. But he hasn’t released my face, so I’m hovering with my mouth just over his.

“You understand what it means being my old lady?”

“I’ve been briefed on the matter.”

His eyebrows pinch.

“Pearl,” I explain.

“Of course.” Jameson chuckles before relaxing his smile and staring into my eyes. “I know it’s not an easy decision or an easy role in the club, given… everything. So I want to make sure you’ve thought it through.”

He could be referring to the danger of being with a biker. Or he could be referring to the women who still refuse to accept that he’s moved me into his life. Either way, in my heart, I accept the struggle to be by his side.

“Outside forces don’t determine what we are to each other, Jameson. Not our pasts, not your enemies. You’ll always be their president, and I understand that role comes with responsibility. But when it comes to you and me, all that matters is what we choose together—what we build together. And who we are to each other. Will you be loyal to me?”

“With all I am.” He cups my face, and when I look into his eyes, I genuinely believe him.

“Will you protect us?”

“To my grave.”

“Then that’s all that matters.” I lean in for a quick kiss. “Family.”

Jameson drags my hair back and kisses me deeper. His tongue tangles with mine, and I rock in his lap. The back of the hard chair digs into my knees, even as my shins sink against the leather seat cushion.

My chest brushes against Jameson’s leather cut, and I hand myself over to the man who helped me understandwhat it really means to be there for someone. What it means to really care about a person who isn’t my blood.

Who showed me what honor and loyalty really are.

“I love you,” he whispers.

“I love you too.” So much I didn’t think it was possible.

His hands drift down to my hips, and he cups my ass before tugging at my skirt to slip his hand under it.

“No bathing suit under this dress?” He growls against my mouth. “I told you we were headed to the beach this afternoon, and if you strip down to nothing in front of my brothers, I’m gonna be the one betraying my club when they look at you.”

“Figured you’d prefer the easy access,” I tease.

He drags his nose along my throat, nipping at the side of my neck. “When it’s just you and me… yes.”

I rock in his lap, tipping my head back when he moves to kiss the path down to my breasts.

“But all my men are going to be at the lake, looking at how pretty you are in this dress. The last thing I need is the wind giving them a show when I’m the only one who sees you like that. They can wish all they want that it could be their name on your back. But it never will be. Why is that, Tempe?”

“Because I’m yours.”

“Mm-hmm.” Jameson hums. “And I’m yours right back. It’s an honor that you want to claim me like that, wildfire. Something so fucking hot, I can’t resist needing to thank you for it.”

“Oh yeah?” I tip my forehead to his. “And how do you plan on doing that?”

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