It was nice.
She got to do pretty much whatever the hell she wanted to do, within reason. Her dad was still way overprotective and yet her twin, Miles, could do whatever the hell he wanted. The double standards were not lost on her. Even though Lash was moving the club forward, her father still had some old-fashioned views.
Staring up at the stars, Simon wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
“One day, you and me, we’ll be side by side. Like it was always supposed to be. We both know that’s how it’s meant to be.”
A pain rushed through her chest. Was it?
For the longest time, she wanted nothing to do with the club, either of them. The Skulls nor Chaos Bleeds were part of her future plans. That all changed. She didn’t know how it happened. Just one day, she was pissed-off, angry, and the next, she knew without a doubt it was her calling.
She believed it was something Grandpa Ned had said to her.
“Honey, I know you don’t want the club life, and you’re right, it’s not for everyone. It takes a lot of dedication and commitment. Running from this doesn’t change who you are. You belong here. You need to understand there are people out there who have nothing. Who have no one. They would love to be in your position. To have family. You leave, your family will always welcome you back. You know how it goes. Don’t for a single second believe you don’t belong here. I know you’re a strong person, and you’re going to grow into a fine woman. The club, it’s part of that. It has helped build you.”
After their conversation, she’d been in tears. She finally realized that her place was as a part of the club and she didn’t hate that.
“You’ve gone silent on me,” he said.
“It’s nothing. You know how it goes.”
“We’ve never talked about what’s going to happen when we’re able to get married.”
She tilted her head back. “You’re still wanting to get married?”
“Hell, yeah, I’d marry you now.”
She chuckled. “You’re an impatient man, Simon.”
He held her a little more tightly. “No, I just know what a beauty I’ve got, and how fucking lucky I am.”
“Simon?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you ever kissed another girl?” she asked. For some odd reason, she was thinking about his question from years ago.
“No, I’ve never kissed anyone but you.”
She pulled out of his arms, turned, and sat between his spread thighs, crossing her legs. “You’re sexy, hot. I go to school, so I know a lot of girls, hot girls, throw themselves at the guys. You’ve got ink already. You’re like a rebel. Do you seriously expect me to believe that you’re not, you know, with other girls?”
Anthony had a reputation at the school, but he never confirmed or denied the other girls’ claims. Tabitha had never seen him with anyone and she knew he was smitten when it came to Daisy. She’d never given herself a chance to think of Simon with someone else. They had hours between each other. Towns, even cities that separated them. For so long, they’d been writing, texting, rarely emailing.
Simon reached out, tucking one of her blonde locks behind her ear. She’d asked Lacey to dye the tips a deep blue, but her mother had said no. She hoped Lacey wouldn’t listen to her mother and just do it.
“You think any other girl would ever be able to take your place?”
“You’re telling me you haven’t?”
“Tabby, you’ve had me since we were kids. I’ll always be yours.”
“Love at first punch?”
“You got it. No, I don’t kiss other girls. I don’t screw other girls. I’m a virgin.”
She smiled.
“Don’t laugh.”
“I’m not laughing. I just, really?”
“Yeah, really. Do I watch porn, yeah, but it’s not you. I want my first time to be with you.” He teased a strand of her hair.
“I’m not ready.”
“Tabby, baby, I’m not rushing you. You ever thought I’m not ready?”
She leaned in close and kissed his lips. “You’re telling me you’re not ready? If I told you I was ready to get naked with you, you’d tell me no?”
“Don’t put it like that. We both know you’re not ready. Do I want to have sex with you? Yes, it’s a stupid question. We’ve got the rest of our lives. I’m not going to rush you.” He cupped her face. “This is enough.”
Kissing him back, she released a moan, feeling a flutter throughout her body.
“I love you,” she said.
“Not as much as I love you.”
“It’s not a competition.”
“Oh, yes, it is.” He pulled her close and within his arms, she felt warm, safe, protected, and loved. It was all she ever felt with Simon, and all she knew she’d ever feel with him.
****
“We good?” Simon asked Anthony.
“Why wouldn’t we be?”
“I don’t know. I asked you to keep an eye on my girl.”
“Dude, I keep an eye on Tabs even when you don’t want me to. Believe me, I know my place and it’s taking care of everyone. You don’t have to stress it.”
“You know, a lot of people think you’re weird,” Simon said.
Rather than respond, Anthony continued to stare at him.
“Ah, the whole blank look. Does that still work for you?”
Silence.
“Right. Keep an eye on Tabby. Let me know about those guys. You know, the ones we caught out by the field that time.”
“The Monster Dogs MC brats are pieces of shit. You don’t need to worry about them,” Anthony said. “I’ve got them handled.”
“I don’t like them.”
“Who does? We shouldn’t even be dealing with them, but I’ve got it covered and you need to stop worrying. Tabs would be pissed if she knew you wanted me to keep a close eye on her. She’s a fighter. I should know.”
“The Quad?”
“You got it. It’s where we all go. The Skulls, we’ve got a reputation to uphold.” Anthony glanced back at the clubhouse.
Simon followed his gaze to see Lash and Devil shake hands. Tabby stood with Daisy. She winked at him.
“I don’t like her fighting.”
“One day, you’re going to watch her and realize she’s a fucking queen here, Simon. Tabs isn’t a person you need to be worried about.”
“Does that make you king?” Simon asked.
He didn’t like how Anthony was the shit in this town, or at least in their school. It wasn’t lost on him that to some, Tabitha and Anthony should be together.
“You’ve got nothing to worry about, you know that.”
“You keep your eyes on your own.”
Anthony glanced down to where Daisy stood. “I’ve got shit covered. You keep telling me to deal, though, and I will hurt you in other ways.” Anthony slapped him on the shoulder and left him alone.
That was the most conversation he got out of Anthony. He didn’t know if it was just because of who he was or what. There was no forcing shit with Anthony. The guy did what he wanted to do.