Miles high, p.8
Miles High, page 8
part #4 of Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale Series
“The only one I can give.”
“Fuck that, Miles. You’re mine.”
A warm thrill shot through my body. What did it say that two men had said those words to me? One made me throw up in my mouth, while the other made me want to take him by the hand and lead him to my bedroom to pick up where we’d left off.
“I-I can’t be.”
“You’ll see. I won’t let another man stand in my way.”
“You don’t have a choice.”
He cupped my chin and ran a finger over my bottom lip. “I don’t know why you choose to stay with this man when you’re kissing me like that, but I’m gonna make you Reaper property.”
“Rubble—”
“No, I don’t think you get it, Miles. You make me forget words, make me feel all kinds of a fool when I’m around you, and I have never felt that way around anyone before. And by the way you kissed me and the way you’re looking at me right now, this other man ain’t what you want. I ain’t gonna force you because that’s not my style, but I think you know what you want.”
Chapter 9
Rubble
“Holy fuck.”
I gaped at the setup of Cass and Mort’s big day. Other than picking up the cake earlier, which had surprised me for being asked, I hadn’t been in on the wedding details. The three boys had decided what they wanted for the wedding, and as far as I knew, Mort hadn’t cared much as long as he got hitched to Cass.
A gazebo had been set up next to the clubhouse for the occasion. By the time I got there, it seemed everyone was already present, which was damn surprising given the state of drunkenness most of the bikers had been in when the bachelor party last night had wrapped up. It’d been a long time since we had such a wild night in the clubhouse. The pickings of boys had been great too since Cass had arranged for some strippers to entertain us.
We’d had booze and booty in abundance, but I hadn’t touched either except for the one lap dance I’d received, and that didn’t count, considering my head hadn’t been in it. I hadn’t even gotten a stiffy, and I was pretty sure the boy had walked away sulking after not getting a reaction out of me.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Miles. I hadn’t seen him since we kissed back at his place and had only heard Cass telling his friends that Miles had called him back to apologize for the way he’d had to leave that day. He hadn’t explained, but Cass had believed he was sincere, and Cass being Cass, had forgiven him and invited him to the bachelor party, which he’d never attended.
I left early and drove over to his place, but I never made it to the front door. For some reason, sitting there on my bike and knowing he was inside was enough. Something scared that boy. He wouldn’t come out and say it, but his flighty behavior made sense. He wanted me back, but he was holding out for whoever he was in a relationship with.
But why hadn’t he seemed happy about it? He’d looked so miserable. I needed to find out who he was sleeping with. Then I’d know what I was going to do about it.
I parked my bike on the left at the end of the two rows of bikes that made up the aisle. On either side, chairs were set up, where guests were chatting, waiting for the wedding to begin. Everyone was wearing a Reaper cut, except for the hangarounds and the prospects. Flags in the club colors flew on the top of the gazebo. It was all really cool how Jamie and his friends had arranged the whole event with the aid of a planner.
There was no doubt about it. Cass and Mort’s wedding wasn’t just their day. It was a club event, and as far as I could tell, the first wedding of a Reaper, so everyone was taking it quite seriously. Not to mention it was the Enforcer’s wedding, so all the brothers were here to pay respect, even those who didn’t live on-site.
I walked up the aisle to where Mort stood with Reverend Homer, who shouldn’t look so damn good as a minister. What would he say if he knew how many brothers beat their dicks to crude talk of him? Frankly, him being a man of the cloth was a huge turn-off for me no matter how goddamn beautiful he looked.
“Hey, man.” Mort and I exchanged a brotherly hug. Since the day we’d smashed each other up over Cass, things had become easier between us. He no longer gave me a look like he was planning to pull my esophagus out through my ass. And I no longer had that stirring of jealousy over the way Cass had favored him, although he’d belonged to all the brothers of the club at the time.
He no longer did. Cass was fully Mort’s, and knowing how seriously Mort took his vows, I didn’t doubt this one was going to be binding.
