Envy (Seven Deadlies MC Book 1) Read online

  It was true.

  He loved that about her. Loved that she made him feel whole and sexy again, and wanted.

  The woman could barely keep her hands off of him, as if he minded. He could barely take his eyes off of her.

  He used to hate watching Fury and Rayna together because he couldn't understand how some slip of a woman could make someone as hard as Fury go so damn soft, but now?

  Now he was in the same boat.

  “It’s taken her a long time to find herself, Wilder. I don’t doubt you’re up there in the sky watching over her, so I guess you know what I mean. When she first came to us she was inside out. She wasn’t right. We’ve all watched her, I’ve watched her, come into her own again and let me tell you…it’s a fuckin’ beautiful sight. I love her. I really love her. So, I guess I came here to tell you that you don’t have to worry. I’d die for her,” He said honestly.

  He didn't get a response, and he didn't expect one; but the sunlight did come through the trees at just that moment, bathing his face in a sudden warmth he hadn't felt in a while.

  Okay.

  He heard me.

  Prettyboy wasn't quite ready to leave yet, so he sat back on his hands and kept talking.

  ◆◆◆

  Rayna and Esme were sitting with Fury, all of them crowded around a very familiar wedding dress.

  “You haven't tried it on yet?”

  “No. I wanted to, and I just…wanted to wait until you were ready. I hope that’s okay?,” Rayna asked.

  Fury smiled as he ran a hand along the curve of her spine.

  Esme nodded.

  “Of course, I’m humbled you’d want to wait for me. You didn’t have to.”

  Rayna shrugged.

  “I know, but it didn't feel right. I wanted this to be a happy moment for the both of us.”

  Esme smiled, leaning back against Fury’s bedframe.

  “Well, what are you waitin’ for?”

  Rayna’s grin was beautiful as she turned towards the full length mirror, holding Esme’s wedding dress up to her chest.

  “Look, before we get all caught up in your chick flick moment, I want to thank you.”

  Esme didn't realize Fury was talking to her until he placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “Thank me? For what?,” She asked.

  Fury cleared his throat and glanced at Rayna.

  “Rayna told me that you offered to carry our baby if it turns out you’re capable of doing so. You have no idea how much hope that gave us. We both want a baby so badly, and neither one of us know what the hell we’re doin’…but if it turns out you’re a good candidate, we’d like to take you up on the offer,” Fury said.

  Esme’s heart almost exploded with joy.

  “Really?”

  “What you mean, really?! Of course! We’re so honored you’d give us that chance,” Rayna said softly.

  Esme’s eyes welled.

  “It’s the least I can do. You guys are sharing your home and your family with me. I always wanted babies, but it wasn't the right time for me. I can’t imagine what you two are going through,” Esme said.

  Fury patted her shoulder and she saw him smile.

  “We can talk about all of that at a later date, I just wanted to thank you personally. It means a lot to the both of us.”

  “And Esme? This is your family now, too. You don’t owe us anything.”

  While Rayna’s words made her feel better, she couldn't help but feel indebted to the sassy blonde. She’d gone out of her way to make Esme feel welcome, even when Esme had gone out of her way to push them all away.

  What a mistake that would have been, huh?

  The thought brought a smile to her face and she rushed to assure both Fury and Rayna she was genuine with her offer.

  “Whenever you two are ready, just say the word. Now, let’s see you in that dress!”

  Rayna giggled, her blue eyes twinkling with pure happiness.

  “Okay! Let’s do this!”

  The dress was a beautiful confection of lace and satin, covered in sparkling jewels. From the minute Esme had laid eyes on it, she’d known it was special. There was no need for her to even get it altered, and although Rayna was slightly thinner than her, she hoped it would be the perfect fit for her.

  It would be a shame for something so beautiful to go to waste.

  Rayna didn't seem to mind getting naked in front of her, so she didn't bother covering her eyes. Rayna had her own sundress off in record time.

