Page 9

CHAPTER NINE

STAR

I sit on the bench at the far side of the cell, watching as the other women all huddle together on the opposite side. It’s like they think I’m going to attack them or some shit. I didn’t care. I just wanted out of here.

“I’ve never known anyone more fucking perfect for each other,” a deep male voice states, pulling me out of my daydream. Looking up, I see Jared standing there. I haven’t spoken to him much before, as his visits are usually to talk club business about whichever asshole was threatening us at the time. I grin and get to my feet, walking across to him. His eyes sweep over me, not sexually, like he is assessing me for injuries. I know he’s only doing it for Ghost. “You got given clothes?” he asks, gesturing to the hoodie and grey sweats I was wearing.

“Alina brought them in for me.” I smile.

Jared nods before he shoves his hands in his pockets. “You’re free to go,” he states with a smile.

I exhale a loud sigh. “Oh, thank God! I can’t wait to get out of here and get back to the hotel, where Ghost and I can just get married and then fly back home.” Jared pulls a face, and I frown. “What is it?” I ask.

“To let them release Ghost is going to take a little more convincing. He did assault them after all.” Jared shrugs.

“We will pay his bond then. We are supposed to be married tomorrow,” I point out.

“Don’t pay anything yet. Let me pull some strings and work some favours,” he states. “Also, thanks for the invite,” he teases.

“You get Ghost out of here; you can be his best fucking man,” I state, making Jared laugh.

An officer walks over and unlocks the door, calling my name. I give Jared a nod of thanks and follow the officer out. Once they’ve discharged me, I walk through the doors to see the entire club there waiting.

“What the hell are you all doing here?” I ask, feeling a little shocked.

Rage’s head whips around at the sound of my voice, and he strides towards me and pulls me into a firm and tight hug.

“Er, Rage. I’m okay,” I say awkwardly, patting his back.

He releases me. “Where’s Pres?” he asks, looking over my shoulder.

“They won’t release him. He’s pissed them off pretty bad when he beat their asses,” I say with a smile, even though my gut is swirling with anxiety that he won’t make it out in time for the wedding. I mean, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if he missed it. We could always just go to a courthouse when we get home, but there was something about us getting married here that just fit us.

“I’m going to slit all their fucking throats while they sleep,” Rage growls.

I give his arm a little squeeze, and his eyes come to mine. “They are not worth it. Besides, apart from the couple of cunts that arrested us, most are just doing their job and just trying to earn a living,” I tell him, knowing he would storm through those doors right now and kill everyone that got in his way to get Ghost out of there if he could.

He gives me a brief nod and starts pacing in front of the door. Dixie comes over and hugs me. “You know, you are the only one he will let hug him,” she states, looking lovingly at Rage. “He’s a good man underneath it all. I mean, sure, he likes to collect the odd body part, but who doesn’t like collecting stuff?” She sighs with a shrug.

I blink a few times at her before looking back at Rage pacing back and forth like a caged wild animal. “Do you know what, Dixie? I am glad Rage found you. You and him are perfect for each other,” I say with a smile. It’s the truth. If Rage hadn’t found the Black Hearts, then there is every chance he would be number one on the most wanted list. He would have had no one, but they embraced him and every little part of his crazy fucked-upness. “Now, do you want to calm him down a little? The last person we need getting arrested is Rage,” I sigh.

She nods and scurries over to him. He stops abruptly, and as her tiny, petite form looks up at him, his entire body relaxes as she wraps her arms around his waist.

“They’re too cute,” Josie sighs next to me. I turn and see her, Maggie, Rhea, Elsie, Belle, and Nova all standing beside me watching Rage and Dixie’s interaction. Without warning, they wrap their arms around me and pull me in for a group hug that feels more like a smothering. I break free and move my hair from my face.

“I didn’t expect you all to be here,” I state.

“Where else would we be? It’s ‘Operation Wedding Bells’. We have a schedule to stick to,” Belle states, holding up her little organiser.

I roll my eyes and shake my head. “Yeah, well, there won’t be a wedding any time soon if they don’t let Ghost out.”

Alina walks over, speaking on her phone. She smiles before hanging up. “That was Eric,” she states.

I shrug. “And?”

“He has just done an interview with Channel Five News,” she states, grinning wildly.

“And that’s good because?” I ask, gesturing for her to elaborate.

“Because your arrests last night went viral, like worldwide viral. Eric’s PR team have been all over it. There are vans pulling up outside now, ready to catch you for the early morning news.”

