Keeping Her - Jordan Marie Page 0,83
You know as well as I do that Lagger had so much hatred boiling inside of him that it was twisting him inside out. You became the focus of that hatred and eventually no one would have been safe. It would have boiled over.”
I swallow, because I do know what he’s saying is true. It’s all just such a shock.
“But, Luke…”
“But nothing,” he sighs, coming over to pull me up so that I’m standing in front of him. He keeps his hands on each of my shoulders, his finger under my chin so I’m forced to look into his eyes. “He was a problem and me and my club took care of it. We protect what’s ours, it’s what we do. We made it look like these fuckers took themselves out and that ends the circle. There will be no blowback. Our daughter and any other children we have down the line will breathe clear and easy. They will be able to spend time with their grandparents and not have to look over their shoulders. Your dad will never have to know about the poison that was slowly building so close to his family, or that it touched his daughter. It’s gone.”
I nod my head in agreement, knowing he’s right. I moisten my lips with my tongue and push any other thoughts away. I’m part of this world, and I know what goes on for the most part. I also know what kind of man Luke is and I’m glad that he is the kind of man who takes care of his family. Maybe that makes me a bitch, or coldhearted, I don’t know. What I do know is that everything he said makes perfect sense and I’m glad. I’m glad that my man had my back, and even protected my father.
“I really do love you, Luke.”
His eyes close and I guess until this very moment, I didn’t realize he was worried that I might truly walk away or be unable to accept what he had done.
“Thank fuck,” he growls, making me smile.
“You’re supposed to say you love me too,” I murmur.
“That goes without saying, Red.”
“Promise me you’ll never quit saying it, Luke. I need it.”
“I promise baby, I promise,” he vows, and then he kisses me. It might be the single, sweetest kiss that we’ve ever shared. It’s slow, gentle, and full of love. When we break apart, Luke gives me the words that I’ll never tire of hearing.
“I love you, Red. Always and forever.”
What more could a girl ask?
Epilogue Two
Grunt
“I didn’t know the whole club was going to be at the family dinner,” Dancer says as he follows me to the grill.
“I didn’t either. They weren’t invited. I think it happened when one of the prospects reported that a Savage MC bike was spotted,” I tell him, opening the grill and flipping the burgers over.
“Not much trust between our clubs,” he admits.
“That’s the truth,” I agree, closing the grill.
“Would my two favorite men like a cold beer?” Jasmine asks, coming out of the house, holding two cold ones in her hand.
She looks fucking amazing today. She’s wearing a bright green tank top and cut off jeans. Her hair is down, the mass of copper curls bouncing with each step she takes, and perfectly highlighting the beauty of her face. She’s smiling bright and didn’t even give a damn that the club showed up. Instead, she sent her brother down to the local store to grab more food.
She’s perfect.
“Thank you, Red,” I rumble, taking my beer from her hand and then, unable to stop myself, pull her in and kiss her hard. “Love you.”
“Love you too,” she whispers, surprise on her face, before melting into a softness that’s so full of joy it settles into my heart. Ever since she told me how much she needed to hear me say that I loved her, I try to never miss an opportunity. She hands the other beer to her dad and kisses his cheek. “Glad you’re here, Daddy.”
“Me too, Princess,” he says, giving her a squeeze. “Looks like your troll might have turned into a prince after all,” he adds, and I frown.
“He’s a little rough around the edges,” she says, turning her head to look at me. “But, he’s getting there,” she adds, laughing as she walks away. Her laughter echoes in the air and damn if it doesn’t sound good.
“What is it with this troll shit? Why do you two keep calling me a troll?”
“She hasn’t told you