Boomer

Today was a stressful day for me. Watching Bella talk to all four of the guys—my friends, and seeing them kiss and hug her made me want to go in and tell them hands-off. I'd never been a jealous guy. In her case, it wasn't so much jealousy as it was worry. I didn't have any strong ties to her yet. She could easily change her mind. Once I was secure in the knowledge she was all mine, then I'd be able to relax.

She'd given me a hard time all the way to her car. I shut her up by kissing her again, then sending her home. Damn, she drove me wild in so many ways. I knew she'd make me crazy, and sometimes not in a good way, but I was looking forward to it. I hadn't wasted time going back to the compound so I could get ready, then go back and pick her up. I refused to meet her. Besides, if I did, she'd know where we were going, and she might refuse.

When I picked her up at six, I drove my car. It wasn't because I didn't want her on my bike, because I did. It was so she wouldn't get cold. As we drove to our destination, I kept her talking, hoping she wouldn't see where we were headed. It worked about halfway, and then she glanced around. I saw the frown come across her face.

"Boomer, where are we going?"

"You'll see. I want to talk to you about something important."

"What?" She was distracted again.

"My name."

"Your name? What about it?"

"Boomer is my club name, and everyone calls me that. It's a matter of respect to be called by your road name, but with you, when it's just us, I want you to call me Brayden. It's what bikers and their ladies do."

"Are you sure you don't want to wait? I mean, I know it's serious from Londyn. You and I have just agreed to try dating. Shouldn't we wait?"

"I'll do everything I can to make us last, but it doesn't change the fact I want you to use my name."

"Then I'd love to use it, Brayden." She sent me a sweet smile as she said my name.

Hearing my name on her lips made me want to pull the car over and kiss her. It was hard not to, but our conversation had gotten me closer to our final destination. She'd know for sure now where we were headed, and I didn't want to stop the car. She might jump out and try to run.

Two minutes later, she checked out our surroundings, and she knew. She grabbed my arm. "Boomer, I mean Brayden! No, we can't go there. It's too soon. Oh my God, are you trying to rub it in?"

"I'm not rubbing it in. I merely want to tell my family who they can expect to see me with and why. I know the four of them will be there. You were planning to tell them anyway. I want to be there when you do."

"Yes, but not in their face like this or all together. Not with witnesses! We can't."

"We are. Acting like you did something wrong isn't the way to go. You were honest with them, and they have to respect it. Unless those three suddenly fuck up and get kicked out, all of them will be my brothers too, and you'll see them all the time. I don't want it to become a problem. Being open and honest upfront will help prevent it."

I saw she wasn't totally on board, but as the minutes passed and she remained quiet, I hoped it meant she was coming to see it from my point of view. She didn't say another word until we were coming through the gate.

"I'll do this, but don't think you can make all the decisions, and I'll just fall into line. I won't. Push hard enough, and you'll lose me."

I parked, then turned to her. "If I'm pushing too hard and making you think that, you have to tell me bluntly. So, tell me, is this wrong, and you absolutely don't want to do it?"

I hated hearing her say I could lose her. I'd work harder on not just taking control. I waited for her answer. She studied me before sighing. "I'll do it, but if it starts to get dicey, I want you to promise me we'll go before it gets ugly. You're right about having us all comfortable around each other, but I don't want to shove it down their throats."

"I promise not to shove it down their throats. Now, let me introduce you to the club."

I got out as I was saying the last bit. I walked around to open her door. As I opened it and held out my hand, she rolled her eyes at me. "Brayden, I've already been introduced to the club."

"Not as my lady, you haven't. It's Sunday night, so it should be a relaxing, quiet night in the clubhouse. We can hang out for a while, then do something else. And I won't forget to feed you either."

Her laugh made me smile. I was standing tall when I walked into the clubhouse with her on my arm. I knew she was apprehensive. I felt the tension in her. There were quite a few people there. They were chattering and hanging out. Slowly, their voices died down when they noticed us. When we came through the gate, none of the prospects were guarding it, which I was glad of. The same couldn't be said for inside. I caught sight of Ashes and Dragon almost immediately. I saw the shock, which morphed into displeasure on both their faces.

I didn't want them making a scene and causing her to be upset, so I narrowed my eyes and slowly shook my head. I think they got the message, but we'd have to see. As I moved on, I saw various degrees of surprise and some smirks. In the case of Londyn and Torpedo, there was mild interest, which told me Bella had talked to her friend. I expected nothing less and would guess Diane knew as well. Torpedo gave me a chin lift, telling me he accepted it as long as I didn't mess with her. Londyn nodded.

Bella was becoming more uncomfortable. I started us moving toward the bar. A drink might be in order to settle her nerves. As we got to it, the others came to life and approached us. Before they asked anything, I faced Dragon. He was manning the bar. Prospects always did if we had someone doing it. There was no way around it. He was still clenching his jaw. Bella stepped back and into my chest.

"Babe, it's alright. He'll be fine. You need a drink. You're so tense you're almost shaking. What will you have? Quick, the others are coming."

