Page 12

Torch

It had been another long one, and it was late when I finally got to Beck’s place. I kicked off my boots by the door and dropped my keys on the counter before heading down the hall to the bedroom. Just as I’d expected, Beck was already in bed and out like a light. I slipped out of my clothes, and being careful not to wake her, I crawled in next to her.

The bed creaked a little under my weight, but she didn’t stir. I lay there for a moment, just watching her. After a few moments, I reached over and pulled her close, and that’s when it hit me. The rough days didn’t matter so much when they ended with her in my arms.

She had become my home, and there was no place I’d rather be.

I brushed a strand of hair from her face and kissed her temple, letting the quiet settle around us. I was home, and as far as I was concerned, there was no better feeling.

The next morning, I awoke with Beck trailing kisses along my neck. I smiled and said, “Good morning, beautiful.”

“Morning,” she whispered.

She continued to kiss me just below my ear, and the touch of her lips against my skin made my cock start to stir. “ Beck .”

“Mm-hmm,” she purred.

“What are you doing?”

I glanced over, and her lust-filled eyes locked on mine as she answered, “If you have to ask, then I’m not doing a very good job.”

I nodded toward the tent I was pitching in the sheets. “No, darlin’. You’re doing great, but where’s Ava?”

“And that’s why I love you.” She continued kissing me as she whispered, “You’re always so thoughtful.”

It was just three little words but hearing them come from her lips made my world stop turning. I eased up on my elbow. “Say it again.”

When she looked up at me, I could feel it radiating off her, and I had no doubt she meant it when she repeated, “I love you.”

Unable to control myself, I leaned down, crashing my mouth against hers in a hungry kiss. I felt the sparks fly as soon as her lips touched mine. Her arms wrapped around me, and everything around us slowly disappeared, along with the past and doubts. When I was with her, nothing else mattered.

She turned my world upside down, making me want things I’d never thought I’d want. A family. Kids. A house with a white picket fence. I wanted it all, and I wanted it with her. A smoldering heat rushed deeply through me as her grip tightened, pressing her body to mine.

“You’re mine, Beck.”

She looked up at me with love in her eyes as she whispered, “Didn’t you know... Nothing’s changed. I’ve always been yours.”

She let out a heated moan as my fingers slipped between her legs. Her hand slid against my growing erection, and I groaned in response. With one simple move, she’d made me want her even more. Hell, there didn’t seem to be any limits to my desire for her. She was everything I’d ever wanted and needed, and I was completely consumed by her. Her head fell back as I moved her panties to the side and slid my fingertips inside her. The blood rushed to my cock when I found she was already soaked. I’d just begun to stroke her when she moaned, “I’ll always be yours, Thomas.”

The sound of my name coming from her lips spurred me on, and I couldn’t wait a moment longer to be inside her. Before she could protest, I withdrew my fingers and quickly lowered her panties down her long, lean legs. Once I’d removed my boxers, I grabbed a condom from my wallet and slipped it on.

A sense of contentment washed over me as I settled between her legs and drove deep inside. I drove into her again and again, fucking her deep and hard. A fevered moan vibrated through her as she started to grind against me, taking more of me with every shift of her hips.

Knowing what she needed, I slid my hand from her hip down between her legs, and her breath quickened when I reached her clit. Pleasured cries echoed through the room when I began to stroke her with a tormenting rhythm, and it wasn’t long before I could feel her muscles contracting all around me as she pleaded, “Don’t stop!”

She felt so damn good, so fucking perfect, and she was mine. Her body started to tremble around me, urging me on as I relentlessly drove inside, over and over, until she let out a tortured groan and clamped down around me. There was no better feeling in the world, and I felt my release building as the muscles in my abdomen and legs grew taut. With one final thrust, I pulled her to me and came deep inside her, growling with complete and utter gratification.

Neither of us moved. We just lay there nestled close together as our breaths started to slow. She reached for my hand and laced her fingers through mine as she asked, “When do you have to head to the clubhouse?”

“I should’ve left a half hour ago.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“Nothing for you to be sorry about, babe.” I leaned over and kissed her on the temple. “Late or not, there’s no better way to start the day.”

Beck giggled as she replied, “I can’t disagree with you there.”

“I better get going.”

I gave her a quick kiss, then stood and quickly tossed the condom in the trash before taking a shower. I got dressed and headed to the clubhouse. Wrath and I spent the day running errands. We had some stuff to do for Dad, and we both had our own lists to get done. Like me, Wrath had waited until the last minute to do his Christmas shopping, and it was after dark before we got it all done.

When I finally got back to the house, Beck was curled up on the sofa, reading one of her books. She looked up with a smile on her face. “You’re home.”

“I meant to be here sooner, but I got caught up with Mom.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, she was helping me out with something.”

“Okay. Good.”

I removed my cut and then sat down next to her. “Where’s Ava?”

“She crashed about an hour ago.” Beck pointed to the mantle as she smiled and said, “We made cookies for Santa, and the excitement got the best of her.”

“I bet she’ll be up bright and early tomorrow.”

“You can count on it.”

