Paradox: A Death Dealers MC Novella (Book 5.5) Read online

  And he’s mine.

  I finish getting ready with a smile on my face. My life couldn’t be better. It’s perfect, and it’s all because of Jon Emerson.

  “Ready?”

  He emerges from the walk-in closet wearing a white shirt with a vest and pants in a shade of khaki that perfectly complements my dress, his tie a striped silk in gold and khaki. It’s my turn to gawk at him. I swallow, licking my lips as thoughts of foregoing dinner enter my mind.

  “Stop looking at me like that or we’ll never make it out of the house.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  “I thought you were famished?” He smirks.

  “For something else now.”

  He stalks slowly toward me, buttoning his cuffs. His smirk is gone, smoldering eyes trained on me. I tell you, Einstein is something to behold in his cut and jeans, but Jon in a suit? He rivals any billionaire CEO from the romance novels. My breathing picks up, getting more ragged as he closes the distance between us. He places a finger under my chin, tipping my face up to his.

  “I promise you, Ellen.” His voice is low and husky, his cologne wafting around me, drawing me closer to him. “When we get home, I’m going to make love to you all. Night. Long.”

  My muscles clench, lids drooping, lips parting in anticipation of his kiss. There’s only a soft peck on my forehead, leaving me wanting. I groan, watching him walk back to the closet and return with his jacket.

  “Let’s go.”

  I grab my purse, leading him out of the house. The ride to wherever we’re going is quiet, the sexual tension in the car palpable. I squirm in my seat, wishing he’d turn the car around. Hell, I’d be happy with a quickie by the side of the road. He’s not making things easier, resting his palm on my thigh, thumb making small circles.

  “You okay?” He chuckles.

  “You know what I want.”

  “And you’ll get it… just not yet.”

  “You owe me, Dr. Emerson. I’m talking at least three orgasms.”

  “Tell you what. You’ll get your three before I even get one.”

  “That’s definitely another promise I’m holding you to. You can bet your ass on that!”

  He laughs, squeezing my thigh and slowing down the car. That’s when I realize where we are. We had our first date here. The memories of that night are so vivid, especially the one where he left me high and dry afterward. That shit is not happening tonight.

  We’re led to our table, and while the waiter gives his spiel, I glance up from my menu to find Jon staring at me. I gently kick his foot under the table in an attempt to let him know how uncomfortable he’s making me. I’m rewarded with a gorgeous grin to accompany his steady gaze.

  The waiter takes our orders and disappears.

  “You’re acting like a love-sick puppy.”

  “I don’t know about the sick or puppy part, but I am in love. There’s no way to hide that, beautiful.”

  “Jeez, you’re in rare form tonight.”

  “Do you want me to stop?”

  “God, no.” I giggle. “Shower me with all the love.”

  “Your wish is my command.”

  Our dinner is quiet, but we don’t need words. We’re happy being in each other’s company. Occasionally, he reaches over and takes my hand, squeezing my fingers or stroking it with his thumb. When our dessert comes out, he moves his chair closer to mine and feeds me. He’s not wearing his glasses, and I can see the true beauty of his hazel eyes as they stare back at me.

  “You’re perfect, Jon Emerson.”

  “You’re the one who’s perfect. I’m just trying to be the man you deserve.”

  “Oh, Jon.” I lay my forehead on his, eyes closed against the emotions he evokes in me. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you, too, Ellen.”

  ***Einstein***

  “Wanna go back to our spot?”

  “Yes,” she answers immediately. “It was so beautiful before.”

  “Come on.”

  Taking her hand, I lead her to the back of the restaurant and then the wooden bridge we stood on the last time we were here. Just like before, I wrap my arms around her from behind, holding her as she stares up at the stars. It’s a beautiful night for a proposal—clear skies dotted with tiny lights as far as the eye can see. There’s a gentle breeze, enough to ruffle the leaves but not to make it cold. The brook below us makes its way quietly around the property, not another soul around but us. I take a deep breath, inhaling the scent of her hair and resting a palm on her belly… our daughter.

