A couple of the guys moaned amongst all the cheering.
"I'm lactose intolerant, Dev!"
"Whatever- get what you want, Lennie. The point is, that pig Grant is in there right now, messing with my old lady. I can't go anywhere. But you guys can."
Dead silence.
Then with a roar all all the guys ran for the door.
In unison.
The sound of 40 something hogs revving up and hitting the road was like music to his ears. He climbed down and reached behind the bar for a beer. Even the guy manning the bar had gone.
Grant was going to love this.
Chapter 33
Kaylie
Kaylie could hardly believe her eyes.
Mae's was full of leather. Kaylie stared around as she rushed to take everyone's orders. There were at least fifty bikers in the diner, all coming within the last few minutes.
She noticed that Donnie and Jack had taken seats on either side of a suddenly very nervous looking Grant.
She was worried about getting all the orders straight until she realized they were all getting the same thing. Banana split. Extra nuts.
Well, all except for one guy who ordered sprite, mumbling under his breath 'food allergies.' She felt tears welling in her eyes. Dev couldn't have sent a clearer message to Grant.
Or to her.
She was his. He would protect her. No matter what.
Donnie was leaning in toward Grant and whispering something in an urgent manner. Jack said nothing as usual, but was following the conversation closely and nodding.
When Kaylie brought Grant his check she looked at him proudly. Sloppy seconds didn't get this kind of protection. She was one of them, for real.
"Anything else, Officer Grant?"
He shook his head no and reached for his wallet.
"No, thank you.”
Jack grabbed his hand, twisting it hard while Donnie grinned up at her and winked.
“I’m- uh- sorry for not treating you like a lady."
She nodded at him regally.
"I accept your apology. Just see that it doesn't happen again. To any woman."
He nodded eagerly while his wrist was slowly wrenched underneath the counter.
"And tell Dev-"
She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“The charges are dropped."
Jack released his hand. With a whoosh of air he stood and dropped twenty bucks on the counter. In less than 30 seconds, he was gone.
A huge cheer went up from the crowd, bikers and staff alike. And then one of the prospects came behind the counter to help her dole out ice cream for everyone.
The only thing missing was Dev.
Chapter 34
Devlin
He was waiting for her when she walked into the clubhouse. It was after midnight but he’d already talked to mama.
Kaylie had finished her shift later than usual. There had been a lot of ice cream bowls to clean. Jack had waited while Donnie went back for her with Dev's SUV.
There was a nervous knot in the pit of his stomach as she walked toward him through the crowd of bikers. They all smiled at her as she passed. She was one of them now.
They loved her as much as he did.
Love. There it was again. No point fighting it now. He loved his woman. He was hers, hook, line and sinker.
Finally she stood in front of him. She didn't smile or kiss him. She just raised her chin and stared him right in the eye.
"I didn't know if I wanted this kind of life."
His chest felt like it might explode but he forced his voice to remain steady.
"I understand. I won't be mad if this isn't what you want Kaylie.”
He felt tears in his eyes as he faced her, but he had to say it. He had to give her an out.
“I could never be mad at you."
She looked down as if she were embarrassed or nervous. Like the words didn't come easy. He held his breath, hoping beyond hope that she wouldn't say they were through.
"I said I didn't know. But now I do."
When she looked up again he was shocked at the triumphant look blazing out of her eyes. It was strong and sure and confident. It was full of love. For him.
"I'm yours Devlin. For as long as you want me."
He almost laughed but he felt emotion choking his throat, making it tough to even talk. He cupped her face and stared into her eyes.
"Forever, Kaylie. Is that long enough?"
She nodded as he watched tears fill her beautiful eyes. He clasped her to him harder and bent his lips to hers.
"Forever."