Micaela Chapter 3

The past few days had been a nonstop whirlwind. As crazy as it got, I loved it. Being able to help with some of the wedding prep in person was fun and made me feel better. I knew I'd been helping remotely, but it didn't feel the same to me. I was excited my oldest brother had found the love of his life. He and Shain were perfect for each other. She was funny and sweet but still had a real badass vibe to her. It still blew my mind that she was a firefighter. I believe it made her able to handle dominant men like my brother.

Daredevil freely shared with our family that her job did worry him, but he knew she was good at it, so he was able to cope. He explained that he would never want her to give up something she loved. This came out during dinner one evening when we discussed our jobs.

Renzo, Marco, and Diego made it the day after I did and added to the fun and chaos. We hadn't been able to fly out together because they were still wrapping up work things, and I was anxious to get here. It was wonderful to have my whole family together. We were all part of the wedding party. I had an added duty, though. I was the official photographer as if I'd let anyone else do it. I had told them it was my gift to them early on. I'd been anxiously waiting for the big day. I loved photographing weddings.

The ceremony was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes and a lot of others' eyes when they exchanged their personally written vows. My brother wasn't shy about sharing his adoration and love for Shain, and she returned it. I think I even saw a few tears in some of those tough bikers' eyes. After they said I do, it was time to do the official bride and groom photos and then those of the wedding party. Throughout the night, I'd continue to snap candid ones of the guests, the happy couple, and anyone else who caught my attention. I loved those unexpected ones, although I wasn't one of those photographers who snapped pictures of you with your mouth hanging open while eating. That bugged the crap out of me when those kinds of photographers were around. I knew one in particular who did it. I wanted to do some punching when I was photographed like that.

Everything was awesome, and I was happy, but there was one thing that was driving me crazy—or I should say three. It was Dragon, Vicious, and Ashes. My God, I was only so strong. It was bad enough that I had reacted so strongly to all three when we met. It wasn't the norm for me at all. However, they seemed to be everywhere I turned, making it impossible for me to calm my inner cravings.

No matter what I was doing, they were there. They lent a hand in helping to put up decorations. They carried chairs, tables, and anything else we needed. They constantly asked if there was anything I needed. I was impressed they were so involved in their club brother's wedding and seemed not to resent it. The problem was they made my body stay alive. I was having sexy dreams about them. The awareness was so wrong. I'd never had dreams about a specific man before, let alone three at the same time. Maybe I was becoming a jezebel, as our granny used to say.

I had to smile thinking of her. Growing up, our mom's mom had been funny. She was a very back-in-the-sticks kinda Cajun from Louisiana. Her accent had been so thick at times it was hard to understand her. Mom's was much fainter, and people told us kids we had a faint one. It was all our Granny Golda-Evelyn's fault. She'd been proper in some ways and not in others. Women who went out with more than one man were jezebels. They were easy if they wore bright lipstick or nail polish, and we shouldn't associate with them.

I remembered one time Mom wore red nail polish, and Granny had lost her mind. She refused to allow Mom in her house until she went home and removed that devil's color. If she were still alive and knew the wicked things I was imagining, she'd probably call in a priest to drive out the demon. I missed her. Even if sometimes she was off her rocker, she'd always been loving and a riot. Dad still loved to tease Mom if she turned into Granny Evie, as the family called her, he would have to rethink this marriage thing.

"What has you over here smiling like that?" a gruff voice asked. I jumped. I hadn't heard anyone come up behind me. I turned to flash a quick smile at Dragon and then faced the wedding reception again. I'd been taking pictures of the guests. The toasts were over. Now, everyone was eating, and then the dancing would begin.

"I was remembering my granny. She was a hoot. I miss her."

"Which side was she on?"

"My mom's side. She passed away when I was fourteen. She was a character."

"In what way?"

I wasn't about to confess I was having naughty thoughts about him and his buddies. Still, it wouldn't hurt to tell him a little, so I explained about her jezebel comments and the lipstick and nail polish issues. He gave a big belly laugh that made me crack up.

