by K E Osborn
My tongue crashes with hers in a flurry of passion. It overwhelms me how right this feels. After the journey it has taken us to get here, I don’t want to fight it for another second. I know we’ve already given in to our feelings, but right now I’m all in.
I pull back, panting slightly as I look into her glistening eyes. Her lips turn up as my fears whisk away like a bunch of butterflies caught in a tornado. Even if the world around us turns to chaos and anarchy, my heart wouldn’t break as long as I could keep looking at Bex. As long as I know she’s in this with me. My hand slides into her hair as I stare into her sky blue eyes taking her all in. I can’t hold back any longer.
“I fucking love you.”
Her smile lights up the dullest of days. Although today has had its ups and downs, right now looks pretty fucking bright.
“I love you, too. So damn much.” Her voice is hoarse. I hate it, but at least she’s okay.
The guys all groan, and it snaps me out of the bubble I’m in as I turn to see my brothers, Luc, and the cops standing and watching us. I let out a laugh as I hold Bex to me needing to feel her close.
We’ve said ‘I love you’ before, but it held a different meaning.
This time it means so fucking much more.
“Right, Luc, I’m going to be keeping an eye on you. But those boys we took from basecamp, they’ve been through enough. They need to try and live a normal life,” Torque demands as I stand with Bex from the floor.
“I agree, and I have a request to go over with you when you have some time, Torque.”
Torque nods as everyone settles around the room now that the situation is under control. The way the Sovereigns were functioning is over, the boys are never going to be mistreated again. Edgar is gone, his way of doing things died with him.
I stiffen my shoulders as Luc looks right at me still gripping on his side where the bullet causes him obvious pain. “I know I caused you all anguish, especially you, Chains.” He’s always called me Ty, it’s good to hear him call me by my road name. “But you have to believe me, the only reason I stole Zane’s cell is because I knew Edgar would find me eventually, and when he did, hellfire would rain down on you. To stop it from happening, I took Zane’s cell, rang Edgar, then he told me he had my father, and I had to find a way to get out.” He looks at Bex with sadness in his eyes. “The initial attack was so I could gain Bex’s trust. The Sovereigns who came in were disposable. They were all sacrificed for the latter outcome.”
Gritting my teeth, I grunt. “So, you used Bex’s good nature to have her to trust you.”
He nods. “Yes, and I’m so sorry, Bex. But you have to understand, he had my father, and he was the only man who had my back once Ty left. I owed him… so somehow I’d find a way to get the doc out of the clubhouse. We knew you’d want to come get her…” He looks at Gabe’s dead body. “Dad convinced Edgar to bring her here to the yacht yard. Even when being held hostage, he still had power of persuasion over Edgar. It was so you would find the young boys at basecamp. We knew you would set them free. In doing so, having Bex here, we’d have all our resources with us to keep Bex guarded, which would leave limited men at basecamp to make it easier for you to get the boys out.” I let out a small surprised huff. “But I knew from being with you all, you would come with backup of some sort to win this fight.” He stifles a laugh. “I just knew it,” Luc conveys while glancing at Torque who then side eyes Noah, who’s still holding the grenade launcher on his shoulder.
“You could have done something to stop Edgar from hurting Bex, Luc,” I spit at him holding her close to me.
Luc looks to the floor, guilt obviously flowing from him. “I’m sorry about that, doc. Just know I truly am. I hated watching it, but I called as quickly as I could to get Chains and the guys here.”
Bex sniffles. “I know you did, Luc. I know you tried your best. Thank you for fighting for us, not against us,” she offers.
I thought she’d be angry with him for standing by watching while Edgar beat her. But in typical Bex fashion, she surprises me with how easily she can forgive.
“What’s your request, Luc?” Torque asks.
I’d forgotten about that.
Luc takes in a deep breath looking right at Torque, straightening himself out. “I understand if this comes out of left field, but being with your club, seeing the comradery, the support, the brotherhood… I want to be a part of it. Plus, I want the chance to reform a friendship I lost a long time ago.” He exhales. “Torque, I’d like to patch in. I’ll work hard. I’ll do the errands. I’ll do anything you need. Just give me the chance to prove to you guys I can be the man you need me to be. Not the traitor you think I am.”
