Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

Dallas

FOR TWO WEEKS, I've been going out of my mind with all the possible things that can happen by using me as bait. Titan and I have talked about everything and we know everything that can happen. We're both worried and hoping that the worst case scenarios don't happen, but we're as prepared as we can be if something does go wrong and Norbert gets his hands on me. I'm not sure I'm ready for this, but today is the day when everything hopefully comes to an end. Last night I didn't get any sleep as Titan and I both laid in bed awake all night long and talked about everything we could think of. He took his time exploring my body and showing how much he loves me without words. I did the same in return. It's as if we were both memorizing one another like it would be the last time we'd have together. I'm not going to let that happen, but it's what we needed to do for ourselves and I can't be sorry that it happened. Just like I can't be sorry that I'm doing what's necessary to put an end to this shit.

Other than Norbert, the only dark spot in the last two weeks is Cammie. That skank had the balls to show up at Entice when Adam was there and try to get him to fuck her in Eagle's office. He told me all about it as soon as he got back to the clubhouse and in the room with me. Instead of breaking the trust I have in my man, Cammie only succeeded in pissing me the fuck off. I'm already hormonal from the pregnancy and now I want to find the bitch and beat her ass once again.

Cammie's never going to stop coming for him until she's taken out. I don't ever want to think about hurting someone to the point they lose their life, but this woman is fucking insane. She's delusional and can't take no for an answer. Prison time won't help her because if she's not taken out in there, she'll eventually be released and start her shit all over again. If she even stops when she's in prison. She can still have access to a phone and be able to write letters. That's the last thing we need. I'm glad they've got connections and someone is coming to deal with her once and for all. However, the problem is finding her once again. When Eagle removed her from Entice, the bitch managed to get away and ran into the woods. Everyone has been keeping an eye out for her nonstop and she's been in hiding since that night.

Renegade and his club got in late last night. Their bikes are parked under the clubhouse so anyone watching won't ever see them. They aren't even taking them to town when they leave. The plan is for Renegade and his men to leave the clubhouse a back way that no one but the members know about and head into town before I even get ready to leave the clubhouse. They'll hang out in town without their cuts covering their backs and act as if they're tourists or something. When I make my way to town in a little while, I'll have Psycho, Renegade, Bear, and Grave on me at all times. Everyone else will remain alert and spread out over the main street of town while keeping an eye out for Norbert. Or anyone else who comes up to me. We can't even be sure he'll grab me himself at this point. So, anyone who gets too close to me will automatically be grabbed by the men and taken to the clubhouse while the four men on me will get me loaded up in an SUV and bring me back here to Titan.

When I first leave the clubhouse, I'll be with Adam, Emmie, Tripp, and my dad. We have plans that Adam and I don't want to wait on any longer with what's happening today. Adam told me this is what he wanted and I'm more than happy to give it to him. So, late last night, I called my dad after my man talked to him and we put the plans in motion. I'm excited and not even a little bit nervous about the new adventure I'm about to embark on with Adam. Together we're moving forward with our relationship the way we want to and no one will stand in our way. Not even Norbert. He can kiss our asses before rotting in hell. The man has taken more than enough from me and I'm not going to let him continue to rob me of living my life and chasing my dreams.

Today, I'm marrying the man I love and we're going to let the world know how much we love one another. My dad gave Adam his blessing to marry me and Emmie is going to spend the morning helping me get ready since we're not having a large wedding. In fact, we're getting married in front of a Justice of the Peace and my dad, Emmie, and Tripp will be the only ones there. By doing things this way, we can make Norbert believe we're at the courthouse for some other reason. Yes, I'm going to be wearing a dress and have my hair and make-up done. However, I'm not going to wear white. Adam doesn't care what I'm wearing as long as I'm happy and don't feel as if I'm giving something up by not having a huge wedding.

Yes, when I was little, I dreamed of a huge wedding. I wanted all the bells and whistles and to feel like a queen for the day. That's not what I need now though. Adam treats me like his queen every single day and my dad will still walk with me. He's going to make sure I have all the important aspects of a wedding day that I want while throwing the rest of the shit to the side so we don't have to make a big deal out of things. As long as I have those I love at my side for the ceremony, I'll be happy. Plus, we're going to have a huge celebration at the clubhouse once all this shit is over with. It will be a dual celebration and the start of my life with Adam at my side. Everything else doesn't matter to me when we don't know what's going to happen in the next few hours.