She looked over her shoulder at me. There was a slightly panicked expression on her face. I hated at that moment that I made her do this. I should've waited. Fuck, I needed to get her out of here.

"Come on, we'll go. I'm not making you stay and be miserable. I'm sorry. Tell me where you want me to take you." I figured she'd tell me home.

"It is tense, but we're here. It's no use running. Let's get it over with. I doubt it would've been any better if we had waited. I'll have a Jack and Coke."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. Hurry. The ladies are circling. I'm about to be swept away. If I don't come back in an hour, come save me," she said with a slight grin.

"I promise to rescue you no matter who has you."

Raising my head, I met Dragon's stare. He had watched us but wasn't able to hear what we said. His mouth was a little less tight, although he wasn't happy. I wouldn't be either if I were in his shoes. "She'll have a Jack and Coke, and I'll have a beer."

He got to work on them without a word. The hum of voices behind us was growing. I knew they'd descend as soon as we had our drinks. When he slid the drinks in front of us, I nodded my thanks, and Bella said hers.

"Thank you, Dragon."

His face softened. "You're welcome, Bella, always."

Someone yelling his name broke the moment, and he moved off. It was my cue, so I put my arm around her waist to steer her away and to a table if we were lucky. However, my luck ran out. She was lightly grabbed by Londyn, who smiled at me. "We're taking her. Don't try to stop us, Boomer. We'll fight for her."

I had to fight not to laugh. "I won't stop you, but if you all get too crazy or have her too long, I'll be coming to get her," I warned her.

Londyn, the shit, saluted me then they were off. A wave of them went to a large table. I had no doubt those not here would be or already had gotten a text to get here. The same for the missing brothers and prospects. I was snapped out of my thoughts when Torpedo threw his arm around my shoulders.

"We need to talk. Come with me."

I let him lead me to the opposite side of the room as my woman. God, thinking of her being called my woman made me want to smile. As we sat, the other seats quickly filled up with more brothers. When they were full, the rest stood around us. Daredevil and Vicious weren't among them. I wondered when they'd arrive.

"Talk about surprising the fuck outta people. What the hell happened with you and Bella? She went on a date last night with Daredevil. Are you and her on one tonight?" Fang asked.

"I guess you'd call this a date," I acknowledged.

"Dragon and Ashes don't look happy. Shit, that makes what, seven total she's trying to decide between. Or is it just casual, and she's seeing all of you?" he asked.

I bristled at the implication behind it. "Bella isn't a goddamn slut or whore. She's not dating all of us or anything else. Yes, she went on one date with each guy to see if there was any connection between her and one of us. I don't want to hear anyone say otherwise," I snapped.

"Hey, I meant no offense. I didn't think it sounded like her, either. So, she'll make her choice after tonight," was Fang's response.

"I think she's already made it. Am I right?" Trident asked. He was smirking.

"She has. She and I are officially pursuing a relationship. I know the others aren't happy, but she told each of them her decision earlier today. The only thing she didn't do was tell them who she chose. I wanted us to get it out of the way so she can be comfortable when she's here and around anyone in the club. She's here to stay, and everyone better be fucking nice to her," I warned.

"Well, goddamn, you plan to claim her, don't you?" This was out of a surprised-sounding Talon.

"Damn right, I am. I just have to wait until she's gotten used to there being an us. You bastards know what it's like."

"We do. We're just kinda shocked you went that way after the way you acted, even though we know how you reacted to her. It's good to see. Just make sure you don't fuck her over. She's a keeper," Cuffs added.

"She is. I don't━," I was cut off by the door opening and seeing Daredevil and right behind him was Vicious. They came hurrying inside. The way they scanned the room and the looks on their faces told me someone told them we were here together. Daredevil appeared upset, but V appeared thunderous. I knew he'd be the one to react the worst even before his fist slamming on the table at the café. He would never hurt her, I didn't think, but I could see him taking a swing at me, patch be damned. I didn't want him to get his ass kicked out, so I'd have to navigate this sticky situation carefully.

It didn't take a genius to figure out who was in the big group of men. They came straight for us. I stood, and those standing around the table moved back a little. Daredevil got to me first and stared intently at me. I waited. I saw Wrecker whispering in V's ear.

"I can't believe you got her to give you a chance. You're not a guy who commits, Boomer. You fuck ‘em and leave. You're not the guy for her, and you'll end up hurting her. When you do, I'll be there to make her alright again. Prepare yourself."

Daredevil's assertion he'd have her pissed me off. "Look who's talking. You've never had a committed relationship, so what makes you different from me? Hell, most of the guys here had few to none of them, and they settled down great. All it takes is the right woman. Bella is that woman for me. You can wait all you want, but I don't plan to fuck this up, so I wouldn't pin your hopes on having her. And remember, I'll fight to keep what's mine."

He snorted. "We'll see. I'll be watching."

"Watch away. You'd be better off searching for the woman meant to be yours."

