Possession (17 page)

T
HREE WEEKS LATER,
T
HANKSGIVING DINNER…

Vincent felt as much pride as Tina did when he studied the adoption certificate Dustin proudly shared with him at the dinner table. “Deserves a toast.” Vincent held up his wineglass. “To family,” he said.

“To family…” everyone chorused.

Vincent had made a choice earlier as he dressed for the holiday party: he could live without wearing his colors for one evening. Out of respect for Tina and her family, he decided to give them some time to adjust to the idea of their daughter living with a 1%er. Yes, he'd asked Tina to move into the clubhouse full time until they bought a house together. She wanted to use some of her settlement money for the down payment.

Mr. Bethel handed Vincent a bowl of mashed potatoes, then the gravy boat. Everything smelled good.

“I received a hand-delivered notice from James and Bronte yesterday,” Tina offered as she spooned some dressing on her plate. “Kline Barnes relocated to San Antonio. The hospitals there offer better rehabilitation programs. And the donation to the women's shelter was made in my name.”

“That's wonderful news, sweetie,” her mom said.

“Did you get an address on Kline?” her dad asked. “I'd like to check on him once in a while, make sure he stays where he belongs.”

The nondisclosure agreement forbade Tina from discussing the settlement outside her family unit. It seemed Mr. James possessed the wisdom to foresee her need to share her experience with her parents. For that, Vincent was grateful. He watched lovingly as she interacted with her parents and brother, desperately missing his sons. No longer satisfied with weekly phone calls and the occasional sleepover, he'd decided to change things. Just how, he didn't know yet.

After the meal, they played Call of Duty with Dustin for a couple of hours, then decided to visit the clubhouse for dessert.

“You'll come back tomorrow for brunch?” Tina's mother asked as she hugged Vincent goodbye. “It's a Bethel family tradition.”

“Only if you'll let me make the mimosas,” he whispered near her ear. “I like to add rum sometimes.”

She smiled and squeezed him again. “I've never thought about adding rum—what a novel idea.”

Tina embraced her father and brother, then kissed her mom. “Eleven sharp,” she said as they stepped outside.

“Your mother bakes a mean turkey.”

“Turducken,” Tina corrected, her eyes twinkling in the fading sunlight. “Thank you for coming. I know family gatherings can be uncomfortable.”

“Not with you.”

Her smile rivaled the sunset. “So am I following you, or do you want to leave your bike here until tomorrow?”

“Actually…” He gripped her hand and walked her to his Harley.

She spotted the black leather jacket and half helmet sitting on his seat right away. “What's that?”

“For you.”

He always felt an incredible sense of achievement whenever he surprised her. She lifted the jacket, finding the Property of Vincent patch on the back. “Is this a joke?”

That one hurt, but he deserved it after the tongue lashing he gave her at the café weeks ago. “Remember what I told you, Tina? My bike is sacred territory. The honor of sitting on the back is reserved for the next woman I fall in love with.”

“Yes.”

“That's you, baby. What do you say, want to go for a ride?”

The jacket fit like a glove, hugging her slim waist and arms. “There's one condition,” she said, as she zipped up.

He'd seen her negotiating skills at James and Bronte; the girl had game. “What?”

“I've decided to open my own practice with some of the money. And since I'm the new girl, I desperately need a first client.”

“Me?”

She nodded enthusiastically. “Time to request a new custody hearing, Vincent. Those boys need you. I need you. The whole fucking world needs you.”

He chuckled, unable to deny the woman he loved anything. “Okay. But what's your retainer fee?”

“Two hundred and fifty an hour.”

He picked her up and spun her around. “For that kind of money, you better do something special.”

“Oh I will, once we get back to the clubhouse.”

He buckled the helmet chin strap for her, then straddled his bike. “Wrap those legs and arms around me.”

She slid behind him, resting her feet on the foot pegs. As soon as her arms locked around him, and he felt her perfect tits against his back, he started the bike. It rumbled to life underneath them. He snapped the throttle, loving the sound of that engine almost as much as he did Tina.

Fucking perfect night,
he thought as he pulled into traffic.
Actually, a perfect life.
For the first time, Vincent had everything he wanted. He'd hoped and dreamed for years to find the right woman. And now he had a real shot at getting his sons back.

