Chapter 10
Nova
Most of my coworkers have already headed home for the evening, leaving the office quiet and still. The printer hums softly as I pack my bag, feeling lighter than I have in ages. My heart flutters at the thought of seeing Phoenix later.
Melinda’s teasing voice makes me jump. “Hot date tonight?”
Tossing my hair over my shoulder, I laugh. “Is it that obvious?”
She shoots me a conspiratorial wink as she logs off her computer. I wave goodbye and wish her a good evening.
Pulling up to the apartment, I gather my things, grab the mail, and head inside to start dinner before Destiny returns with Maya. An official-looking envelope catches my eye.
I tear it open as I go inside, kicking off my heels and tossing my purse onto the counter.
My heart sinks as I unfold the letter. It”s from Derek”s lawyer, listing dates for an upcoming custody hearing.
The crisp white pages of the divorce papers crumple in my shaking hands. A single sentence leaps out as I scan the documents, stealing my breath. “Full custody of Maya.”
I clutch the papers, crumpling the edges as anguish constricts my chest. He wants to take her from me.
No.
I can”t lose my little girl, my whole world.
Tears blur my vision as waves of emotion crash over me. I won”t let this happen. I”ll fight to keep my daughter, but I can”t do it alone.
My mind races as I move around the kitchen. I need to talk to Phoenix.
The front door opens, and Destiny”s cheerful voice calls, “We”re home!”
Maya comes barreling into the kitchen, all smiles. Gratitude washes over me as I pull Maya into a fierce hug.
Destiny hovers in the doorway, her expression concerned. “Everything okay?”
“Thanks for picking her up.” I clutch the crumpled papers, panic rising in my throat. “Destiny, can you stay with Maya for a bit? I need to find Phoenix.”
Her eyebrows knit together, but she nods. “Of course, honey. Take your time.”
“I”ll be back soon, okay? Be good.”
Maya squeezes me tight. “I will. Where are you going?”
“I need to talk to Phoenix about something important,” I explain, trying to keep my voice steady. “It”s grown-up stuff, but nothing to worry about.”
She nods obediently as I kiss her forehead. I force a smile before grabbing my keys and heading out the door.
The short walk to the clubhouse feels endless as dread settles like a weight in my stomach.
I race inside, wild-eyed and frantic. “Where”s Phoenix?”
Jagger straightens from where he”s leaning against the bar, frowning at my disheveled appearance. “Out back with the prospects, going over some drills. Everything okay?”
I shake my head, fighting back tears, but Jagger”s already heading for the back door. “C”mon, I”ll get Phoenix.”
I spot him leaning against his Harley, his muscled arms crossed over his chest. His leather cut stretches taut across his shoulders. Tattoos snake up his thick biceps.
Messy brown hair falls across his forehead from beneath a red bandana. His penetrating eyes instantly zero in on my panic-stricken face.
Thankfully, he’s finished with the prospects, and before I know it, I’m running toward him and launching myself into his arms.
“Whoa, take it easy, baby.” His gravelly voice is calm and soothing. “What’s happened? Are you okay?”
I choke back a sob, pressing the crumpled papers against his chest. “No. It’s Derek. He”s filed for divorce and wants full custody of Maya.”
Phoenix”s piercing blue eyes harden to steel. “What?”
“I can”t lose her!” I thrust the papers at him with a shaking hand.
Phoenix scans them, jaw tightening. He crumples the pages in his fist. “That bastard. There”s no way in hell he”s taking Maya.”
I rake a hand through my hair, breathing fast. “I don”t know what to do. I can”t let him win, but the thought of a custody battle?—”
“Listen. You”re one hell of a mother. No judge with half a brain would take Maya away from you.” His tone leaves no room for argument. “We”ll fight this, Nova.”
My heart swells, equal parts gratitude and something far more dangerous. I nod, blinking back tears.
His deep voice wraps around me like a shield. I fall into his embrace. His arms tighten around me, and his calloused hand soothingly strokes my hair.
I bury my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the familiar scent of leather and cologne that has become my solace.
“I”m scared,” I whisper, hating the vulnerability in my voice.
Phoenix pulls back, cupping my face and wiping my tears with his thumbs. “You”re not alone. I”m here, and I”m not going anywhere.”
