Page 102 of Beyond the Cage

We arrive at Scythe, and he opens my door. Before we head inside, he taps out something on his phone, and then offers me his arm. The club is pitch black when we walk in. I prepare for everyone to shout ‘Surprise!’, even though I knew the party was happening. Instead, the lights come on gradually, revealing a scene straight out of a storybook. Blue. Everywhere. Blue streamers, blue balloons, blue center pieces on the tables. To our right, there’s an area set up for taking pictures beneath a balloon arch of an eighth note. On top, there’s a banner that reads ‘Class of 2015’. Oh. My. God. A prom themed party! Everyone is dressed up in gowns and tuxes. All these big, bad bikers dressed up in tuxes for me. I turn to Gage, tears pooling in my eyes.

“You did this for me?”

“I thought you might like it. Ellen did all the work, though.”

“Gage…I love it!”

“Don’t cry.” He swipes a tear from my cheek. “We have pictures to take.”

He leads me over to the arch, where Tek is set up with a camera. Gage pulls me against him, my back to his front, and slides his hands around my waist. A shiver runs down my spine as his palms glide over my exposed sides. Apparently he notices, because he leans forward and whispers in my ear.

“Just a few more hours, babe.”

“I can’t wait,” I whisper, turning my head to gaze up at him.

Leaning in, he gently presses his lips to mine. The flash of the camera goes off, startling us apart. I turn to Tek with a smile.I need a copy of that picture!After a few more, we make our way onto the main dancefloor. Chrissy and Toni run to me, bouncing with excitement.

“Happy birthday, Ray!” Chrissy squeals, pulling me in to a tight embrace.

“Thanks, boo.”

She gives Gage a knowing smile, then bumps my shoulder with hers.

“I needallthe details,” she whispers before moving aside.

Toni wraps her arms around me, kissing my cheek. “Happy birthday, my love. Hope it’s everything you wished for.”

Glancing over at Gage, I smile to myself. I have everything I need. “Thanks, hon.”

The next couple of hours pass by in a blur of birthday wishes, cake, food, and dancing. This is the best birthday ever! In the middle of a conversation with Aunt Nita and Ellen, Chopper pulls me away, leading me to the dancefloor.

“Having a good time?” he asks.

“The best! I can’t believe everyone did this for me.”

“Why not? You’re one of us now.”

“Not really. It’s not like I’m Gage’s old lady or anything.”

He throws his head back, laughing. “Don’t worry about that, lil darlin’. You’re family.”

“Thanks, Chopper.”

I rest my cheek to his chest, and we rock to the music until a voice interrupts us.

“Can I cut in, Pop?”

I turn to Gage in shock. Did I just hear right? Is Mr. I-Don’t-Dance actually going to dance with me? Chopper steps back, and Gage takes my hand, pulling me close.

“I thought you didn’t dance?”

“It’s a special night. I decided to make an exception.”

Deciding not to question it further, I lean in to him, breathing in his scent. He lazily trails his fingertips up and down my back, making me squirm.

“Need something?” he asks, humor in his voice.

“Yes. You.”