"Are you done in the damn shower yet?" Emmie questions me, walking into the bathroom where I stand in front of the mirror with a towel wrapped around my body as I slowly brush out my hair. "Are you okay, Dallas?"

"I'm okay. Just thinking about everything that's going on. Today is a big day for so many reasons and we have no clue what's going to happen. Emmie, promise me something?" I ask my best friend, turning and giving her my full attention.

"What do I need to promise you?" she asks, her voice wary as if she already knows what I'm about to tell her.

"If something happens to me, take care of him. Make sure Adam doesn't do something stupid he can never undo. I want him to live his life happily and let someone else in to love him. He's got a huge heart and so much love to give. I love him with all of my heart and soul and don't want him to live his life in the shadows because I've been taken from him," I tell her, tears filling my eyes with the thought of never seeing him again. "I also need you to take care of my dad. You remember how he was when we lost my mom. He doesn't deserve to go through that shit again. My dad is a good man and deserves to be happy and not mourning the loss of me."

"I'm not gonna make you that promise, Dallas. I can't make you that promise. You're my best friend in the world and nothing is gonna happen to you today. It can't. Dallas, I love you like a sister and I'm telling you right now that not only will I lose my mind if you're taken from us, but Titan will as well. That man is completely in love with you and his devotion is like nothing I've ever seen before. Losing you will send him over the edge and no one will be able to bring him back. Tripp is the only one I've seen willing to go up against Titan when he's pissed as fuck and I can guarantee you that Tripp will stand next to his best friend and help him cause whatever destruction he chooses," Emmie says, pulling me into her arms and holding me close. "Dallas, you're the one who lights up all of our worlds and makes us want to be better people for you. So, instead you need to promise me that you're gonna come back to us in one piece and that nothing will happen to you. Your dad won't survive losing you either. He's already lost the love of his life and if he loses you, he'll have nothing left to live for."

"I'm going to do everything in my power, Emmie. I promise you that. I've got so much to live for and once this is all over with, you're gonna celebrate with me because I know you'll love the next chapter of our lives. And I want to stand behind you and watch as you get claimed by Tripp, get married, and build a family of your own with the man you love. You deserve nothing less than that," I tell her, letting a few tears slide down my face and fall to the counter in front of me as I turn back toward the mirror.

Emmie takes the brush from me and continues to brush out my hair. When all the tangles are gone, she gets to work. I've already got the curling iron plugged in and heating up. Emmie grabs it and starts to curl the long strands of my hair. She's put music on her phone and it fills the bathroom where it sits on the counter. We both sing along to the song while we're lost in our own thoughts about today. I can't stop thinking about everything that can go wrong. Trying to force those thoughts away, I resist the need to place my hands on my stomach where our baby rests safe and sound. It's killing me to keep this from my best friend. For now, it's the only choice we have. The second all of this shit is over with, Emmie will know I'm pregnant. Everyone in the club will know.

Over the next few hours, Emmie does my hair the exact way I described it to her. Once that's done, she makes me turn from the mirror so she can do my make-up. Every single time I try to look over my shoulder in the mirror, Emmie swats my hip and tells me to look forward so I don't ruin the surprise. It doesn't take her as long to get my make-up done before she ushers me into the bedroom so I can get dressed.

For the ceremony, I bought a maxi dress in a deep blue color. It's a favorite color of mine and I know Adam will love it. The dress is simple and accentuates my chest while flowing down around my stomach. While I don't exactly have a baby bump yet, there is a little bit more there. Adam and I have noticed it but I'm not sure that anyone else would. Even if they knew I was pregnant. Instead of wearing heels or anything, I put on a pair of black flip flops. If I wore a heel of any kind, Adam would lose his mind. He feels as if I'm going to hurt myself if I'm not wearing sneakers or something flat on my feet. So, the best choice for me was flip flops.

I grab the package Adam left behind for me this morning and pull out the card inside.