“Thank fuck you showed up,” Mort said. “I’m going to need you to fill in as a groomsman.”
I blinked at him. He had to be kidding me. “Why?”
“The twins got their hands full, taking out the trash.”
“I don’t think I need to be here for this part,” Reverend Homer said and scurried away.
“I’m lost.”
“Cass’s piece of shit stepfather showed up.”
“What?”
Mort shook his head. “I wanted to kill the bastard. I knocked him out, and the twins are taking care of the rest.”
“Should have killed him anyway,” I said.
Over the months, a few details of what Cass had run away from when he found us had reached my ears, and the way we’d treated him had left a bad taste in my mouth. The boy had been looking for affection the wrong way. We’d used him to the point where Mort hadn’t even wanted him, but now everyone was super protective about the boy. Grimm had taken him under his wing, sort of like a father, and surprisingly, Cass had become a friend. He had a big heart that would forgive almost anything, and he never judged. The kind of friend I needed.
“I did enough damage.” Mort scowled. “Not that it’s nearly enough after what he did, but it’s my wedding day.”
“Shit, man, I’m sorry this mess happened on your big day.”
“It needed to happen. I’ve been wanting to hunt the bastard down, but I wish he hadn’t shown up today, you know. Now I feel like Cass’s big day’s all tainted. He deserved to have a day that’s all about him.”
“Come on, you know, Cass. This won’t ruin anything for him. The only thing better than him bragging he’s your fiancé is that he’ll now be able to brag that he’s your husband.”
Mort laughed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I guess you’re right. So you can fill in?”
I nodded. “Yeah, sure.” We had our differences, but it was their big day.
“You’re gonna have to walk down the aisle with Miles.”
The tips of my ears burned. “He’s coming?”
“He missed rehearsal, but he said he would make it. It doesn’t take a degree in rocket science to walk down an aisle.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “Cool.”
He smirked at me. “I thought you’d like that. Everything going good between you two?”
“I don’t know. He’s with someone else, I think.”
Mort frowned. “Miles? Are you sure?”
“Yeah, that’s what he said.” Unless he was lying and had used that as an excuse not to be with me.
But the way he’d kissed me.
“Hmm.”
Mort’s response wasn’t reassuring, but before I could ask him what “hmm” meant, Grimm joined us. which effectively stopped our conversation. He let us know the boys were on their way over from Fable’s house, where they had gotten dressed.
And then there he was. Miles. Walking down the aisle toward us, wearing the suit I’d bought him and had delivered at his house yesterday. Cass had shown me the one Miles had wanted, and of course, he had to have it. I hadn’t been certain if he would show up, much less wear the suit, especially after he hadn’t even sent me a “thank you” message.
I’d heard nothing from him in the past week, and not wanting to push too much at him too soon, I’d given him the space to think about our last conversation. If he hadn’t shown up today, I would have been at his house right after sending off Cass and Mort on their honeymoon. I couldn’t have my relationship drama eclipsing their big day.
“Goddamn, Miles,” Mort cried when he saw his former assistant. “Are you getting hitched too?”
Miles gave a nervous chuckle as he came to a stop next to us. “I don’t see that ever happening. You look great.” He glanced from Grimm to me. “You all do. The boys are lucky.”
“The boys would disagree,” Grimm said with a laugh. “They think we’re the lucky ones.”
“That too,” he said. “They’re amazing.”
“By the way, you’re walking with Rubble,” Mort said. “The twins stepped out and might get back when we’ve already started. Jamie will be here soon to take over the lineup. In fact, here he is now.”
Fuck. I’d hoped to talk with Miles alone. Jamie breezed into the venue, using that bossy attitude of his to get everyone to take their places so the ceremony could start on time. I didn’t want to add fuel to the fire of Cass’s stepdad showing up earlier, so despite wanting to cart Miles off to kiss him and tell him how good he looked, I stuck to the arrangements.