I thought anger would fill me. I realize, in that moment, that Luc didn’t betray us, but the feeling he did still sits with me. The idea of him prospecting in, the idea he’ll be at the club and back in my life—well, this is all I’ve ever wanted.
I can’t deny it’s making me fucking euphoric.
Torque looks at me. I try to hide my motherfucking happiness, but I can’t. He folds his arms over his chest glancing at Noah. “Thing is, Luc, Noah here is running for prospect. He’s proved himself to the club time and time again. We generally only have two prospects at a time with Zane already head prospect… you can see how this would be an issue.”
Luc bobs his head with a sigh. “I get it. I can wait my turn.”
“Zane…” Torque looks over the sea of people. “Where’s he at?”
Shuffling sounds as he hobbles forward, blood pooling from his leg and arm. “Here, Pres,” Zane murmurs with a lack of enthusiasm in his voice. Pain more than evident as Pyro holds him up. “Zane, you proved yourself today. Taking two bullets to help protect our VP and enforcer. You did this without self-thought, without fear, with only the honor for your brothers in mind. I’ve been slacking when it comes to patching in the prospects lately. I need to move quicker. So, when things are settled in a day or so, Zane, brother… you’re getting your patch.”
Zane can hardly keep himself contained. It’s like he’s trying not to break out into an interpretive fucking dance or some shit as Pyro slaps his chest. We all cheer, even Bex who I can tell is fast running out of energy. I move in kissing the side of her face as she leans back against me. Our club’s celebrating as we move with the new times.
Old members moving up—new members joining in.
It really is the dawn of a new day.
I think it’s safe to say the end of an era—the end of a dynasty was forged here today.
The death of a breed of anarchy that was a scourge on our civilization.
With Edgar dead—the Sovereigns are no more. The world can be a better place.
I can move on.
Restart my life with the knowledge he can never hurt me or those I love, again.
I’m free.
I’m finally fucking free.
BEX
Being in the arms of Chains feels like the world is back on the right axis again. Everything started to tilt out of balance the moment Edgar laid his hands on me.
My world shifted when he started undoing my pants.
I’ve never been more scared in my entire life than in that moment. All I can say is thank fucking Christ that alarm went off. Edgar spiraled into full panic mode, stopping his assault. He pulled out a knife going on the defensive instead making sure to wait for when the guys came in.
I can honestly say I’ve never been so damn happy to hear gunfire in all my life. Then when I heard the big explosion, the entire building shook, and I have to admit, part of me hoped the entire roof would collapse swallowing us whole.
I wanted Edgar to burn alive.
If I went with him, so be it.
I just wanted Chains to be free of the monster and his past demons that plague his thoughts.
Now, I know why Chains is so damaged from years of abuse at that man’s hands. I only had a snippet, a mere taste of what Edgar was capable of. Nothing compared to the tort
ure Chains endured, knowing that fact is what’s eating me alive right now. Knowing, even more, a grandfather could do that to his own kin. A tear rolls down my face as I ride in the rear of the car with Chains to the clubhouse. Noah’s driving his huge car with Zane and us back, while the others ride alongside us in a convoy. Chains’ arm around me supports me the entire way when I should be the one supporting him. He glances down at me, his eyes widening as he takes in the salt water running down my cheek.
He wipes it away with his thumb. A heavy exhale escapes him as he leans down looking in my eyes. “Hey, talk to me.”
Sniffling, I try to find my words. “I’m not crying for me, Ty, I’m crying for you.” My voice still raspy as my sore throat catches.
The confusion’s more than evident in his eyes, and it’s written all over his face. “I’m okay, woman, see… it’s just a scratch.” He leans over showing me the nick on his shoulder. I slump further. He sighs running his hands up and down my arms. “Bex. I’m fine. Actually, I feel better than I have in so fucking long.”