"Damn, she sounds like fun. I wish I could've met her. I guess that means she'd be all over you today." He gestured to my feet. Glancing down, I recalled I had painted my toenails a deep red. I giggled.

"Yep, I would've been sent to remove it and to return looking like a lady. She would condemn all this as unladylike, but she carried a gun everywhere she went, hunted in the swamps, took a small amount of chewing tobacco occasionally, loved her wrestling on TV, and could out cuss a sailor, but that was alright."

He laughed again. We were just settling down from cackling when Ashes and Vicious came strolling up. They wore slight frowns on their faces that faded when they caught my gaze. Jesus, did they not know they were tempting me to be so bad? My body flushed so hot that I wanted to fan myself. Sweat was about to run down between my breasts and my pussy was about to soak my panties.

"You two are having too much fun over here. We had to come to see if it was a private conversation or if we could join," Ashes stated.

"It's not private, just personal. I was telling Dragon about one of my grannies and how much of a character she was."

"Oh yeah. Mind sharing? I love to hear family stories, amusing and loving ones. The shitty kind I can do without. I've got that example myself. No one needs more of that kind," Vicious said.

The way he said it, even if he was smiling, told me he hadn't had a good family relationship with his birth family. Maybe that was what attracted him to the Infidels so much. Just in the few days I'd been here, it was clear as day they thought of each other as one extended family. Mamá , Pápa , the boys, and I had also been absorbed as one of their family. No wonder Daredevil stayed here. As much as he loved us, and we loved him, this fulfilled a need for him. Beyond family, I think it was the camaraderie he had while in the military. I told them the stories I shared with Dragon. They laughed just as hard before I was even done, which made me laugh again.

This led to at least Ashes and Dragon to share a few funny stories of their own. Vicious told me about how Trident tormented Sin. I'd heard Sin threatening him one evening at the clubhouse, but I had no clue why. Trident had just smirked, so I figured it was an inside joke. I was in tears when I heard the sexual things Trident said and about a trip to a specialty barber shop in New York where you could get your privates scaped in just about any design.

"That can't be true," I gasped.

"Oh yes, it is. You can ask Trident or Sara. He did it, said it was great, and didn't understand why none of the others had done it," Dragon verified.

"You've got to stop. My stomach is beginning to hurt from laughing so much," I told them as I grasped my stomach.

"Okay, we'll ease off the laughing, but no promises, we won't revisit it. So, on to a more serious topic. You've been working nonstop since before the ceremony. You didn't eat. Come sit down and eat with us. And before you refuse, know I'm not taking no for an answer. You need to take care of yourself," Vicious said with a slight order in his tone.

Usually, I'd take a stand and tell a man I wouldn't be ordered around by anyone, but in his case, I found myself agreeing without much prompting. They went with me to get food. They filled their plates as I did mine. Whenever I'd put something on it, they'd grab the fork or spoon and add more. I insisted over and over what I originally had was sufficient, but they would frown and shake their heads. After the fourth time, I gave up. Again, something I wouldn't normally do.

After some searching, we found a table with four empty chairs. They steered me to it. As they did, Ashes held my drink, and Dragon carried my plate. When we got to the table, Vicious pulled out a chair and gestured for me to sit. A woman could get used to being treated like this. If I wasn't careful, I'd be completely under their spell. I didn't want to do that. Following them around like a panting dog looking for attention would kill me. Thank goodness the wedding was over. After tonight, they'd have no reason to be around all the time, and I'd get a respite for the rest of my visit.

I was pleasantly surprised by how easily the conversation flowed. The three were entertaining and charming, and no topic seemed to be beyond them. They asked extensive questions about my work, Florida, and how I liked living there. As we kept going, they asked about my friends too. I'd just gotten done telling them about my closest friend, Shandy, when I was hit with an uncomfortable question. One it took me seconds to be able to answer.

