Page 29 of Wilder's Promise
"Jesus Christ," he mutters, running a hand over his face. "Of all the men in the world, my daughter chooses one of my soldiers."
"If it helps," I offer, "she spent most of her life hating everything about the MC world. I'm the exception, not the rule."
"That doesn't help at all," he snaps, but there's less heat in it. He walks to the window, staring out at the compound. "Does she make you happy? Truly happy?"
The question catches me off guard. "Yes," I answer without hesitation. "Happier than I've ever been."
He nods, still facing away from me. "And you? Do you make her happy?"
"I think so," I say. "I hope so. I try every day."
"She's going back to college," he points out. "She has a life, a future that doesn't include outlaw motorcycle clubs."
"I know. I support that. Her education, her dreams… They matter to me because they matter to her." I take a step closer. "We're figuring it out. She's planning to spend the summer here."
Reaper turns back to face me, his expression softening slightly. "You realize what you're asking? To date my daughter, knowing the life we lead? The dangers, the enemies we make?"
"I'm not asking your permission," I say, then quickly add, "though I'd like your blessing. I'm telling you how things are. How they're going to be. I love Emma, and I'll stand by her whether you approve or not."
For a tense moment, I think he might throw a punch. His hands clench at his sides, his jaw working as he processes my words. Then, surprisingly, he extends his hand.
"If you hurt her," he says as I take it, "I'll kill you slowly. That's not a threat. It's a promise."
"I understand." I meet his gaze steadily. "I'd expect nothing less."
"And if you ever put the club at risk because of your relationship with my daughter, I'll strip your patch and exile you so fast your head will spin."
"Also fair."
He releases my hand and returns to his desk. "I'm not happy about this, Wilder. But Emma's an adult. I've spent too manyyears pushing her away to start controlling her life now." He sits heavily in his chair. "Just... be worthy of her. She deserves the best."
"On that, we completely agree," I tell him, relief washing through me. It's not approval, but it's not a bullet either. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet," he warns. "I reserve the right to change my mind if you fuck this up."
I nod, understanding the dismissal.
Emma is waiting in the common room, her face anxious. "Well? Am I planning a funeral or a celebration?"
I pull her into my arms, not caring who sees. "Neither."
She laughs in disbelief, the sound muffled against my chest. "He didn't threaten to kill you?"
"Oh, he definitely threatened to kill me," I clarify. "But he's not going to. At least not today."
"Progress," she says, looking up at me with those amber eyes that captured me from the first moment. "I guess we'll take it."
I kiss her softly, right there in the middle of the clubhouse where anyone can see. For the first time in a week, I don't have to worry about who might be watching, who might tell Reaper.
"I love you, Emma Kane," I whisper against her lips.
Her eyes widen in surprise, then soften with emotion.
"I love you too, Rex Torres," she whispers back. "Even if you are an outlaw."
"Your outlaw," I correct her, pulling her closer. "Always."
Epilogue - Emma
