She knew what she was getting into when she agreed to marry me.
Didn’t she?
I hadn’t signed my contract with the army yet, but she knew I was going to soon. My original plan was to have a military career, put in at least twenty years of service. That didn’t happen. I’m not sure why I didn’t sign on for another tour. I just wanted to come home.
Laurel tried to talk me out of signing up in the first place. Then, she refused to live on the base, so that left us with trying to make a long-distance marriage work.
God, I was an idiot to not notice all the red flags.
But I thought I loved her, that she was forever.
Tomorrow, once I see her with her new husband, hopefully I’ll finally be set free from the chokehold she’s had on me once and for all.
CHAPTER FIVE
Lyla
“Laurel is pissed you’re late.” I stand up from the bench as I extend a warning to our father. Wearing his usual grungy jeans and leather biker vest, he surveys the crowded restaurant that’s been rented out for the night. None of the people here are my friends. Laurel wouldn’t even let me invite my best friend, Holly, to the wedding, much less the rehearsal dinner. “Where have you been?” I ask him.
His jaw clenches underneath his beard, which has grown grayer over the last few months. “I had some business to take care of before I could call it a day.”
“Of course,” I reply, not the least bit surprised that “business” has kept him away yet again or that he refuses to give me specifics. It’s been like this my entire life. The MC comes first, before Isaac Perry’s family. He says everything he does for the club is for our family, to take care of us, to earn a living. Sometimes, though, I think he just enjoys being in charge, being feared, having people jump when he says jump.
I don’t get it, the culture of violence or the weird hierarchy and subservience. But then, I’ve never been much of a rule follower. Whenever I was told specifically not to do something by my father, grandmother, or by teachers when I was still in school, I would do it just for spite.
The only rule I wouldn’t ever break is cheating on someone when we’re supposed to be in a committed relationship. That’s not really a rule, though; that’s just…common decency.
That’s why I don’t want any part of a relationship. I’m not convinced that common decency still exists in the world. Everyone’s just so selfish.
“Lyla, have you met Thane?” my father asks, referring to the man walking in behind him. He’s in my face before I have a chance to run away. Oh, hell no. Is he going to try and set me up again?
What sort of father encourages his daughter to date a member of a biker club? One who can control them like puppets, that’s who.
As president, none of the guys do anything without my father’s explicit knowledge or approval.
“Hi, Lyla,” the six-foot-tall man with bare arms covered in tattoos says to me.
“Hi. And yes, Dad. I have met him before,” I say as I flash him a very brief but polite smile.
Sure, his lean face is attractive, even though his hair is kept way too short, shaved down close to his skull. And, yeah, his body is muscular and yummy. He’s actually a slightly smaller version of Barrett Fulton, although I’m not sure why I thought of him for the comparison.
Anyway, the problem with Thane is that despite his good looks, he’s also a little foot soldier in my father’s Harley-riding army. He does whatever his president tells him to do and lives in fear of pissing him off, as if my father is some sort of god.
“Thane here just earned his Devil Hounds patches,” my father says as he slaps the man on the back of his leather cut, urging him another step closer to me.
“I just patched in,” the brightly smiling minion repeats as if I didn’t hear it or understand it the first time.
“Good for you.”
“Grandma told me about the dress situation,” my dad goes on to say. “I’m sorry you have to sit out tomorrow.”
All the other bridesmaid dresses came in on time, but for some reason, mine got delayed. I guess Laurel won’t have to worry about my glasses messing up her precious wedding photos.
“It’s no biggie. Apparently, there are no off-the-rack dresses in the state that are qualified to stand next to Laurel on her big day.”
Shrugging, he says, “I don’t get it, but it’s ultimately her decision.”
“I know,” I huff. “I’m not complaining. I would rather be sitting with guests than standing around in an ugly-ass dress, having to take a ton of photos.”
“Good. Thane here can keep you company – as your date tomorrow night.”
“It would be an honor to keep you company, Lyla,” the biker repeats, still grinning at me.
I grit my teeth together as my face burns with anger. In a matter of seconds, my cheeks flare to match my long crimson waves. “No, thank you, Dad. It’s nothing personal, Thane. I just don’t need a date.”
“Sure you do,” my father says. “I don’t want you to have to sit alone during the ceremony or at the reception.”
“I won’t be alone. There will be a ton of other guests there too.”
“Thane will be at the house tomorrow night at six,” my father says as if the discussion is over.
Thane beams at me like he just won the lottery. “I’m looking forward to being her escort, sir.”
“Can Thane actually speak for himself, or is he like a parrot that can only repeat words he hears come out of your mouth?” I ask.
“Thane, why don’t you go grab Lyla a glass of water. I think she’s had one too many drinks.”
“Yes, sir,” the man agrees before he scurries away.
Hands braced on my hips, I tell him, “I haven’t had any alcohol tonight.”
“That’s a shame. I was hoping I could blame your rudeness on intoxication.” His phone is out of his pocket before he finishes speaking, texting someone, probably someone in this room, about things that I’m not allowed to know about.
“Stop trying to set me up, especially with one of your minions!” I raise my voice to make sure he hears me. “I’m not interested in dating a biker. Ever.”
Why would I willingly put myself in that violent world after all these years? I wouldn’t. I want a nice, boring husband with a kind heart who works a nine-to-five. That way, I never have to worry about our children being exposed to motorcycles or fistfights or illegal gun deliveries. In fact, it would be great if my husband doesn’t even own a gun but has a bat for personal protection.
Looking up from the phone’s screen, my father says, “Baby girl, if I don’t set you up, then how would you meet any decent men?”
“I don’t need a man to make me happy.”
“I didn’t say you did. But your sister is settling down with a good guy. I just want the same for you.”
“Only if they meet your approval, though, right? I still can’t believe you’re on board with your childhood friend marrying your daughter.”
“John loves Laurel.”
“While he may love Laurel, she only loves his money, and you know it.”