Chapter 37
Ella
If I’d been asked a few weeks ago whether I would ever be able to trust a man again, the simple answer that I wouldn’t even have had to think about would have been no. The fact that I’ve changed, and just how far I’ve come, is down to one man, the man who’s now lying beside me, gently snoring. Only yesterday I was worried I’d never see him again. Now I snuggle into his warmth, unable to envisage a time I wouldn’t want, or need, him by my side.
I’m still a touch nervous around these leather-clad men, but I’ve come to learn how this club and the one where the members abused me at poles apart. And, being an official old lady, the Satan’s Devils are more likely to protect than to harm me. They’ve gone out on a limb for both my sister and I, and they’d all come home safe. It relieves me to know I don’t have to live with any deaths on my conscience.
As for sex, I’ve gone from not wanting a man to touch me to being more than happy for Slick to restrain me last night. It was unexpectedly freeing for him to take complete control, leaving me no choice but to lie there and take it. And, well, wow. I don’t think I’ve ever come so hard in my life. I’m certainly not adverse to trying that again. I wonder what else those Vegas brothers suggested to him... Hmm.
As we walk down the stairs the next morning, my cheeks are burning as I wonder if I’m going to come face to face with the strangely named Rope and Cuff in the club room, worried my face will give away that Slick had followed their suggestions. Damn, from the glow I feel, I think that it might. As we step into the already bustling room, I apprehensively glance around speculating who they might be, or if they’re even here. But as Slick inclines his head toward a pair at the bar, and they smirk at me knowingly, I reckon I’ve found out. Quickly I turn my head away, my blush deepening, and seek out the more comfortable company of the girls.
And there they are, with Rosa and Tiffany, standing in the entrance to the kitchen.
Sophie looks at me carefully, there’s a twinkle in her eye. “Someone had a good night,” she observes.
As Slick laughs out loud I redden even more, knowing he’s giving everything away. He tightens his arms around me and I lean into his touch.
Drummer comes up to us, he also gives me a smirk. Christ! Have I got what we did written on my forehead? His steely eyes stare at me intently, but the crinkles around the edge soften his normal glower. “We’ve made plans for today.” He raises his eyes to the man at my side.
Slick rests his chin on my head, “Yeah?” There’s a chuckle in his voice which I don’t understand.
The prez nods. “We’re heading into Vegas about two o’clock if you want to tag along.” Why is Drummer grinning? “Sam wants to do some shoppin’ while we try our hands at the tables.”
I look up at Slick. “I don’t need to buy anything. Can I come with you?” I quite fancy trying my hand at roulette again. Hopefully I might come away richer this time.
“Naw,” Prez turns me down. “Let your man have a moment to himself, darlin’. You girls go buy yourselves somethin’ nice.”
“And,” Slick starts, “from what Jayden’s been sayin’, you’ll only lose more of my money if you play again.”
I thump his arm in mock protest, but nod at Drummer, knowing I can’t ignore an instruction from the prez. And it does sound like fun. Yesterday we didn’t really get around to looking at any stores.
Knowing what we’ve come out for, it comes as no surprise that some hours later I find myself in a changing room in an exclusive boutique. What is unexpected is that I’m with Sam and that she’s encouraging me to buy a dress I’ll never wear. Every argument I put forward she dismisses, showing when she wants to be, she’s as forceful as her old man. As she takes the one she’s chosen off the hanger and holds it out, I fold under her insistence and, despite my objections, find myself getting attired in a short white cocktail dress which sparkles with diamante.
“Sam, this is daft. It’s really expensive. And where the hell would I wear this?” I can’t see me walking around the compound in it.
“Ella, it really suits you. You look fantastic. I’m getting something fancy too.” As I start to open my mouth she continues persuasively, “Look, how often do we have a chance to spoil ourselves? Just buy something for the hell of it?”
But it’s Slick’s money. “I don’t’ feel comfortable. Just look at this price tag. Slick would have a fit.”
“Slick will love it,” she contradicts, nudging my arm. “The boys are taking us out tonight. We thought we’d surprise them, dress up for once. All they’ve seen us in lately are jeans or shorts.”
