Saving Ayden

by Muriel Garcia

  “No, thank you.” I brush my lips against his and grin when he takes in a sharp breath, reveling in the fact that I still have such a strong effect on him.

  “You’re lucky I have things to do.” He smirks and smacks my ass.

  “Hey! No smacking!” I whine.

  “Still as sweet.” He chuckles.

  “Jerk!” I flip him off.

  “Love you too Sweet Cheeks.” He chuckles and gives me one of his panty melting smiles, grabs his holster and gun, knife and his cut, winking at me before leaving the room. The fucker knows what he’s doing to me!

  I hate seeing him leave. I don’t know for sure when or if I will see him again. After everything that has happened between us, the fact that he still wants me is mind blowing.

  I realize that these past six years I was just passing the time—I was surviving, not living. I’ve never felt so alive. The effect Ant has on me is out of this world. Despite me being scared and worried, I can still be myself around him. I don’t have to fake anything, he sees right through me.

  Telling him what happened to me last night was rough, on both of us. I had to relive my nightmare and I had to watch him live it and take it. I don’t know how he’s going to cope with it or react when he fully processes it.

  Last night he looked beyond pissed. I’m glad he didn’t leave me once I was done talking to him about it. I don’t know where this is going to take us. If we are even fixable, but I do trust him, hell it’s Ant, my best friend, my everything. I have to try and learn to let go of the past and pray that the asshole that attacked me years ago isn’t still watching my every move.

  I look at the time on my phone and realize I’m already late for work and that I have a couple of missed calls from Mr. Copeland. I take a deep breath and call him back at his office. I know I’ll probably be in trouble for not showing up when I was supposed to be in a very important meeting with him.

  “Mr. Copeland’s office, this is Alicia speaking. How may I help you?” Alicia says in her way too high-pitched voice. She sounds like one of those annoying cartoon characters.

  “Hi, this is Miss Monroe. May I speak to Mr. Copeland please?”

  “Oh, hi Miss Monroe. Yes I’ll transfer your call now.” I hear the waiting music and wait for a few minutes before Mr. Copeland picks up.

  “Miss Monroe, care to tell me why you didn’t bother coming into work this morning, or picking up your phone?” He really sounds exasperate. Well this is starting well.

  “I... uh...” I take a deep breath. “I’m sorry sir. I overslept and didn’t hear my phone when you called. I won’t be able to come in for a couple of days due to a personal matter. I have a few vacation days I can take.” I bite my lip between my teeth hoping this will go well. I can’t deal with any more stress right now.

  “I noticed all of that Miss Monroe. I saw Mr. Sullivan this morning, who told me you weren’t feeling well. Knowing him, I wanted to check on you myself.” I can hear the worry in his voice and cringe when I hear Michael’s last name.

  “Ah yeah, I’m not feeling too great. I think I’m coming down with something.” I really hope he buys this or I’m screwed.

  “Now, now, Miss Monroe, we both know that’s not true, I could tell Mr. Sullivan was quite upset this morning, also the bruise he has on his jaw was quite impressive and I wanted to make sure you were okay...” I understand the double meaning in his sentence.

  “Yes, Mr. Copeland I’m okay, his pride on the other hand not so much.” I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped my lips.

  “That’s better.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “Take the time you need Miss Monroe. I wouldn’t want to lose you, and you can work from home. I’m sending you your new login information, and take some time for yourself. If you ever need anything you know I’m here for you Ayden.” I’m quite surprised at his reaction and that he called me by my first name, it’s not the first time, and when he says it, it’s always in a very sweet tone that would make any girl turn to mush.

  “Thank you so much Mr. Copeland you have no idea how much your support means to me.” I’m grateful that he understands I need some time.

  “Of course, take care of yourself Ayden. I mean it. Bye.” He says in a very soft and sweet voice before hanging up and leaving me speechless. I’m not sure what’s happening but I’ve never seen or heard him being so comforting and understanding with anyone.