For now, standing next to him would have to do.
Everyone had settled in their places, and the hired musicians started to play. Reverend Homer walked down the aisle, followed by Mort, who’d managed to make his cut look official over his long-sleeved shirt. Fable was supposed to walk with Zak, but as they passed Booker, he slid into place on Fable’s left, which made the boy visibly relax and the guests laugh. Mort scowled from the front, but he should have known that both Booker and Zak would want to walk alongside their boy.
Jamie and Grimm were next, the boy looking fabulous in an ankle-length dress with a killer split up the sides to show off his toned legs. If anyone had any discriminating thoughts about the boy in his dress, they’d better keep those to themselves. Grimm beamed, nothing but pride radiating from him.
Then it was our turn.
“Ready?” I asked Miles.
He nodded, and I took his arm. We set off together, and I couldn’t resist. We had about five seconds to make it to the end of the aisle.
“You look great,” I whispered.
“I decided to wear it at the last minute. I wasn’t sure what to make of you buying it for me.”
“You wanted it, so I got it for you.”
His hand trembled in mine. “Thank you. I love it.”
“Good. The only thing better than seeing you in it would be stripping you out of it.”
Fuck. Did I just say that out loud? And just when I thought this conversation thing between us no longer resembled a train wreck at my end.
We separated at the end of the aisle, me standing on Mort’s right side while Miles took a place on the left. I had a hard time pulling my eyes away from him to give my attention to the ring bearer, one of the bikers’ kids borrowed for the day. He was followed by Jessie, whose wide smile and flushed face weren’t just about the wedding but getting to be with her uncle Mort again. She and her mother must have arrived earlier this morning.
Mort should just adopt the kid already. She adored him. He probably would too if the club wasn’t an iffy place for a kid to be.
“Uncle Mort, I did it,” Jessie crowed in delight when she reached him, and he laughed, hugging her.
“You did good, Jessie girl.”
The wedding march started not the traditional one but something soft and equally sweet I couldn’t place. Cass appeared at the other end, his face pale and his eyes wide. Everyone stood.
“Come on, Cass, you can do it,” Jamie murmured.
After much debate, Cass had decided he would walk down the aisle by himself. He hadn’t wanted to favor anyone with that honor. When he reached the end of the aisle, an impatient Mort hauled him in his arms and kissed him hard.
“Ahem.” Reverend Homer cleared his throat. “I think we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here. If we can wait until the end of the ceremony to do the kissing…”
Mort finally released Cass, his face flushed. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “You can start. Marry us, but try not to take all day.”
Chapter 10
Miles
Mort and Cass’s wedding was spectacular. It was an honor just to be a part of the event and witness them exchange their vows. They had opted out of the traditional vows, and Mort’s gruff declaration to protect, care for, and love Cass with every fiber of his being was beautiful and painful. Green wasn’t a good look on me. I was happy for them, but seeing them together also reminded me of what I would never have.
I wanted to leave, but at the same time, I didn’t want to miss all the magic that was happening. The bikers had thrown a festive celebration for their enforcer and his husband. The food was excellent—the small morsels I picked at—and many “brothers,” as I’d come to understand they called each other, gave a toast to the happy couple. Some of the references they made I didn’t get, and a lot of words were crude but said out of love, but I was beginning to realize this was the way they were.
They were rough and tough men, and it showed in the way they carried themselves. The way Rubble talked to me sometimes began to make sense now. He was a product of this environment. Yet they seemed like one big supportive family whose members came in all shapes, sizes, and orientations. I’d never have guessed that an outlaw biker club could be this inclusive.
“Hey, I’m so glad you came.” Cass plopped down in the chair next to me. Loud music was playing, and the bikers were dancing, some better than others, but everyone was having a good time.