I glance at the changing room door as though it’s my escape route and wave my hand. “I’m okay with buying a dress, but not here and not this one. There must be something cheaper. Something in a more practical colour and not quite so sparkly.”
Sam’s hands rest on my shoulder and she turns me to face the mirror, then indicates that I should also look at my rear view in the ones behind. “You look beautiful, Ella. It really suits you.” Her hands hover just above my skin as she traces my lines. “It emphasises your waist and clings to your butt. You’ve got a great figure, Ella, and this shows it off. Just look at your cleavage, it’s demure but incredibly sexy all at the same time.” I look in the mirror and catch a glimpse of her face. Her features are tightening. “If you don’t buy this dress, El, you and I are gonna have problems.”
Shit! She sounds serious. If it means so much to her… I look at my reflection again. It’s not something I’d normally wear, but hell, she’s right. If it wasn’t for the price tag, Slick would love it.
“No arguments, Ella. When was the last time you treated yourself?”
Never. I buy the cheapest clothes that I can, often secondhand which others have discarded.
“Are you sure it will be alright?” Slick’s given me his credit card, but I’m frightened to use it. “I think I should call Slick…”
“Ella, Slick will be fine about it. Don’t worry yourself. If he’s not he’ll have to answer to me.” She draws herself up straight and puts on the fiercest face she can, making me giggle. Although I’m still unconvinced.
We continue back and forth for a few moments, until eventually I decide it’s easier to give in. She knows she’s got me when I say with a sigh, “Okay. But aren’t you going to try your dresses on?”
She’d brought a couple in with her. Having sorted me out, she now tries one on herself. It’s in a shimmery emerald green that suits her to a tee. This time I’m doing the encouraging, and she keeps it on.
I go to change back, she reaches out her hand to stop me. “No, wear it, Ella. Let’s all surprise the men. Dressed like this they’ll have to take us somewhere decent.”
So that’s her plan! Sneaky. I laugh, then agree.
Leaving the changing room, we meet up with the others. Rosa and Tiffany have come along too, and they’re standing there with Sandy and Carmen, all looking pretty as a picture in stunning new dresses. Jayden looks just… Well, wow, is all I can describe it, dressed like she’s going to her prom. I give her a big smile and nod my head to show my appreciation. Sophie’s grinning like a loon wearing a pale blue satin pant suit. I feel fleeting sympathy, knowing she doesn’t like showing her fake leg.
But hell, what she’s wearing is flattering, so I can tell her with all honesty, “Sophie, you look fucking amazing.”
“I know,” she replies, doing a twirl. “Do you see what these trousers do for my arse?”
“Yeah, hun, you’ve got a fantastic arse.” Sandy mocks her English using a posh accent which has us all chuckling.
Before leaving we sort out matching shoes. Finally, we go to the cash desk, my hand trembling as I wait for the cashier to run up the bill and I reach for my wallet.
To my surprise, Sam stays my arm as she hands over a card. When my eyebrow rises she whispers, “This one’s on the club.”
What?
Well, I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, and I’m the only one looking surprised. Wow. There seems to be advantages in being an old lady of the Satan’s Devils. “I only hope they can afford it after being at the tables,” I murmur, making them all laugh.
“Right.” Sam looks at her watch. “We’ve still got time to kill. Hair and nails, ladies.”
Automatically my hand goes to my hair. I haven’t had it properly cut in ages. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt, and it would help show off my new dress. No longer feeling like making objections—to be honest, I’m totally enjoying this—like an obedient lamb, I follow Sam and the rest of the women as she leads us into the salon at the Venetian.
It’s nearly two hours later, and I can’t stop looking at the way they’ve styled my hair into a bob. It suits me and frames my face nicely. My fringe has been straightened and feathered a little so it looks softer. I’ve had an expert apply makeup, and my nails have been painted and decorated with gems.
Carmen’s touching her new hairstyle, looking critically at her reflection in a window, and then she turns with a smile and says, “Okay, they’ve done a fair enough job.”
“Do you like it, El?” Jayden’s flicking her French plait—pulled back from her face it makes her look older. And beautiful. I tell her so.
With a broad smile, Sam again pays for everything.