I take a shuddering breath, finding solace in his determination. “Thank you, Phoenix,” I whisper, my hands resting on his chest. “I don”t know what I”d do without you.”
He presses a soft kiss on the top of my head. “Where”s Maya?”
“At home. Destiny”s with her, keeping her company.”
“Let”s go out for dinner. You, me, and Maya. My treat.”
I open my mouth, ready to protest, but he cuts me off gently. “No arguments; a few hours away from all this will do you good. You need a break, Nova.”
A peaceful evening away from constant worry and stress is incredibly tempting. It would be a chance to forget about Derek and be with Phoenix and my daughter, to feel normal for a little while.
I nod slowly, managing a small, grateful smile. “Sounds nice.”
“I”ll swing by later. Around six o”clock?” Phoenix confirms, his eyes searching mine with concern.
My spirits lift at the prospect. “Six is perfect.”
Phoenix tenderly brushes the hair off my face. “It”s going to be okay. I”ve got your back.”
He means it with every fiber of his being. I”m lucky I am to have him in my life. “Thank you.”
* * *
The familiar rumble of Phoenix”s motorcycle pulls up outside my apartment. A surge of relief washes over me.
After the emotional turmoil of the papers from Derek’s solicitor, the sight of him soothes my frayed nerves.
Maya”s giggles fill the air as Phoenix swings her onto his shoulders, her little legs dangling playfully.
A warmth spreads through my chest at the sight, momentarily chasing away the dark clouds that have lingered over us.
“Where are we going?” Maya asks, her eyes sparkling as she peers down at Phoenix from her new vantage point.
“It”s a surprise,” Phoenix replies, shooting me a wink that sends a flutter through my stomach. “But I promise you”re going to love it.”
We take my car, with Phoenix driving, me in the passenger seat, and Maya strapped into the back. He parks outside a cozy local restaurant, his hand resting on the small of my back as he guides Maya and me inside.
The warmth of his touch and the gentle pressure of his fingers provide a sense of comfort and security that I desperately need.
The stocky, tattooed man behind the hostess stand greets Phoenix with a firm handshake, his weathered face breaking into a wide grin. “Phoenix! Good to see you.”
“Evenin”, Hank,” Phoenix replies, his deep baritone rumbling affectionately. “Got a quiet table for us tonight?”
“You know it.” Hank”s eyes crinkle as he gestures toward the back of the dining room. “Right this way.”
The tension in my shoulders gradually eases as I follow Phoenix. The rich aromas of sizzling steak and garlic-infused bread waft through the air, stirring my senses.
Soft lighting casts a warm glow over the cozy interior, and gentle conversation creates a soothing backdrop.
Phoenix guides us to a secluded table by a large window, offering a serene view of a meticulously manicured garden.
“This okay, darlin”?” he asks, his calloused fingers brushing the small of my back.
I nod, my gaze flickering up to meet his, and I”m struck by the tenderness I find there.
“It”s perfect,” I breathe, sliding into the plush booth with Maya.
As we settle in, Phoenix flashes Maya a warm smile, and she babbles excitedly about the stuffed dinosaur she wants to show him.
His large, calloused hand gently ruffles her curls. Despite his rugged appearance and tattoos, he treats Maya with gentle affection.
“You gotta tell me all about this T-Rex of yours later, munchkin,” Phoenix chuckles, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “I wanna hear every little detail.”
The sight tugs at my heart, reminding me of the countless times Derek brushed off Maya”s innocent requests, too consumed by his priorities to give her his full attention.
It”s different with Phoenix. He leans in, his large hand engulfing Maya”s smaller one as they pour over the menu together.
His brow furrows in concentration as if the choice of her meal is of the utmost importance. He listens intently, his gaze filled with genuine interest as Maya excitedly chats about her favorite dishes.
“Can I have the cheeseburger, please?” she asks, her voice brimming with hopeful excitement.
A genuine smile tugs at the corners of Phoenix”s lips, and he chuckles. “You got it, little darlin”.”
Maya beams up at him, all toothy grin and rosy cheeks. My heart swells watching their easy rapport, fanning the embers of the emotion growing inside me for this amazing man.
Glancing up at me, Phoenix adds, “And what can I get for you, sweetheart?”
