Page 30 of Savage Temptation
I press my forehead to his and let the evening wash away, if only for a few moments. Our family is handling all the ugly details of tonight and it’s okay to let them carry that burden for just a moment. I am not alone. We are not alone. Temptation and sin brought me into Jagger's life five years ago. I had no business falling for a man his age, but I gave in to temptation then just as I am doing now.
I press my lips to his and feed all my love into that one connection.
“Now, forever and always,” he repeats, and it feels locked in with fate and all the powers to be guiding us through this life. We will never be without one another again.
“Venom said you two lovebirds would be back here.”
I’m pulled off Jagger’s lap and into a set of strong arms.
“Glad you didn’t die on us. I would have hated to plan your funeral the same night we welcomed you back home.”
Cipher passes me back to Jagger who tucks my smaller frame against his larger one.
That man is gonna find love one day and when he does, he won’t know what to do with all those emotions I see swimming in his pretty eyes. I smile to myself. And I can't wait to watch him fall head over heels.
Cipher throws a smirk at me as he walks toward the exit of the office, off to do who knows what. “We need to work on your wardrobe choices, little sis.” Looking amused, the large biker looks back at me, winking.
I peer down at myself long enough to see my socks are halfway off and there’s blood on my pink shirt. The oversized sweatpants didn’t fare much better.
Damn it.
“I see you couldn’t stay out of trouble for long.”
Detective Lafleur fills Cipher’s empty spot, her scowl and look of eternal irritation still plastered all over her face.
It’s a long time before we get to go home, but when we do Jagger and I don't leave his room at the Savage compound for a solid week.
It is the best seven days of my life.
EPILOGUE
EMILIA
Two weeks ago, I was almost a ghost. A wisp of regret and old wounds drifts through the ruins of my own choices.
Now, I’m squinting against the late October sun as it filters through ancient cypress branches, their limbs a lattice of shadow and light. Damp earth scents cling to the air, laced with a deep sweetness—wildflowers, lilies, and something musky-spicy that could be just this part of Louisiana after a rainstorm. Jagger wraps his hand tightly around mine as we walk the winding dirt path out behind the Savage compound. Each step crackles over pine needles, the soggy mulch sinking gently beneath my heels.
We’re heading toward the Grove. Believe it or not, at one time, I thought this place was just a rumor. And then Charli and the club candy whispered about blood oaths and MC secrets. Really spooky stuff. But now, all I see is hallowed ground and a spot that will seal my fate to a man forever. All the Savage brothers say outsiders aren’t allowed here. But I’m not an outsider now, not with Jagger’s love pulsing in my blood, his soul tethered to mine.
He squeezes my hand as we turn onto the path that will take us to the Grove, his thumb brushing slow circles against my skin, as if to say he’s real, I’m here, this is happening. Not even the cicadas can drown out my heartbeat, wild and bright as we move deeper into the forest.
Warm light catches on a string of bourbon bottle lanterns dangling low from the trees. Amber fireglass flickers in each one, casting lazy spirals over the moss-dripped trunks. The wrought-iron gazebo at the heart of the clearing has always looked haunted and beautiful with its twisted parts draped in green and its iron bones holding secrets and memories.
Tonight, it’s absolutely glowing. Arabelle and Charli spent the last week getting this place ready and I’m in awe. It’s magical. And, between you and me, I feel like everything that ever hurt me has been left behind, never to touch me again.
Arabelle lent me a dress. I don’t have much clothing, but that can come later.
I run my fingers over the dress. It’s soft gray cotton with long sleeves and a hem that lands just above my knees. A wrap of sheer violet silk ties at my waist, the color of a dusky October sky. It’s the kind of dress you wear barefoot, toes curling in the pine needles, hair wild and free. It smells like lavender soap and a promise I can barely believe I finally get to keep.
Jagger squeezes my fingers. “You sure you’re okay, baby?” His voice is a low, dark rumble that always makes my heart stutter. I nod, but nerves have my stomach tangled into knots. “I keep thinking it’s a dream,” I whisper. “You’d tell me if I was sleepwalking, right?”
He huffs a soft laugh that sounds more like a storm breaking over the horizon. “This—” he says, swinging our joined hands, “—is the most real thing I’ve ever had.” His thumb sweeps over my knuckles, warming me more than the lantern light.
As we step closer to the gazebo, I spot the lilies first. Their creamy white petals tremble in the breeze alongside tufts of wild grass. They’re everywhere, festooned at the base of the gazebo and lining the moon-soaked edge of the clearing. My breath catches. I turn on my heel toward Jagger, mouth open in shock.
He grins, sheepish and wolfish all at once. “Had ‘em planted when you left. Figured one day I’d get the chance to put a ring on your finger and I wanted those same flowers for you.” He tips my chin up, eyes shining so full of love I almost forget that the world beyond the trees still holds threats, unanswered questions, unfinished fights for us and the entire Savage crew. Beyond the laughter of my found family, there’s still danger clawing at the edges.
I sweep my gaze over the crowd. All the Savage Reign crew are here except for one. Ash, the club VP is off on assignment.