"So, you have your bestie, Shandy. What about a boyfriend? Better yet, how is it that a woman as drop-dead beautiful as you isn't already married with a couple of kids? I know it's a no-no to ask, but how old are you?" Ashes asked. I noted the other two were intently listening and watching my face.

I had to work not to show any emotion. It was a touchy subject for me, but maybe if I were honest, to an extent, they'd stop engaging me so much. If I told them I was looking for the right man, that would have them headed for the hills. During our talk, I'd gotten the feeling none of them would be opposed to having sex with me. I saw desire on their faces, and there were small touches, nothing offensive, but they were there. I wasn't entirely comfortable enough to tell them to lay off the attention because I wouldn't sleep with them. I wasn't here to have a walk on the wild side with some bikers so I could go home and brag to Shandy and others.

I knew some women would come seeking just that opportunity. Daredevil had explained them to my other brothers one night, and I'd been there. His club didn't have the ones they referred to as club bunnies, although they had in the past before his time. The other type, hang arounds, still visited the clubhouse often for the single guys, like these three. Undoubtedly, they took what was offered all the time. Women would flock to them, I had no doubt. Those thoughts made me sorta sick to my stomach as I answered.

"At the moment, I don't have a boyfriend. I haven't found the right guy. If I had, I'd be married. I want the whole marriage and kids thing, like most women. I sure know now what goes into planning a wedding from this experience. I always wanted a big fairytale, but now, seeing all the work, I may elope. My princess dress will just have to stay in the store. As for my age, yes, most women would slap you for asking, but I'm not most women. I'm twenty-six. I still have time. More and more women don't get married until they're in their thirties, even forties. I'll concentrate on my career until someone changes my mind. Just don't tell Mamá I said that." I let my gaze scan the room like I was checking to be sure she wasn't near us. I decided to turn the spotlight on them so we'd get it off me. "Let me ask, why aren't any of you married, and how old are all of you?"

They exchanged looks between them. I tried to figure out what those meant, but I had no clue. It was Ashes who answered me first.

"Babe, I'm thirty-six, and like you, I haven't met the right one yet. I'm ready to settle down. Believe me, when I find the woman for me, she'll be truly and thoroughly snapped up," he said, giving me a steadfast look.

"I'm thirty-seven, and I'm not married for the same reason as Ashes. I one hundred percent agree with him on what I'll do after finding the one," Dragon swiftly added.

I glanced at Vicious. He was studying me. I wondered briefly why, then forgot when he responded.

"Angel Lips, I've been alone for thirty-eight years. I'm ready. An old lady and kids don't scare me as long as she's the right one."

Angel Lips, that was different, but I chose to ignore it. It must be what he called women, like Ashes saying babe. I wanted to gulp at how sincere they sounded, and their gazes said the same thing. Wow, who would've thought all three would desire to marry? Maybe I should've let it stand at that, but they had piqued my interest.

"You honestly expect me to believe, with all the women you have coming to the clubhouse and undoubtedly out in town, that you'd prefer to be tied down to one woman rather than having your pick of however many? Or is fidelity not intended when you marry?"

Scowls took over their faces. Oops, I'd upset them. I went to apologize but never got the chance.

"I won't be with anyone else, but her, and I expect her to be faithful too. There are no side pieces. Why would you assume we wouldn't or couldn't be faithful? Do you believe your brother or the other guys with old ladies aren't?" Vicious asked gruffly.

I held up a placating hand. "I'm sorry. Please don't get upset. I didn't mean to question your characters. It's just a question. I know what the life is like when you guys are single. Daredevil didn't go into great detail with me, but I overheard enough when he talked to our brothers to know. He was no virgin. Women chased him, but not for the right reasons. However, before Shain, he didn't turn them away either. He's a man, and sex is vital to him. I know it is for my other brothers, so I assumed it was the same for you. Forget I asked. I need to get back to work. Thank you for the company and the food," I said in a hurry as I began to rise. My hand was caught, and I was tugged gently back down in my chair by Dragon.