  As she stepped into the mermaid style gown, Fury moved to zip it up the back for her. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline covered in sparkling stones that caught the light whenever she moved.

  As soon as it was zipped, Esme moved to stand on the other side of her. Fury’s dark eyes met hers in the mirror, and he grinned like a madman.

  “You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen,” He muttered.

  Rayna smiled up at him before she turned back towards the mirror, her hands running along the length of the lace. She took a deep breath before her face crumpled and she pressed her palms to her eyes.

  Stunned, Esme moved to hold her.

  “Rayna? What’s the matter?”

  Rayna choked out a laugh before she shook her blonde head.

  “Nothing! God, it’s…the dress is perfect. Better than anything I could have commissioned, Esme. It’s…thank you,” Rayna said as she hugged Esme tightly.

  Esme, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged her back.

  She hadn't imagined her wedding dress would ever be put to use, but it looked amazing on Rayna, and from the dreamy way Fury was watching her, he thought so too.

  “No need for thanks. You look…way better in it than I ever did,” She said with a smile.

  Rayna turned to face the mirror, and her smile said it all.

  She looks so fucking happy!

  “I don’t know about that baby, but I do love this dress.”

  Esme fingered the little promise ring on her hand and thought about Prettyboy. She hadn't seen him all morning, but she knew that he was out running an errand. She was kind of glad that she got to share this moment with Rayna and Fury though, because it was like a little bit of closure she hadn't expected.

  “So, we can keep the wedding date?,” Fury asked wryly.

  Both Esme and Rayna glanced at each other before they burst into fits of giggles.

  “Yes! Yes, baby. I love it.”

  Esme nodded. She felt like she’d done a good deed, even though it was nothing compared to the friendship and love they’d shown her.

  “Even though I’ve helped you plan everything from the invitations to the flowers and even the centerpieces, you never told me a date. When is the wedding?”

  Rayna sighed breathily as she felt along a strand of beads near the waistline of the dress.

  “July twenty-second.”

  Esme’s eyes widened. She hadn't realized it was so soon, only a few months away, but she was so happy for the both of them that she clapped her hands together.

  “I’m so happy for you two, really.”

  Fury’s dark eyes appraised her.

  “You’re okay with being a bridesmaid, then?”

  Esme’s mouth fell open.

  Rayna smacked Fury’s hand.

  “Baby! I was supposed to ask her, not you. You stole my fuckin’ thunder, you ape.”

  Fury snorted before he stepped back so Esme and Rayna could speak amongst each other.

  “So, will you consider it?”

  “Nothing to consider, Rayna. I would love to!”

  Rayna hugged her again.

  “Good, because you’ll be the only one. I think maybe Axel’s sister is coming too, but I don't know about her being a bridesmaid,” Rayna said with a small laugh.

  Esme shrugged.

  “What about Green?”

  Rayna rolled her eyes.

  “He’s my best friend and has demanded to be my groomsman of honor,” She said with a laugh.

&
nbsp; Esme knew that Green was serious about that too, because he’d already implied that she was not allowed to be the maid of honor- he was going to fill that role.

  “Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less from our wily irishman.”

  Fury’s booming laughter rilled the room, causing both women to turn around.

  “What’s so funny?”

  Fury motioned towards Esme.

  “He’s our wily irishman now?”

  Esme shrugged.

  “Well, I am Prettyboy’s old lady. Doesn't that mean we get to share him?”

  Rayna wrapped an arm around Esme’s shoulders and laughed.

  “We’re a family, baby. We share everything.”

  Chapter 23

  As Prettyboy entered the clubhouse he was intercepted by Ox almost immediately.

  “Hey, what’s up?”

  Prettyboy could tell by the look on Ox’s face that shit was about to go down, and he knew he wasn't going to like it.

  “I just got a call from Axel. Tango and Rebel were attacked outside their clubhouse this morning. Ambushed by two Silver Bullet lackeys,” Ox said.

  Prettyboy swore.

  “Are they okay?”

