Page 36 of Wild Heart
“We’re getting married, Papa, and you can’t stop us.” I stick my chin out defiantly. “And before you talk any more nonsense, it’s because we’re in love, not because I’m trying to get out of marrying Bruno Moretti. You can give us your blessing or we can run away, but either way we’re doing this.”
Papa sighs heavily, and his beady eyes look Raiden up and down.
“Isabella will have the full protection of the club. We may not be mafia, but we’re trained military men and our chapter is strong. Anyone fucks with us, they fuck with the entire Wild Riders MC throughout the state and any other veterans on the mountain.”
As he talks, the other men from the club come up behind him. I recognize Marcus and Arlo and other familiar faces whose names I don’t know yet. Each of them gives me a nod of support, a silent pledge to protect me as their own.
The women come to stand by their men, some of them holding babies on their hips. Each one gives me a nod as she accepts me into the club.
Warmth spreads through me at the acceptance I’ve found here. Raiden squeezes my hand and I blink quickly, fighting back the tears that threaten to sting my eyes.
I’ve got a family here. A support group of men and women who will ensure no real or imaginary harm comes to me.
My father sees it too, because he looks at the group gathered behind Raiden and he nods slowly.
“All right, Raiden. I give you my blessing to marry my little girl.”
The last words come out choked, and Papa turns away quickly. I fling my arms around him and squeeze him tight.
“Thank you, Papa,” I whisper into his ear.
He bats me off, and I know it’s because he doesn’t want to appear weak. But he’s not fooling anyone.
There’s a popping noise, and both my father’s men draw their guns. Everyone freezes, and Arlo’s voice comes from behind the bar.
“It’s just champagne. I didn’t mean to start a gunfight.”
The men relax, and there’s nervous laughter. Arlo hands around glasses of champagne, and Raiden pulls me to him. Our bodies press together, and he hardens against me.
“Let’s make it a short engagement,” he murmurs into my ear.
I couldn’t agree more.
EPILOGUE
ISABELLA
Two weeks later…
The wedding bells ring out, signaling the end of the service. I haven’t stopped grinning since I met my husband at the top of the aisle fifteen minutes ago.
The chaste veil does nothing to hide the flames that burn under my skin as his hands clasp mine.
We turn to face our guests, and Raiden allows me exactly three seconds before he practically drags me up the aisle.
I’m going as fast as my six inch white satin heels will take me, smiling at well-wishers as we go. Raiden has a scowl on his face, and he slows down for no one as he pulls me out into the sunshine.
Chiara and Alessia smile broadly at me. I’ve been forgiven for giving them the slip, and I convinced my father to keep them on. They’ll stay in the household for whenever I visit.
“Congratulations, signora.”
Alessia smiles and steps forward hesitantly. I pull her in for a hug. She’s wearing her dark hair twisted into an elaborateplait and makeup coats her cheeks. As we pull apart, she glances behind me and flushes.
I turn to see who could possibly make my tough as nails guard flush like a schoolgirl. But there are too many people spilling out of the chapel, and I’m not sure which of the bikers it is who caught her eye.
“Come on, wife.” Raiden growls and tugs at my hand “Before the whole goddamn congregation catches up with us.”
I give him a look of mock horror. “Do not take His name in vain in a chapel.”