I look over at the clock and see it’s seven am. Jesus, if Ghost and I get married today, our wedding night will be both of us sleeping.

“That video SavSis3 posted has exploded even more than when I showed you. There’s pressure from the press, the local people, and the government. Trust me when I say they will want to get rid of you and Ghost quickly,” Alina gleams.

“Who is this SavSis3? I feel like we should thank her,” Rhea suggests.

“Star can release a thank you statement to her.” Alina nods.

“Er, there is absolutely no way I am doing any public speaking,” I protest.

“Star, I’ve watched you throw your entire body at a man while slamming your knuckle dusters into his face without so much as a hint of apprehension,” Maggie points out.

“Not to mention that you used to strip at the club in front of all the club,” Belle adds.

“And the fact that the first time you and Ghost got down and squirty, you did it in front of the brothers!” Dixie yells from across the room, jumping into the conversation.

I bite my lip from laughing at her word replacement. “Not to mention, you have just been pulled from a limo because the entire population of Las Vegas could hear you fucking. And now you’re viral on the internet in your see-through underwear,” Elsie points out.

“Oh, shit. I hadn’t thought about that. Ghost will lose his shit,” I mutter.

“They blurred it,” Nova adds. “The original posters made sure to blur to keep your body covered. They have also threatened anyone else who has recorded it or taken photos to delete them or find themselves in a lawsuit,” Nova says as she scrolls on her phone.

“Damn, who is this SavSis3?” I mutter to myself.

“Right, I think I’ve been patient enough for Jared to do his thing. Now I’m going to continue doing mine. We will get you to the church on time!” Alina sings as she marches back to the help desk, demanding they let her back in to see her client.

“We aren’t getting married in a church!” I yell after her.

“Little Vegas chapel then!” she adds, yelling over her shoulder.

I snort out a laugh before holding out my hand. “Someone give me their phone. I need to see my baby,” I demand.

Belle hands me her phone, and I FaceTime Queenie. She answers on the second ring. “Ah! My beautiful bride, you are free. The wedding can continue!’ Queenie cheers happily.

“Not quite. They still have Ghost,” I state. “I’m calling to see how my boy is.”

She starts walking. “Well, they need to let him out now. Do you know you are on the morning news? I was sat having my coffee, and I nearly choked. I was coughing for ages. I’m telling you I’ve never choked like that, and I’ve had some very large men.” Queenie winks.

“MOM! For fuck’s sake!” Cash bellows from behind me.

Queenie throws her head back and laughs loudly. “I saw you, son. He’s so easy. Takes the bait every time,” she snorts. “Hey, beautiful boy, look who it is.” Queenie coos at Enzo. She squints, looking for where to switch the camera. “Oh, how do I switch this fucking thing?” she mutters.

“FFFFFuckin!” Enzo cheers.

“Shit, sorry,” she winces. “Let me just turn the phone around.” She turns the phone around, but all I can see is the opposite wall.

“Queenie, angle it at Enzo,” I say with a chuckle in my voice. She moves the camera closer to Enzo, and all I can see is his forehead. “Jesus Christ, take a step back,” I instruct. She steps back, and Enzo’s face comes into view. “Hey, my beautiful boy,” I say with a smile.

“Mama.” He grins, and my heart swells at his beautiful face.

Queenie turns the phone back to her, smiling. “Right, I’ve got to go. It’s like an episode of the Muppet Babies in here. I turn my back for five minutes, and one of them is either trying to climb or organise a rebellion,” she breathes.

“But all the kids are okay?” Belle asks, concern in her eyes.

“Yes, yes. All fine.” Queenie grins before her eyes go wide. “Gotta go, we have an escapee! Samual, we’ve got a breach!” she says before disconnecting.

“I bet that was River,” Belle groans, shaking her head.

I smirk. “They all encourage one another. Just wait until they are in high school.”

“Oh hell, Hawk is going to kill any boy that goes near Maisy,” Josie states.

I smile at the thought. The bond our children will have will be stronger than most families; for that I am certain. If one gets into trouble, the others will be there to help and protect them. Even if deep down I know Enzo will be the one leading the trouble.

I look out the window to see at least four camera crews out there. My stomach drops at the thought of having to speak to them. That’s being put under a whole new type of scrutiny I never want. I sit and watch the clock tick by. An hour passes, then two, then three, and then finally, just as it’s about to hit eleven am, the door opens.