  I don’t let myself dwell on the bizarre phone call and go to Ant’s private bathroom that’s attached to his bedroom. I take care of business before taking a shower and allowing myself to relax. I let the warm water hit my back, releasing some tension from my shoulder.

  I can’t help running my fingers over the tattoo on my hip. I always loved the design. I got it done six years ago, not thinking I’d ever see him again. I felt like I had lost that part of my life and wanted, no, needed that piece of light in the darkness that had become my life. I shake the negative thoughts out of my mind try to relax in the shower.

  I don’t know how long I’ve been in the shower but I screech when the water turns cold. I quickly wrap myself in a big towel and try to warm myself up. I then realize I only have last night’s clothes and Ant’s shirt. I decide to stick with his shirt but will have to call my mom or Charline for a change of clothes, well maybe enough for a couple of days. I would go on my own, it’s not that far, but I don’t want to piss off Ant and seeing as he won’t deter from letting me be anywhere outside of the compound for a couple of days, I’ll have to get either of them pack for me.

  I step out of the bathroom after drying myself and scream when Nicole jumps on me, nearly taking both of us down.

  “You have no idea how happy I am to see you!” She squeals.

  “I have a pretty good idea. I just lost my hearing.” I giggle and hug her. Nicole is Gabe’s little sister and is a couple of years younger than me.

  “Whoops, sorry, it’s just so good to see you! It’s been way too long!” She squeezes me.

  “I know, it’s good to see you too Hun.” I squeeze her back.

  “Need a change of clothes?” She grins looking me up and down.

  “That’d be highly appreciated.” I giggle softly.

  “I’ll be right back.” She grins, hugs me again and runs out of the room.

  Fuck, but I missed this place and the people living in it. You don’t know how bad you miss something until you lose it and are lucky enough to find it again years later as if nothing ever happened. Sure everybody changed and grew up but it’s like I never left.

  I don’t have much time to get lost in my thoughts as Nicole soon comes running back in carrying a pile of clothes.

  “You do know that pants and shirt would have been enough right?” I can’t help but laugh.

  “I couldn’t help myself.” She grins sheepishly and lays the clothes on the bed. “Pick anything you want.” She grins, proud of herself.

  “Thanks hun.” I grin and look through the clothes. There’s one thing she forgot when she picked the clothes. I’m five-four and curvy. She’s five-nine and toned. I do find a pair of sweatpants, a shirt and some underwear. I’m glad she turns around to give me some privacy to change.

  “So, where did you go? What were you up to? I want to know e-very-thing!” She giggles excited.

  “I went to college in New York, studied marketing and worked there for a year in a marketing company and now I’m back. That’s pretty much it.” I shrug sitting back down on the bed, her excitement fading away quickly.

  “What? Come on, don’t tell me you didn’t live the college life and had a bit of fun in New York?”

  “Sorry but no, I didn’t make friends or socialized. New York just isn’t me, you would have loved it though.” I grin.

  “Oh yeah, it could have happened if my overprotective and overbearing brother would have let me go to college out of state but no, I had to go to UNO. It’s a bit late now, but I’m still hoping he will let me go out of state one day. Ever since he got into th
e MC, he’s been even more overprotective, well you should know.”

  “True.” I can’t help but laugh. “He’s always been overprotective. Don’t suppose it got any better with age?”

  “It’s gotten worse! I swear he’s turning into an old man! Always so grumpy and moody. If only he could meet someone, no one seems to grab his interest. It sucks.” She frowns.

  “I know. He deserves to be happy. I would have thought he would have met someone by now and be happy, have a few kids. What about Aleck?” I ask her really curious.

  “Still single too. He’s out of the compound more often than in. I don’t know what’s up with that but I want to know and I intend to find out one day. They are all so secretive and overprotective of everything, it’s driving me insane!” She exclaims dramatically and I can’t help but laugh.

  “What’s wrong with them, none of them seem to have settled down. It sucks.”

  “Not sure it sucks that much that Ant didn’t settle down now does it?” She grins sheepishly—she knows she’s got me there.

  “Whatever. No comment.” I glare at her playfully.

