Breaking The Biker (The Biker Series) - An MC Gold Vipers Motorcycle Club Biker Romance Novel (21 page)

“You make it sound so easy.”

“Everyone knows that children aren’t easy. Something tells me that you can handle it, though. You have the patience of a saint.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “Tell me the truth – do you want children?”

“Yes. I want
your
children. Someday.”

Jordan nodded slowly. “We should probably get married first.”

I beamed a smile at him. “Is this a wedding proposal?”

His face turned serious. “No. Of course not.”

I pretended to pout.

“Look, I’m planning on asking you, eventually. But it’s not going to be in a limo or after sex, no matter how amazing it is.”

“Let me guess, you’re going to make it totally unexpected?”

“Would you expect me to do it any other way?”

“No. I guess not.”

“The only problem is, I’m going to have to work harder on fooling you. I still can’t believe you made me.”

“A woman knows her man,” I said, caressing his cheek.

He closed his eyes and hugged me hard. “I don’t think I’ve told you lately, but I fucking love you, Jessica Winters.”

“And I fucking love you, too, Jordan Steele.”

After a few more kisses, we got dressed and headed back toward the house.

“What were you going to tell me before?” he asked.

I smiled. “’I’ve invited a few people over for dinner.”

He frowned. “It’s not just us?”

“No.”

He sighed. “I thought it was bad enough that your mother was going to be there.”

My jaw dropped. “Jordan… that’s not even funny.”

“I’m just messing with you,” he said, cracking a smile. “I’m sure she’s wonderful. I have no doubt, since she’s your mother. I’m just not too thrilled with having to sit through dinner with a bunch of strangers.”

“You really have to get over your fear of people.”

“I’m not afraid of people,” he argued. “I just don’t care for them too much.”

“You’re used to being around criminals. Nobody likes them,” I said. “The ones you’ll be having dinner with are family. Mine and yours.”

“Raptor is going to be there?” he asked, staring ahead.

“Yes. So are Adriana and Sammy.”

“Who else?”

“Tank. His new girlfriend. Her son, Billy.”

“Raina Davis?”

“Yes. Remember I told you that my mother has been watching her boy?”

He nodded.

“So, you see. This won’t be so bad.”

Jordan mumbled something.

“Hey,” I said, grabbing his hand. “If it gets to be too much, we’ll go to Plan B.”

“What’s Plan B?”

“We’ll disappear into my bedroom.”

He grinned. “And have sex?”

“Of course.”

“Can’t we just skip to Plan B?”

I laughed. “You won’t get any pie if we jump directly to plan B.”

He chuckled. “Did you really just say that?”

I slugged him in the arm. “I’m talking
apple
pie.”

“I doubt it’s as good as yours,” he said, a twinkle in his eyes.

“Honey, no matter what happens tonight, I’ll make sure you get some pie, one way or another.”

“I’ll be holding you to it.”

“No, I’ll be holding
you
to it.”

“I love it when you talk fur-pie.”

I slugged him.

He laughed.

“Billy, would you like to try and say ‘Grace’,” asked Frannie, as we sat around the dinner table. There were nine of us gathered around. Billy, Sammy, Justin, Raptor, Adriana, Jessica, Jordan, myself, and Frannie.

My son looked around and suddenly became very shy. “No fanks.”

Justin and Raptor chuckled.

Frannie gave him a warm smile. “That’s okay. What about you, Sammy?”

“I forgot,” he said, looking embarrassed.

“I’ll help you,” said Raptor.

We folded our hands together and Sammy repeated his father’s prayer.

“Also, thank you for bringing our family together,” added Raptor. “Especially those who are in our hearts even when they aren’t always in our lives.”

I glanced over at Jessica’s boyfriend and noticed his mouth twitch.

“Yes, thank you for bringing Uncle Jordan to us,” said Sammy, also sneaking a peek at him. “And we’re glad he’s safe.”

“We’re glad all of us are safe,” added Raptor. “Amen.”

We all said ‘Amen’ and then we began passing around plates.

“This looks amazing,” said Adriana, Raptor’s wife. She had dark red hair that was pulled back into a chignon. With her high cheekbones and large eyes, she almost reminded me of Audrey Hepburn.

“Thank you,” said Jessica, who, like her mother, had blonde hair and had hazel eyes. “I have to thank my mother for helping, though. Sorry about taking off like that, by the way.”

Frannie laughed. “It’s okay. You know I enjoy cooking anyway. Besides, Jordan probably wanted some time alone with you before we ambushed him here at the house, right?”

Jordan smiled. “Ambushed,” he said, helping himself to the Caesar salad. “Nobody ambushed me.”

“So, you knew that we were going to be here the entire time?” asked Raptor, looking amused. “I’m surprised that your limousine didn’t suddenly develop a flat tire.”

“Actually, he did swerve over to try and hit some glass,” said Jessica chuckling.

“Wait a second, you were driving the limo?” asked Justin. “Is that your new gig now? Limo driver?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure what the future holds for me in careers,” said Jordan.

“You were a bodyguard before, right?” I asked, a little confused as to where he’d come from and why he was changing careers.

“Yeah. Pretty much,” he answered.

Noticing the amusement in his eyes, I asked, “Why the change?”

“Too much traveling involved,” he said.

“And it’s dangerous,” added Jessica. “I don’t want him getting shot at.”

That made sense.