His tender attentiveness catches me off guard. Tears prick my eyes. I blink them back, not wanting to dampen the mood.
Phoenix”s rough knuckles gently brush a tear from my cheek. “Just breathe, darlin”. We”re going to get through this.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “I”ll have the grilled chicken salad, please.”
As soon as I give my order, my tension melts away. I finally take a deep breath and let go of my worries, comforted by Phoenix”s presence and my daughter”s innocent joy.
As our server arrives with a tray laden with steaming burgers and a mountain of fries, Phoenix winks conspiratorially at Maya. “Race ya to that last fry, munchkin.”
I stifle my laughter as they dig in, stuffing down fries and light-heartedly squabbling over who gets the last one.
Phoenix”s interaction with my daughter is so natural, so effortless. Watching his broad shoulders shake with unguarded laughter stirs something deep within me.
I remember the countless times he”s shown up at our door, arms laden with groceries or a new toy for Maya because he was thinking of us.
His presence always fills the room with warmth and security, making our little apartment feel like a home.
As I watch him now, his attention is focused solely on Maya, showering her with the kind of love and acceptance every child deserves.
It suddenly dawns on me that there has always been something more between us; we just didn’t put a name to it.
My cheeks flush as our eyes meet in a heated look, the moment stretching between us. I avert my gaze, confused by the sudden ache between my legs.
I love him. Truly, deeply love him—not as a friend, but something infinitely precious.
As the server clears the table, Maya pipes up. “Can we have a movie night?”
Phoenix glances at me, a silent question in his eyes. My heart flutters at the simple domesticity of her request.
I twist around to face Maya with a smile. “You know what? A movie night sounds perfect.”
I turn back to Phoenix. “Would you like to join us?”
A warm grin spreads across his face as he winks at me. “You”re on, munchkin,” he tells Maya.
Maya lets out a delighted squeal. The drive home is filled with comfortable silence, and the warmth of the evening lingers.
Maya sits in the backseat, clutching the stuffed bear Phoenix won for her from the restaurant”s claw machine.
I glance at him, my heart swelling at the sight of his gentle smile as he watches her in the rearview mirror.
Back at my apartment, the familiar smells of home mingle with the buttery aroma of popcorn as we get settled.
Phoenix finds his place on the well-worn couch, pulling Maya close with an arm draped along the back.
Our eyes meet over her head, and I”m awash in that same molten heat from earlier.
Clearing my throat, I hand Maya the remote. “Your pick, baby.”
As the opening credits roll, I nestle into the plush couch for movie night. We settle in on either side of Maya, who snuggles between us.
As the opening credits roll, Phoenix shifts, his arm sliding along the back of the couch to curl around my shoulders. Surrounded by their warmth and easy affection, we feel like a real family.
As the movie drones on, an unfamiliar yearning blossoms deep in my core, both unsettling and intoxicating.
He brushes his thumb across the sensitive skin on my neck. Is he feeling this smoldering tension? This overwhelming need for closeness?
Maya is nestled snugly between us and fast asleep by the time the credits roll. Phoenix carries her to bed, tucking her in with a feather-light touch.
My throat grows tight with the threat of tears. I can”t fathom my world without this precious little girl in it.
We return to the living room and sink onto the couch.
I want to lose myself in this moment, but I can”t let go of nagging doubts. I want to understand the risks and dangers that loom over our lives.
The Rebel Hearts, the club that has become an integral part of our lives, is still shrouded in mystery.
The urge to ask, to know more about the world he inhabits, grows stronger with each passing second.
I take a deep breath, gathering my courage. I want to understand this world he”s a part of, the world that has now become a part of my life, too.
“Phoenix?” I whisper, my voice barely audible above the hum of the movie. “Can I ask you something about the club?”
His brow furrows ever so slightly, but he gives a slight nod, his thumb tracing soothing circles against the back of my hand. “Anything, Nova. You know you can talk to me.”
I take a deep breath. “The motorcycle club is a big part of your life. I”ve seen how loyal and close-knit the members are, but there are risks.” I pause, searching his face for signs of discomfort. “Danger, even. I worry about what that means for Maya.”
