Page 25 of April’s Fool

“I’d really prefer you not kill anyone,” I mumble.

Fool shifts, grips my hips, and lifts me up and over his lap so I’m straddling him. I have to admit I like it when he puts me on his lap like this. It’s nice and means I have his full attention.

Granted, even when we were at the clubhouse, he had me on his lap more often than not.

“If I kill that fucker, you won’t even know it,” he says, sliding his hands along either side of my waist. “I’m not and never will be talking about the club’s logistics, but you’re not blind or stupid by any means, so you get it. Like the DRMC, we’re not exactly playing by the rules. We’re one percenters.”

“I know your hands aren’t clean.” He’s right. I’m not stupid, and though I’ve never known what the DRMC got up to, I know they handle business however they see fit.

“Right, so you know how this works. You’re mine, meaning I’ll give you everything you want, except for that. It’s to keep you safe if something were to happen to me.”

This is something I’d seen between Twister and Izzy, Horse and Kenny, and even the others who have ol’ ladies. It’s no secret that the club sometimes involves Brass’s and Burner’s old ladies for a woman’s ‘touch’.

“I understand how your world works, Beck,” I whisper, sliding my hands up and curling them around his neck. “I get there are things I’m not privy to, and I won’t push.”

“Good.” He nods and grips my hips tighter. “What you need to know is that you’ll always have all of me. I won’t bullshit you or blow smoke up your ass for no damn reason. I meant what I said earlier. You’re it for me. You want to wait ‘til you’re married for me to be inside you, then that’s what we’re doing, but you can count on that ring being on your finger sooner than later.”

I swallow anxiously as my chest tightens. “You’d marry me just for sex?”

“No,” he grumbles, eyes darkening. “I’d marry you because I know exactly what I want. I’ve seen enough evil in the world to recognize the light when I see it. That brightness inside you, I want it all for myself. But marrying me means you don’t move back to Franklin. You’ll be moving into a place with me near the clubhouse. I’ve already claimed you. You’re my ol’ lady to the club.”

Well, I didn’t realize he’d already claimed me. This is news to me. I figured they knew we were seeing each other.

“I didn’t know that,” I whisper.

“Yeah, baby, I did that. But even if I hadn’t, those men would’ve been all over you, protecting your ass, ‘cause they see what I do in you. I’m just glad it’s me who got to you first. So you pick the date, and we’ll get hitched. You don’t want all that fancy shit? I’ll take you straight to a courthouse and marry you. You want a big-ass wedding? We’ll do that. You want to get hitched and then have a party? Then that’s what we’ll do. But know this, April, you’re mine in every way there is.”

He barely finishes his sentence before my mouth is on his, and we’re making out like two teenagers who can’t keep their hands off each other. His mouth takes control as he shifts us again. My back is against the couch, and he’s over me, grinding himself into my denim-covered sweet spot.

Nothing else enters my mind but this moment, and I suppose it’s the same for him, because neither of us hears the door open until it slams shut and Hazard curses.

“Fuckin’ hell. You knew I was coming and would crash on the couch tonight instead of going back to the clubhouse.”

Fool breaks his mouth and glances over at his brother. “Don’t you know how to knock?”

“I did, then I didn’t.” Hazard shrugs, grinning. “Can you not fuck where I’m sleeping? Besides, we got shit to discuss.”

“Fucker,” Fool growls, making me giggle.

Fool glances back down at me and gives me an annoyed look, though I know it’s not meant for me. “Name the day and time, sweets, and we’re doing it.”

I suck in a breath, knowing exactly what he means. He intends to marry me, not just because he wants sex, but because he wants me for me.

“Friday,” I blurt out without thinking.

He grins and nods. “Friday it is,” he agrees. Then he pulls me back up to a sitting position, curls me back into his side, and kisses the side of my head before whispering, “You won’t regret it, April. I promise you, I’ll make sure you never regret being mine.”

Chapter 14

FOOL

“You sure about this?” Hazard asks, eyeing me closely.

“Yep.” I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I’m not a rash person, and Hazard knows that better than anyone. I wouldn’t be doing this if I weren’t sure.

Yesterday, while April was in class, I talked Hazard into following her for me while I ran some errands. That meant I picked out the perfect ring set for her and made the appointment at the courthouse. Once I had everything squared away for today, I called Cannon to tell him what was happening, then asked if he’d be down for a party. He was shocked at first, then laughed and said he’d get everything straight. He said it’s a good thing Lola would be back with Rex, or I’d be in hot shit with her. I also called Twister to ask if they’d be willing to make a trip out to our clubhouse. I didn’t exactly tell him the reasons, other than that there was nothing for him to worry about, but I know April would at least want them at the party to celebrate.

“You know I like April. She’s good for you, but I don’t want to see you do anything you’ll regret later,” Hazard grunts, leaning deeper against the wall.