  “Mmm… this is nice,” she mumbles.

  “It is.”

  Small lights decorating the next bridge over come on, the words “Marry me” illuminating the night. I know the moment she sees it because her body goes rigid in my arms. Her head swings around and she stares up at me, mouth open in shock.

  “Jon?”

  “Ellen.”

  I turn her to face me, removing the ring from my jacket pocket and taking a knee. Ellen gasps, hands covering her mouth and nose.

  “Oh God. Oh God….”

  With a nervous smile, I flip the box lid open to reveal the princess-cut diamond ring inside. A tiny light on the lid shines down on it, making her eyes widen even more. I extend my free hand and she places her trembling one in it. Tears shimmer in her eyes.

  “Ellen… beautiful… I’ve wanted to do this for a while now. I know we haven’t been together long, but it’s long enough for me to know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You and Mikey have given me the life I’ve always wanted, and I can’t wait for our baby to be born. Your heart is the only thing I own that matters. Say you’ll be mine forever, Ellen. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes,” she whispers, then clears her throat, the word coming out stronger the second time around. “Yes, I’ll marry you!”

  Letting out a sigh of relief, I place the ring on her finger—finally—and rise, tugging her into my arms. I slide my hand into her hair and hold her close, secure in the knowledge that this woman wants to be with me for the rest of her days.

  “Jon… God, I can’t believe….” She raises her head from where it rests on my chest, a brilliant smile aimed at me. “I’m so happy, I don’t know what to say.”

  “You already said the only word I wanted to hear. Now you need to find a dress because I’m marrying you before that baby gets here.”

  “Yes. I don’t want to wait either. I’d do it right now if we could.”

  “Good. Let’s get out of here so I can keep that promise I made to you on our way here.”

  “I’ll race you to the car.” She giggles, hurrying inside ahead of me.

  The moment we step back into the restaurant, the other diners burst into applause. Ellen blushes furiously, burrowing into my side. I acknowledge the cheers with a nod and a smile, then take care of the bill. Back at the car, I help her in, then remove my jacket and toss it on the back seat. I slide in next to her to find her admiring the ring.

  “It’s beautiful, Jon.”

  “A princess cut for my MC princess.”

  “Is this why you’ve been so… whatever you’ve been lately?”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  “What, did you think I’d say no?”

  “A part of me was scared of that… that you wouldn’t want to get married after Eddie.”

  She takes my hand, turning in her seat to face me.

  “There’s no way I would have turned you down. I guess a part of me will always love Eddie, but I don’t wonder anymore about what could have been. Now I envision my future with you. Only you, Jon.”

  I raise her hand to my lips, kissing her fingers. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure our life together is everything you want, Ellen. I promise you that.”

  “I know you will. Now take me home, Dr. Emerson.”

  “You got it, future Mrs. Emerson.”

  “I love the sound of that.”

  “Me, too, beautiful. Me, too.”

  We’re h
ome before I know it, the rattled nerves that plagued me on the way to the restaurant now soothed. As soon as we’re through the door, I push her against it, claiming her lips the way I’ve wanted to all night. She moans, arms coiling around my neck, body melting into mine. Lifting her into my arms, I take her to our bedroom, placing her on the bed as if she were a delicate flower. I stare down at her, wanting to cherish, to savor every bit of her slowly. She has other ideas because she sits up, getting rid of her dress and tossing it aside.

  “Come on, mister. I was promised three orgasms.” She moves to lean against the headboard.

  “And I aim to deliver.”

  I shrug off my vest and kick off my shoes, then walk to the end of the bed, grabbing her ankles and pulling her to me until she’s lying flat on her back. Climbing onto the bed, I straddle her, keeping her pinned with my legs. She bites her lip in the most seductive way, twirling my tie around her finger. I pull it free of its knot, a smirk on my lips as I reach for her hands.

  “What are you doing?” she pants, eyes lighting up.