“Being part of this club can be dangerous at times. We”re not just a bunch of guys riding bikes and having a good time,” he admits, his gaze holding mine. “Things sometimes get dangerous, but it”s not all chaos and violence. We have rules, protocols.”
A shiver runs down my spine. “I don”t know if I can be a part of that. I can”t put Maya in danger.”
I imagine Phoenix getting hurt or the thought of Maya witnessing any violence. Could I live with that undercurrent of fear? Is that what life with him would be like?
Phoenix notices my apprehension and gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “There are times when things get messy,” he admits, a flicker of something akin to regret passing across his features. “But we look out for each other.”
His eyes take on a faraway look, and I can sense him delving into memories, stories he”s about to share with me.
“I remember this one time, a few years back, when one of our brothers got into a nasty accident on a ride. His bike went down hard, and he was in bad shape. Without hesitation, the whole club rallied around him and his family. We took shifts at the hospital, covered his bills, and helped however we could until he was back on his feet.”
A small smile tugs at the corners of Phoenix”s mouth, and I can see his genuine affection for his club brothers.
“That”s what it”s really about, Nova. Having each other”s backs, no matter what. We might be rough around the edges, but we”re a family, and we protect our own.”
“But what if something happens?” I whisper, voicing the fear that has been gnawing at me. “What if one day, you don”t come back?”
Phoenix”s expression softens, and he cups my cheek, his calloused thumb brushing away the tear I didn”t realize had fallen.
“I promise I will do everything in my power to return to you, both of you. You”re my family now, Nova, and I will fight like hell to protect that.”
The raw conviction in his voice speaks volumes about the lengths he”d go to keep us safe. My family had been fractured and unstable.
I listen intently, my gaze locked with his, as he paints a vivid picture of the club”s inner workings. The way he speaks of it, with pride and reverence, chips away at my preconceived notions.
There”s an unmistakable fraternity, a code of honor and loyalty that transcends the rougher edges.
It’s as if they”ve created the very thing I”ve been craving all this time—a sense of belonging, of being understood and accepted, no matter your flaws.
It”s the antithesis of the lies and betrayal I faced with Derek, who played the role of upstanding husband and father while dishing out cruelty and infidelity behind closed doors.
A profound sense of trust blooms, temporarily overshadowing my lingering doubts.Phoenix”s honesty is a balm to those old wounds.
When I search Phoenix”s open expression, I see only steadfast devotion. Phoenix”s brand of honor is gritty but real, not the carefully cultivated facade my ex-husband portrayed to the world.
It”s crucial we navigate this issue with transparency if I decide to move into a relationship with this incredible man.
Who are you kidding? You’ve already made your choice. It’s Phoenix. It’s always been Phoenix.
I nod slowly, a new understanding taking root. My throat is thick with emotion as I meet his earnest gaze. “I want to be a part of that family.”
Phoenix”s calloused palm cups my jaw with tender reverence in the weighted silence. My pulse thrums wildly as he leans in, our foreheads brushing.
I”m utterly transfixed, caught in the searing intensity of his stare.
“You already are,” he murmurs, his thumb tracing my parted lips.
My eyelids slowly droop, every nerve sparking in anticipation of his touch. The world around me fades as his warm breath caresses my skin until our mouths meet in a fiery kiss.
Our connection is electric. The simmering heat that”s been building for years finally boils over. I pour everything into this kiss—my gratitude, longing, my need for him.
At this moment, nothing else matters. There is only Phoenix, the heat of his touch, and the promise of something more.
His kiss conveys a thousand unspoken words. Calloused fingers weave into my hair as I grip his leather vest, yearning for the solidity of his body pressed against mine.
When we finally break apart, foreheads pressed together, I”m breathless—my lips tingling. I blink at him with wonder, suddenly understanding the depth of his unwavering loyalty.
This man before me isn”t only my guardian; he’s the missing piece of my soul I”ve been seeking all along.
Phoenix abruptly lifts me from the couch and settles me on his lap as he showers me with kisses until I can barely breathe.
I slide off his lap until I”m kneeling on the floor before him. My mouth turns dry as he reaches for his belt. “What are you doing?”
Phoenix smirks, his hand resting on the buckle of his jeans. His gaze is pure fire. “I”m going to show you how much I want you.”