  “Tell me all the lies you want, about not having any feelings for Ant or not caring that he never moved on. I know you are still in love with him and him with you. It’s clear as day.”

  “Fine! Yes I’m glad he didn’t move on. Geez you haven’t changed either.”

  “Nope, still as awesome as before.” She grins innocently.

  “Sure, sure, whatever.” I giggle. “What about you? Any love interests?”

  “Not really. It’s not like Gabe is letting me go out with whoever I want. He does an interrogation on any guy I go on dates with and they never want to see me for a second date.” She sighs.

  “I’ll try and talk to him.” I hug her and she hugs me back.

  “Thanks Sweets. So how about we get some lunch and just chill outside. I’m sure we have at least one hot babysitter around. Should be fun to torment him.” She smirks and hops off the bed.

  “You’re crazy!” I follow her out of the room.

  “That’s what makes me so charming.” She grins walking to the kitchen. “Told you! Three babysitters for the price of one.”

  “Shut it Nic!” A tall, built and covered in tattoos man tells Nicole playfully.

  “Love you too Bennett!” She grins sweetly at him. “Ayd, this is Callum, Ryan, and the dickhead over there is Bennett.”

  “You’re going to get yourself into unwanted trouble Littles.” Bennett tells her walking over with the other men. I know they are the nice guys but I can’t help taking a step back, not trusting them. It would have been easier if Ant had been here to introduce us.

  “Nice to meet you Ayden, we’ve all heard so much about you. It’s good to finally see you.” Ryan smiles, extending his hand for me to shake. I shyly take his hand and shake it.

  “Nice to meet you too Ryan.” I manage to say without stuttering too much.

  “Ah don’t be nervous Ayden, we’re not bad guys, sure Bennett is an ass but he’s nice. Besides if we so much as look at you weird Ant will kill us so we’ll play nice. I promise,” Callum says chuckling.

  “That’s reassuring.” I smile softly shaking their hands.

  “Don’t listen to them. I’m not a dickhead or an ass—they just don’t get me. I’m misunderstood.” He dramatically says making all of us laugh and helping me relax.

  “I’ll get back to you later and give you my verdict on whether you’re an ass and dickhead or not.” I grin innocently.

  “That’s my girl!” I smile recognizing his voice.

  “Philip!” I smile and run to him, hugging him. I’m so glad to see Ant’s dad. I missed him so much. He’s always been in my life and is kind of like my second dad.

  “Ayden, it’s so good to see you again.” He hugs me tight.

  “It’s so good to see you too Phil.” I hug him back, feeling at home.

  We spend most of the day catching up with Phil and Nicole, telling stories about our past to Ryan, Bennett, and Callum. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun or laughed this much. I just wish Ant could have been here to share this moment with me. It’s weird to be here and not have him around.

  I headed to bed around midnight, too tired and drained to stay up waiting for Ant. I don’t know when he got back. All I know is that when I woke up in the middle of the night from a nightmare, he was there, holding me close to him. I cuddled closer into him and fell back asleep instantly, but not without noticing a large cut going from his eyebrow, down under his eye and to his upper lip. I was too tired and he looked too peaceful for me to bug him about it in the middle of the night.

  Chapter 15

  Anthony

  I hate that I have to leave Ayden this morning to handle some club business. If I’m honest it’s not really club business, just some stuff I need to make sure of and if my hunch is right, blood will be shed before the sun sets.

  I know she said she didn’t want me to go after the bastard who hurt her or even find out who he is but I can’t help it. I need to know, as sick as it may sound. I need to fucking end his life for ruining Ayden’s.

  I can’t believe how strong yet how fragile she is. After what she went through and having to relive it last night, I thought she would crumble this morning and not be her old self, but I saw my Sweet Cheeks come back to life. To see her smile, laugh, and mess with me was the best fucking thing ever—it really warmed my heart.

  I was the one who freaked out first. I swear my dick got hard straight away when she called me Big Man. I know she was saying it playfully but fuck me it still has the same effect on me. She’s the only one allowed to call me that. I don’t know what came over me to pin her to the bed, especially after her story. I freaked out and closed down but she didn’t let me, she told me those words, those sweet words I needed to hear and have wanted to hear for the past six years.