I jump to my feet when I see Alina walk out with a large smile on her face, followed by Jared and Ghost. His face is bruised, and a large bandage is on his face where he was cut. Anger boils within me seeing what they did. My feet move quickly, and I run past Ghost. His eyes follow my movements as I lunge for the officer behind him. He was one of the ones that was there. I land on him with a thud, and as both of us fall to the floor, his eyes are wide as I straddle him.

“You motherfucking pig!” I hiss. I swing my fist back, but I’m dragged off him by a strong pair of arms. Ghost pins his arms around me, holding me close with my back to his front. “Not now, darlin’. Later,” he whispers against my ear. “Right now, I need to put a ring on your finger and my dick in your pussy.”

A shudder travels through me at his words. He loosens his hold on me as I turn in his arms, and I lock my hands behind his neck. “You’ve always been so romantic,” I tease.

He grins. “Only for you. Now, let’s get the fuck out of here before you’re put behind bars again.”

“Me? You started it,” I argue.

“I believe you started it by riding my dick in the limo,” he counters.

“I don’t remember hearing you complain,” I snap back.

“Okay, okay. This is all lovely, but we have a wedding to get ready for and now a huge crowd of people and press to fight through to get there. Let’s roll, people!” Alina calls, clapping her hands.

“Oh, shit a brick,” I mutter.

Ghost looks down at me, taking my hand in his. “You ain’t scared of a few people, are you, darlin’?” he taunts.

I give him my best death glare, even though I know he can see right through my bullshit. “I don’t like people,” I say through gritted teeth.

Ghost gives me a playful grin. “I’ve got you. You don’t have to say anything. I will do the talking,” he assures me before placing a soft kiss on my temple.

A swoon escapes me; a fucking swoon. This man has got turning into a savage animal one minute and a gooey cheesy mess the next down perfect. He leads us out of the building, and I have to blink rapidly as the flashes from cameras nearly blind me. People are shouting and asking questions, and I grip Ghost’s hand tighter as we get closer. He comes to a stop, and I can feel the entire club behind us acting as a wall of fucking solidarity.

I look over my shoulder, catching Maggie’s gaze. She gives me a small smile and a wink in reassurance. Fuck, I love these guys.

“Have the charges been dropped?” one reporter yells.

“Did the officer do that to you?” another shouts.

“Is it true you’ve been offered an underwear modelling contract off the back of this exposure?” another asks.

I press my body closer into Ghost’s, needing the feel of him at my side. I may be loud, and I may be strong and show no fear in most things in life, but this attention and scrutiny is making those fears spike.

“Yes, they dropped the charges, yes, the officers did this to me, and no, I think it’s fucking bullshit, but even if she had, she wouldn’t do it. Her beautiful body is for my eyes to see. Not all you fucking perverts,” Ghost snaps, causing a few chuckles of laughter to echo around us.

“Are you saying she can’t do what she likes without your permission?” a female reporter probes, trying to get a reaction out of Ghost.

“No, I’m—” Ghost starts, but the reporter cuts him off.

“It certainly appears that way with the way you are holding her to you,” she argues, pressing further.

That has my attention. I look for her and narrow my gaze when my eyes land on her. I push away from Ghost, barely registering the quiet words of warning to stop from Ghost. As I stand in front of her, I ignore the attention of all the cameras pointing my way.

“Let me make this very clear. That man is my man,” I growl in a slow warning. “He does not control me any more than I control him. I do what I want when I fucking want. Believe me, I do not make his life easy,” I state. I look over my shoulder at him, only to see love and adoration pouring from his gaze. I give him a small smile before returning my attention back to the reporters. “We were fucking in the limo. He was rocking my world, and I was blowing his,” I state. People laugh, and I hear Maggie mock gag in the background. “The rest of what happened you already know. Now, if you could all fuck off and leave us alone, as we are getting married in a few hours and I desperately need a shower,” I say bluntly.

Ghost moves and grabs my hand to lead me through the crowd. Girls are screaming at Ghost, flashing their tits and jumping up and down. I glare at them, baring my teeth, ready to rip them apart limb by limb.

Ghost yanks on my hand, forcing me to look up at him. He leans down and gives me a swift kiss. “I’m yours, remember,” he reminds me.

My smile widens, and I push my shoulders back. Yes, he fucking is! “Fuck you bitches, he’s mine!” I yell as Ghost bundles me into the back of the limo.