  I bind her wrists together with my tie, then secure them to the headboard.

  “You’re mine, Ellen. Soon you’ll be mine in every way. Forever. Tonight I’m going to show you exactly what you have to look forward to.”

  “Jon….” She moans, writhing beneath me.

  I kiss my way down her body, licking and nipping at her skin. Making myself comfortable between her thighs, I meet her eyes as I lean in.

  “Start counting, beautiful.”

  CHAPTER 9

  RAGE

  ***Raven***

  From my wheelchair, I watch with a smile as Gage straps the babies into their carriers. He wouldn’t allow anyone else to do it, even the nurses. He’s being an overprotective dick, and I love it. I couldn’t have chosen a better father for my children.

  “Ready to go, baby doll?”

  “Sí. Get me out of here.”

  “Let’s get you home.”

  Dr. E pushes my wheelchair out of the room, Gage following with the twins. I’m so glad to be out of this place. It brings back too many memories.

  In front of the hospital, I climb into the third row of a blue Audi SUV I’ve never seen before. Dr. E slides into the driver’s side while Gage straps the babies to the second row of seats, and then joins me.

  “You okay, babe?”

  “Just thinking.” I sigh. “About the last time I was here.”

  He curls his arm around my shoulder, pulling me to his side. “Very different circumstances.”

  “I’m leaving the hospital with a jacked-up vagina. Sounds about right.”

  “Look.” He points to the twins in front of us. “They’re the reason you were there. Two perfect little humans who you brought into the world. They’re the best things to happen to me since you showed up at that club barbecue. You look into their eyes and tell me it’s anything like when you were here before.”

  “I know. I know.” I shake my head, closing my eyes and trying to push the bad memories back. “You’re right.”

  “Of course I am. You’ll feel better once you’re home.”

  “Yeah.” I snuggle closer, laying my head on his chest. I’ve missed sleeping next to him, being in his arms.

  “You like it?” He motions to the SUV.

  “Sure. Where’d it come from?”

  “It’s yours. Bought it for you and the twins.”

  “What?” I sit up, meeting his twinkling eyes. “When did you do that?”

  He smirks, pulling me close once more. What am I going to do with this husband of mine?

  “Do you like it?” he repeats.

  “I love it. Thank you.” I know better than to argue.

  “You’re welcome, baby doll.” He kisses my forehead. “It’s supposed to be a surprise, but just so you know, everyone’s waiting at the clubhouse.”

  “I figured. Emily came by and told me she made a cake.”

  “E’s got some news, too.” I know he’s trying to get my mind off the past, and I love him even more for it.

  “What? Did he finally propose?”

  Gage chuckles, his chest vibrating under my cheek.

  “You two can make fun of me all you want because she said yes,” Dr. E says from the front seat.

  “Good for you, Dr. E. Gotta snatch up these Hunter siblings before someone else does. Glad I locked mine down.”

  “Hear that, E? Premium real estate over here, baby!”

  Dr. E ignores Gage, addressing me instead. “I know, Raven. Trust me. The wedding is happening ASAP.”

  “Now you guys get to be brothers for real.” I smile up at Gage.

  He squeezes my shoulder, lowering his voice. “We always were, doll.”

  We pull into the compound and several of the men rush to help out. Chopper is the first to open my door.

  “Hey, lil darlin’! How you feelin’?”

  “Good, Dad. Glad to be home.”

  “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”

  He helps me out, then reaches for Chaos and his carrier. Gage gets Hailey but hands her to Dr. E so he can assist me.

  I was expecting everyone to be here, but not the full-on celebration we walk into. The bar has been transformed, balloons and streamers everywhere. There’s an “It’s a boy” sign hanging on one wall, an “It’s a girl” on another. A giant cake sits in the middle of the pool table, gifts scattered on the floor around it. My heart constricts at the sight. No, this trip from the hospital is nothing like the first.