  Despite what she went through, she still loves me. I was scared when she said she was damaged and wasn’t able to handle a relationship. I get it though, it must have been hell for her to have to live through that and cope on her own. I wonder if she ever really coped. She had no one to talk to and no friends. That really worries me. I’m scared one day she will break down and be beyond repair.

  I feel this need to be with her twenty-four-seven to protect her, but I have a feeling she would instantly kick my ass and get tired of me. Not that I blame her—I can’t help it. With all the club has been doing and going through, I’ll be even more worried that it would fall back on her. Especially if anyone hears about what happened to her or that she is back with me. Well the entire neighborhood probably knows already that she’s been back for the past seven months now but still, I have this need to protect what’s mine.

  I left this morning with Gabe and Aleck. We’re going into enemy territory to pay a visit to the Bastards from Hell. These fuckers have caused havoc in Gabe’s life already. I really hope they aren’t behind Ayden’s kidnapping and abuse or it’s going to end in a bloodbath. I know Ayden’s in good hands with Callum, Ryan, and Bennett but I can’t help needing to check on her. I try to keep from looking at my phone for updates from the boys. I need to focus on the task ahead. A couple hours later, we pull up at their compound. I hope this will go well.

  “Leave while you’ve still got a chance Anthony.” One of the Bastards growls at me. Clearly not a warm welcome.

  “I just need to talk to your Prez about something, we’re not coming to cause chaos… this time.” I can’t help smirking.

  “I’ll wipe that smirk off your face fucker!” He pulls out his gun, his finger on the trigger, pointing it my way. I quickly pull mine out, facing off with him.

  “Gentlemen, put your guns down. He wants to talk? Let him come in and talk, Blades.”

  “Thanks Ray.” I glare at Blades and walk inside, following him into the Chapel with Aleck and Gabe.

  “Such a surprise to see you here Gabe, never thought I’d see you again.”
Ray smirks, causing Gabe to lunge at him. Aleck and I barely have time to hold him back. “Now, is this a way to treat your host?”

  “I’ll fucking kill you one day, you motherfucker!” Gabe growls. I can’t blame him. His story with the Bastard is gruesome.

  “Yeah, yeah. Been there, done that. What do you want Anthony? Is it about your little lady friend? What’s her name?” He looks straight at me, knowing damn well her name. “Oh yes Ayden. How is she?” He smirks, this really makes me uneasy. On one hand he could be the solution to my problem and I could end him right now if he’s the one who did it on the other hand I’m worried some of his men are heading to the compound as backup.

  “What do you know about her?” I ask him, my voice strained.

  “That’s she’s Cabe’s daughter, your childhood sweetheart, has a MBA in marketing, works for Copeland Inc. and up until last night, she was seeing one of the fucking morons from the company. Oh and that she’s beautiful and smart, deadly combo. That’s about it.” He shrugs casually, like it’s no big deal that he knows so much about my Sweet Cheeks. I want to put a fucking bullet between his eyes!

  “How do you know so much about her?”

  “I did my homework. Even if she’s not been here for the past couple of years, she’s associated with the club. Makes it interesting for me to have knowledge about such a beautiful creature. Why do you ask?”

  “Stay away from her or I swear I’ll kill you with my bare hands and I’ll enjoy every second of it.” I scowl at him.

  “Don’t make idle threats Anthony. Tell me why you’re really here. I did my research on her that’s it. Besides getting your dick up, she has no value to us. Sure we could use her for leverage but that’s it, not that you’d ever give us what we want.”

  “I don’t know if I should trust you or just kill you.”

  “If you’re smart, you’ll trust me. I have to say, I was crushing on her when we were younger. She was beautiful and so innocent but I know I had no chance—she had only eyes for you. I should have made a move back then, maybe she would be mine, but that’s it. I don’t know what you’re not telling me but whatever you think I did, I didn’t. I never talked to her after high school.” As much as I hate the man, he seems honest, for once.