E. Sienna

E. SIENNA

It’s been a few days since I escaped with my life from Fisher. A few days to get used to my role as Lash’s ol’ lady.

At first it was daunting but the longer I stay around the club house the easier it is. In fact now I’m more than proud to be a part of Chrome Creed.

The sound of raucous laughter filters through the thin walls of the clubhouse, making me pause as I roll the silky stocking up my leg. I can't help but smile, even as my cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. The guys are probably placing bets on how long it'll take me to emerge from this room, decked out in an outfit I never thought I'd wear.

I smooth my hands over the sheer fabric, marveling at how it clings to my skin. The stockings are just one part of the ensemble I lost in last night's poker game. Who knew Lash's right-hand man had such a wicked poker face? Certainly not me, the girl who prided herself on reading people like open books.

As I stand to adjust the garter belt, I catch a glimpse of myself in the full-length mirror. The reflection staring back at me is a far cry from the scared, desperate woman who fled from Fisher's clutches less than a week ago. This woman looks confident, even in her vulnerability. Her eyes sparkle with mischief, and her lips curl into a smirk that says she might have lost the bet, but she's about to win the war.

I hear Lash's deep voice boom over the others, defending my honor in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. "Y'all better show some respect when my lady walks out, or you'll be answering to me." The chorus of playful boos and whistles that follows only makes me laugh.

As I reach for the corset - the final piece of this risqué puzzle - I realize that I've never felt more at home than I do right now, surrounded by the chaos and camaraderie of Chrome Creed. Fisher may have tried to break me, but here, among these rough-and-tumble bikers, I've found a strength I never knew I possessed.

With a deep breath, I lace up the corset, relishing the way it hugs my curves. A bet's a bet, after all, and I'm nothing if not a woman of my word. Besides, the look on their faces when I strut out of this room will be worth every moment of discomfort.

I give myself one last once-over in the mirror, tousling my hair for that perfect "just rolled out of bed" look. Then, with a wink at my reflection, I saunter towards the door, ready to show Chrome Creed - and myself - exactly what I'm made of.

The moment I step out of the room, the clubhouse erupts into a cacophony of whistles and cheers. But I only have eyes for Lash. His jaw drops, eyes widening as they travel from my red velvet stilettos up to the white fur trim of my dangerously short dress. I've gone all out with the sexy Mrs. Claus look, complete with a Santa hat perched jauntily on my head.

Lash is out of his chair in an instant, closing the distance between us with long, purposeful strides. His eyes are dark with desire, a growl rumbling in his chest as he reaches me. "Holy shit, darlin'," he breathes, his voice husky. "I thought you were gonna do some gag gift thing. This is... damn."

I can't help but grin, relishing the effect I'm having on him. "I promised to blow your mind, didn't I?" I purr, running a finger down his chest. "A Chrome Creed woman always keeps her word."

Lash's hands find my waist, pulling me flush against him. "Best Christmas present I'll ever get," he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear. "And it ain't even opened it yet."

The rest of the club is hollering and carrying on, but it all fades into background noise. Lash's eyes are locked on mine, filled with a hunger that makes my knees weak. "I can't wait," he growls, and suddenly we're moving.

With one arm around my waist, Lash guides me towards our room. The guys are hooting and calling out suggestive comments, but I barely hear them. All I can focus on is the heat of Lash's body pressed against mine, the anticipation building with each step.

As we reach the door to our room, Lash pauses. He turns to the club, a wolfish grin on his face. "Gentlemen," he announces, "my ol' lady and I will be busy for the foreseeable future. Don't wait up."

With that, he sweeps me into the room, kicking the door shut behind us. The last thing I hear is the thunderous laughter and applause from Chrome Creed before Lash's lips crash into mine, and the rest of the world disappears.

Inside our room, the air is thick with tension. Lash's hands roam over the velvet of my dress, his touch igniting sparks wherever it lands. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?" he murmurs against my neck.

I smile, running my fingers through his hair. "You ain't seen nothin' yet," I tease, pushing him towards the bed. As he falls back onto the mattress, looking up at me with a mixture of awe and desire, I feel powerful in a way I never have before.