Sweet Girl,

Every single day I wake up and thank everyone I can think of that you gave me another chance. You are the love of my life, the other half of my soul, and the light to my dark. Not only are you the strongest woman I've ever met before, you radiate love and a kindness I don't typically see in my world. You're giving me the greatest gift you could and I will spend the rest of my days loving you and treating you like the queen you are. Inside is a small token of the love I have for you. As we move forward with our life, we'll add to it and make a million memories. I love you always and forever.

Adam

If Emmie wasn't going to yell at me for ruining my make-up, I'd let the tears filling my eyes spill over. This is the side of Adam that no one else gets to see. He's so fucking sweet and loving. Everyone else in the club and world only sees the side of him that is in Enforcer mode. The man who constantly watches over everyone around him and barely says a word to those around him. I get all of Adam and I will cherish every second of our life together for as long as I have with him.

Opening the bag after setting down the card, I pull out a box. Nestled inside is a silver charm bracelet. The chain is delicate and thinner than I've ever seen for one of these. There are already two charms on the bracelet as I pull it out and hold it up to look at them. One of the charms is a dog head that reminds me of Danger. The second charm is a motorcycle. Adam gets me like no one other than Emmie and my dad. In ways, he gets me even better than they do. This is just one of the many reasons why I love this man and can't wait to take his last name.

"That's beautiful," Emmie says, startling me as she steps up behind me from the bathroom.

My best friend has curled her hair and put the barest amount of make-on. She's wearing a black maxi dress that only enhances her amazing body even more than normal. Emmie is one of those women who could wear a potato sack and still look beautiful and sexy. If she weren't my best friend, I just might hate her. Thankfully, I love her to death and could never be upset for how she looks. Emmie takes great care of her body and is constantly improving herself by going to the gym, taking yoga, doing a pole dancing class, and so many more things to keep herself fit and looking the way she wants. Yes, the gym in town offers a pole dancing class as one of the workouts. One day I'll be doing all that shit by her side. I'm just not there yet. It's a huge mental battle for me because I've been bullied at a gym in the past and vowed to never go back again.

Emmie takes the bracelet and secures it around my wrist. Once it's in place, my girl leads me back into the bathroom where I get my first look at the magic she's worked. I'm speechless. For the first time in my life, I feel sexy and beautiful. Don't get me wrong, Adam always makes me feel that way when we're together. I'm talking about the first time in my life when it's just Emmie and me. My hair is pinned up around my head with curls cascading from the small bun she twirled a section of my hair into. A few loose curls frame my face and tickle my neck as I turn my head from one side to the other so I can get the complete picture. My make-up is understated and enhances my eyes and mouth without even looking as if I'm wearing anything more than that. Add in the dress and the necklace Emmie places around my neck and the picture is complete.

"Emmie," I whisper, not knowing what I even want to say because there are truly no words.

"You're gorgeous, Dallas. Now, let's not keep your man waiting," she says, pulling me from the moment as she grabs her phone and then my hand so we can leave the clubhouse.

Emmie and I arrive at the courthouse in town and make our way inside. Adam and Reaper thought it would make more sense for all of us to show up at different times. Tripp and Adam left the clubhouse about a half hour ago to get here. My dad left about fifteen minutes after they did and went through the back of the courthouse with his security team. Now, Emmie and I are arriving. After parking, Emmie and I make our way up the few stairs in front and head through the security checkpoint. One of the guards points out where we need to go before we head toward our men.

When we get to the end of the hall where we were told to go, I find my dad waiting for us. He takes my arm and tells Emmie to get inside so we're not waiting in the hallway. In less than a minute, my dad is walking us through the doors and I find Adam waiting by the Justice of the Peace who will marry us. My eyes lock on him and everything else fades to nothing. Adam's wearing his cut over a black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to show off his forearms and the tattoos covering his skin. His jeans are new and they fit his legs as if they were made just for him. Adam's long hair is tied back in a man bun and I want to release the hair tie to watch it fall around his shoulders in the waves I know it will have. My man is sexy as hell and I can't wait to be his wife and get through the rest of the day so I can climb into bed with him and show him just how much I'm happy and in love with him.

My dad stops just before Adam and gives me a kiss on my cheek. He turns to Adam and places one of my hands in his outstretched one before stepping back and taking a seat in the chair behind us. Adam hasn't taken his eyes off me as we turn to face the man before us.