Beck’s eyes widened with excitement when I placed her Christmas gift in her lap. “Merry Christmas.”

“Wait. We’re doing this now?”

“We can wait until tomorrow...”

“No, that’s okay. We can do it now. Just give me a second!”

She jumped up off the sofa and raced over to the tree. She quickly grabbed the gifts she’d gotten me, then returned to her spot on the sofa. She looked like she was about to bust as she handed them to me and said, “Ava helped me pick them out.”

“You don’t want to open yours first?”

“No, you go ahead. I want to see what you think of it.”

“Okay, but if you bought it, I’m gonna like it.”

“Whatever,” she scoffed.

Beck watched impatiently as I began to unwrap the first present. I carefully opened it and was pleased to see a new pair of black ROCKbrOS winter gloves. I started to slip them on as I said, “These are great, babe.”

“Are you sure? I have the receipt if...”

“Don’t need the receipt, babe. They’re just what I wanted.”

“Okay, good! Now, open the other one.”

I opened the gift and was surprised to find a photo album filled with various pictures. I flipped through the first couple of pages and chuckled when I saw several old images of Beck and me when we were kids. As I continued turning the pages, there were several that were more recent, and even a couple of me with Ava that I didn’t know about. “This is great, Beck.”

“I thought we could add to it over the next year or so.”

“We definitely can.” I glanced down at the small box on the table as I told her, “Your turn.”

She nodded, then picked it up and started tearing away at the paper.

Seconds later, her eyes grew wide, and a soft smile crossed her face as she pulled the ring from the box. It wasn’t an engagement ring—not just yet, but it was a ring that was full of just as much promise. I took it from her hand, and as I slipped it on her finger, I told her, “It was my grandmother’s.”

“Oh, Thomas, it’s beautiful.”

“You like it?”

“I love it.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me. “It’s perfect.”

“Everything ready for tomorrow morning?”

“I think so.” Beck looked over at the gifts beneath the tree and sighed. “We basically bought out the store, so surely she’ll be happy with everything.”

“I’m sure she’ll love it.”

“We should probably get to bed. There’s no telling when she’ll get up.”

I nodded, then followed her down the hall to her bedroom. I waited for her to crawl into bed, then sat down next to her. “I should get going.”

“What? No.”

“It’s Christmas and...”

“And I want you to stay.” Beck reached over and placed her hand on mine. “She would want you to be here, too.”

“You sure?”

“Absolutely.”

I nodded, then eased out of my clothes and climbed into bed next to Beck. She snuggled up, and in a matter of minutes, we were both out. I felt like I’d barely closed my eyes when I felt little arms and legs crawling on top of me. Knowing it was Ava, I didn’t move. I just laid there until I felt her nudge her mother and say, “Momma... Momma, Santa came.”

“Hmmm,” Beck groaned.

Ava nudged her once more. “Santa came!”

“Okay, sweetie. I’m coming.” Beck sat up in bed and eased the covers back. “I’m going to need coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.”

“On it,” I muttered, still lying there with my eyes closed.

“Tom-Tom.” Ava gave my shoulder a push. “Get up! Santa came!”

“Yeah, yeah.” I opened my eyes, and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the excited expression on her little face. “I’m coming.”

With that, she darted out of the room, and the rest of the morning was a blur. We had our coffee, and she tore through her presents like there was no tomorrow. Big and Josie stopped by, and Ava showed them everything Santa had brought. We hung out and watched her play for a bit, and then they helped us clean up, and we all headed to the clubhouse.

The holidays were always a big deal at the club, but this year was bigger than ever. We’d had a hell of a year. Cotton’s new role had taken the club in a new direction, and we were both feared and respected by everyone in the state. It was a good feeling—one worth celebrating, and it was clear we were in for one hell of a celebration.

The clubhouse was completely decked out. Strings of lights were hanging from the rafters and cast a warm glow over the entire room. There were garlands of pine and red ribbon framing the bar and doorways, and there was a massive Christmas tree in the corner. Every single branch was loaded down with ornaments and tinsel, and there was a bright gold star teetering on the top.

The tables were covered in red-and-green checkered cloths, and the ol’ ladies had piled them high with food. There was a roasted turkey, ham, trays of deviled eggs, and so many sides you could barely see the table underneath. There were desserts, too—pies, cookies, even some peppermint bark that had already caught Ava’s eye.

I chuckled as I lowered her to the floor and said, “Go get you some.”

I didn’t have to say it twice.

She took the opportunity and ran towards the treats. Once she’d gotten herself a handful, she darted over to Big and Josie, proudly showing them what she’d gotten. Beck gave me a big smile as she said, “I’m going to go over and say hi to the girls.”

“Okay.” I gave her a quick kiss as I said, “I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

I watched as she walked over to the girls and gave them each a hug. I was still eyeing her when Savage stepped up next to me and said, “Merry Christmas, brother.”

“Merry Christmas.”

Seconds later, Wrath and Q came over, and we all just stood there and watched as Maggie’s kids played swords with our pool sticks. Wrath shook his head as he muttered, “You know it’s only a matter of time before one of them loses an eye, right?”

