Chapter 8
Nova
Isteady my nerves and push open the door to the Rebel Hearts clubhouse. The air is thick with laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of conversation.
Some of the bikers are sitting around with drinks, and Aldis is one of them. He raises his beer bottle as he spots me, and I give him a tentative smile.
I spot a group of women, eyes flitting toward me as I make my way to the bar. The women, known as “club whores,” are clustered together.
Despite the harsh nickname, they play vital roles within the club”s social structure.
Some keep the clubhouse running smoothly, managing food and supplies, while others have their own backstories, having found safety and camaraderie within the club after difficult pasts.
They’re a diverse bunch, ranging from friendly and approachable to brash and in-your-face.
Sliding onto a stool at the far end of the bar, I make it a point to keep to myself. I don’t want to intrude or draw attention.
These women are part of a world I”m still getting used to, and I don”t want to step on any toes.
Luckily, Destiny spots me and slides onto the stool next to mine. “Hey there, Nova!”
I return her smile. “Hey, Destiny. It’s good to see you.”
Destiny”s easygoing demeanor and warm smile have been a lifeline. She knows how it feels to depend on the club; she arrived years ago, escaping an abusive relationship.
We share a bond over our resilience and determination to rebuild our lives, and we’re becoming good friends. Her presence makes me feel less like an outsider.
We fall into easy conversation, and I find myself relaxing a bit.
“How”s your new job treating you?” she asks, nursing her drink.
I beam with pride. “I”m loving it so far. The people are great, and it’s good to be doing something I”m passionate about.”
Destiny grins and raises her beer bottle in a toast. “Look at you go, girl! Moving up in the world.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.” I clink my soda can against her bottle. “Thanks for watching Maya again the other night. She adores you.”
Destiny waves dismissively. “That little girl’s a sweetheart. It was my pleasure. It’s good for you and Phoenix to get out for a few hours.” She gives me a knowing smile. “You know, he never looks at anyone else the way he looks at you.”
I try to play it off, swirling my soda in its glass. “Phoenix and me? We’ve always been friends. Grew up together, you know?”
Destiny, younger but wise beyond her years, eyes me skeptically. “Friends? Come on. The guy’s got it bad for you.”
Heat creeps up my neck. “It”s complicated.”
“‘Complicated’ just means it’s worth fighting for,” Destiny says, her tone softening. “Trust me. Phoenix doesn’t look at you like you’re his buddy.”
I sigh, the weight of her words settling on my shoulders. “I don’t know if it’s the right time with everything happening.”
Destiny nods thoughtfully. “Sometimes, the right time never comes. You have to make it the right time,” she says, eyes locking onto mine. “Especially in our world, where things change in the blink of an eye.”
Destiny and I are deep in conversation when Aldis stands and waves his hand, catching everyone’s attention.
Tension clouds his features as he barks orders, and within seconds, the men rise and file out of the clubhouse, their movements precise and efficient.
I look around to catch the mood. The clubhouse is oddly calm.
My gaze shifts to Maya, nestled in the corner with her coloring books, scribbling away. A pang of guilt twists in my gut—she shouldn”t have to grow up surrounded by this life, constantly brushing against the fringes of danger.
But here we are, two souls adrift, taking shelter in the only harbor that would have us.
“What was that all about?” I ask Destiny, nodding toward the now-empty doorway where the bikers rushed out moments ago.
Destiny shakes her head, taking a sip of her drink. “Club business. Happens all the time around here.”
I frown, unsatisfied with her vague response. “What business? They all left in such a hurry. It can”t be good.”
She gives me a pointed look. “Listen, the less you know, the better. These guys have their way of doing things, and it”s best not to pry.”
The knot in my stomach tightens further. Phoenix is out there somewhere, tangled in whatever this is. It’s not like he’s kept this life a secret from me.
I’ve always known about his involvement with Rebel Hearts MC, but things feel different now. I’m closer to his world now, closer to him.
We’ve spent a lot of time together over the last few weeks, and it’s made me realize how seamlessly he fits into my and Maya’s lives.
I knew I was falling for him after that kiss, but my feelings have only grown since.