Feeling decidedly pampered and special, I exit the salon, still ignorant about where we’re going tonight, but I knowingly I can’t wait to show off my new look.
Sam takes another look at her watch, then she announces it’s time to meet the boys. Feeling excited, wondering what Slick is going to say, I fidget impatiently as we descend via the elevator and go out through the front doors to find tens of Harley’s waiting, more than I expected. As my eyes roam the line I’m amazed to see not only the men who’d come to Vegas last night, but also Peg, Dart, Beef, and Blade. Hey, there’s Tongue, Rock, Mouse, and Shooter. And behind them, Joker, Lady, and Marvel. It looks like all members of the Tucson chapter are here. The only ones missing are the prospects. And what’s unusual is that every man is wearing a helmet. Perhaps they have to in Vegas?
Behind our men are at least a dozen of the Vegas guys too. When my eyes fall on them, Rope and Cuff give me a little wave and a cheeky grin. What the fuck is going on?
The other women go to find their men. Rosa gets up behind Red, Tiffany behind Fox. Sam goes to Drummer, Sophie, Carmen, and Sandy walk past me as I’m still looking for Slick, unable to see him in his accustomed space in the middle of our group. Paladin has stepped off his bike and has come to get Jayden, leading her away and carefully helping her onto the pillion. She leans up against the sissy bar and wiggles her fingers at me. A brief wave of disappointment that my man appears to be missing, and then, finally, I see him. My panicked heartbeat begins to slow.
There he is. Why’s he at the front of the line? Where’s the SUV that we came in? I can’t ride a bike wearing this! And Jayden, she’s never been on the back of a bike before. And her dress could get caught…
“You’re standin’ like a fuckin’ rabbit caught in the headlights, babe. Come on, we’ve not got much time.”
What? I throw Slick a look of amazement. His head’s freshly shaved, he’s got on a dress shirt under his tee, and his black jeans look new. Of course, he’s wearing that sexy as fuck cut over the top. He hands me an item.
“Put this on, darlin’.” It’s my own property cut. In a state of bemusement I slip my arms inside, slipping it on over my dress, and then with my eyes flicking around at everyone, take the hand that he offers me. He leads me to the front of the line where he’s left his bike.
But the prez rides in front.
I cast a worried glance behind me as I get on, trying to sit on as much of the short dress as I can. I catch Drummer’s eye, and he nods reassuringly.
“Jayden…?” I ask as I put on the helmet he’s handed me.
“Paladin’s got her. Don’t worry yourself.”
I’m out of my depth, not knowing what the on earth’s going on, but my arms automatically go around Slick as he starts his engine. Looks like this will be one hell of a party tonight. But why are we in the front?
The roar of more than thirty bikes starting makes me look around. I see Joker, the Road Captain, and one of the Vegas brothers moving out and stopping the traffic. Slick revs his engine and pulls away, and everyone follows us. I hold on tight as we drive down the strip, seeing tourists pausing to watch us, some even taking pictures at the sight. I only hope I’m not flashing anyone and the photos won’t be pictures of my bare ass. I knew this skirt was too short.
It’s a different feeling, leading the pack, knowing everyone’s following us. The familiar feel of the leather beneath my fingers, and the smell as I rest my cheek against Slick’s back helps both calm and excite me, even if I haven’t got a clue what’s going on.
We drive over the tarmac, not going fast, taking our time. Pipes rumble behind and I feel pride that I’m part of this show they’re putting on. I’m no longer the girl on the side lines watching bikers pass from out front of the coffee shop. I’m holding onto my man, with the engine vibrating between my thighs. I’m on top of the world. What could be better than this?
And then we come to a building with a sign saying ‘Wedding Chapel’ written over the top. Slick uses his indicator, and while he reduces his speed he doesn’t stop.
The roar behind us quietens, but we’re waved on in through wide open doors. Slick drives slowly and carefully down the aisle, and only at the end applying the brakes and putting the stand down.
My jaw drops to the floor as he taps my leg, indicating I should get off. Carefully balancing on his shoulders and, as demurely as I can, conscious of all the men behind me, I dismount. Slick gets off after. Someone comes up and hands me a beautiful bouquet of red roses.