  I smile through all the “congratulations” and “welcome homes,” accepting hugs and cheek kisses. Someone shoves a beer in Gage’s hand. The twins are whisked off. I search the crowd to keep track of them, only to see a hard and solemn face I didn’t expect—Krueger. I turn to Gage and he shakes his head, his way of saying he’ll fill me in later.

  He grabs a chair, setting me up by the cake. Emily really outdid herself on this one. There are two tiers, the bottom in blue, the top in pink. “Welcome babies” is written on the sides in a beautiful script font, topped by a white bassinet where two babies are sleeping face down.

  My mother comes over and kisses my cheek before disappearing into the crowd again. Millie and Aunt Nita do the same.

  “Need anything, babe?” Gage places a hand on my shoulder.

  “A slice of this cake if you find me a knife.”

  He chuckles, tapping on his beer bottle with his ring to gain everyone’s attention. The room quiets down, all eyes focusing on us.

  “Thank you all for being here with us today to celebrate our babies coming home. Things were really tense for a bit there, but I’m happy to say they’re both strong and healthy, and so is their mother.”

  One of the babies squeals, as if on cue, and the room explodes into cheers. Gage’s lips curve up in a proud smile, and he continues, “Seriously, though, Raven and I are grateful that we have people like you in our lives. Thank you for all the love and support you’ve shown us. It means a lot.”

  “Aw, Prez, you know we got you,” Razor says from somewhere behind me.

  Words of agreement echo around the room. Gage motions Dr. E forward, throwing an arm around his shoulder.

  “That’s enough from me. I think my VP has something he’d like to say.”

  Ellen joins us, threading her fingers through Dr. E’s. He smiles down at her and the love is evident. Gage looks at me the same way.

  “I don’t know how much of an announcement this is since everyone is expecting it but… I asked Ellen to marry me and she said yes.”

  The noise starts up again, and all the brothers come forward to offer congratulations.

  “Here’s to the prez and VP providing the next generation of Dealers!” Venom shouts over the din.

  Laughing, I stand and pull Ellen into a hug. “I’m so happy for you!”

  “Thanks, Raven. This kinda wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

  “I’m flattered, but you two would have found each other
without me. Love always finds a way.”

  “I guess it does.” She smiles, her contentment obvious.

  “It does. Now let me see the ring, bitch.”

  Giggling, she extends her hand, showing off the rock on her finger. Dr. E did well. It’s gorgeous.

  “My turn!” Emily says, sidling up next to us and excitedly taking Ellen’s hand to admire her ring.

  “In more ways than one.” I wink, jerking my head toward Venom.

  “I just got out of a marriage, not looking to jump back into another one anytime soon.”

  “We’ll see,” Ellen says.

  “Okay, that’s my cue to start serving cake.”

  Ellen and I laugh, but before she can dash off, Ellen grabs Emily’s hand.

  “Whoa there. Don’t go running off so quickly. How are things with the bakery?”

  “It’s going really well.” The blonde’s eyes light up. “The people are still warming up to me, but the feedback has been great so far.”

  “Of course it is. Your stuff is amazing,” I tell her. “I’ll be expecting some of those strawberry and cheese—”

  “Oh jeez!” she interrupts me, a nervous smile on her lips. “Gage was very specific about those. I’m practicing the recipe until I get it right.”

  “He didn’t scare you, did he? I know how he can be a dick.”

  She laughs, glancing over at him. “No, it’s just that this is my dream. I need to prove to myself that I can do this. Not to mention the MC has invested a lot of money and placed even more confidence in me. I don’t want to disappoint them.”

  “You won’t,” Ellen assures her. “Everything you’ve made for my events has been a smashing success. In fact, revenue is up, and I’m sure you’ve played a huge part in that.”

  “Thank you.” Emily blushes, turning to me. “What about you? How’s it going with your art program?”

  “I fell behind the last few months with the pregnancy, but I only have one module to finish. I have no idea what I’m going to do with the certificate, though. It’s more of a passion.”

  “Well, you’re still young,” Ellen says. “Even if you wait until the kids are in school, you still have plenty of time to figure things out.”