His words make me feel calmer. Knowing he’s pulling through this okay makes a warmth flow through me. But I still feel like I failed him. He leans in kissing my forehead pulling back. “Rebecca, start talking.”
He only calls me that when I’m in trouble. I don’t even remember the last time he called me Rebecca. It’s always Bex, so I know he’s serious. “When you told me as a teen, when you finally confided in me what…” I pause, “… what he did to you. How he tortured, how he…” I lower my voice, “… violated you...” My stomach rolls as fresh tears fill my eyes. “I don’t think I ever truly took it in. I mean I understood it, I heard it, I felt your pain, but only now, seeing that man, knowing him, being a part of it, do I truly understand.”
His eyes glisten like he’s trying to hold himself together. “You should never have had to go through—”
“No. I’m glad I did. As fucking terrible as it was, I feel like I know you better as a result. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve never been in a situation to truly know where your fear came from. Now I do. I feel closer to you, Ty. I can’t imagine going through this and not having you here by my side at the end of it.” His hand comes out cupping my cheek tenderly. “I was there for you when you got out, just like you’re here for me now. That’s how I know we were destined to be in each other’s lives, Ty. I don’t fucking care about what damn label we have. I love you more than I’ve ever loved any-fucking-thing. You’re my ride or die. To the end, no matter what the hell comes at us.”
I see the pride swarming through him as he rushes forward slamming his lips to mine. My lip aches in pain from Edgar’s abuse, but I don’t care. They also tingle in delight at kissing my love. Warmth floods through my body even though I ache over almost every inch of me. I can’t wait to spend the night with Chains. One hundred percent connected—mind, body, and soul. I feel like I know him inside and out. Like I’ve connected with him on a deeper level, and now nothing will get in our way.
Nothing.
We won’t let it.
“Ah-hmm, there are other people in this car, you know?” Zane calls out gruffly making me giggle.
“Deal with it, Zane,” Chains mumbles against my lips as we continue to kiss all the way back to the clubhouse.
Pulling into the clubhouse is like something from a war camp movie. Young boys line the yard as we come to a stop. They’re barely dressed wearing tatty shorts, and that’s about it. Their skin is littered in scars, most old, a lot fresh, and some are open. My heart fractures all over again as Chains and I step out of the back of the car and into the chaos.
Vibe is there trying to write their names down in a file as Torque walks over to him obviously to discuss their next move. But I already know what their next move will be because I’m going to make it happen.
I dislodge myself from Chains starting to walk as fast as I can over to Vibe and Torque.
“Bex… Rebecca,” Chains calls out, but I’m walking so fast I almost break out into a sprint to get to them. Chains is quick on my tail as I reach Vibe and Torque. They turn to me as I take a breath.
“Torque, this might not be my place—”
“No. Go ahead, Kline,” Torque interrupts me obviously wanting some guidance with this situation.
“Call my mother. Get her to come over with some guardians. She can help. This is the shit she deals with for work. She knows the best foster care homes, and she’ll get these boys the help they will desperately need. No one knows their case better than Mom.” I hesitate glancing at Chains. “She raised one just like them,” I assert as I reach out grabbing his hand.
Torque peers at Chains as if asking his permission, and he tips his head giving the go ahead. “Great. I’ll have Ace get in contact with her now.”
“Okay, so first things first. I want to assess all the boys and see if they’re okay medically,” I tell Torque obviously shocking Chains, and by the look on his face, Torque too.
Torque shakes his head. “As much as I appreciate your energy and enthusiasm, Kline, you need to rest. You’ve had a big day. I’m sending you home. Let Chains look after you for once.”
Chains weakly smiles at his president. I go to protest, but Chains buts in. “If you could, Pres, have Ace tell Abi what happened, that we’re okay, and we’ll go see her tomorrow. Tonight, we’re taking some fucking time to be together,” Chains tells Torque not letting me have a say in the matter.
“Will do, brother. Before you rest, Kline, do you need me to get Foxy to check you over?”
“I’m fine, but I should probably tend to Zane and Luc before I head off.”