With my mouth open I turn and look at my man. He’s trying to fasten a matching boutonniere to his cut. Then his eyes bore into mine and he watches me intently. As the seats behind us become filled with Satan’s Devils, Jayden, Sophie, and Sam come to stand by my side, Drum, Wraith, and Dart stand beside Slick.
Suddenly Slick drops to one knee and holds out his hand.
Bewildered I place my palm to his.
“Darlin’.” His voice is hoarse, he coughs and starts again. “Darlin’. Perhaps I should have asked you earlier, but fuck, you gonna marry me babe?”
I don’t need to think about it as everything drops into place. “Yes,” I squeak.
“Thank fuck for that!” Slick leaps up and pulls me into his arms, his lips crashing down on mine to hollers and shouts echoing around us.
“You’re supposed to wait to do that.” A stranger’s voice sounds amused.
But Slick takes his time before he pulls back.
Fog swirls up around us as the officiate starts to do his stuff. I’m so engrossed in my man I can’t concentrate on the ceremony, only hoping I say yes in the right places. I’m trembling with happiness, goosebumps rise on my skin and tears prick in my eyes as I gaze at Slick in disbelief. He’s saying some beautiful words about us riding through life together. Then it’s my turn to speak.
I only manage to stumble out something about how much I love him.
Then he places a ring on my finger and we’re announced as man and wife. Man and fucking wife! I’m married! To Slick!
Jayden rushes up and throws herself into my arms. “I’m so happy for you, Ella! Slick’s so good for you.”
I hug her back. I’m so choked up it’s difficult to speak. “You knew about this?”
She grins. “Yeah, Slick told me this morning.”
How the hell did she keep it secret?
The girls are crying, the men cheering and shouting. Slick’s slapped on the back so many times I think it must hurt. I’m kissed by everyone, then we pose for some photos. My husband sorts out some money-type business and then we’re handed some prints.
We lead the way outside, Slick clutching the licence. Then he turns me and I look up to see emblazoned in lights, SLICK AND ELLA. My hand goes to my mouth and I start laughing, bent double as the chuckles come forth. Like every girl, I used to dream of getting married, but I never thought I’d end up with a biker wedding in Vegas. But it couldn’t be more perfect.
Slick’s looking at me in concern at my odd reaction, so I wave at the sign. “Slick, this is absolutely mindblowing. You couldn’t have made it more special. This is the best wedding I could have dreamed of.”
As we kiss under the sign the guys are taking photos on their phones.
He hands me the helmet and glasses once more, and now we’re heading off again. I’m expecting to go back to the club, and guessing there’ll be a party, this time one I’ll really enjoy. The new weight of the ring on my finger is a constant reminder that I’m now this man’s wife. It seems unbelievable.
But we don’t go back to the Vegas compound. Instead we stop at a steakhouse. Going inside we’re shown to a function room. There’s dance floor and a DJ who’s currently playing bland music. A table’s been set up at the top where Slick and I sit, Drum, Wraith, Sophie, Sam, with Amy on her lap then Jayden next to her.
The rest of the brothers settle down at the side tables. I’m in a complete state of bewilderment, unable to believe we’re the stars of this show, or that along with the wedding Slick’s arranged a reception. I couldn’t say what I ate, but I think it was delicious.
Drum stands and gives a speech, I try to listen. He makes us double up with some of the things that he says. And then my man, Slick, stands, and, well, he’s just amazing. I fall in love with him all over again at his flowery words. And then crack up as he starts to get crude and makes a throw-away comment that only I, Rope, and Cuff would understand. My face burns.
When the rattle of silverware dies down, a freaking cake’s wheeled in. On the top, a pair of bikers riding a Harley. What else could I have expected?
“Take a pic, Slick,” I say, nudging him, coming to my senses, knowing I want to remember this day for ever.
Slick laughs and points at Mouse, who’s got a camera in his hand. I hadn’t noticed him recording everything. When I catch his eye I give him a little wave and he lifts his chin in return.
After cake’s cut with the normal entertainment, and then passed around, the DJ puts on a record and invites Slick and I to dance. As Paul Weller starts singing, ‘You do something to me’, my eyes start to water, and I relax into Slick’s arms and gently sway with the music. God, is it possible to love this man anymore?