"We're gathered here today to celebrate the marriage between Adam ‘Titan' Black and Dallas Parker. This is going to be short and sweet per Mr. Black's request," the man says with a smile on his face. "Titan, please turn to Dallas and say your vows."

"Sweet Girl, I started to fall in love with you when we were messaging on that app. Every time my phone alerted me to a new message from you, I couldn't remove the smile from my face. I wanted nothing more than to find you and meet you in person to see if what I was feelin' was real. A few words from you changes my entire day and makes it better than I thought possible. When everythin' is bleak and dark around me, you bring me into the light and everythin' else fades to nothin'. Every single day I get to fall asleep with you in my arms and wake up the same way is the best day of my life. I promise you today that you will never know a day that you're not treated as the queen you are. I'll show you I love you with the little things in life and protect you with my life. Dallas, I love you always and forever and that will never change," Adam says, reaching out to wipe away the tear sliding down my face.

He might not have all the words to put his feelings out into the world, but I know what he means and that's all I'll ever need. Adam shows me all the love he feels on a daily basis with his actions. To me, that's far more important than anything else ever will be. Anyone can say the words they think you want to hear. It's their actions that show how true those words are. My man doesn't hesitate to show me with every small thing he does for me that might not mean anything to anyone else but means the world to me.

"Adam, you came in when I thought no one would ever pay attention to me. I've never been the girl anyone has chosen to keep in their life and you know this. From the first day we started talking I felt a connection to you like nothing else before. With you I always feel safe and know that no matter what I'm going through, you're going to stay by my side and not let anyone take you from me. You support me even when it's the last thing you want to do and give me all the love I could ever need or want. Together, we're building the best life I could ever envision for myself and it's all because of you. I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not and I know all of my secrets and insecurities will remain safe with you. I love you, Adam, forever and always. No one will ever break us apart. One more test and I hope we can start our lives together without all the chaos and looking over our shoulders," I say as my voice wavers with the emotion flowing through me.

Adam turns around and Tripp hands him our rings. I didn't even know he bought any, but they're resting in his palm as he takes my left hand in his and slowly slides an engagement ring and wedding band down my finger. Looking down, I take in the rings for the first time. The engagement ring is silver with a square diamond in the middle. It's surrounded by emeralds with a skull on each end of the ring before the band starts sliding around my finger. The wedding band has a small skull in the middle with diamonds for eyes. Small emeralds and diamonds alternate around the band as it wraps perfectly around the engagement ring. They're beautiful and the perfect combination of Adam and me.

We repeat the words as I slide a ring on Adam's finger. The second we're done, Adam is told to kiss his bride and he doesn't hesitate to pull me into his arms while I place my hands on his hard chest. Lowering his mouth to mine, Adam doesn't care about who's in the room with us as he presses his lip to mine and slides his tongue along the seam of my mouth. I open for him and let his tongue slide in my mouth where it tangles with mine. In a matter of minutes, I'm lost in a haze that's consumed with nothing but Adam and the small part of the world we're currently occupying.

When we finally break apart, everyone is clapping and I blush as I look around the room we're in.

"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Black," the man who married us says and steps back as we turn to face my dad.

Before we leave the courthouse, Adam and I sign the marriage certificate and we're told it will be filed as soon as the Justice of the Peace is back from his lunch. Now, the nerves fill me because the next part of my day is about to get fucking worse. I have no clue what to expect and Adam won't be at my side. No one will be at my side except for men I literally met last night and don't know that much about. I'm putting my faith in a group of men Reaper, Adam, Tripp, and the others have assured me will protect me at all costs.

"Sweet Girl, I know you have to go now. Please, be careful and don't do anythin' to intentionally get hurt. You've got your gun with you?" Adam asks me as he pulls me back in his arms.

"I do. It's in the holster around my thigh. I love you, Adam. Always and forever," I tell him, leaning my head against his chest so he can't see my tears.

"I love you, Sweet Girl. Always and forever. Come back to me," he says, his voice breaking as I lean back and look up at him.