"Not so fast. We're just getting to know each other. No hard feelings. Just know I believe in faithfulness on both sides, too. Yes, there have been lots of women, and we have sex, but all it has been is sex, nothing deeper. When I claim a woman, she'll know she's the only one I want. I'll make sure of it."

"That's for goddamn sure. My woman will get all of me," Vicious muttered.

I didn't know where to go with the conversation. I really should get back to taking more photos. I gave them an uncertain smile.

"What do you expect in a man? One you would be willing to settle down with?" Dragon asked suddenly.

I hesitated. I knew my requirements were probably too lofty. It would explain why no guy had ever lasted if he'd even gotten to the dating and sex part with me.

"Come on, you can tell us. You tell us your list, and I'll tell you mine," Ashes coaxed.

How the hell did I end up in this mess? Oh yeah, they melted my brain and threw me off guard. Oh well, what the hell did I have to lose at this point? I might as well just tell them.

"I want someone faithful. He has to not only desire me sexually, but he must love me. I want what my parents and Daredevil have. He has to want kids and not expect that I'll do all the child-rearing while he's hands-off. My man has to do as much as I do. I want to keep working. I'll support him in his job and want him to do the same for me. We'll be partners in everything. I want him to show affection and not just in private."

"None of what you just said sounds unreasonable. You make it sound like you don't think it's realistic," Vicious stated.

"It's way harder than you think, believe me, hence why I'm not dating or married."

"From the woman, I want what you want in a man—to spend the rest of my life with her as my partner," Ashes confirmed. The other two nodded in agreement.

"Sounds to me like you have three candidates right here," Dragon said with a smirk.

His remark sent fire shooting through my veins. God, if only. I knew he was playing with me, but if they were serious and I wasn't such a hussy and didn't want all of them, then I might have to see if one of them was the man for me. My gut said the sex would be off the charts. Not wanting to look stupid or let them know where my thoughts went, I laughed it off.

"You're so funny. You better watch saying stuff like that. You may find yourself in trouble if you say it to the wrong woman. Guys, I've had fun. Thank you so much for keeping me company, but I've gotta get back to taking photos. Go enjoy yourselves. Mingle. I'll see you later."

This time, no one stopped me from getting up. They told me they'd talk to me later, and I felt them watching me as I walked off. Christ, I needed a drink. Staying that close to them for as long as I had had been overwhelming. I might have to excuse myself and go to my room for a quick self-loving session. Hopefully, if I did, the batteries would last.

Making my way around the room, I worked to get my mind back on photography and off the three tempting men who kept trying to take over my mind. Everyone seemed to be having a fun time. People were dancing, and the drinking had increased. I was taking photos of the other people in attendance when I was approached by one of the Devil's Regulators.

Shain had told me about her cousin Moose's club and the guys she grew up with. She was more than comfortable being an old lady in the biker life: God, that word. I'd told my brother a long time ago how much I hated it. But since being here, I changed my mind. It was used as a title of respect, not to demean or belittle their women. They were proud to show them off and very protective of them.

I recalled meeting this one, so the name on his cut wasn't necessary to identify him. I remembered him mainly because he was Vicious' cousin. His name was Crash. They had similar physical characteristics, but for me, Vicious was the more attractive of the two. No woman would ever kick Crash out of her bed, though. I made sure to smile.

"Are you enjoying the party?" I asked him when he stopped in front of me.

"It's not bad. Gotta say I've never been to a real wedding before. I was worried for a minute Shain may force Daredevil into a suit or tux," he said with a grin.

"If she wanted him in one, he would've done it. A guy won't die if he has to dress up for his wedding."

"True, but I still would've loved to see it. For the right woman, I'd do it. I came over to ask you something."

"Okay, what is it?"

"Come dance with me. You've been working or being hogged by my cousin and his buddies all night. It's time for you to have fun. And don't tell me you don't wanna dance. I saw the way you were watching the couples. You're dying to do it. Come on. Your camera will be safe on the main table."