Torque waves his hand through the air. “No need, Foxy will be here any second. She can handle it. Go. You’ve earned a break. Be back tomorrow afternoon, though. We have some celebrating to do. We want you both here for it.”
“Sure, Pres,” Chains replies bending down then hoists me up into his arms. I let out a small squeal as my arms instantly wrap around his neck. Everyone out in the yard laughs as they watch Chains carry me over to his ride. Scratch brought Chains’ bike back for him. Scratch will go back for his own ride later with Vibe in the van once shit’s settled here.
Chains slides me down his body as he lets out a heavy sigh. “Ready to go home?”
“Yeah, all right,” I tell him as he hands me his helmet. I take it as he edges onto his bike. He looks a mess, covered in muddy blood, but I don’t care. He’s all mine, I’ll take him any way I can have him. Right now, I’m taking him home and straight to the shower. Which seems to be our special place anyway.
I glide in behind him wrapping my arms around his waist and hold on tight. The thought of being on his bike used to scare me. The thought of putting your body on the line for a thrill ride seemed pointless to me, but now, after what we’ve been through, a motorbike ride seems like just the thrill we need to remind us we’re still alive.
He starts the bike, the vibration rattling between my legs. A sudden thrill of excitement shudders inside of me, and for the first time, I feel relaxed and calm about being on the back of his bike. This doesn’t scare me now. I don’t think anything about this club scares me. Not after being in the room with Edgar.
I can face the fucking world as long as Chains is by my side.
We’re the perfect team.
After having an amazing shower in the bathroom attached to my bedroom, I tended to Chains’ wound on his shoulder patching him up and addressing to the wound on my arm. Although, at the time it seemed nasty, it didn’t even require stitches. Chains was so attentive to me in the shower making sure to take special care of my tender body. He didn’t know what I had been through, but I’m sure he could guess.
Now, though, we’re naked lying in my bed to rest before we order in for dinner. He’s on his back, I’m cuddled into his side, my hand stroking up and down his tattooed chest while he plays with my hair. It’s comfortable as he finally breaks the silence.
“You don’t have to talk abo
ut it if you don’t want to, but I’d like to know how physical he got with you,” he murmurs.
Tensing up, I shift my head up to look at him. His eyes drop to meet mine making me wince. “He’s gone, Ty, so it doesn’t matter.”
His nostrils flare, his jaw ticking. “Did he…” he pauses licking his lips like he’s having trouble even saying what he’s thinking.
I lean up, moving my hand to caress his bearded face. His eyes move to meet mine. There’s so much pain in them, it makes my chest ache. “I’m okay, Ty. He tried, but you got there in time to distract him. He stopped trying when the alarm sounded.”
His jaw clenches as does his fists. His lip curls up like he’s trying to hold himself together. “If he wasn’t dead, I’d fucking kill him.”
I lean up on my elbow looking down at him with purpose. “He is dead, Ty. He’s never coming back to hurt you, or me, or Luc, or anyone ever again. So, don’t think about what he did. Think about how awesome it is the asshole is out of our lives.”
He tries to fight back a smile but fails with a sigh. “Are you okay, though? It must have been…”
I lean in closer, my lips hovering over his making me tingle with desire. “I’m fine. I need to know we’re okay, that you’re okay?”
Chains grips my biceps rolling me over swiftly. I squeal with the quick movement as he lands on top pushing his weight over me. He rolls his hips into me on the bed, my teeth sinking into my bottom lip as my legs wrap around his waist, pulling my pussy tight against his hardening cock. He rocks against me in a delightful way as his eyes bore deep into mine.
“We will always be okay. You make me so fucking hot I feel like I constantly have a damn fever. My entire body shudders around you. I’ve never felt like this before.”
My hands loop around his neck as my fingers fiddle with the hair at the nape of his neck. “I don’t want anyone but you, Ty.”
He leans down, his lips barely touching mine. “Good, because I am all you’re ever going to know from here on out. You’re mine, Bex. Only ever mine.” His nose runs along the edge of my nostrils as we both pant heavily from the building tension. The chemistry in the air is palpable as my fingers slide up and down his muscular back needing him closer.