  “Yeah, they’ll be okay. Close call, though. He said he doesn’t want Esme caught up in that mess, so he asked that we keep it on the down low.Shouldn’t be a problem for us, but I wanted to keep you in the loop.”

  Prettyboy didn’t know if he wanted to keep something like that from his old lady, but he knew that club business was club business. They hadn't discussed a full disclosure clause yet. He wouldn't mind telling her anything she wanted to know, but some old ladies didn't like to know the nitty-gritty.

  “Okay, boss.”

  Okay boss.

  Oh yeah, that’s real convincing.

  Ox nodded his head before he gestured towards the garage.

  “You’ve got a couple of pink slips waitin’ for ya, and then you’re off for the weekend.”

  Prettyboy sighed.

  “Alright. Let me find Esme and let her know I made it back in one piece, and then I’ll get to work.”

  Ox smirked.

  “You did good with that one, brother. You should be proud.

  Prettyboy wasn’t even lying when he said, “Trust me, I am.”

  As Ox walked away, he felt two small hands wrap around his waist.

  “My, my. You’re one sexy piece of ass.”

  He couldn't help but laugh as he yanked Esme into his arms.

  “Hi, beautiful.”

  She stood up on her tiptoes so she could kiss him right on the mouth.

  “I missed you today. Did your errand go okay?”

  Prettyboy’s head was filled with the image of Chris’s headstone as he nodded.

  “Sure did.”

  “Good. You workin’ today?”

  Prettyboy nodded as he nuzzled his nose under her chin.

  “Yeah, but not for long. Probably a half-day today. You wanna do something later? Maybe see a movie and grab some dinner in town?”

  Esme’s smile made his heart lurch.

  “Are you asking me out on a fancy-shmancy date?”

  He shrugged.

  “I guess that’s the way of it, yeah.”

  Her tanned shoulders were bare and he couldn't stop himself from running his fingers along the lines of her exposed skin.

  “I would love to. Me and Green are gonna be workin’ on some details for the wedding today, so come find me when you’re free.”

  Prettyboy kissed her gently.

  “You got it.”

  With a flirty wink that almost landed her flat on her back against the bar top, she waved in his direction and disappeared down the hallway he knew led to her bedroom.

  “Shit, brother. You look like Cupid shot you directly in the butt hole. I hope I never let a woman twist my balls into a pretzel like that.”

  Prettyboy glared in Limit’s direction as he eased his sunglasses down over his eyes.

  “Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up big guy, but one day you’ll be eatin’ those words.”

  Limit scoffed.

  “I’ll eat a lot things, but those words aren’t on my menu.”

  Prettyboy followed Limit out to the garage, Ox’s words still on his mind.

  Down low?

  How the hell am I supposed to keep something like that on the down low?

  Esme would want to know if Axel was in trouble! Those guys are her other family.

  Shit, I would want to know if something was going on with my club…

  Before Prettyboy even stepped foot into the garage, he knew that he was going to tell Esme the truth.

  He couldn't keep something like that from her, she deserved to know. Obviously the Seven Deadlies wouldn’t be called in to help unless Axel needed the backup. They’d already gotten Rayna to agree to let Axel use her father's gun contact, and even though both Axel and Ox had been hesitant at first, she’d assured them it was okay.

  She was glad to be rid of the damn thing, to be honest and no one at the table blamed her for it. He couldn't imagine holding onto something that caused so much pain and suffering.

  “Hey, man. Heard the good news! Looks like you’re the next Deadly to settle down,” Rider called.

  He was smiling in Prettyboy’s direction.

  “Thanks. It hadn’t quite hit me yet, but I won’t deny she makes me one happy bastard.”

  Rider was still grinning as he slid beneath an old Lincoln.

  “I’m sure she does. I’m envious.”

  “Don’t be. You’ll find your own woman to moon over, just like Limit will!”

  “Fuck you,” Limit called.

  Everyone in the garage burst into laughter as Limit glared at all of them like an angry fucking lion.