He took my hand and led me over to the central table. I was so surprised by him and his request I just went. I was on the dance floor with him within a minute or two. Honestly, I expected him to stand there and just sway from side to side. Boy, was I wrong. He swept me around. He was light on his feet, and he danced expertly. I had to admit to him what I thought. He teased me for being a snob, which led to us playfully arguing. We were both still laughing when the song came to an end. I was about to let go of his hand and thank him when I was grabbed and swung into a different pair of arms. Looking up, I found I was in Vicious' arms. He was glowering at Crash. Crash, on the other hand, was frowning at him.

"It's my turn," Vicious told him before sweeping me away.

"Thank you. I loved our dance," I half-yelled to Crash as I was taken away.

He smiled and called back, "I loved it too, sweetness. Save me another dance."

I swear I heard a growl come out of Vicious. I stared up at him as I chastised him. "I know he's your cousin, but that was rude as hell. You didn't give me a chance to thank him nicely, and you didn't ask me to dance. He did." I didn't tell him Crash hadn't waited for me to accept.

"Don't let him fool you. He's not that nice. He was trying to sweeten you up to see if he could get you in the sack. He brings out the dancing when working someone he thinks might be reluctant."

His explanation dimmed my happiness over the other dance, but I pushed it away. No matter if it was Crash's intention, he wouldn't have gotten me there. I'd be happy to have a great dance partner. Speaking of a dance partner, Vicious was a surprise, too. He wasn't quite as good as his cousin, but he was more than decent. He stayed off my toes, moved around, and had great rhythm.

"Well, the joke is on him. No matter how great he dances, I have no intention of sleeping with him or anyone else tonight. Since he's your cousin, is dancing one of your seduction moves too?" I asked cattily.

"Angel Lips, when I set out to seduce you, you'll fucking know it. As for dancing being one of my moves, no, it isn't. I just wanted you to dance with me."

My heart jerked at him saying when, not if. I scrambled to think of something to say to cover up how he made me react. I latched on to something he said more than once tonight. "Why do you keep calling me angel lips?"

"Why? Don't you like it?"

"It's different. Who calls someone that? What does it even mean?"

"When I see your lips, I imagine those are what the lips of an angel are like. They're to die for. No one has a mouth to match yours. I know they're soft and will be like kissing heaven… so, angel lips."

His explanation was sweet and made my chest tighten. Who could hate that nickname after his explanation? I ached to have him kiss me, but it would be a mistake. My control was weakening, and kissing would erode it even more.

"I doubt kissing me is heaven but thank you. I thought you were hanging out with some of the others when I left."

"I'm making the rounds, but I had to dance with you. Next time, I'll make sure to ask first, but know, I won't take no for an answer."

He made me laugh and then roll my eyes. For the rest of the dance, we chatted about nothing important. When the song ended, I was sad to see it end. A tap on my shoulder and him scowling over it had me swinging around. There stood Dragon and Ashes with expectant expressions. Dragon had been the one to tap my shoulder.

"Can I have the next dance?" he asked.

Right behind him came Ashes. "And I want the one after him. You have to be fair. If you dance with Crash and V, you have to give us our turn, but not these other dogs."

Shaking my head at their silliness, I nodded. "Yes, I'll dance with you, both of you." I glanced back at Vicious. He still appeared upset. I squeezed his hand, which I still held. "Thank you so much for a great dance and the explanation."

"Anytime." He smiled at me.

The next song had begun, so Dragon didn't waste time gliding me away with him. The next several minutes passed more than pleasantly. In the case of Dragon and Ashes, I enjoyed not only the dancing but our conversations. By the time they were done, I had to insist I needed to circulate. All three had gathered together as if planning to dance with me again. I was disappointed as I walked off after thanking them all anew. I thought they appeared as if they were, too. My wishful thinking was out in force tonight—no more dangerous situations like this from now on.