They arrived at the clubhouse a half hour later, the party well under way. Kids were running around outside, the industrial-sized grill pumping the air full of mesquite-scented smoke. Vincent guided Tina through the crowd, several Brothers eyeing her jacket. Silent, congratulatory nods were answered by Vincent's pride-filled smile. He knew how blessed he was. Tina actually added prestige to the old ladies. He shook hands with Arni and kissed his wife on the cheek before they went inside to grab a couple of drinks.

“So this is what a celebration looks like at the clubhouse,” Tina observed.

“Like it?”

“I like you.”

Call him pathetic, but every time she expressed her adoration, it made his heart swell…and something else. He kissed the top of her head, laughter from a few kids hanging out by the big screen prompting feelings of regret for not having his sons around. “I wish the boys were here.”

Tina squeezed his hand. “Soon. Just say the word and I'll file that motion.”

Nothing stood in his way now, except himself. And since she'd so generously offered to legally represent him, there was really no reason to put it off. His ex-wife had taken advantage of his silence for too long. Sons needed their fathers. And the meal with Tina's family reminded him of that. Her adopted brother, Dustin, was happy and well adjusted. He wanted the same for his boys. An equal chance to raise them. Unlike his ex, he'd share the responsibility willingly. They deserved to know both of their parents.

“Vincent.” J.T. approached with a grin.

“Brother.” Vincent embraced him.

“Happy Thanksgiving, J.T.,” Tina said.

“Looks more like Christmas to me.” J.T. whistled at her new leathers. “Give me one of those model pivots. I want to see that patch.”

Tina slowly turned, pausing with her back to J.T.

“I never thought I'd see the day when you'd let a woman ride on your bike. I'm happy for both of you.”

“Thank you.” Tina gave J.T. a hug. “Now what about you?”

“Me?” J.T. took a long swig of beer. “I'm too young to settle down. Twenty-five and living a dream.”

“Too young?” Vincent repeated sarcastically. “Just too stubborn—something I remember you telling me a few months back.”

“Maybe.”

“I have a couple of single girlfriends,” Tina offered.

J.T. held up his hand. “Take it easy on me. If I wanted an old lady, I'd drive to Colorado and drag Violet back here like a caveman.”

“Violet?” Vincent asked. “That girl you picked up from the Denver Art Museum on our last long-distance run? The one who ran screaming from the clubhouse?”

“Yeah.” J.T.'s smile faded to a frown. “She didn't run, Brother, she walked out.”

Tina wrapped her arm around J.T.'s waist. “You like her?”

He nodded. “More than I should.”

“Then don't let her slip away.” Tina stepped back and took Vincent's hand. “Think we could take another short ride before dessert?”

“Anything for you.” Vincent fist-bumped J.T., then walked Tina outside.

He felt like an asshole for pressing J.T. The man obviously had his own demons to contend with. Love had punched Vincent in the gut a few times until recently. And he wanted nothing but the best for his favorite Brother. J.T. had shown how valuable he was to the club. And if Vincent were ever president, he'd choose J.T. as his vice. That's how much he respected and trusted him with his life.

After he climbed on his bike, Tina perched behind him, her arms once again locked around his center. “I love you, Tina.”

“Promise to say that to me again and again.”

Vincent laughed and started his Harley.

As the wind whipped through his hair, he chanted the Sons of Odin creed.
Live hard. Die hard.
Now a third part needed to be added.
Love hard.

And he would, forever.

The book is dedicated to Holly R., with all my love.

Thanks to Jill Marsal and Sue Grimshaw for believing in this series.

Hugs to Scarlett Cole and Jessica Jefferson. I'm grateful for all the wonderful ladies who are part of my street team, Violetta's Valkyries.

Deepest appreciation for my readers who continue to support my books—none of this would be possible without you.

Surrender

Seduction

Sin

Loving Lucas

Persuasion

Possession

Property of J.T.
(coming soon)

PHOTO: DAVID JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

V
IOLETTA
R
AND
holds a bachelor's degree in environmental policy and a master's degree in environmental management. Having served as an environmental scientist in the state of Alaska for over seven years, she enjoys the privilege of traveling to remote places few people have the opportunity to see.

Violetta has been in love with writing since childhood. Struck with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, at five she wrote short stories illustrated by her best friend and sold them in her neighborhood. The only thing she loves more than writing is her wonderful relationship with her husband, Jeff. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading whatever she can get her hands on, music, and losing herself in the worlds she loves bringing to life in the pages of her stories.

violettarandromance.com

Facebook.com/​ViolettaRandRomance

@ViolettaRand

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