  “Ah, don’t be a sour pussy! Just watch, you’ll be the next one to settle down.”

  Slayer was making kissy faces in Limit’s direction as he groped the air.

  Limit didn't miss a beat as he pulled out his gun and aimed it directly at Slayer’s dick.

  “Shake that little cock at me one more time, and I’ll shoot it off.”

  Slayer’s mouth fell open and for some reason, he held his hands up like Limit was a man of the law and he’d come to arrest him.

  “Fine, you ogre! I’ll shut up,” Slayer whined.

  Limit finally nodded and put his gun away, but not before he lunged in Slayer’s direction and sent him screaming towards the other end of the garage.

  “You guys are a bunch of fuckin’ idiots,” Ox called.

  Prettyboy glanced at him before he nodded in agreement.

  “That’s probably true.”

  ◆◆◆

  Green had his feet propped up on a chair beside Esme as she tied off another pouch filled with assorted candies. She heard a very distinctive crunch and turned to see Green shoving a handful of said candy directly into his cake hole.

  "If you eat all of the candy, there won't be any left for the gift bags and Rayna will punch you in the face.”

  "I know that, but I'm hungry and this candy is delicious," He said as he swallowed an M&M.

  Esmeralda rolled her eyes, but she was smiling when he cleared his throat and leaned closer to her.

  "Rayna almost died when she got shot a few months the ago. Did she tell you that story?"

  Esme, surprised by the turn the conversation was suddenly taking, only nodded as she filled another pouch.

  "Fury told us that she couldn't carry a baby herself but that they could have someone else carry their baby for them. She told me you offered?"

  Esme eased the pouch onto the table as she turned to look into Green's eyes.

  "I did."

  "Most folks think I don't know how to be serious, but seeing my best friend cry herself to sleep for weeks because she feels hopeless is a serious issue to me. You have no idea what you're giving her by offering your body to her like that. I know it doesn't mean much coming from me, but if you ever need anything, I'm
here for you."

  Her lower lip trembled slightly at his kind words.

  She placed one hand over his on top of the table and squeezed.

  "I appreciate that, darlin."

  Green's smile could have melted the panties off a nun.

  "Good. What does your old man think about you helping out Rayna and Fury?"

  Esme shrugged.

  "We haven't spoken about it at great length because I still have to get tested to make sure I'm a good candidate. He did tell me that it's my body and my choice."

  "Yeah, sounds like Prettyboy. You did good with that one."

  Esme tipped her head forward.

  "I know I did. He's a good man and he treats me right."

  Green cleared his threat.

  "The day he got into the accident, we were in the middle of a war with the Steel Ponies. They ambushed him, shot his bike to hell, and then left him for dead on the side of the road like fuckin' roadkill. Rollin' up on him like that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, because at first we didn't know if he was dead or alive," Green told her.

  Of course her and Prettyboy had discussed his accident in one of their famous late night talks, but hearing it from someone else's perspective changed things. It made it more real. It wasn't just a story, it was fact.

  “He told me the recovery process was awful.”

  “You fuckin’ bet. Nothin’ worse than hearin’ him screaming from his hospital room while knowing there was nothing we could do to help. He asked me to end it for him more than once, but I knew something would happen to make him want to hold on. Didn’t know it would be some sassy brunette from the Lone Rangers’s territory, though.”

  Green followed that statement up with a wink, but it only served to make Esme love Prettyboy more. He never complained about his scars, no, and he didn't even wear his bandana anymore, but she knew he still struggled with them. Sometimes his voice would grow hoarse or he’d have to elevate his leg before bed, and she did her best to alleviate the pain, but it didn't always help as much as she’d like.

  “You really love him, don’t you?”

  Esme flinched at Green’s words.

  “Of course I do-”

  He shook his auburn head slowly, his green eyes suddenly sharp as a tac as they watched her.

  “No, no, no. I mean that lovey-dovey-ride-or-die shit. You two are the real deal, huh? Like Rayna and Fury.”