“Thanks for inviting me again.” I smiled at him, but then a familiar burst of laughter caught my attention. I swung my head around. Rubble was dancing with the flower girl. My heart melted at the sight of the big man twirling the little girl who squealed in delight. A man with such patience and will to make a child laugh had to be good at heart, right?
Doesn’t matter. He’s not for you.
“You’re Mort’s friend,” Cass said. “Of course, I’m going to invite you. He talks about you like you’re family.”
I ducked my head and glanced at the tablecloth.
“I already know about you asking him out.” He leaned toward me. “It’s okay. I’m not mad.”
“You’re not?”
He shrugged. “You didn’t know we were together, did you?”
“Of course not. I would never have asked him otherwise.”
“Exactly. It would be silly of me to be upset at that. If you were to do that now—”
“Oh gosh, no. I swear I don’t see Mort that way.” My eyes strayed over to Rubble and the little girl again.
“Good.”
I sighed and took a sip of my wine, which so far, I hadn’t touched. “Look, I can’t tell you how sorry I am again for running out on you like I did.”
“I admit we weren’t sure what to think about it.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I wish I could tell you why.”
“Is it at least a good reason?”
I nodded. “And I felt bad afterward. You were all so nice to me, and you told Rubble about the suit.”
“And I’m glad he bought it for you. You look amazing in it.”
My face burned. “I’m not used to men buying things for me.”
“You’ll get used to it too.”
“I’m not sure if I can.”
He rose to his feet. “Listen to me. Our men take pleasure in spoiling us, and we take pleasure in blowing their minds and being there for them through their highs and their lows. Allow Rubble to spoil you.”
If only I could. I’d allowed myself this one guilty pleasure of wearing the suit he’d bought me, knowing it would be the only time.
“Dance with me.” Cass took my hand and pulled me to my feet. “Everyone’s dancing except for you. I don’t like when my friends look sad.”
He considered me a friend? I couldn’t resist him. He was way too friendly. The song that was being played was fast-paced, and I was a horrible dancer. Cass was great. Not that that surprised me. From what I’d gleaned, he stripped for a living. I didn’t even try to keep up with him, just laughed and moved my body the way I could.
It felt freeing. Letting go and not thinking about my troubles.
“You should laugh more often,” Cass said. “You’re extremely pretty, you know.”
I blushed at his compliment, but warmth flushed through my veins. If Mort hadn’t married this boy, I would have. He was so vibrant and all sunshine and rainbows. Being around him was like wading in a sea of cotton candy. Sickly sweet but addicting.
The song ended, and I fully expected Cass to let me go back to my seat. Instead, he lifted my hand and twirled me.
“Switch! I need to dance with Jessie before I leave for my honeymoon.”
Before I knew what was happening, I ended up in Rubble’s arms. On a slow song. He held me tightly, and of their own accord, my hands slipped up to his shoulders. Just one dance. They would never know.
Without a word, I shuffled closer to him. Close enough to rest my head on his chest. His heart beat hard and steady, slowing down with every second we spent in each other’s arms. I didn’t have the words that I probably should say to him. He was expecting something from me. Something I couldn’t give, and he deserved to know that, but selfish as I was to embrace the moment, I kept silent. If I didn’t say anything, I couldn’t lie.
It was too foolish of me to think it would last.
“Do you remember when we were at the park so the cleaners could carpet your living room?” he asked me.
I closed my eyes. Did I remember? It’d been almost three months since it happened, but I couldn’t forget. He’d taken me back to my house after I’d forced my way into the clubhouse to talk to Mort. When Rubble and I had walked into my living room, I’d almost fainted at the sight of the blood on the carpet. Rubble had taken charge and gotten me out of the house while their people cleaned up the mess.
We’d ended up walking to a small park where I’d somehow talked him into pushing me on the swing. I’d felt so free that day with him. I’d gotten a glimpse of the soft-hearted man under the rough exterior, and when the rain had soaked us on our way back and my asthma had acted up, he’d fetched my inhaler and made sure that I was fine.
