not in a physical way.
Taking Katrina’s hand, he led her toward his bike. “Have they spoken since you left Vegas?”
Keeping her gaze fixed on the front door, a broken sigh blew past her lips. “As far as I know, contact has always happened through attorneys. That stopped once the divorce was final.” One minute, then another slipped by before she spoke again. “He’s always known where we were, hasn’t he?”
“According to what Einstein told Chaos, yes.”
When she continued to stare at the door, Gunner gripped her chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing her to look at him. “It’s going to be all right, Kat. Their conversation has been a long time coming. Maybe it will bring your family some answers.”
“Closure,” she snorted. “I don’t need it. What I want is to never see him again.”
“Your mother may not feel the same.”
“She won’t take him back, Luke.”
“Hey, what’s going on?” Brady dumped his bike on the front lawn. “Where’s Mom?”
“Mom and Zeus are inside.”
Eyes bulging, he started for the door, stopping when she snagged his arm.
“They need to talk in private, Brady.” Seconds after the words left her mouth, the front door opened.
Zeus stalked to his bike and mounted, motioning for Einstein to do the same. Starting the engine, his gaze lifted, landing on Brady. They stared at each other, saying nothing before Zeus offered a quick chin lift, gunned his engine and roared off.
Brady watched him go, the hurt at being all but ignored by his father sliced through him. “Same asshole he’s always been.” Picking up his bicycle, he didn’t acknowledge Chaos on his way to the door.
“I should go inside.”
“I’ll go with you.” Threading his fingers through hers, they entered, seeing Brady standing at the entrance to the hall.
“Where’s Mom?”
“In her room.” Brady turned toward them. “She wants to be alone. Mom, uh…doesn’t want you to change your plans for tonight.” Going to the refrigerator, he pulled out a water, draining the bottle in several long gulps.
Katrina watched him, heart breaking at the devastation on his face. “Zeus isn’t a good person, Brady. Forget him.”
“Is it that simple for you?”
She shook her head, features softening. “No. But I keep trying.”
Hovering above Katrina, Gunner positioned himself at her entrance, entering in one, penetrating thrust. Legs wrapped tight around his thighs, her fingers dug into his back as he began to move.
Lowering his head, his lips captured a taut, pink nipple, sucking hard. With each thrust, her hips lifted to meet his, their bodies burning for each other. Reaching between them, he rolled her already hard, swollen bud between his thumb and finger.
“Luke…” Her orgasm was quick, explosive, causing her to arch off the bed.
A moment later, her name burst from his lips. Roaring his own completion, he held his body still before lowering his face to the soft curve of her neck.
“I love you, Kat.” To his surprise, her response was immediate.
“I love you, too, Luke. So very much.”
Rolling over, he settled her on top of him, stroking her hair, the smooth planes of her back. “I want more, Kat. A great deal more.”
Lifting her head from his chest, she stared into crystal blue eyes, now the color of midnight. “What do you mean?”
Placing his hands on Katrina’s waist, he raised her up, placing her beside him against the headboard. Lifting the sheet, she covered her breasts.
Shifting, he took her hands in his, rubbing circles on each palm with his thumbs. “I know this is soon. Maybe too soon.” Pressing his lips together, his eyes locked on hers. “I love you, Kat. There’ll never be another woman for me.”
Reaching over, he opened a drawer, withdrawing a square, velvet box. Without opening it, he held the box before her, heart pounding at her shocked gasp.
“Katrina Snowden, marry me. Be by my side as we build a future together.”
Hands covering her mouth, she choked out a ragged sob, tears pooling in her eyes.
“Kat?” His chest squeezed. Had he made a mistake, misjudged her feelings for him? Opening the box, he lifted out a platinum band with a lone, square-cut diamond.
Dropping her hands, she placed them on his cheeks. “I love you so much.” Leaning forward, she brushed a kiss across his lips. “Yes…yes…yes. I’ll marry you.”
Epilogue
One month later…
Gunner held her hand tight in his as they moved among the people who’d come to celebrate their wedding. They’d received permission to erect a temporary stage for the band, and lay down planks for dancing at a park near the center of