He gave me the middle finger before stomping off. He was headed toward the door to leave. I was distracted from watching him to be sure he didn't go over to confront her because Vicious got in my face. Well, as close as he could, being a few inches shorter. I raised my eyebrows at him.

"You motherfucker! You just had to do it, didn't you? How the hell did you blackmail her into giving you a chance?"

"I didn't blackmail her. I know you're disappointed. I get it, but she's meant to be mine. I don't know what else to tell you and the others. It wasn't done to hurt you. I can't help the way I feel about her." I wanted to keep it calm. I glanced over to see Bella anxiously standing with the ladies. Londyn and Sara had their hands on her shoulders. She was biting her bottom lip. I sent her a smile, hoping it would help her to relax. It set V off.

"Don't be giving her those looks like you're not gonna hurt her. I bet you won't be able to keep your cock in your pants for a week. You fuck everything and anything that comes in this clubhouse or you meet in town. You grew up in a club that doesn't respect women."

Anger flooded me. He wasn't wrong about my dad's club. I'd talked about them to him and others. They didn't believe in fidelity to their old ladies. It was one reason my parents split up when I was a kid, even though Mom had let him be a part of my life.

"You don't know a fucking thing! Yeah, my dad's club was shitty for the most part. They cheated on their wives and old ladies at the drop of a hat. They traded them in too, but your jab about me not keeping my cock in my pants for a week is bullshit. I'm with Bella, which means she's the only one I'll be sleeping with. You've never had a girlfriend, so you don't know shit. And I wouldn't talk about who I've been with like you haven't done the same. You're no angel, V. If she'd picked you, I bet you wouldn't have been faithful a day." I threw in the last part as a taunt to pay him back for saying I would cheat. No woman interested me but her.

I guess it was too much. He let out a roar, and his fist came up and back. I heard Bella scream no. The roar of voices swelled. I was prepared for it and willing to go at it with him, but it would be my way. Executioner grabbed him, and they were arguing.

"If he wants to go around with me, I'll do it, but it'll be in the ring where it belongs. That way, he doesn't throw his chance at patching away."

If he punched me, that was it. He'd be out. However, if we did a bout in the ring where disputes were usually resolved, then he'd be safe. It was open to members and prospects alike. I waited to see what he'd do. In addition to Executioner, Saint was talking to him. I knew the moment Vicious decided. His fist came down. He was still glaring at me, though.

"Fine. The ring it is. I want it now."

"Give me fifteen minutes with Bella, then I'll be there. I need to make sure she's alright."

"Go see to her. We'll be in the gym when you're ready," Saint answered for him. As I walked off to go to her, they took V with them.

She was crying when I got to the ladies. I pulled her out of Londyn and Sara's arms and into mine. I kissed her head. "Shh, it's alright. No crying baby," I whispered to her.

"No, it's not alright. You guys are going to fight. This is all my fault. I should've never come here or gone out with anyone."

This was a private talk. I swept her up in my arms and strode down the hall to go out the back to my trailer. It only took a minute to get there. When we got inside, I sank down on the couch with her on my lap. I pushed back her hair so she'd look at me.

"Bella, I need you to listen to me. If we want to get past this, I have to let V have his shot. If not, it'll fester. The ring is in our gym and it's where we work out disputes. If he hits me outside of it, he's done. We'll have to kick him out, but if we do it in there, it's all good."

"But I don't want you to fight because of me."

"Men fight, babe. It's how we're wired. I promise no one will let it get out of hand. We won't seriously hurt each other. I need you to stop crying so I can concentrate. Can you do that?"

She sniffed a few times, but the tears had stopped. She gave me a slow nod.

"Good. Listen, you stay here. I'll ask Londyn to come sit with you."

"No, if you're doing this, I'm going to be there. If you two knuckleheads get out of hand, I'll smack sense into both of you. You'd better not, or you'll have them see you get your ass kicked by me," she said, followed by a tiny growl.

The way she was acting was cute and sexy. I had no choice but to kiss the hell out of her. As the kiss got hotter, I had to break it off. I needed to address V before I got lost in her. She whimpered when I did. I chuckled. "Enough for now, my little bombshell."

"Bombshell! Are you seriously calling me that? Why?"

"Because you're sexy as hell and have a feisty side, and you exploded into my life, blowing everything up in a good way. For a guy who loves to blow shit up, bombshell is a damn compliment."

"Well, since you put it that way, then I guess it's alright. Just promise to be careful and don't hurt him too much. He's just disappointed, I guess."

"He is, and I don't blame him. Okay, we need to get a move on. Why don't you splash some water on your face, then we'll go to the gym and get this over with?"

She snorted as she got off my lap. "Is that your nice way of telling me my makeup is a mess and I have raccoon eyes from my mascara?"

I grinned, "Maybe."

She laughed and smacked my chest. "Show me to the bathroom so we can get this ass kicking over with. You owe me dinner when you're done. I'm hungry."

I got up and took her to it. I gave her a kiss before I left her. "Deal," I said.