Chapter 25

TWENTY-FIVE

Hollis

Life had a funny way of surprising me. Just a few months ago, I never would have imagined I'd be living with Dimitri and Olive in a cozy little house on the outskirts of town, let alone that I'd become part of a motorcycle club community. But here I was, finding joy in life's unexpected twists and turns.

Our home was warm and inviting, perfectly blending Dimitri's rugged charm and my love for cozy, eclectic decor. Olive had her room filled with toys, books, and bright colors, making her smile every time she walked in. Luna was growing like a little weed, bouncing around the house with more energy than any of us. Most unexpected of all, though, was how attached Dimitri was to the kitten. You could find him carrying Luna around in the early morning or cuddling with the kitten on the porch in the mornings, holding her under his chin. Our living room was a mix of leather and lace, with Dimitri's vintage bike parts and my soft, floral touches creating a unique harmony.

"Mommy, look at this!" Olive called out, holding up a drawing she'd just finished. It was a colorful scribble that vaguely resembled our family, complete with a tiny motorcycle in the background.

"That's beautiful, sweetheart," I said, pulling her into a hug. "You did a great job."

Life with Dimitri was everything I had hoped for and more. He was a loving partner, ensuring Olive and I felt safe and cherished. His rough exterior hid a heart of gold, and every day, I found new reasons to fall in love with him. We spent evenings cooking dinner together, playing with Olive, and discussing our day. It was a simple life, but it was ours and perfect .

One of the best surprises was the friendship I'd formed with Helena. Maddox's fiancée welcomed me into the fold with open arms. We often spent time together these last few weeks planning her and Maddox's wedding. She had been open about her experiences growing up in the club, which helped make me more comfortable with having Olive around the MC atmosphere.

"Are you excited for the BBQ today?" Helena asked as she helped me pack up some of the food we'd been preparing. While the club had the event catered, Helena explained that all of the families brought pot-luck items to help round out the food tables.

"Definitely," I replied, smiling. "Olive can't stop talking about it. She's been bouncing off the walls all morning."

Helena laughed. "It's going to be fun. The club always goes all out for these events. Lots of games, good food, and everyone just having a great time. "

I nodded, feeling a warm sense of belonging. Despite its tough exterior, the motorcycle club was a family at heart. They had welcomed Olive and me without hesitation, and I was grateful for their acceptance. We had gone to the Open Road for lunch a few times and met some of the personalities that made up the regular crew. I particularly had a soft spot for Whitney. He was like a grumpy grandpa. He was teaching Olive to play chess.

Once everything was packed, we loaded the car and got Olive buckled. Seat belts weren't her favorite, so I always had to double-check that they were on. I had learned the hard way that the little sneak didn't always tell the truth. She still used a little booster since she was on the shorter side, so the belt sat correctly, but she didn't like it.

The drive to the club headquarters was filled with Olive's excited chatter and Helena's infectious laughter. Dimitri had been there all day and had taken his bike. He said he was setting up a special surprise .

As we pulled up to the club's compound, I was struck by its transformation. The usually intimidating space was now buzzing with life. Banners and colorful streamers hung from the buildings, and the smell of grilled food filled the air. A large area was set up with carnival games, bouncy houses, and even a small petting zoo. It was a motorcycle club scene, but it was family-friendly and welcoming.

"Wow, they went all out," I said, impressed.

"They always do," Helena replied, smiling. "My dad used to do this too. It was one of my favorite things about the MC." Linking arms with me, she said, "Let's find a spot to set up."

We found a picnic table near the games and laid out our food. Olive immediately ran off to join some other kids at the bouncy house, her laughter ringing above the din.

"Hey, ladies," Maddox greeted us as he kissed Helena and nodded at me. "Glad you could make it. "

"Wouldn't miss it," I replied, grinning. "This place looks amazing."

"Credit goes to the whole club," Maddox said, looking around with pride. "Everyone pitches in to make these events special."

The BBQ became a blur of joyful moments as the day went on. Dimitri joined us at the table, his arm draped casually around my shoulders as we watched Olive play. Members of the club and their families mingled, sharing stories and laughter. The atmosphere was relaxed and happy, starkly contrasting to what I had imagined it would be like. I wasn't kidding myself; I knew he chose to live with one foot in the light and one foot in the grey, but I loved him. Friends and family, what more could I ask for? Olive and I were so lucky.

"Hollis, you have to try these," Helena said, passing me a plate of barbequed ribs. "Whitney makes them. They're fantastic."

I took a bite and nodded appreciatively. "You're right. Those are good. "

I leaned into Dimitri, feeling content. "This is nice," I said softly.

He kissed the top of my head. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. You and Olive deserve days like this."

As the sun set, the kids gathered for a game of sack racing, their laughter echoing across the field. Olive was in the lead, her face lit up with pure joy. Watching her, I felt a swell of pride and happiness.

