Page 32 of Sinful Need

We both turn to her and in unison say, “Right here.”

Epilogue

Fuel

Three months Later

I have to give Raven credit for how she’s handled the complicated situation with Rayne. She is a bigger person than I could ever hope to be. The thought of sharing my child with another man is enough to make me lose my shit. Yet Raven does it with grace and unwavering love for her daughter. Despite the hurt and heartache she’s been through, Raven continues to put Paige's well-being above all else.

Paige is too young to understand or remember the trauma, but she will always hold onto the special bond formed with Rayne. Paige trusts her, she was the one to take care of her, nurturing and cherishing her as if she were her own blood. That unbreakable bond between them is something special, one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on Paige's young mind, even if she may not understand it now.

I watch with a smile as Rayne and Raven play with Paige. The wheels of a small, red motorcycle, a gift from Chainz, rolling over the concrete floor of the clubhouse. Laughter echoes off thewalls as the trio speeds around, their voices filling the clubhouse with life.

Mommy and Mommy Rayne, as Paige calls them. The two have been inseparable since I brought her back here. All the fear I had over what losing Paige would do to Rayne seems like a lifetime ago. Watching them together, I already know she’ll be a kick ass mom to our kid. I just hope I have what it takes to be a good dad.

Chainz catches me staring and slaps me on the shoulder, “We'll figure it out together, man. None of us know what the hell we're doing.”

Raven chimes in, "Don't sell yourself short, Chainz. You're doing an incredible job with her."

“And you’re going to be just fine too.” Rayne adds with a knowing smile. Soothing my nerves.

I tug Rayne onto my lap. She’s all I’ll ever need. Correction they are all I’ll ever need. I place my hand on the swell of her belly, tracing circles with my fingers. There’s something magical about our child growing inside of her. It’s like the world has stopped and everything is just...perfect. Rayne places a hand on top of mine where it rests on her belly. She looks down at it for a moment before tipping her head to meet my gaze. “I can’t wait to meet our little one.”

“Me too.” With a soft smile, I lean in and press my lips to hers. Our mouths meet with a gentle force, our breaths mingling as the kiss deepens. Her lips are soft against mine, and the warmth of her touch spreads through my body like wildfire.

From the moment I first saw her on that rooftop of the group home, she was all I ever wanted. The glint in her eyes and the tilt of her smile captured me completely, and I knew I could never let her go. Even as Hawk forced us apart she was never far from my mind. The agony of being separated from herconsumed me every day. The world was harsh and navigating it without her was torture.

Yet now, as she traces her fingertips up my forearm, pausing at the tattoo of her own face etched onto my skin, I’m reminded there has always been some unseen power connecting us. Our lives have never been easy but there is nothing that will ever keep me from her again. As we pull apart, the taste of her lingers on my tongue, sweet and intoxicating.

“Marry me?” The words slip out of my mouth before I can even think about them.

She doesn't say anything for a moment, just stares at me searching my eyes for something. Whatever she’s looking for she must find because she throws her arms around me, burying her face in my chest as she whispers "Yes" repeatedly.

I may not have planned to propose but I know I mean it. I can’t imagine facing one more moment of this life without her by my side.