My husband's eyes are wet and I know he's not gonna last long if we don't leave here. We've got a part to play and it's time for Emmie and I to leave and play ours. Without another word, I press one last kiss against his lips and run my fingers down the side of his face. I'm memorizing him as he stands now so it's a picture I'll always carry of him with me. Emmie and I leave the room and head back through the security checkpoint. My entire body is shaking and I know the next little while will change my life one way or another. I'm just not sure if it's a good thing or not.

"I'm gonna head over to the shops on Main Street. Why don't you head back to the clubhouse and I'll meet you there later?" I say, louder than I normally would in case anyone is paying close attention to us.

"Are you sure? How are you gonna get back to the clubhouse?" she asks, her eyes darting around the place like crazy as she searches for any potential threats.

"I'm sure. I just need a few minutes alone after being cooped up in the clubhouse with everyone for so long. I'll call for a ride when I get to the last store so I don't have to wait. I'll see you soon," I tell her, my words sounding rehearsed as I lean in for a hug and hold my best friend tight for a minute longer than necessary. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she whispers back as I release her and head away from the courthouse on foot.

I start walking down Main Street and come to the first store. Instead of going inside, I look through the window as if I'm searching for something in particular. Pretending nothing is catching my eye, I move on to the next store and repeat the process. By the time I reach the third store, I find someone walking up behind me. Instead of Norbert like I'm expecting, Cammie stands behind me with a sneer on her face. She steps up right next to me and I feel something heavy poke into my side. Looking down, I see a gun in her trembling hand and panic fills me because she's clearly not in control of her movements and the safety is off.

"Funny running into the fat bitch that's nothing more than a slutty homewrecker," Cammie says, her voice low and menacing as she hides the gun from everyone walking past us. "Here's what's gonna happen. You're going to walk away from here with me and not put up a fight at all. I've got someone waiting for you. You've been giving him a very hard time and he's not happy. If you put up a fight, I'm gonna put a bullet in you and watch you die here in the middle of town. Then, I'm gonna go back to the clubhouse and make sure I'm the one who comforts Titan. He's going to need someone to take you off of his mind. I mean, it won't be hard, but it will be me."

I have no choice in this situation. Not with a gun pointed directly at my stomach. If going with this delusional skank means protecting my baby for the next few minutes, that's what I'm gonna do. So, I nod my head slightly and let Cammie lead me from the store. I see Psycho walking toward me and shake my head just enough for him to notice before using my fingers to let him know she's got a gun. Psycho quickly changes directions as if he's going into the barber shop that happens to be next to him. Cammie doesn't notice a single thing.

"So, where are you taking me?" I ask Cammie as I notice Renegade and Grave walking behind us in the reflection of the window at my side. "I'm guessing you've been talking to Norbert and he's the one who promised you something to come get me."

"Bitch, he didn't have to promise me a damn thing. I'm doing this because I want you away from my man. Titan is mine and he always will be. The second I hand you over to Norbert, I'm going to race to the clubhouse and pretend I saw him kidnap you. I'll act all upset and broken up over your disappearance. Titan will comfort me and then when he hears that you've been killed or sent to your buyer, I'll be the one to comfort him. They were stupid as fuck to let you leave the clubhouse on your own. That shows how little Titan really cares for you," she says, an evil smirk covering her face as she looks over at me.

I want to lash out and tell her I'm not on my own, but I don't. Right now, I'm thinking of every possible way I can get the fuck out of this situation. The only reason I'm not losing my shit and completely panicking is because I've got Renegade and his club surrounding me and Cammie has no fucking clue. They'll follow me to wherever I'm being taken and report back to Reaper and Adam. The club will come for me and Renegade will be there so nothing happens that I can't come back from. Plus, I've got my own gun that I refuse to pull out on Main Street with so many people surrounding us. I'm not going to hurt someone innocent.

Cammie gets to an older car that's seen better days. She yanks open the back door and shoves me inside. I crash to the seat and the breath escapes me as something jabs me in the stomach really hard. The door is slammed behind me and I barely have enough time to pull my foot in before it gets crushed by the door. The first thing I do is look to see that the handles have been removed so there's no way I can open the door to escape. There's some kind of gate between the front and back seats too. It doesn't allow me to get to Cammie as she climbs in the driver's seat laughing her ass off and starting the car. She continues cackling to herself as she pulls away from the curb where she parked and races through town. I hope like hell someone managed to be in a vehicle and can follow her crazy ass.