“If you’re looking for a place to work, I can find you a job,” said Justin.

“Thanks, but I’m sure I’ll figure something out after we get back from Vegas,” he replied.

“What about joining the club?” asked Raptor.

“The Gold Vipers?” asked Jordan. “Nah. That’s not my gig.”

“Besides, that’s dangerous, too,” said Jessica.

“What’s dangerous?” asked Sammy.

“Nothing,” said Adriana. “Here, have some vegetables.”

He scowled. “I hate asparagus.”

“Do you like soup?” asked Billy.

“No,” he answered.

“Soup makes you tough,” said Billy. “Like Tank.”

Justin flexed his muscles. “You know it. So does asparagus, boys.”

Sighing, Sammy picked up his fork and stabbed one. He brought it to his lips and took a bite.

“How is it?” asked Raptor.

He shuddered. “I don’t like it.”

“Sometimes you have to try something a few times before you like it,” said Jessica. She looked at Jordan. “In time, it gets easier and much more enjoyable.”

Jordan smirked.

“How’s your mother, Vanda?” Frannie asked Adriana.

“She’s doing well,” she replied.

“I’ll have to stop by the shop and say ‘hi’ one of these days.”

Listening to the rest of their conversation, I looked around the table and was happy that I’d agreed to have dinner with Justin’s friends and family. As time went on, and we uncorked another bottle of wine, even Jordan seemed to relax and open up more.

“I must say, this has been such a lovely time,” said Frannie, looking around the table. “And I just know that if Slammer was here, he’d be so proud to have you all at our table.”

I stiffened up, suddenly feeling ashamed that I was sitting there.

Noticing my reaction, Justin grabbed my hand under the table. He leaned over and whispered into my ear. “Relax. You’re with family. Right where you belong.”

I looked around the table and my eyes met with Raptor’s.

“She’s right,” he said, smiling kindly at me. “Slammer would want all of us here, in his house, sharing dinner. Everyone.”

Feeling my eyes brim with tears, I looked down and excused myself.

“Where you going?” asked Justin.

“The bathroom. I’ll be right back,” I said, heading out of the dining room to the bathroom. Inside, I took some time to compose myself and when I felt like I had my shit together, I opened the door.

“Oh. Hey,” I said to Justin, who was standing there in the dark hallway.

“You okay?”

I nodded and then noticed that he was holding something behind his back.

“What’s going on?”

Smiling, he pulled out a small jewelry box.

“What are you doing?” I asked, a lump suddenly in my throat.

He got down on his knee and looked up at me. “I know that we’ve just met, but it feels like we’ve already shared so much together.”

I blinked.

“Raina, I don’t know how you really feel about me, but I love you. I love you so much that I can’t imagine
not
spending the rest of our lives together.” He opened up the box and I saw the diamond ring. It sparkled under the light and took my breath away.

“Wait. Stop,” I said, tears running down my cheeks. “You know I can’t do this. I can’t marry you.”

“Listen to me,” he said, his eyes boring into mine.

“I can’t. No,” I said waving my hands.

“Raina. For God’s sake, listen to me.”

I bit my lower lip.

“I’m done with the club.”

“What?”

“I’ve lost my old man. My ex was murdered. My stepsister was attacked. Hell, Adriana was almost killed. I need you in my life but I’m not putting you or Billy in danger again.”

I didn’t know what to say.

“I refuse to lose you. If I have to give up the club, to be with you, I will, princess.”

“But this club is everything to you,” I said, remembering the conversation we’d had the other day. The pride and joy in his eyes when he talked about his brothers.

“It is, but you’re
more
than everything, if there is such a thing,” he said, smiling at me.

“You barely know me.”

“I know that I love you. Do you love me?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I want to take care of you and Billy. I want to be there for him. I love that kid. You know I do.”

“I know you love him, but I can’t ask you to quit the club.”

“You’re not asking me to do anything. I’m telling you what I’m going to do.” He grabbed my left hand and placed the ring on my finger. “I’m stepping down and moving on. Raptor will take over as Prez.”

I stared down at the ring. Yes, I loved him. But, I was also frightened. Frightened that he’d regret what he’d done and someday even hate me for it.

I took off the ring and handed it to him. “I’m sorry. I
can’t
allow you to do this.”

His face fell.

“It’s wrong,” I said. I touched his face. “I love you. I really do. But… I can’t be the reason you leave your club. Not when I know, deep down, it means so much to you.”

“So, either way, you’re telling me no?”

“Don’t make it sound like it’s an easy thing,” I said, watching his eyes harden.

He dropped the ring into the box and shoved it into his pocket. “I guess there’s nothing more to say, then, is there?” he said, not meeting my eyes.

I just stared at him, not sure how to respond. He’d backed me into a corner and now was angry that I wanted what was best for him.

Justin turned around and headed toward the front door.

“Where are you going?”

He turned around on his heel. “You really don’t expect me to sit next to you during dinner after being rejected like that, do you?”

“I’m sorry. Maybe I should be the one to go,” I said, feeling sick to my stomach.

“No. Billy shouldn’t have to leave because of this. Let him finish his dinner.”

“Justin,” I said as he turned around and continued walking. “Please… don’t walk out like this.”

Ignoring me, he stepped out the door and slammed it shut so hard, that the entire house shook.

“What’s going on?” asked Frannie, coming up behind me.

“I think I made a terrible mistake,” I whispered.