Dirty Deals by Nicole James Page 0,67

passes me one of the helmets. I strap it on while he does the same, and we both climb on the bike.

We pull out on the road, and Rusty drives us west toward Red Rock Canyon. At a point he pulls to the side of the road, and we hike up a low hill just as the sunrise is splashing the sky in vibrant pinks and orange and gold.

The creosote bushes growing nearby give off the lovely scent of a fresh rain along with the citrusy smell of verbena.

I breathe it in deeply and listen to the quiet chirping of some distant desert bird. “It’s beautiful.” I turn to Rusty. “How did you know about this place?” I’m the local, yet I feel like he’s showing me a part I’ve never taken the time to see or absorb.

“I asked Devon if he knew a good place to see the sunrise. He told me to head out 159 toward Red Rock Canyon. We ain’t there yet, but this looked like a good place to take it in, and I didn’t want to miss this light.” He nods toward the beautiful show of colors painting the sky.

“Want to talk to you about something, babe.” He takes both my hands in his and turns me to face him. My heart speeds up at the serious look in his eyes. I have no idea what he’s about to say, but a shiver down my spine and a prickling of my skin tells me it’s going to be life-altering.

The corner of his mouth pulls up, and I swear that little smile is enough to make my stomach flip with excitement. “When I met you, I knew I'd met my match. It was only a matter of time until we arrived at this moment. How it turns out is all in your hands.”

Oh God. I swallow and take in a slow breath.

“Babe, you deserve the best, probably a better man than me—someone who will back you up without limits, let you grow without boundaries, and love you without end. I want to be that man if you’ll let me.

“Before you decide if you want to take me on, I guess I better warn you. Our life’s gonna be full of challenges, no doubt about it. Bein’ president of an MC, I’m gonna have my hands full with all kinds of trials and tribulations. I’m not gonna sugar coat it. But, I know I can meet them if I’ve got you by my side.”

My eyes sting with unshed tears. He looks down and huffs out a laugh, then squeezes my hand.

“Last thing I want to do is scare you off, but I want to lay it out for you, so you know what you’re gettin’ yourself into, girl. Not sayin’ it’ll all be bad; there’ll be plenty of good times. I’ll see to it.”

I nod, my mind in a daze. This is happening. He’s proposing to me.

“Ashlynn, I can’t promise you every day will be sunshine and roses, but I can promise you that no one will work harder to make you happy or cherish you more than I will. I know my life is complicated and messy and won’t be easy on you, but I also know I will never be complete without you beside me to share it.”

My tears spill over, and he cups my cheek in one palm, brushing one drop away.

“When I think about you, I know that no one else will ever hold my heart the way you do. I guess what I’m saying is, I’m hoping the story of our love is only beginning.”

He drops down on one knee. “I love you, Ashlynn, in a way I know I’ll never love another soul on this earth.” He digs in his pocket and holds out a beautiful emerald cut diamond. “So, what do you say, Hot Rod? You and me, together forever?”

At that moment the sun peeks over the horizon, sending its beams to us. I cover my face with both hands, staring down at the ring sparkling in that light. My eyes lift to his, and I take him in. This man, down on a knee, telling me I’m his everything. I try to suck it all in and store it up, wanting to remember every detail of this moment. I can’t hold in the bubble of happy laughter that bursts from me as I nod frantically like a bobble head. “Yes, yes to all of that.”

He takes my hand and slips the ring on, then bends and kisses my fingers.

I drop to my knees so we’re on equal ground and throw my arms around him. “I love you, Rusty, with all my heart.”

We kiss, and it’s sweet and meaningful, and I know I’ll never regret my answer. Finally, we climb to our feet, and he wraps his arm around me as we watch the sun rise. In this moment I feel like my life is truly starting, and I can’t think of a better way than this, out in nature, away from everyone, just the two of us.

Eventually, he turns and looks down at me. “Come on, I need to get my girl some coffee.”

I grin. “My man knows me so well already.”

He turns his back, and I hop up on, and he carries me down the trail, laughing. I hug his neck tight and press my cheek to his, happier than I’ve ever been in my life.

EPILOGUE

Rusty—

“No, I think we should put it there.” I point to a spot on the plans spread out on the table in the clubhouse.

Ashlynn leans close, her attention on the blueprint. She points to another spot. “What about this wall? We could make the cased opening larger.”

Her ring sparkles on her finger, along with the wedding band next to it. She was insistent that we get a license and get married before we left Vegas, so that’s what we did. A small intimate wedding with just the two of us suited me fine, and I even wore the suit for her. She looked amazing in the sleek backless dress she bought, and I couldn’t have been more speechless when I saw her in it. The memory of it makes me smile.

I turn my head and look at her now. She’s completely thrown herself into this partnership with gusto, always listening to my ideas, and never hesitating to toss her own out as well.

The rebuild of the motorcycle shop has been a labor of love for both of us. I’ve been impressed as hell with her ideas. I knew she was intelligent, but her quick grasp of the flow and organization of the shop has really been a wonderful surprise. I had my doubts about how easy it would be for her to take on the MC, I’ll admit, but she’s blown them all out of the water with her enthusiasm to blend into my world, making it her own, as well.

Reno approaches and taps me on the shoulder. I straighten and meet that gaze of his I know so well. The one he gives when shit’s about to hit the fan.

“What is it?” I snap.

“You know how Gypsy’s been so fuckin’ distracted all the time and you wanted the guys to keep an eye on him?”

“Yeah, and…?”

“You ain’t gonna believe where he’s been goin’… and who been goin’ with him.”

To find out just what Gypsy’s up to….

Preorder DIRTY DESIRES: A Devil Kings MC Story.

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DIRTY DESIRES: A Devil Kings MC Story.

The final book in the trilogy will be available in September 30, 2020.

ALSO BY NICOLE JAMES

DEVIL KINGS MC:

Dirty Deeds

Dirty Deals

Dirty Desires

SLY: Kings of Carnage MC

EVIL DEAD MC:

Outlaw

Crash

Shades

Wolf

Ghost

Red Dog

Blood

Undertaker

Joker

Hammer

BROTHERS INK TATTOO:

Jameson

Maxwell

Liam

Rory

RUBY FALLS

Coming December 1st:

CLUB PRINCESS: Royal Bastards MC Durango, Colorado