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“Fucking witch.”
    She smiled. “Asshole. Now untie me before you crash.”
    He untied her and, pulling her into his arms, closed his eyes. “I ain't crashing, I'm just resting my eyes awhile.”
     
    ~ oOo ~
     
    Emma took one final look at the painting, then, finally satisfied, cleaned the brushes and headed back downstairs. Deke was out back fixing the loose panels, the dog lying close by, watching his every move. He turned as she stepped outside. “Hey. You done?”
    “Yeah.” She ran her fingers down the double-headed viper inked onto his bare back. “Thanks for doing this.”
    He shrugged. “No biggie. You can repay me later.”
    “So the down payment wasn't enough?” She kissed his shoulder blade and grinned. “Maybe we can take a ride later and I can show my appreciation.”
    “ Sorry, sweetheart. Not sure there'll be time for that. I'm gonna have to head out this evening.” He laid the tools down and ran his fingers through her hair. “How about you settle for feeding me instead.”
    Swallowing her disappointment, she smiled. “Sure. Pasta okay?”
     
    As they were eating, Emma was aware of his eyes on her, she looked up. “What?”
    He took a deep breath. “My brother an' his ol' lady are getting hitched at the end of the month in Fillmore. I'd like you to come to the wedding with me.”
    “ Oh... I don't know, Deke. That's only three weeks away. I have work and then there's the dog and the chickens.”
    “ Emma.” He took her hand. “You can take time off work, and I'm sure you can find someone to look after Blue and the girls for a couple of days. I want you there.”
    She stared down at her tiny hand enveloped in his huge one. She was going to hurt his feelings, and she hated to do that. But whatever their relationship was, with all its shortcomings, it was honest. They may not have talked much - not about the important stuff - but they didn't bullshit each other. “No. I'm sorry, I don't want to.”
    He didn't let go of her hand, but he sat up a little straighter. “Wanna tell me why?”
    “ This.... You and me, here in this house. It's all there is. I'm sorry, I don't know how to explain it.”
    “ Is this about the club?”
    “ No... Yes... Maybe. I don't know.”
    “ Okay. Good to see you're clear on that.” He smiled. “This wedding.. These are my closest friends. My family. I want you there, Emma. It's just a little wedding. What's the big deal?”

 
    SIX
     
    Why the fuck had she agreed to this?
    Emma followed Deke through the busy airport to a black van parked outside, unable to shake the feeling that this was a horrible mistake. He turned and smiled. “It's just a wedding, Emma. Nothing to get bent out of shape over.”
    She didn't answer. Instead she leaned her head on the passenger window and watched the scenery.
    This wasn't just a wedding. These were people he called family... People he cared deeply about. She was going to meet his family, and she really wasn't sure how she felt about that. She closed her eyes as his hand rested lightly on her thigh. Why hadn't she just told him no?
    Neither spoke until he pulled up outside a small, slightly rundown looking house. Deke leaned over and kissed her. “This is Tiny's ma's place. You can get changed here and meet Tiny and Beth.” He chuckled. “And stop looking so worried. They don't bite.”
    “ Deke....”
    “ Emma.” He kissed her again. “Tiny is my brother. We have ridden together for over twenty years and I trust him with my life. And you'll love Beth and little Abi.” He tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “And they're going to love you.”
     
    “Brother.”
    Emma slipped her hand into Deke's as Tiny opened the front door. Jesus! The man was absolutely terrifying. Tall – even taller than Deke – and lean. His face was... she searched for the word and could only come up with hard. Everything about him was hard. And mean. And scary as Hell. How could anyone call someone like him ‘family,’ let alone