Wildfire (Men of Inked: Heatwave, #3)

by Chelle Bliss

“You may think you’re grown, little girl, but I gave you life, and I can take it away too,” she warns, giving me the same old spiel she has given me since the first time I challenged her authority.

I push them down, staring her right in the eyes. “That body is only for me to see. You want to flaunt it for the guys, then you’re not mine. You want to save it and wear the sweats, trust me, I’ll totally make it worth your while.”

“Me either,” I whisper, sounding a little less confident than I wanted. “Gonna tame you yet.” “You can try.” “Fuckin’ cute,” he says against my lips before taking whatever smartass thing I was about to say and completely erasing it from my mind.

“This is kind of crazy, ya know?” “If someone would’ve told me two weeks ago I’d be crazy in love with a chick, I would’ve told them they were fucked in the head.” I swallow, suddenly breathless. “You’re in love with me?” The words almost stick in my throat. He nods and splays his hand against my back, making me feel tiny in comparison. “It’s illogical, but nothing feels more right than being here with you. I’m sure people will think we’re crazy, but sometimes, the heart, body, and soul know when they find their other half.”

“Gallo girls are all the same. They twist your brains and dicks. The lot of you. Pike and now you run straight into their arms and never look back.”

“And I never thought I’d say that to anyone until I met you.” I know then I’m home. My life of wandering no longer appealed to me. I want roots. I want a place to call home. I want family. I want Tamara Gallo forever.

“I was wrong about you. I judged you unfairly based on your outside and not your inside. Sure, you’re a badass biker, but you’re more than that. You’re more than your tattoos and piercings. I’ve seen the way my daughter’s face lights up when you’re in the room. I feel the way her soul is happy when you’re nearby. I sense her peace with who she is and will always be.” Her mother smiles as tears form in her eyes. “You did that for her, and I’ll always be grateful you came into her life.” “Am I dying?” I ask because Max Gallo isn’t usually filled with so much kindness. “No, child, but they were things that needed to be said. I should’ve said something sooner, but I couldn’t find the words. I want you to know we think of you as family. You’re ours now. One of us. You need anything, you call. You need help, you holler.” She opens her arms, steps forward, and wraps herself around my body. “We’re your family now.” If I were a guy who cried, I’d be in tears. Never have I felt such love and acceptance than I do in this moment.