Phoenix has become an intrinsic part of my life beyond mere friendship. If anything were to happen to him…
I take a calming breath, reminding myself that this is their normal—a life I”m still getting accustomed to. Since moving into the clubhouse apartment, I”ve witnessed snippets of this mysterious life, but I”m an outsider looking in.
“Was it a call about trouble?” I venture carefully. “Like, with another club or something?”
Destiny”s expression softens. “Nova, you gotta understand—these men live by a code. When the call comes in, they answer, no questions asked. It”s best not to worry about it. The boys will handle whatever it is.”
Her words send a shiver down my spine. I think back to the urgency in Aldis”s voice, the way the men leaped into action without hesitation. There’s loyalty here, but is it admirable or unsettling?
My maternal instincts kick in. “What if someone”s injured?”
Destiny lets out a low chuckle. “Danger is part of the deal. These boys live on the edge and wouldn”t have it any other way.”
I force a tight smile and sip my drink, shoving down the worries clawing at my gut. This outlaw world intrigues and unnerves me.
“Is this the right place for Maya and me?” The question slips out. “I appreciate everything Phoenix and the club are doing, but I”m not sure I”m cut out for this life.”
“This scene can be intense at first. But The Rebel Hearts are not a reckless gang looking for trouble.” Destiny pauses, letting her words sink in before continuing. “These guys are dedicated to protecting this town and its people.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Guardians? But what exactly are they protecting us from?”
“Lowlifes preying on the vulnerable. The Rebel Hearts make it clear those scumbags aren”t welcome here.”
I swallow hard. “They use force to keep the peace?”
She nods, jaw set. “When they must. It”s the price of the life they chose. They put it all on the line so others don”t have to.”
I try to reconcile the image of the tough, hardened bikers with the idea of them as vigilante protectors.
It”s a lot to process. But when I picture the fierce protectiveness in Phoenix’s eyes, I can”t deny that it makes me feel safe and cherished.
Untouchable when he”s around.
But is this the life I want for Maya? One filled with uncertainty and potential danger?
Yet I can’t deny that a part of me feels stronger here, surrounded by people who are quickly becoming a second family. They”re providing stability—something I can’t dismiss.
Where is Phoenix? What kind of danger is he facing right now?
A sudden need to hear his voice washes over me. I reach for my phone and scroll through my contacts. The device vibrates as I’m about to tap on Phoenix’s name.
My heart leaps—his name flashes on the screen as if he sensed my need.
As I swipe to answer, I’m vaguely aware of Destiny leaving to rejoin the other women. “Phoenix?”
“Nova, hey.” His deep, familiar voice washes over me, comforting. “Everything all right?”
I hesitate, not wanting to sound too needy. “Are you okay? Where are you?”
A brief pause. I picture him running a hand through his hair, weighing his words. “I”m fine. With the guys, handling some business.”
“They ran out of the club. I was worried,” I press, my concern rising. “Are you safe?”
“It”s under control. Don”t worry. We”re being careful, making sure everyone”s good.”
A surge of conflicting emotions washes over me—gratitude for his assurance that they”re being careful and frustration at being kept in the dark.
I grip the phone, my knuckles turning white. “What precautions?” I press, my voice strained with worry.
“I can”t go into details, but we”re doing what needs to be done. You have to trust me on this.”
“What if something happens? Maya and I need you to come back to us in one piece,” I blurt, the words tumbling out before I can stop them.
His voice softens, a familiar warmth cutting through my spiraling thoughts.“I promise I”m not going anywhere. I”ll always be here for you and Maya, no matter what. Count on that.”
I hang up, my heart still racing from the conversation with Phoenix. His words hang in the air like a heavy mist, the strain in his deep voice keeping me on edge.
I believe him, but the lack of transparency gnaws at me. The thought of him in danger, of losing this newfound stability, is almost too much to bear. My mind races with thoughts of what could go wrong.
To distract myself, I recall the pressing task I”ve been putting off—updating my address with the lawyer handling my separation from Derek.
With everything that”s happened recently, it”s slipped my mind. I gather my thoughts before writing a short email on my phone, explaining the situation, and providing my new address and contact information.
I read over it, ensuring I haven’t missed any crucial details. Satisfied, I hit send. Updating my information is symbolic.
A small yet monumental step in reclaiming control over my life.