"She's thriving here," Helena said, nudging me gently.

"Yeah, she is," I agreed, my eyes never leaving Olive. "We both are."

The day ended with a bonfire, everyone gathering around to roast marshmallows and share stories. The sense of community was palpable, a reminder that family wasn't just about blood; it was about the people who stood by you, celebrated your joys, and supported you through your struggles.

As we packed up to leave, Olive, tired but happy, climbed into Dimitri's arms, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for today," I said to Helena, hugging her. "It was perfect."

"Anytime," she replied, smiling. "Welcome to the family, Hollis."

Driving home, the day's warmth lingered, filling me with peace. I glanced at Dimitri, his hand resting on mine, and Olive, sleeping soundly in the backseat. This was our life now, filled with love, laughter, and a community that embraced us.

And I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect.

Dimitri had carried Olive to her room, tucking her between her yellow pillows and brushing aside her curls, not even minding her sticky cotton-candy cheeks. I'd peeked in and watched as he sat beside her for a moment in reverent silence. More than anything, moments like that convinced me that I'd done the right thing. I'd catch him watching Olive or me with something akin to wonder like he'd won the lottery. He felt lucky that we were here.

I returned to our room and got ready for bed. Arizona was cooler in the evening, but it was still a lot to get used to—hot. Thank goodness that Dimitri had updated the house with air conditioning. There was no way I could have done without it during the day, especially.

Stretching out between the sheets, I waited for Dimitri, shifting my thighs together. He gave me a knowing look when he came into the room. "Looking restless, malysh ."

There was no doubt that I craved him. He was a magician in and out of bed, knowing how to work my body to a frenzy. I'd say he was insatiable, but that would imply that I wasn't just as hungry. Even now, as he closed the door and shucked out of his clothes, I could feel how wet I was.

"Let me see you. Spread those pretty thighs for me." He stroked his cock as he came forward, pumping it up and down, moisture gathering at the tip. I reached a finger down and swirled around the tip, spreading it. Then, I brought it to my lips, watching him the whole time. His eyes darkened.

"I want you so much. Right now. Don't wait."

Hooking one of my legs over his shoulder, he slid to the hilt, groaning when he bottomed out. "Fuck, your pussy is choking me. It's the best feeling. Like it has a heartbeat in there."

I groaned. "Move, please." He hummed with pleasure and stroked in and out slowly, kissing me gently, too gently — torturously. "More."

"Are you going to marry me, malysh ? Stay with me?" He thrust forward again. "Make a life with me? Never leave. "

He picked up the pace, grinding against my clit as the words reverberated. "Are you serious … fuck … harder, Dima." He obliged, swinging the other leg up and fucking me deeper and harder.

"That's right. Let go for me. You'll come, and then we'll do it all over again. I'm going to make a mess of you until you say yes. Reach down and feel us, malysh . Feel us together," he commanded.

Blindly I reached a hand down to where we were joined, jumping as my hand traveled over my sensitive clit, my palm landing there as my fingers split around his cock. My eyes nearly rolled back in my head. I wasn't so sure why the feeling was so erotic, his thrusting and my fingers, the feel of my hand there against my clit. The orgasm blindsided me, stars shattering behind my eyes.

"Fucking hell," Dimitri muttered as he pumped one more time and then pulsed into me, the warmth of his release filling me and trickling down my thighs. He kissed my temple. "I love you, Hollis. So much. Will you marry me then? Make me the happiest me on earth? "

There was no stutter as I agreed, "Yes, I'll marry you." He'd mentioned marrying me in the previous weeks, and I'd considered it. If he were serious, I wouldn't say no to this man, this life.

"You'll give me babies? Let me adopt Olive. We can get a dog, right?" He gave me a hopeful look so cute that I had to giggle.

"Olive would love that." So would I. The thought that she would have a father after all was something I never thought she would get: a family. "Babies? Multiple? Let's start with one. A dog? We can think about it."

"I can work with that," he smirked at me and rolled away to the nightstand. "I was working on a big proposal but couldn't wait," he admitted. He opened the drawer and pulled out a velvet box.

Rising on my elbows, I watched, dumbfounded, as he slid the ring onto my finger. Holy shit. It was a magnificent emerald-cut diamond solitaire that had to be three carats. It was a little too big, if I were honest, but I supposed I'd get used to it.

"I wasn't sure what kind of band you wanted. The lady said it was popular right now to get stackers?" He scrunched his nose up. "I still don't know what the fuck those are. She tried to explain them, but I was confused. I even asked Maddox, but he was more confused than me. He got off easy because he got an all-in-one." He frowned, looking grumpy, thinking it over.

Laughing at him, I held my hand out, admiring the ring. "I love it! A wedding band is what I want. To tie you to me until you can't get away." I pulled him back to me.

A husband.

A family.

I couldn't believe that I was going to be so lucky.

He settled the white sheets over us like a cloud.