I don’t know why I have never asked him this question but it’s a long time coming. I catch my breath as I wait for his answer.
“I wondered when this question was gonna come up Kari and maybe it’s one you should have asked a lot time ago. Clearly something is bothering you.”
“Then allay my fears Adam.”
“Why you? I chose you…I continue to choose you because you’ll never own a bike, get a tattoo, wear leather, or buy a tee at a rock show. I pick you because you’re not of my world and you’ll always be in a different world than mine. I don’t want a twin. I don’t want someone who thinks like me. I don’t want to finish your sentences and I pray to God you don’t finish mine. I don’t want an Old Lady; I want a wife who is an equal partner.”
As he talks my heart melts into his and before long I cannot tell where mine ends and his begins. I finally have my perfect match and we’re bound for different directions. His words move me beyond belief. I have never heard anyone speak like that and especially not about me.
“I have mad respect for you Kari. Despite your fear or misgivings you stepped into my world and you spent four grueling months in it without complaint. You’re a proven survivor Kari and few people from your world could ever do what you have done.”
“It was nothi-”
With blinding speed Adam draws his knife and slashes at my throat. Without even a fraction of thought I throw my hand up, knocking the blade to the side while striking at his exposed throat with my free hand. Of course he blocks my strike but he’s made his point. It was no small feat what I learned.
We talk for a few more minutes but it’s pretty obvious that we’re both pretty much talked out.
“Kari,” he says finally. “It’s time.”
I nod and he takes my hand in his and we both walk downstairs where Berkeley Police are waiting to take me to the station for questioning. I give Adam one last kiss and hug before we’re pulled apart. This time I don’t cry; there’s nothing left.
Epilogue
In the end all the people involved did what was expected of them. Marco when offered a deal turned on me and lied about that night. But my sister came through for me and gave a rousing testimony of the fight to save her life and how a sister fleeing from ruthless bikers only just managed to save her life from a drug crazed biker.
Adam and I parted ways for the better part of a year. He had troubles of his own. He always said his number one goal was to protect me and that he did. He nearly single handedly took apart the new Sons of Ash (the combined Cycle Demons and Sons of Ash) and ran them out of town with his legitimate club, The Iron Brothers.
After a six month hiatus from the ER I finally returned to St. Josephs as a new and improved Trauma Nurse and thanks to Adam and his efforts I was able to go to work each day without fear of reprisal from Marco, Ripper, or anyone else. I even got to return to my home; no more fleabag motels for me.
My sister and I patched up our relationship and are best friends now. I’m even slated to be her maid of honor when she gets married next June. We used to be close but never this close and once again I have Adam to thank for that.
I don’t make bad decisions anymore. Well I do sometimes but my faulty choices are not the earthshattering ones that I used to make in my days on the run from crazed bikers.
It was a year I wouldn’t want to repeat, but I am grateful for what I learned and I wouldn’t be the person that I am had I not gone through what I did in that 12 month period.
And who knows, maybe Anna and I will have a double wedding. I just have to get Adam on board with the idea and something tells me I will.
THE END
Other Books by Brynn O'Connor:
Edge of Ashes (Sons of Ash Motorcycle Club)
Edge of Chaos (Sons of Chaos MC #1)
Broken Strings (A Rock Star Romance Novel)
Fuel To The Fire (A Racing Romance Novel)
Burn to Ashes Page 15