Page 19 of Xane

Frustration hits me as I step out of my room.I want nothing more than to take Z in my arms, pull her close and keep her there.The look on her face when I offered her my hand and she didn’t take it gutted me.Fucking hell, as if she’s repulsed by my touch alone.Deep down I know it’s not me.Nonetheless, it feels like a kick to the gut.

Spence is standing in front of church along with Dion, his VP.The news Lynn just gave me makes Dion no longer my VP.It’s confusing to be undercover as a club president myself.Though, once I sign the contract with the government, I won’t be undercover anymore.

Not wasting time, I stalk straight past them and enter church when I state, “Where do I sign?”

Dion chuckles.“Told you your mother would spill the news.”

Spence doesn’t reply with words and instead slams the contract on the table in front of me.“Read it through before you sign.It’s the same one as mine, but you need to be aware of everything.It’s not just gaining justice by using any means possible, Grayer.There’s more to it.We need hard evidence in either black and white, on tape, or from independent witnesses.Your woman being taken against her will and retrieved by you in the middle of a diner gives you Ramiro on a silver platter.”He places a document over the contract.“Though, the government demands he stays alive.They were all too willing to give you a contract because of your family legacy and the loyalty of the town that comes with it.I received some additional information this morning.Sit down because your case just hit the motherfucking case of the year.”

“Shall I get all the others?”Dion questions.

Spence raises his eyebrow.“Did you make a decision yet?”

There really isn’t a choice, and I’m sure all the members will be open to the patch over.Especially once they hear about the official, legal part to do good in this town.

I glance at Dion, my former VP, and say, “Get everyone in here so Spence can explain.Once we’re up-to-date, we will vote on the patch over, and then I’ll sign the contract.”

“Confident.”Spence nods, appreciation in his eyes.

I raise my chin.“I learned from the best.”

“That would be me.”Spence and I turn to face the door where Lynn is standing with her arms crossed in front of her chest.

My heart skips a beat at the sight of Z, standing behind her.She’s wearing my sweatpants, hoodie, and socks.

Lynn steps into church and slightly turns her head to Z.“Come on, chickie.Like I said, we need to be in church for this meeting.Stand behind your old man’s chair.No one will come near you because he’s the president and everyone knows the fucker will flip his shit if anyone so much as points a finger at you.”

Z looks so damn fragile.

I rise from my chair and shove it slightly back.“No need to stand beside me, come sit.”

“Seriously?”Spence grumbles.“You said you learned from the best.”He points at his mother.“Not you, Ma.And I know my old lady sits in every now and then, but normally club business is club business.”

“Unless the old lady in question is linked to the case.So, my old lady has the right to hear the details,” I fire back.

Dion smirks and so does Spence.

“What?”I snap.

Lynn steps forward.“You called her your old lady.”She turns to Z.“Told you, and I explained the old lady thing, so go on...sit on your old man’s chair.”

Z steps inside church and gives a wide berth to Dion and Spence as she takes a seat in my chair.Shit.I’m such an insensitive asshole.I claimed her without thinking.

I lower my voice as I rub the back of my neck.“Sorry.I should have talked to you first.Fuck.I can’t take my claim back.Well, I can, but I don’t want to.”

Dammit, I’m fucking it all up.

Her fingers curl into fists on her lap and she gives me her blue-green eyes.Once they would hold so much fucking shine you could see the twinkle of happiness in her gaze.

She surprises the fuck out of me when she firmly states, “I accept Xane’s claim.”

All I can do is stare at her, completely stunned, while Spence steps closer and asks, “Are you sure?Because if you accept, the two of you will need to get your patch inked within two weeks.Normally, your ass would need to be tested for loyalty as well.With the shit you went through we will make an exception, but the ink needs to be done.”

I glare at the fucker while Z’s soft voice murmurs, “A tattoo is fine.Thank you.”

A tattoo is...for fuck’s sake.“You do understand this means you’re mine now, right?Not just today and tomorrow, but mine forever.You and me, like...”

Her dull eyes stare at my chin when she says, “Married biker style.Yes, Lynn explained.”