“Awe, they’ll be alright,” I snickered. “And if not, patches are cool.”

“Yeah, you have a point.” Rooster looked to Savage as I said, “I’m not sure Londyn will agree.”

“You’re probably right.”

Savage handed Rooster his beer, then rushed after Dalton, taking his pool stick from his hand. He talked to him and the other kids for a moment, then sauntered back over to us. He took his beer back as he said, “That should be the end of that.”

“For the time being, anyway.” Rooster chuckled. “Give ‘em a minute. They’ll be into something else soon enough.”

Savage motioned his head over to the corner of the room where Grim was sitting. “He doesn’t look so good.”

“No, he doesn’t.” The usually fierce, unstoppable man was leaning back in his chair with his shoulders slouched and his eyes fixed on something in the distance. “He’s been there for hours, just tossing back one drink after the next.”

“It’s been a year since that shit went down with Beckett.” Rooster sighed. “You know it had to be bad if it’s still fucking with him now.”

“Yeah, the guilt is eatin’ him up.”

“But it’s not his guilt to carry.”

“Well, he’s carrying it all the same. Hell, he came all the way here just to try to escape it.”

“Doesn’t look like it’s working.”

“No, it doesn’t.”

It was tough seeing him like that, but I knew Jenna and her daughter were there. It was only a matter of time before they would come for him and get him sorted, so I left it alone and turned my attention over to the dartboard where Maggie’s kids were playing. I was still watching them when I told Rooster, “Nathan seems to be doing good. Hell, it looks like he’s grown two feet since the last time I’ve seen him, and that was just a couple of weeks ago.”

“Yeah, they’re both growing fast. No doubt about that. They both seemed so young when Maggie and I started dating. It’s hard to believe that in a couple of years, Nathan will be trying for his permit.”

“How’d he like the bike you got him?”

“He’s a little unsure of it just yet. But he’ll come around.”

“What about his father?” I asked. “Is he cool with you gettin’ it for him?”

“Probably not, but so far, he’s been good about it.” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up helping Nathan out with some of the parts.”

“That’d be good.” Savage glanced over at Maggie and Samantha. “And what about the girls?”

“Samantha’s been begging for these ugly, brown slipper things, and they’d been out of stock for weeks. But Maggie worked her magic and was able to find ‘em. And I got her that new claw foot tub she’s been hinting at for the past year. So, I’d say all is good. What about you two? Did your crew get everything they wanted?”

“Dalton got a house full of shit. Everything from games to an electric scooter, so he’s tickled. Londyn, on the other hand, is still very pregnant, so she didn’t get her Christmas wish,” Savage chuckled.

“Pretty sure Mia feels the same.”

I glanced over at Londyn and Mia, and they both looked pretty miserable as they sat on the sofa with their hands propped on their round bellies. “It looks like they’re about to pop.”

“That’s because they are,” Savage scoffed. “Londyn was due yesterday, and Mia’s due next week.”

The words had barely left his mouth when Prez stepped into the center of the room and announced, “It’s been brought to my attention that it’s time to open gifts. Torch and Q, why don’t you guys do the honors and start passing them out? I’m sure the kids will be glad to help.”

And just like that, chaos ensued.

Wrapping paper went flying—red, green, glittery gold—covering every inch of the floor like a bomb had gone off. Dad tried to keep some order and barked at Rooster to stop tossing gifts like a football and for me to stop tormenting the kids. It was tough. The kids were on a sugar high, and they were like little tornadoes as they ripped through their presents.

Even Ava got in on the action and pelted me with a wad of wrapping paper, but eventually, things started to settle, and the room grew quiet.

Everyone was sitting around talking, letting their food settle, and the kids were playing with their toys. I was sitting at the bar with the guys, watching Beck as she laughed with Mia and Josie. They were almost done helping Ava put together one of her new toys, and Ava was about to boil over with excitement when something caught my eye.

There was a small bundle of mistletoe hanging from one of the light fixtures. I watched as Stitch grabbed up Wren and pulled her beneath it, kissing her with a smile. Seeing them brought back a memory that hit me hard—Beck couldn’t have been more than ten at the time, and she was standing under that same mistletoe wide-eyed and hopeful.

She was staring right at me, but I just thought she was a silly kid and didn’t understand the weight of what she was asking. I’d kissed Casey on the cheek instead, and I’d never forgotten the flash of disappointment on Beck’s face.

I finally had my chance to make it right.

I got up and walked over to Beck. I reached down and took her hand in mine, leading her over to the mistletoe. She looked at me with confusion, but I didn’t say a word. I simply tipped my chin toward the mistletoe. Her gaze followed, and a soft smile slipped across her lips.

“It’s about time, don’t you think?”

She didn’t answer, but the way her lips parted, the way her breath caught—yeah, that was all the answer I needed. Her smile remained as I leaned in and pressed my lips against hers, kissing her softly.

This wasn’t just a kiss.

It was twenty years of missed chances and the promise of everything still to come. When I pulled back, her eyes stayed on mine, and she smiled as she whispered, “Worth the wait.”

“Merry Christmas, Beck.”

“Merry Christmas, Thomas.”