Chapter 38

It's Christmas morning,and I'm lying in bed wondering how this became my life. I'm waking up in Steel's bed, but we're not together. I have no plans with any family and that's what today is supposed to be about. Instead, I'll be spending it with my newfound family: Hell's Mayhem MC.

Are they really even mine if I'm not Steel's?

Last night, Kiki took me into town to get a few gifts, and I can't wait to see their faces when they open them. I was even able to sneak something in my bags for her without her knowing. Being in town made me realize how much I miss my job. I ended up texting Barron when we got back to the clubhouse, asking if I could come back after New Year's Day.

Of course, he was thrilled I'd be returning and told me the timing was perfect. I'm so thankful that Steel updated him on everything that went down and Barron was understanding.

As soon as I put my phone down, a cold sweat rushed over me and my throat felt like it was closing up as I second-guessed my decision.

Remembering what Holly said about listing something, I picked Christmas items and started at A.

However, that didn't work. Neither did Steel's soothing words and touch. Finally, I decided to call Holly and have her work through it with me. She didn't even bat an eye that I was calling her on Christmas Eve.

We worked through my panic and got my breathing back under control before having a small session to figure out what triggered me.

That is how I came to my decision, and now I need to tell Steel. It will have to wait until after our small gift exchange, and definitely when we're alone, because while I'm hopeful, I don't know how he will react. But it's time I stop leading him on, even though that's never been my intention, and tell him I want to be with him.

The clubhouse is lit up with the flickering glow of Christmas lights, casting a festive atmosphere over the bar and seating area. Steel and I sit sideways across from Gabe, Marni, and Kiki—the few left at the clubhouse on this fun holiday morning.

Steel reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box, a mischievous glint in his eye. With a dramatic flair, he hands it to me.

"What's this?" I ask, a grin spreading across my face as I accept the box.

"Open it and find out," Steel replies, his voice tinged with playfulness.

My fingers tremble slightly as I lift the lid, revealing a silver chain with a pendant attached. My eyebrows shoot up in surprise as I look at the necklace, noticing a small button on the back of the pendant.

"A GPS tracker?" I question, not positive that's what it is, but I have a good hunch.

Steel chuckles, his gaze softening as he meets my eyes. "Yeah. No matter what happens, if you need me, I'm there. Always."

A lump forms in my throat as I look at Steel, my heart filling with gratitude. "Thank you," I whisper as my breath hitches.

It's my turn to play Santa. I pull out four wrapped gifts, one for each of my new friends. I hand Kiki hers first, and she tears into the wrapping paper with a huge smile on her face. Her eyes widen in surprise when she sees a tentacle dildo. She lets out a delighted squeal.

"Iggie, you're a legend!"

Handing Marni her gift, I watch eagerly as she slowly unwraps it.

"I've not gotten a gift on Christmas in years." She rolls the paper into a ball and sets it on the table. "This is too much."

"No, you've mentioned you might want to go to college. This will help you apply and do homework." She holds the new laptop to her chest and smiles at me as a tear rolls down her cheek.

"Thank you."

Next up is Gabe, who quickly tears into his present, revealing a Funko Pop figure of his favorite Walking Dead character. His face lights up with excitement as he holds the figurine up, a grin spreading from ear to ear.

"Dude, this is awesome!"

Finally, it's Steel's turn. I watch as he unwraps his gift, a sleek black leather belt with a silver buckle, along with a new knife. His eyes widen in appreciation as he examines the craftsmanship, and a wide grin spreads across his face.

"Damn, baby, this is amazing!"

As the festivities continue, my phone buzzes with a text message. I glance down at the screen.

Draco: Raincheck on today. My cousin is having her baby, and my mom wants me to take her up to the hospital.

Me: Okay. No problem. Merry Christmas!!!

The girlsand Gabe excuse themselves to put away their gifts and call their families. Well, Marni is going with Kiki to call hers because she's not in contact with the family she has left.

I'm left alone in the main part of the clubhouse with Steel. Knowing it's now or never, I take a deep breath, readying myself for the conversation ahead.

"Hey, I need to talk to you about something."

Steel looks up, his gaze searching my face for clues. "What's on your mind, Iggie?"

"I'm going to sell my house. And before you ask, I've spoken to Holly, and she agreed it's a good move for me."

Steel smirks. "It's your house, babe. You can sell, rent, or burn it down. Whatever makes you happy."

"I'll need a place to stay when it sells. The market is hot right now, so I have no doubt it will go fast." I worry my bottom lip, hoping he asks me to stay or more like tells me I can stay longer.

"That's a predicament." He rubs his chin. "Do you know if you want to buy another house or rent? Draco will be here full time so maybe you two can get a place together."

My heart beats faster in my chest. Did I overstay my welcome? Has he rethought his feelings for me? Or maybe he just doesn't want to assume I'm asking to stay since I didn't come right out and say it? I also haven't told him where we stand since I've been back and he's always worrying after me. I need to just lay all my cards on the table.

"I'm not sure. But I know that before I make a decision, there is someone I need to talk to about my feelings for them."

"Oh, and who would that be?" he asks, one side of his lips turned up cockily.

"Just this guy I met selling jeans a few weeks back."

He smiles at me and stands up suddenly, holding a hand out to me. "Take a drive with me."

* * *

The twinkle ofChristmas lights shines as Steel and I cruise through the quiet streets.

As we drive, the weight of unspoken words hangs heavy between us. I take a deep breath, steeling myself.

"Steel," I begin, my voice soft. "Our relationship... It can only work if there are no secrets or lies. Everything has to be out in the open, no matter how dark or fucked up it is."

Steel nods, his expression serious. "I understand and agree," he says, his voice firm. "So you're saying there is an us?"

Relief flows through me as I reach over and grab his hand, bringing it to my lips, pressing a gentle kiss to his knuckles. "Ashton Steel," I say his legal name, a smile spreading across my face. "Will you be mine?"

Steel's response is immediate and filled with warmth as he growls, pulling me into a heated kiss. "Yes," he murmurs against my lips.

I can't help but laugh. "Keep your eyes on the road, Biker Boy," I tease.

We continue to ride in comfortable silence, just holding hands and enjoying the time together. Eventually, Steel turns off the main road into a quiet neighborhood not far from the clubhouse. He parks the truck on the side of the road and turns to me with a grin.

"I have a surprise for you."

My brows draw together, curious about what's going on and why we're here. "Where are we?"

"Well, Baby. It was a huge leap and you could have told me to shove it… hell, you might yet. But I took the leap anyway, knowing how I feel about you. This is our home, if you say yes."

My mouth drops open in complete disbelief. "What about the club?"

"I don't have to live there and you shouldn't have to, either. Move into this house with me. Our house. Better yet, be my old man."

My lips curl automatically. "Eww. No. I can't use that term. It's even worse than old lady." I laugh.

Steel rolls his eyes and looks at me, his mesmerizing brown eyes locking on mine. "I don't care about the term. Just be mine."

"Yes."

Steel closes the distance between us, his hand reaching out to cup the back of my head.

I lean into his touch, my breath catching in my throat as I feel the warmth of his hand wrapped in my blond locks. His lips crash against mine in a devouring kiss. It's possessive and eager, an exploration of each other's warmth and sweetness.

Time stands still as we lose ourselves in the heat of the moment, our hearts beating in perfect rhythm.

When we finally break apart, breathless and puffy-lipped, I know this is just the beginning of a love story waiting to be told.

Steel reaches into the backseat and pulls out a black leather jacket that matches his. Only it says Iggie and ‘Property of Steel'.

I take it from him and sniff the rich leather before looking at him. "So, when can we move in?"