I give my family the number to the phone that Cutter gave me and make them promise to call me tomorrow. They do and in turn make me promise to come by as often as I can.
Walking out of the house, I'm happier than I have ever been. I turn to the man who set this all up. The man who has done everything possible for me since he met me. He saved me when he got me away from Dylan, and now he's helping me break free from the mental prison I've been living in. He claimed me so he could make sure I was protected. He made me his. I wrap my arms around his neck.
"I never imagined I would feel like this ever again. That I would be happy and have someone who cared about me, who made me feel so safe. You are the most amazing person I have ever met, and I thank God that he brought you to me." I pause a moment, my heart in overdrive, an uncontrollable flush running up my skin, coloring my face and making my skin prickle as I say, "I love you."
His head dips as he kisses me. "Thought I'd have to wait a lot longer to hear those words from you. From the first day you walked into my club, you had a hold on me that I couldn't explain. The more time you spend with me, the more I know that I need to have you by my side. I'm so proud of the person that you've grown into and what you've had to overcome. Calling you mine makes me so fucking proud. Love you, too, beautiful." I pull him close, resting my head against his chest, feeling his heart racing at the same pace as mine.
"Now get on my bike so I can take you home and show you just how much I love you."
I smile at him, then climb onto the bike.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Jaz
It's been a week since Cutter took me to my family's house. I've talked to Sara and my mom every day, and this weekend we're going up there and staying for the night. I finally feel like all of the pieces of my life are falling and fitting into the perfect place.
Except for one.
We still haven't been able to find Dylan. I've been trying not to worry about it because a part of me hopes that he saw the club and all the guys and knew he couldn't get close to me, so he left town. That's most likely not the truth, but it helps me sleep better at night. That, and having Cutter next to me.
Being in his arms, I've never felt safer. Telling him I loved him was scary but exciting. He makes me feel alive. When he isn't around, it's like a part of me is missing.
The boys are leaving today. None of us know where they're going, or when they'll be back, but considering they've had church every day for the last three days, the girls all agree whatever it is, it's big, which puts all of us on edge. Seventy-five percent of the club is going on this run, which I'm told is a lot. Not that the clubhouse will be completely unprotected. A handful of prospects and a couple brothers have been allocated to watch both the club, and the old ladies and kids.
All of the girls are sitting together playing a game of cards when church lets out and the boys swarm around us.
Cutter pulls me to him. "We have to head out. The club is on lockdown. No work, no leaving the compound. Okay?" I can see the fear etched across his face and it's completely sobering.
The other girls have talked about the hard times before. How bad things got, and the different lockdowns that have happened. They don't seem all that concerned, but this is the first time for me and I'm not sure how to deal with all the fear and uncertainty. I want to ask Cutter what's going on, but I know that he can't tell me so I don't even try.
The mood in the clubhouse is solemn. Where there is usually laughter and teasing, there are silent tears and hidden faces. Whatever this is, we all know there is a very good chance that someone will come back hurt, or, God forbid, not at all. I close my eyes and say a silent prayer that everyone will make it through this safe.
Lucy, Izzy, and I spend the next few hours baking to keep our hands busy and our minds occupied, and although no one talks about the boys, they never leave our thoughts.
The smell coming from the ovens is amazing. More than once, the prospects have ducked their heads in, pretending they're checking in on us, but we know they're really just looking to see if there's anything to eat yet. I'm just getting the final batch of cupcakes out of the oven when something sticky and wet hits me on the side of my face, sliding down my cheek, and landing with a plop on the tiled floor.
Buttercream.
"Lucy!" I turn just in time for her next missile to hit me smack on the forehead. I wipe the sweet goo off my face with the backs of my hands and look across the room to where Lucy is crouched on all fours, tears rolling down her face. Izzy isn't much better. She's leaning against the countertop, her face bright red as she tries to hold back the laughter.
"Oh, it's on."
I don't have much to work with, but as I feel around for something to throw back, I find an egg carton. We didn't use them all so I throw three: one at Izzy, and two at Lucy, one for each time I got hit with the icing.